Standard scale all the way, a lot more bass and richer sound. And for me, being tall, it's more comfortable than a shorter scaled. Great review as always! 👌
This was actually an interesting video. I didn't expect their tones to be so drastically different. I'll probably go for a longer scale length with the custom guitar I plan to order.
Excellent review; thank you. I tend to agree with Joegarfi below. The standard scale, to me, sounds tighter, cleaner, perhaps more “brittle”. The short scale has a sweeter, more immediate “bloom” to it, but it has a tendency to muddy up on chords and / or when you want to drive the guitar. Early morning, late at night, sitting on the sofa, I think I’d prefer the easy playing immediate bloom of the short scale. But I like to jump on a guitar and when I do the standard scale wins hands down. It’s a more “powerful” sound, with the caveat that it asks to be played more powerfully. Two tones for two moods / environments.
Both sound killer! Love the sound of those Martin drednaughts. I much prefer a shorter scale length myself however. So much easier to fret. Next nice acoustic I get is going to have to be a 24.75 or 25 scale.
The shorter scale length had a slightly lower tonal center and was warmer but less crisp, less bright and had less ringing resonance and was def not as good for the playing partially open chords moved up the scale as in the second to last example. I played a shortened scale recently and it was easier to play which was certainly helpful.
There's a third option: Long scale guitar with capo in 1st fret. Gives the playability of a short scale guitar (especially with the guitar tuned down a halftone) plus you have the option of removing the capo and have the sound of a long scale guitar.
@@brucemarrs2596 Not if you tune down 1/2 step (halftone), which renders the strings relatively looser (less tension). But you didn't need me to tell you this. Did you now?!
I prefer the shorter scale for the same reasons Tony mentioned. Right now my primary guitar is a 000-18E (which will be replaced by a Custom 000-18 Torrified Adi that's on order). But the standard scale length opens up a bit more under strumming, giving a fuller tone, which is why I always keep an OM or dread within reach (of which my favorites right now are the OM-28 and a Bourgeois AT Mahogany D).
Longer scale - wider neck for me and I've owned a slew of guitars over the last 70 years. I just flipped a guitar yesterday for these 2 reasons. My Martin dread has the exact dimensions for me. 1.75" neck width and 25.5" inch scale. Since 1833, Martin has sold over 2,000,000 guitars. The 1st D45 built was gifted to Gene Autry. How many of you knew this?
I can relate to the sound and play-ability of both models. I have a J-15 short scale vs a 314 standard scale and I pickup the subtle differences in an identical way to the video (both full bodies). Even the width of the fret-boards correspond the same way. But I come to different conclusions. I actually find it easier to play the standard scale guitar. As far as which sounds better. I think one or the other will sound better for certain songs. I like them both.
Playability: shorter scale (I have short fingers) Power: longer scale Balance preference: push (I prefer the more midrange-friendly shorter scale, but it depends on the song I play)
I recently bought a Taylor 322 with short scale and 1 3/4 neck and it is a great combination. Charlie at McKenzie River Music did a spot on set up and it plays like a dream. I have a 1941 Martin ooo18 with short scale and I am playing it in open C tuning with the 6th string tuned down to C and it is magic. Short scales are easy to play, easy to bend and if set up properly don't buzz. The morale of this story is to use a competent luthier to set up your guitar and you will be happy. Don't buy an internet guitar and expect it to be perfect. Go to a great guitar store, play a lot of guitars, find what you want and then get it set up to your playing style and you will have a life long guitar.
Honestly it only matters to playability as both can sound fantastic and both have advantages and disadvantages depending on the player. I have shorter fingers so a shorter scale length will feel better to me but I have a lot of guitars with the longer scale length. The shorter scale allows me to just get a better feel of stability than the normal 25.5 scale length so I tend to want a 25 scale length like a PRS as it is a good midrange between both. I am building a custom guitar and 25 inch scale length is what I chose coupled with a really thin neck profile will allow be to do the stuff I find difficult on a standard scale length.
I agree that the sound between the two scale lengths sounds different and if you get up really early in the morning you and hear the difference. Playing technique far and away is the final determinant. If a given scale length feels better for the style I am trying to achieve at the moment then that is it. Don't try to make your style and approach fit the scale length. Pick the scale length that fits your style. This is a great video and demonstrates the difference.
I just returned a new 000-15sm and exchanged it for a 000-18, mostly because of the shorter scale on the 18. I'm an "older" guy with some arthiritis and find the shorter scale makes a big difference in how well I play. I've come to like the sound better too, I play fingerstyle, mostly blues and also own a Taylor 522 hog and a Rainsong parlor.
