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Scale length for 17" box

Ok, I've posted this question on other experts and can't seem to get a reply. My first build is a 17" long CB and I'm at a point where I "have" to make a decision, but would greatly appreciate some guidance. I read, heard or saw someplace that the sweet spot for a bridge is 3/4 of the way back from the neck end of the box. My snag is, I plan on using 19 frets(unless advised otherwise). If I go with a 25.5 scale, it locates the bridge about half way in the middle of the box(approx 9"). 32.5" scale would put the bridge about right. In bot h scenarios the fretboard would be about 2 frets over the lid. I don't know if a 32.5" is even viable. Any advice would be helpful.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on April 25, 2019 at 5:22am

32.5 will take you into bass guitar territory, which requires bigger strings? And totally changes string tension? Having a fretboard over the lid is quite common, so not really a big deal, sometimes it just works out that way? I wouldn’t worry about the neck being over the box much, especially if the bridge is set in an optimal position? Here’s a video on the “over the top” fretboard from Del Puckett, good luck on your build.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jCn3hkJfMK4&list=PLILeQN-JJ4qaEuh...

Permalink Reply by T-Gripped on April 25, 2019 at 5:37am

The tendency on first builds is to overthink things. You really want it to be a wonderful build [and it will be] but it probably won't be perfect.I have put bridges anywhere from the middle of a box to about an inch from the edge. They all can work. Some better than others. I do agree with your sweet spot observation.

That's a big box, and might lend itself to bass [or maybe baritone] territory. As Brian indicates, bass scale length will present some interesting string tension issues.

Most guys rarely play about the 15th fret or thereabouts, so at that point fret count is probably aesthetics more than function.

Have fun, enjoy the process, post pix for us to see, and build on!!

Permalink Reply by MadGomer on April 25, 2019 at 8:55am

Like Dennis, for an acoustic build I have the bridge about a third of the way forward. For electric it doesn't matter much. Look up the Bo Diddley guitars for reference, his had long boxes. You could fashion a tailpiece to address the overall string length concern Dennis voiced. Personally I would not hesitate to use the box. Depending on the width it might be a great candidate for a resonator using a pie tin or paint can lid? Go forth and prosper!!!

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 25, 2019 at 11:24pm

I forgot to mention( not really, just didn't know to) that there will be a tail piece of sorts. While we're on the subject of bridges. I know the nut should have a single slope from fretboard toward head, but what about the bridge? Pointed, rounded or does it really matter, as long as it's notched?

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 25, 2019 at 9:32am

Thanks everyone for the advice, it's giving me something to chew on. There's a personal reason that I'm using this particular box, although it's large. It will be apparent when you see the finished project. I'm rethinking the number of frets and the neck length. 25.5 seems to be doable although baritone sounds interesting because this will be a unique build. What strings would I need (3)? I'm also making the neck 1 1/2" thick plus 1/4" fretboard.

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 25, 2019 at 10:15am

17"x6"x7" I'm leaning toward a deeper bass tone, just don't have a clue what strings to get. I'm adding a pick-up, even kicking around 6 strings (3 pair) the neck is laminate oak at present 3 " wide and will be through box build aka Del Puckett style.

Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on April 25, 2019 at 12:03pm

I’m running 52, 42, 30 on a 28.5” scale & 56, 46, 34 on a 30.5” scale. Both 3 stringers, down tuned get pretty bassy? Fender One is tuned open D (D A D) & the latter is tuned to open C (C G C) & open B (B F# B). On my 6 string Baritone 30.25 scale, I’m using 16-66 tuning as low as Drop A? So really it’s preference? I myself enjoy larger gauges, but most don’t? Good luck

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 26, 2019 at 3:39am

I'm curious about your string size choices. Would the ones on the 28 work on the 32 with a tail piece and tuned to open "G"?

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 26, 2019 at 12:03pm

Will "A" have the same effect as "B"? Where as "A" has adjustable screws with holes for the strings and "B" has the bridge slanted.

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 26, 2019 at 2:56pm

I forgot to mention that both "A" & "B" are hinges fasten on the backside of the box.

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 27, 2019 at 12:51am

If I pull the neck install off right (per Del Puckett) I should have a 3-4°+/- back kick that "would" require a high bridge (Gibson/L Paul style). My main concern is intonation. I think I can do a 28" scale with 17 frets by using a gate hinge tailpiece to cover the 5" or so distance.

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 28, 2019 at 5:57am

Thanks, I've got more pressing projects aka "honey do", But I'm managing to work on it a little at a time. Is there a more comprehensive explanation that you know of for setting up intonation. I've found bits and pieces, but not enough for me to understand the process.