Short Scale

[leftync]

I'd like some input. I'm considering an upgrade from my Seagull M6, and I've really come to like the Taylors. I know that not everyone does, but I do. I like their sound and their wide fretboards and I like their low action and necks.

I also like the short scale. My Seagull has a short scale as well. But I wonder if it's necessary for a player who isn't all over the fretboard. I seldom span more than three frets when I make chords. I've got relatively short fingers, which is partly why I was intrigued by the short scale. I read where Doyle Dykes convinced Bob Taylor with his comments about aging, arthritic fingers. But does it really matter for a player who isn't really covering that much fretboard?

[leftync]

I should add that I may be able to afford the 310 or 410 Taylors, but I'd have to wait a pretty long time to come up with the money for Taylor's short scale 510 or 710 L9 guitars. They're not likely to come up used in a lefty model, either.

[Rada]

Have you tried a Seagull Mosaic? or any of the Artist Series models?

[catdaddy]

 

Originally posted by leftync does it really matter for a player who isn't really covering that much fretboard?

 

 

I like short scale for 2 reasons. One is that I have smallish hands and yes it does make a significant difference in some of the stretch fingerings for the fingerstyle stuff that I play. Secondly the short scale reduces string tension and my fingers appreciate that very much after an hour or so of playing. Even if you never really take advantage of the short scale for fretboard access it will still be easier on your hands and fingers.

[rh2d]

I have always played long scale till I ordered my Blueridge copy of the J 45. It is not only a wonderful guitar it is short scale and a big relief for my hands. I recommend this guitar very highly and it only cost me about $550 with the HSC. You would have to pay $2000 to get its equal. The only thing I don't know about it is how well it will hold up since they are a new entry in the market.

[thirdstone]

My gibson j-45 is a short scale which have never played before. I don't really notice any real difference. I know that I love everything about this guitar.

[knockwood]

 

Originally posted by Rada Have you tried a Seagull Mosaic? or any of the Artist Series models?

 

 

This is a really good suggestion, I think. Short scale, excellent quality, IMO great sound, wide fretboards... The Artist series has scalloped braces... FANTASTIC prices. Seriously worth a look, considering what you're looking for.

[leftync]

did i mention i play lefty? the M6 is the best lefty model Seagull makes. I like it, but I've really enjoyed playing a lefty Taylor 310 in a local shop. I'm hinkingabout the 310 or 410, left-handed. The Taylor short scales would be several hundred more, possibly a thousand.

I'd have to sell the M6 and a couple of other instruments I've played with to get any of these. I can likely get the $1,00 or $1200 I need for the 310 or 410. I can't justify spending $1600 to $2000 for either of the Taylor L9s. They might even be more than standard discounted prices, since they're limited and I want it lefty.

For me the issue is whether I'm likely to need the short scale, given that I don't streetch beyond three frets at the top. On the Taylors, the action is so low I don't feel much strin tension.

I'm going to try and ask Taylor if they plan any short scales in lower models.

[KATMAN]

I have a Takamine EG-430SC ,I'm not sure if it's short scale or not,but it a easy playing guitar. I have small hands myself,and stubby fingers to match so it's not often I find a guitar that fits my hand size. The Takamine is a great little axe,easy to play and easy to fret. Don't know if that would be upsizing or not.

[leftync]

just a bump for new feedback.

[Tony Burns]

Ive got a Gibson acoustic electric 3/4 size- ( ES125 3/4 ) which is a phenominal instrument for someone with short fingers- ever think about a 3/4 size guitar in general ? something with a nice arched finger board thats not too wide may be perfect for you .

[Cldplytkmn]

 

Originally posted by rh2d I have always played long scale till I ordered my Blueridge copy of the J 45. It is not only a wonderful guitar it is short scale and a big relief for my hands. I recommend this guitar very highly and it only cost me about $550 with the HSC. You would have to pay $2000 to get its equal.

 

 

yeah right... double your 550 (or less) to get a used gibson j45, triple it to get a new one.

[oliB]

for short scale you might want to look into a Tacoma Papoose

[sid langley]

If scale is a real problem, try hefty strings and tune down to D, then capo at second fret ... the difference is incredible. You can always try a big baby taylor, or even a baby or, as OliB suggested, the papoose ... or if you're loaded, a Gibson Byrdland - 23.5 inch scale!

[studyscoot]

I would very much recommend the short-scale 510.

 

Reasons:

 

1. You can special order it left-handed and still get 40% off of list (pm me for good dealers for this).

 

2. The 500 series Taylors and up were recently revoiced, and the dreadnoughts in particular gained more depth in the low-end making them more balanced (at least to me). I would value this alone as enough to justify the jump from the 410.

 

3. You get the full-gloss finish with the 510.

 

4. The short-scales sound awesome. I don't care much for the other Taylor dreads, but they did something right with the short scales!

 

Other than that, you could also check out martin. I believe that they make several short scale models, and you can't beat that classic martin sound.

[leftync]

FYI, I've been pricing the Taylor L9s at some major dealers and I get the impression that they weren't a major success. Regardless of whether I buy one or not--and I couldn't afford one right now anyway--it's always a shame to lose selection.

On the other hand I would feel; bad if I bought a 310 or 410 and Taylor suddenly made the same guitars short scale. Unlike Martins or maybe Gibsons, most Taylors don't retain or gain value over time yet.

[knockwood]

It's good you're investing as much time in research as you are, I think. I wish I'd exhibited as much patience before blowing the $ I did on a Taylor 310. Waste. For me, at least.

 

Maybe save up your dough until you can afford a Gibby? Tough to go wrong with a Hummingbird. Fretboard not quite 1-3/4", but still...

[leftync]

i like the 310. i like its sound, i like its look. its feel, etc, although i may buy a 410. don't think i can afford a 5 or 7 serieswhat don't you like in the 310?