Strange that some claim not to hear a difference. I certainly can, even on crappy computer speakers. Like you say in the video, the shorter scale has a more pronounced mid-range, which comes to the forefront when playing melodies or arpeggios, whereas the longer scale has as fuller sound when playing rhythm. Yes, the difference is negligible but it's definitely there if you pay attention. Everyone prefers the shorter scale due to playability, the very same reason why I prefer the longer one. I always struggled with cramming my fingers together to form certain chords (s.a. open A Major) due to lack of space, or avoiding string buzz due to strings touching my fingers fretting adjacent strings, and I always wished there was some guitar out there that has greater string spacing (larger fret width) and wider fret spacing (longer scale length) to fit my hands. You know what they say about large hands! hmm... hmm...
I think the main difference (other than you might prefer the sound of one over the other, or the playability) is one of projection or cutting perhaps. I think the longer scale probably punches a little more. The only time this would matter is playing unplugged in a group, though, and even then, with guitars of this caliber, I doubt it would matter. Even the SS would hold its own against 99% of guitars out there.
Lennon and Fogerty played 20” scale Rics for rhythm and songwriting. Easier to play more chords you can’t with longer scales. Easier to sing with when you’re not straining.
Each scale has it’s own strength. Small scale for small hands or fingerpicking. Long scale for powerful strumming or drop tuning. Best advise is to have both “flavors” if you can, just like owning a Fender and a Gibson.
I didn't know that Martin would put a short scale neck on a dread, but I have stadard scale dreads and a Gibson Roy Smeck style jumbo with a short scale. What I noticed when I played the short scale with my trio was that I overworked it - because, apparently, I needed the extra tension of the standard scale. I think you can put more energy into a standard scale and it will respond more, but if you want your dread for finger-picking then maybe the short scale might be the deal. Just a thought.
The short scale option is only available through the Martin custom shop. We like the short scale option allot and usually have several in stock. Shoot me an email if you would like more information... info@acousticletter.com -Chad
I love short scale. Its so cute! My grandpa owns a farm. He said "if you learn tuning guitar ill buy you one" then ill make a decision short scale or long scale
See what you mean and I agree. Blended with other instruments the shorter will stand out more clear and bell like I guess. Question, I want one 1/3 or a shorter guitar like that, not the most expansive there is. Any advice ?
Hi, Can anyone please tell me what tune is being played between 4:04 and 4:30 - It has a bluegrass and blues mix sound - I love it and want to learn it! Thanks
The standard sounds better (brighter, bolder) but the shorter seems easier to play. As someone else said for performance, playing a short scale more lightly but mic'd up can be easier on the hands.
Negligible difference in tone with the slight length difference... I prefer to play shorter scale but I also prefer smaller gauges while still loving the harmonics from heavier tension of longer scales and thicker strings... So I own a range from ukulele to bass... In need of a Baritone fan fret acoustic
Shorter scale is always going to be brighter. In this demo it's tinny compared to longer. To understand scale length think of bass instrument long and large compared to a treble instrument, always short (e.g violin, ukulele )
I think they sound pretty similar but I did not listen with my eyes closed and you have to do that if you really want to know if you can tell the difference. Having said that, I like playing SS if I am playing for more than an hour straight. However, a longer scale sounds a bit louder, crisper and in dropped tunings especially, has more projection. Thanks for this.
Tony what about drop tunings? Would you still prefer short scale guitar? My concern is the strings would get too floppy and lose tone. Do you find that to be a problem?
anyone know the name of the blues piece that starts at 3:22 ? he seems to play it on all the guitar test vids - along with the other 10 or so test/sample pieces he does.
awesome vid, very helpful.... got clunky old man hands from beatin em up and heard short scale better for barre, etc... but have to say, to me, long scale sounds better, tho' this is just YT quality vid
Would be interesting if you went up a string gauge on the short scale to maintain a similar tension to the std scale. How would it affect tone and projection?
Does the more focused midrange of a shorter scale, make it any better or not as good for vocals? Obviously a shortened scale might make lead runs easier when phrasing vertically.
i've been meaning to get me a travel acoustic but i'm worried about issues in going back in forth in scale length. Is it something that i need to worry about or is does it just go unnoticed after a while. I play the good old standard 25.5 scale. beginner here, i appreciate any and all feed back. cheers!
