Do shorter scale guitars pay easier?

[kkyle]

Is there a noticeable diff. like between Fenders and Gibsons on playablity when the scale is shorter? I've been having some issues with old man wrist pain for the first time in my life and I think it is a combination of thin neck and being lazy and playing while leaning back at my computer (poor position). Thinking about lighter strings, getting something with a thicker neck ( and not being so damned lazy).

[desaljs]

kkyle,

 

I have a "short scale" Taylor 710. It is 24 7/8 (I think), with 25.5 being the standard scale.

 

I bought this model, not due to any pain issues, but more for the size of my hands, which are on the small side. It IS easier to play, both in terms of pressure to fret and my ability to form chords. I really like it and combined with the 1 3/4 inch nut, it makes a real nice dread.

 

Jim D

[bjorn-fjord]

Yes. Less tension is required to get the strings up to pitch. However, volume is sacrificed.

[kkyle]

I was just on the button to buy a J45 elitist with its shorter scale for $699 I price matched at Music 123. Waited too long, someone beat me to it. I called the saleman, cried about it being my birthday, really wanted the Texan anyway, he got tied of my whining and offered the Texan elitist for $799. Couldn't resist, I'm a Beatle lover. I guess I'll be playing Yesterday and doing the Blackbird stretch too!

[edman316]

I sold a Gibson J-180 24.75" scale guitar. I replaced it with a 25.5" Washburn WD56SW. The Gibson was easier to bend notes with, but the Washburn is much louder.

 

I enjoy having more volume. It allows more dynamics in my picking. Sounds better for finger picking too (much louder).

[kkyle]

So the Texan, should be louder than a J-45? Interesting. Both are similar build, wish I had one of each to A/B.

[digitalsnipe]

Get a classical guitar for those lazy moments - a cutaway is perfect. I do it all the time. It's a great therapy guitar. Then, when I get serious I play serious and use the acoustic.

 

I play only fingerstyle and the classical gives me the flexibility to develop dexterity and speed with the fret hand due to the neck width (string spacing) and nylon string ease of play. Practicing fingerstyle patterns is also easier.

[54merk]

 

Originally posted by kkyle So the Texan, should be louder than a J-45? Interesting. Both are similar build, wish I had one of each to A/B.

 

 

Yes and no.

 

Just as the differing scale lengths of Fender and Gibson electrics change their string tension, and hence make them play differently, the same phenomenon occurs in acoustics. So, with a longer string length there is more tension on the saddle, and THEORETICALLY more volume.

 

There is a lot more to the story than that. Bracing patterns, wood types and thickness, heavier or lighter bracing, and on and on, so you cannot really predict from model to model which one will be louder. If you have two similar guitars, such as a Martin 00028EC (short scale), and an OM21 (long scale), the OM21 will sound louder. (I know these guitars are not exactly identical, the bracing is different, but they are close enough.)

[kkyle]

 

Originally posted by 54merk Yes and no. Just as the differing scale lengths of Fender and Gibson electrics change their string tension, and hence make them play differently, the same phenomenon occurs in acoustics. So, with a longer string length there is more tension on the saddle, and THEORETICALLY more volume. There is a lot more to the story than that. Bracing patterns, wood types and thickness, heavier or lighter bracing, and on and on, so you cannot really predict from model to model which one will be louder. If you have two similar guitars, such as a Martin 00028EC (short scale), and an OM21 (long scale), the OM21 will sound louder. (I know these guitars are not exactly identical, the bracing is different, but they are close enough.)

 

 

But the elites are the same wood, bracing and size,just the necks and scale are different. Seems a good way to compare.

[edman316]

My old Gibson was a jumbo cut-away - solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides - 24.75".

 

My new Washburn is a dread - solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides - 25.5".

 

Therefore, it is difficult to say if the increase in volume is due to scale length, body style or wood types. It's most likely a combination of all three.

 

All I know is my wife noticed the increased volume right away.

[egordon99]

Unfortunately, all my guitars (short scale and long scale) all pay about the same - very little

 

Seriously, my 00-18 (short scale) does play somewhat easier (less tension) but it still has quite a bit of volume (especially for a little guitar)

 

Do shorter scale guitars pay easier?

[kkyle]

Originally posted by egordon99 Unfortunately, all my guitars (short scale and long scale) all pay about the same - very little Seriously, my 00-18 (short scale) does play somewhat easier (less tension) but it still has quite a bit of volume (especially for a little guitar)

 

Damn, that's why I'm part of the geezer brigade!