What difference does scale length make on a guitar?
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.
Why do guitars have different scale lengths?
You’ll often see these adjusted differently, as certain string saddles need to be moved closer to towards the nut to compensate for notes that sound flat, whereas others are moved back to prevent notes from ringing sharp. Therefore, each string should have a slightly different scale length.
What is the average scale length of an acoustic guitar?
Among acoustic guitars, the most common scales are clustered around 25.4–25.5 inches and 24.75 inches.
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.
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.