I don't think this will an issue for you...... if this is just a guitar you play while traveling then I think you will quickly adapt and adjust to whichever guitar you're playing. -Chad
I go between scale length all the time with no issue. I feel most at home on my Fender scale, but have Gibby scale to baritone and in between. I even have an old short scale Peavey T-15 which was my first guitar I'll mess with for fun from time to time. It's nothing to really be concerned with. You just play. You'll still have your favorites, but may find you like a shorter scale more. I find radius more important than scale. I love my compound radius guitars. It's difficult to go back from them.
I'm a beginner, planning to buy EPIPHONE PRO-1. Is it right for me with a shorter scale length? Or should I switch to CORT AD810/EPIPHONE DR100?! Thanks in advance :-)
Hey, have you already bought your guitar? Short scale instruments are softer to play, so it will be easier for you to learn it. By the way, don't worry about it now. Just pick an instrument that suits you and you like the sound.
I think standard scale for better playability the short scale has more of a tone bass to it but I have a short scale guitar for my first guitar my second guitar I get it’s gana be a standard scale my hand could stretch out more for playability Iam 5”7 but I have big hands concert guitar is more cramped to play
well I did't notice any difference in tone and sound when you play in finger-style. The difference become clear when you play with a pick and especially when strumming. And in strumming competition I liked more the long scale.
I'm sory my 30 plus yrs of aviation Destroyed ears got very confused. Some cords sounded better short but some other cords sounded better long. Idk sory But if you were to make an acoustasonic what scale size would you choose? Body is narrower then traditional limiting sound depth. Top is not traditionally braced but should be (mine is).! General playing basically a beginner, me lol. I can build them but playing not so much lol. So help please
The biggest difference(s) that I could hear was that the short scale guitar had an more trebly, bright timbre, had less attack and punch in the sound and it was general easier to hear the lack of proper intonation across the whole fretboard - compared to the long scale guitar, of course!
If there is a difference in SOUND I am incapable of distinguishing it. Thus, for ease of play for a guy with short fingers, short arms and "fat" hands, there is no question - the short scale 12-fret is the only choice. Although (no disrespect to Martin) I'm going to go with the Taylor 12-Fret with short scale neck option.
@@musicvilladotcom that doesnt help me . i believe i have a short scale guitar and i constantly have upper shoulder and wrist pain . i wonder if i need a baritone guitar for the longer scale length. (hence Bigger Guitar)
Yes, we order custom Martins with the short scale and wide nut options. I believe we still have this custom D-18 Custom in stock now with those specs. www.musicvilla.com/shop-online/products/string-instruments/acoustic/d-18-mv-custom-short-scale-vts-8759 -Chad
Thanks for the information but I omitted one point; that is I am beginner and old one at that. So probably not a good idea to go overboard just yet into that kind of price bracket until I am confident of overcoming my physical restrictions. My two problems are, one my arthritic wrist prevents me making that crucial C shape with my hand so I mute the E string most of the time. My way of thinking was to get a wide enough neck that would allow nut alteration to push the E string further away from the side of the neck; probably also have to alter the Bridge and the saddle as well, dunno? The other major annoyance is that my fretting pinkie is now fused into an unbending C shape; which means I have only three fingers to work with and that's why I thought a short scale might be easier on me? Sometimes I think I shouldn't bother but on youtube there is street musician playing really well minus his middle finger plus index finger is twisted at a right angle; so I ain't got an excuse, just looking for equipment to make it slightly easier. Thanks anyway
look for parlor guitars (it's guitar shape, not a company). these kind of guitars have 24'' scale (while long scale is 25.5 and short scale is 24.75). for example: alvarezguitars.com/guitar/ap70l/
Hey Tony, sorry for nitpicking but are you sure that the scale lengths are 24-3/4" and 25.5"? I always thought Martin's short and long scales are 24.9" and 25.4" respectively. I apologise for being a total geek about this but I imagine fellow guitar nerds out there would like to know for sure as well.
Timmy Hoang They might, but I think Martin generally only does 23", 24.9" and 25.5" (or so) scales. And the 23", to my knowledge, is just on the 7-28 and Little Martin.
Both scales look small to me. But then again, I play bass.
Lol
lol :P
fk I just got it, after I read it hahaha
can't compensate anything with the scale , dude ! ;)
Davie504 will be like : Nice choice!
the long scale length just sounds so tight, great for lower tuning, definitely liking it.
Standard scale all the way, a lot more bass and richer sound. And for me, being tall, it's more comfortable than a shorter scaled. Great review as always! 👌
agree ✌✌
This was actually an interesting video. I didn't expect their tones to be so drastically different. I'll probably go for a longer scale length with the custom guitar I plan to order.
