What is standard guitar scale length?
The steel-string acoustic guitar typically has a scale slightly shorter than the classical instrument, the most common scales ranging between short scale (24 inches (610 mm)) and long scale (25.5 inches (650 mm)). Small travel guitars and guitars specifically designed for children can have even shorter scales.
How do I choose guitar scale length?
The best way to determine the scale length of a guitar is to measure the distance between its nut and the centre of its 12th fret. Once you’ve discovered the value, double it. And voila – you’ve established the scale length. Keep in mind that guitar scale lengths are typically measured in inches.
How long is a 7/8 scale guitar?
The 7/8 guitars have an overall length of 37″ (94.0 cm) with a scale length of 24″ (61.0 cm). Compared to the smallest full-sized parlor guitars, the 7/8 guitar is only about 1″ (1.5 cm) smaller, almost not noticeable. A 7/8 guitar is approximately 4″ (10 cm) smaller than a full-sized dreadnought guitar.
What effect does scale length have on acoustic guitar?
We find that using a short scale will most often make a guitar’s tone softer and warmer. The shorter scale also makes the guitar feel easier to play due to less string tension (when compared to a long-scale instrument).
What should my scale length be?
A: There is no ‘normal’ scale length. Different brands and models use different scale lengths. The most common lengths are 24.75″ for most Gibson models and 25.5″ for most Fender models.
How do you measure scale length on an acoustic guitar?
A guitar’s scale length is calculated by measuring the distance from the front edge of the nut, where it butts against the end of the fingerboard, to the center of the 12th (octave) fret, then doubling that measurement.
Are 7/8 guitars for adults?
7/8 size guitars are not only made for kids and youth but also for young women with small hands. It is just a bit smaller than a full size guitar but in that way it facilitates the playing for people with small hands.
What is a 7 8 size?
Well, 7/8 size guitars are a little smaller than a full-size guitar, but that makes it easier for people with little hands to play. The scale length of a classical guitar is 26.0 inches. When estimated mathematically, the 7/8 scale would be 577.85mm or 22.75 inches. How to choose the right size guitar for yourself?
Is a longer scale guitar harder to play?
Because the strings on a shorter-scale are under less tension, they are easier to bend and fret. The wider fret spacing on longer-scale guitars also means that, depending on the size of your hands, they can be a little more difficult to play than those with a shorter scale.
Is a shorter scale guitar easier to play?
All factors being equal (string gauge, string length beyond the nut and saddle, break angles, and so on), shorter scales produce lower string tension, are more elastic, easier to fret, and require less arm extension.
What difference does scale length make?
The most important impact scale length makes is on the tension of the strings. The longer the scale length, the higher the tension needs to be to bring the string up to pitch. A short scale length requires very little tension to bring the strings up to pitch when compared to a longer scale guitar.
What size guitar should I get for my height?
Guitar Sizing Guide
| Average Age | Height of Player | Size of Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| 2-5 years old | 3’3″ to 3’9″ | 1/4-Size |
| 5-8 years old | 3’10” to 4’5″ | 1/2-Size |
| 8-12 years old | 4’6″ to 4’11” | 3/4-Size |
| 12-Adult | 5′ or taller | 4/4-Size |
What role does scale length play in guitars?
Scale length affects the playability of the guitar due to the differences in tension the strings are subject to based on the length of string that can vibrate.
What is the scale length of a guitar?
On a standard guitar, the scale length (the distance from the nut to the saddle on the bridge) is typically 24.6 to 25.75 inches (625 to 654 mm). The most common scale lengths on a baritone range from 27 to 30.5 inches (690 to 770 mm).
What does scale length mean?
In the simplest terms, scale length refers to the length of the active/vibrating portion of the open string, between the nut and saddle. Among acoustic guitars, the most common scales are clustered around 25.4-25.5 inches and 24.75 inches.
What is the average length of a guitar string?
9-42 sets of strings are also best suited for guitars with a 25.5 inch scale length, like Fenders and many superstrat and metal guitars. The longer scale length means that players need to compensate with lighter strings for the extra tension and reduced smooth feel.