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Some 6 months ago I was able to buy a gerundino guitar. Not that I was especially looking for one, but it just came on my way. So I bought it although my playing doesn't match the quality of this guitar ( yet ?)
It has a scale length of 66cm and a stringwidth ( at the bridge) of 6cm. The width didn't feel good in the beginning. But now I'm getting used to the extra space. The scale length is still very uncomfortable. I can't play relaxed without a capo.
My question. Why would anybody choose for a large stringwidth or large scalelength ? What are the advantages ?
RE: scale and string width question (in reply to koella)
Hey Koella, congrats on your new guitar.
Larger scales and neck widths accomodate larger hards. Wider nuts allow for wider string spacing which can be a bit more comfortable too. Such scale lengths and nut widths are not ONLY for larger hands though.
My favorite part about a long scale is more room to work with as you go up the fingerboard with a cejilla on! A cejilla on a 650mm can make for a tight fit depending on your hand size.
Scale length is really a personal preference but to me, it's not that important. A great guitar is a great guitar.
RE: scale and string width question (in reply to koella)
That must be it. I was used to 65. The gerundino is 66. It's not that I can't handle it, but when I pick up my old guitar it feels so easy to play. Guess it just needs time.
RE: scale and string width question (in reply to koella)
Your hands just need to get used to the new position or extra stretch. If you continue playing your new guitar, your hands will develop a sort of memory. After a while, if you switch back to the 650 you may notice your misplacing your fingers or overstretching. I say stick to playing one instead of switching back and forth.
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RE: scale and string width question (in reply to koella)
I have small hands and always prefer the feel of big guitars with wide spacing and wide frets. Not sure why. I can get used to skinny neck guitars with small scale, but does not feel as good as my 664 Conde. I have to get used to just the nut slot spacing on a lot of guitars.
It seems people complain about guitars being either too big or too small all the time, forgetting there are similar instruments of different sizes. Like a virtuoso Charango player, try playing any flamenco on one of those things if you think your guitar scale is too long. Or vice verse, try playing some solea on a 6 string bass guitar, if you feel that the guitar body size is too small for your big arms and hands.
My point is you can get used to any instrument, but you have to like the sound you get from it.
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