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| Scale Length http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=57479 |
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| Author: | Chris Ensor [ Tue Dec 16, 2025 7:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Scale Length |
What is your go-to scale length(s) for acoustic guitar? |
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| Author: | SteveSmith [ Tue Dec 16, 2025 7:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
These days I build 000/OM style guitars so I’m using 25.4. |
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| Author: | meddlingfool [ Tue Dec 16, 2025 9:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
25” 1 3/4” 90+% of the time… |
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| Author: | bobgramann [ Tue Dec 16, 2025 10:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
Mostly 24.9”. |
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| Author: | GregHolmberg [ Tue Dec 16, 2025 10:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
Here's an idea for scale length. I haven't tried it yet, so proceed at your own risk. Figure out how far you can comfortably reach with your fingering hand on the sixth (top) string, from your index finger to your pinky. Call this l_reach. Set the scale so the distance from the first fret to the fifth fret matches this. Code: scale = l_reach / (2^(-1/12) - 2^(-5/12)) Put this in a spreadsheet. For example, I have small hands, and I can only reach about 120 mm. So I get a scale 616.27 mm (24.26 in). Greg |
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| Author: | doncaparker [ Tue Dec 16, 2025 11:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
25.4 inches. |
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| Author: | DennisK [ Wed Dec 17, 2025 1:06 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
24.75-25.5" multiscale, 25" regular. |
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| Author: | SteveSmith [ Wed Dec 17, 2025 7:37 am ] |
| Post subject: | Scale Length |
I’ve built one multi scale and it’s my daily player. 25.4” - 25.15”. Just a 1/4” but that’s all at the nut, bridge is straight. |
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| Author: | johnparchem [ Wed Dec 17, 2025 8:55 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
I use both 24.9 and 25.4" depending on the size of the instrument and the body join fret. I use the longer scale on 14 fret joins and the shorter scale on 12 fret joins to put the bridge position within the range that I want it. For example my 00 is generally 12 frets to the body with a short scale. If asked to build one with a 14 fret join I switch to the longer scale. Basically for me it is about bridge position, not any preference for the actual scale length. |
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| Author: | Brad Goodman [ Wed Dec 17, 2025 9:09 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
I mostly use 24.75", 25.25 and 26.5 depending on the guitar and customer preference. |
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| Author: | Colin North [ Wed Dec 17, 2025 12:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
650mm (25.591") |
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| Author: | meddlingfool [ Wed Dec 17, 2025 2:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
At last, we can all agree on something! |
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| Author: | Terence Kennedy [ Wed Dec 17, 2025 5:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
25.4 for everything except my size 2 that’s 24.9 25” for archtops. |
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| Author: | Chris Ensor [ Thu Dec 18, 2025 12:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
Thanks everyone for your input! |
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| Author: | Kbore [ Fri Dec 19, 2025 11:25 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
25.34" AKA 25.4 |
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| Author: | bftobin [ Tue Dec 30, 2025 6:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Scale Length |
Depends on the the sound i want. Mostly 24.9 on smaller instruments. Sometimes 650mm on an OM and most classicals. I find many people are quite surprised when they try a 24.75 D shaped guitar, or a 24.4 with a large soundhole. |
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