Scale length - does it affect tone?

Posted by Slowpaw Steve T on February 23, 2011 at 3:38pm

Hi folks, noobie question i guess but before i embark on my CBG projects i would like to understand a few basic rules, i would guess a short neck with a smaller scale length has a high trebly tone and a 20-24 fret neck with a long scale length, 24 ins. to 25.5 ins. would have a deeper tone....but then it would depend on the size of the body, how well it resonates and the string gauges...???

 

discuss...   :-D  

 

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Replies

  • Dan Sleep February 24, 2011 at 6:50pm

    I just make the necks and however many frets I end up with, that's how many the guitar has. In my opinion, the number of frets is the least of my concerns! I also often make mine 24 inch, mostly because unless you have a bigger box, a shorter neck looks nicer on a smaller box.

     

  • Jon Pruett February 24, 2011 at 8:24am
    I've made a couple that ran out of frets at 12, and one with just 7 frets following the pentatonic scale. The last two I've been happy with about 15 since I'm stopping the fretboard at the edge of the body. Lots of different ways to try. :)
  • Slowpaw Steve T February 24, 2011 at 5:55am

    Thanks guys - plenty of room for experimention there then, though i think i understand now you don't have to have 24+1 frets...some fingerboards can be cut back to fret 18+1 (19) or fret 20+1 (21)  to enable the bridge to conveniently sit nearer the back end of the sound/mounting board rather than plonked right in the centre...though this could affect the sound...hmmm...more to this CBG malarky than you think (-;

     

     

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  • MichaelS Country Boy Guitars February 23, 2011 at 6:07pm
    One more think to think about, shorter scale length will have less tension on neck. I have made all mine the same scale, 24" and they all sound a little different.
  • Jon Pruett February 23, 2011 at 4:00pm

    Generally speaking, yeah - it should. But there are lots of other variables that impact the tone - box construction, material, string tension against the bridge, etc.

     

    Best thing is to not worry too much about that and just start building one. When you come to a decision, shoot for middle of the road or what ever is easiest with the tools, materials, and skills you have at hand. In my opinion first hand experience is the best teacher in this addiction and there is always an opportunity to build the next one differently. :)

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