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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 KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 28, 2019 at 8:12am

Thanks, I appreciate all of the assistance and information, it's very helpful. Yeah, I know shut up and build already! LOL

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 28, 2019 at 1:54pm

Guess I missed something about Beetle, don't see what was said. Oh well! I see his rant was deleted, bad case of sour grapes?

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 28, 2019 at 11:34pm

I guess what I'm trying to find out Is the relationship between lengthening/ shortening strings and skewining the bridge front to back!

Permalink Reply by 3 String Blues on April 28, 2019 at 2:14pm

no, i had eased it, I had said you should try building at 24 or 24 1/2 inch scale,

a 25.5 scale will make your neck bow or the strings will be too tight for a cigar box guitar.

I try not to post tips or how to build here on this forum because if other people build a certain way, i dont want to seem like I am saying there way is not good or what not, i dont mean that, i was just saying what would work well from my experience,

Permalink Reply by 3 String Blues on April 29, 2019 at 3:10am

Totally were all friend! It just hard to communicate as well in the written word...shoot I love all you guys!

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 28, 2019 at 9:28pm

I take in all information and advice, sort through it and make my decisions. I've watched videos, read everything I can, but most of all I ask the ones who have been there and done that. This particular build that I'm working on is "very personal" for me and I only have "one" shot at getting it right because of the materials can not be replaced. Well they could be but the significance wouldn't be there. Believe me I appreciate any and all advice and whole heartily thank everyone for their bits of wisdom.

On edit I didn't see your last post Dennis and I'm glad to see this isn't another Facebook where people act like ravaged dogs fighting over a misplaced statement!

Permalink Reply by 3 String Blues on April 29, 2019 at 5:43am

after reading my own post it appears I have poor grammar too!

It doesn't look like that when I type them , they usually are so well written I fell like they are short literary masterpieces...instead it looks like a 10 year old writes my messages

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on April 29, 2019 at 5:55am

LOL You aren't the only one who missed the short bus, if it weren't for autocorrect I'd be royally screwed! I can read writhing, I just can't write reading!