Different Scale Lengths

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Harry

Posts: 390
Joined: Jun. 24 2010
From: Montreal, Canada

Different Scale Lengths

Hello to all,

I am just wondering if it takes a little time to adjust when you have 2-3 guitars of all different scale lengths? Or are the guitars so different that even with the same scale length there is a period of adjustment?

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"I'm just a poor crazy man in love with his art." Santos Hernandez

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 18 2011 16:59:30

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Different Scale Lengths (in reply to Harry)

quote:

Or are the guitars so different that even with the same scale length there is a period of adjustment?

Absolutely... String width at the nut and at the bridge is a much more sensitive thing to most players
and different pulsation is what takes the most to get used to.

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 18 2011 17:02:46

Harry

Posts: 390
Joined: Jun. 24 2010
From: Montreal, Canada

RE: Different Scale Lengths (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Ah that makes sense Anders yes I can see how the width would have a big impact on the feel.

Is it common for guitars of longer scale length to have a wider nut and bridge?

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"I'm just a poor crazy man in love with his art." Santos Hernandez

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 18 2011 17:28:10

C. Vega

Posts: 379
Joined: Jan. 16 2004

RE: Different Scale Lengths (in reply to Harry)

A longer scale length does not necessarily mean a wider nut and string spacing at the bridge.
I have a signed 1973 Manuel Contreras blanca w/pegs that has a 658mm scale length but with a somewhat narrow 50mm nut and a 55mm string spacing at the bridge.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 18 2011 23:01:09

Ramon Amira

Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City

RE: Different Scale Lengths (in reply to Harry)

Your question is "Is there a period of adjustment?" It might be better phrased as "How long is the period of adjustment?' because the original question seems to imply a possible fairly long period.

Although there is bound to be some adjustment, you might be amazed at how short a period that can be – sometimes as short as getting through one good palo. Humans adjust very quickly. I've seen Julian Bream go straight from a classical guitar to a lute without blinking an eye, which is really even more of an adjustment than changing scales.

Ramon

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Classical and flamenco guitars from Spain Ramon Amira Guitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 19 2011 0:56:46

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Different Scale Lengths (in reply to Harry)

If I like a guitar, adjustment is very fast. If I dont like it, I never adjust.....

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 19 2011 7:48:41