Short scale makes huge difference?

[daybit]

Hello,

 

I have small hands and I play guitar that has 650mm scale.

I'm thinking to get 630mm scale guitar because those Pierre Bensusan's crazy stretching makes me impossible to reach.

I do finger stretch regularly but still hopeless.

 

 

 

Here are my questions.

 

 

 

I'm thinking of order a short scale custom guitar(Lowden) which cost $560 just for scale change.

 

But the difference is only 2cm(20mm). It seems very little to me.

 

Is it worth it? Does it make a BIG difference?

Do you think the Short scale guitar will make me possible to reach it? Maybe I'll just stick to the standard guitars..

 

Opinion please~

Thank you.

[EvilTwin]

I can reach certain notes easier on my Seagull S6+Folk (24.84" scale) than my Cordoba Gitano gypsy jazz box (over 26" scale), but mostly very, very stretched out chord voicings.

However, it's easier to play up the neck on the Gitano because of the longer scale -- not as much congestion for my sloppy fingers.

It all depends on if you think a shorter scale is worth the money. But I certainly wouldn't pay $560 for a shorter scale. You can BUY a nice guitar with a shorter scale for that much.

[Queequeg]

Before you spend any money on this or any other guitar, play some short scale guitars, and see if it does in fact make a difference for you.
Lots of short scale instruments around.
Most people do find that they are easier to play. I believe that this is primarily due to reduced string tension more so than reaching or stretching to frets. Even with small hands you can train and stretch and reach with practice. There are lots of great Japanese guitarists with small hands.
For example, using D'Addario EJ16 PB lights (.012 .016 .024 .032 .042 .053) using EvilTwin's examples, at a scale length of 24.84 inches, the string tension measures 154.91 lbs. The long scale (26") weighs in at a hefty 169.73 lbs.
I agree with EvilTwin. I wouldn't pay a $560 premium to special order a short scale instrument. Simply find a short scale you like. But you won't know by asking others' opinions. You need to go out and test drive 'em.

[Sweb]

I just started my own search for a short scale for all the reasons you mention here. Take the time to play as many as you can. It always come down to sound and playability in the end anyway.

[fretplay]

I bought a Gibson Cascade which is short scale and love it give one a try.

[Tony Burns]

Before I buy anything , I would try and find someone with that guitar and play it ( if your dealer doesnt have one ) sometimes widths and neck thicknesses can vary which can mess someone up with small hands-- i have a Gibson 125 3/4 scale which is perfect for small hands - ( but its an electric ) the smaller scale is easier for anyone to play - but on an acoustic steel or classical it may hinder your sound -- you may wish to do a search on that model for reactions to the scale - as well as seek out someone who would let you play theirs to try it out --I did that when i ordered my Classical, and im glad I did, I had to drive an hour but i had the satisfaction that the guitar that i ordered was what i really wanted-- hope this helps !

[Freeman Keller]

My only short scale git is my 12 string and many people believe that the reduced tension makes a 12 a little easier to fret. Frankly I don't notice the very slight difference in fret locations - but then I jump back and forth over a lot of different neck configurations (and play poorly on all of them). From the UMGF FAQ comparing the OM (long) to 000 (short, generally)

"As far as tone etc. goes, this subject is of course very subjective. This is a bit of an overgeneralizaiton, but many folks think that the OM has more volume and projection due to the longer scale length, and the 000 has a "Blusier" sound and is easier to play."

In your search (assuming you are talking about steel strings) remember that a 12 fretter is not necessary short, nor are all Martin 000's.

[DonK]

I notice a difference when playing Martin short-scale or Gibson electrics, but its not as great as I would have thought, and its mostly in the string tension. As far as finger stretches go, it's a double-edged sword. If you have larger hands/fingers (I do), it can make it a tad harder to squeeze your fingers into a single fret, such as an open A chord.

[Michael Martin]

Originally posted by DonK If you have larger hands/fingers (I do), it can make it a tad harder to squeeze your fingers into a single fret, such as an open A chord.

 

 

I know dats right. I have a new song for which I capo at the 7th fret and need to play open A. Pretty crowded up there on my "short scale" (24.75") 'bird--but probably would be on a baritone as well.

[Dave W.]

The fastest, easiest, and cheapest thing you can do is tune down a half step and put a capo on the first fret. That will shorten your scale about 32mm and give you an "over the top" feel of what a short scale might be like. Most short scale classicals are 640mm so finding a 630 to try is going to be tough, and I don't think the difference will be something you can appreciate in a guitar shop. I would think you would have to A-B both for a good while to really feel the difference. My 2 cents as usual, YMMV.