Excellent review; thank you. I tend to agree with Joegarfi below. The standard scale, to me, sounds tighter, cleaner, perhaps more “brittle”. The short scale has a sweeter, more immediate “bloom” to it, but it has a tendency to muddy up on chords and / or when you want to drive the guitar. Early morning, late at night, sitting on the sofa, I think I’d prefer the easy playing immediate bloom of the short scale. But I like to jump on a guitar and when I do the standard scale wins hands down. It’s a more “powerful” sound, with the caveat that it asks to be played more powerfully. Two tones for two moods / environments.
Both sound killer! Love the sound of those Martin drednaughts. I much prefer a shorter scale length myself however. So much easier to fret. Next nice acoustic I get is going to have to be a 24.75 or 25 scale.
The shorter scale length had a slightly lower tonal center and was warmer but less crisp, less bright and had less ringing resonance and was def not as good for the playing partially open chords moved up the scale as in the second to last example. I played a shortened scale recently and it was easier to play which was certainly helpful.
Nice review, one thing you didn't show was a visual example of the difference in length, e.g the 2 guitars back to back.
There's a third option: Long scale guitar with capo in 1st fret. Gives the playability of a short scale guitar (especially with the guitar tuned down a halftone) plus you have the option of removing the capo and have the sound of a long scale guitar.
I don't know what it is, but I like the sound of the capo, especially for chords. Just sounds a little tighter.
not true - you still have more tension on the strings with long scale, and that's the difference in sound.
@@brucemarrs2596 Not if you tune down 1/2 step (halftone), which renders the strings relatively looser (less tension). But you didn't need me to tell you this. Did you now?!
wow...i love the sound of the short scale..don;t know if i could ever get comfortable playing that though...
Definitely the short-scale for ease of playing but also for the sound!
I prefer the shorter scale for the same reasons Tony mentioned. Right now my primary guitar is a 000-18E (which will be replaced by a Custom 000-18 Torrified Adi that's on order). But the standard scale length opens up a bit more under strumming, giving a fuller tone, which is why I always keep an OM or dread within reach (of which my favorites right now are the OM-28 and a Bourgeois AT Mahogany D).
Longer scale - wider neck for me and I've owned a slew of guitars over the last 70 years. I just flipped a guitar yesterday for these 2
reasons. My Martin dread has the exact dimensions for me. 1.75" neck width and 25.5" inch scale. Since 1833, Martin has sold
over 2,000,000 guitars. The 1st D45 built was gifted to Gene Autry. How many of you knew this?
I can relate to the sound and play-ability of both models. I have a J-15 short scale vs a 314 standard scale and I pickup the subtle differences in an identical way to the video (both full bodies). Even the width of the fret-boards correspond the same way. But I come to different conclusions. I actually find it easier to play the standard scale guitar. As far as which sounds better. I think one or the other will sound better for certain songs. I like them both.
Very helpful! Thank you...
Playability: shorter scale (I have short fingers)
Power: longer scale
Balance preference: push (I prefer the more midrange-friendly shorter scale, but it depends on the song I play)
i like the short scale sound and easier playing. both sound great!!!
I don't know about the playability, but for my ears the standard sunds a little bit better.
I recently bought a Taylor 322 with short scale and 1 3/4 neck and it is a great combination. Charlie at McKenzie River Music did a spot on set up and it plays like a dream. I have a 1941 Martin ooo18 with short scale and I am playing it in open C tuning with the 6th string tuned down to C and it is magic. Short scales are easy to play, easy to bend and if set up properly don't buzz. The morale of this story is to use a competent luthier to set up your guitar and you will be happy. Don't buy an internet guitar and expect it to be perfect. Go to a great guitar store, play a lot of guitars, find what you want and then get it set up to your playing style and you will have a life long guitar.
Honestly it only matters to playability as both can sound fantastic and both have advantages and disadvantages depending on the player. I have shorter fingers so a shorter scale length will feel better to me but I have a lot of guitars with the longer scale length. The shorter scale allows me to just get a better feel of stability than the normal 25.5 scale length so I tend to want a 25 scale length like a PRS as it is a good midrange between both.
I am building a custom guitar and 25 inch scale length is what I chose coupled with a really thin neck profile will allow be to do the stuff I find difficult on a standard scale length.
As is always the case, the longer scale neck has a slightly deeper, richer tone. I wish it weren't so, but it is.
I agree that the sound between the two scale lengths sounds different and if you get up really early in the morning you and hear the difference. Playing technique far and away is the final determinant. If a given scale length feels better for the style I am trying to achieve at the moment then that is it. Don't try to make your style and approach fit the scale length. Pick the scale length that fits your style. This is a great video and demonstrates the difference.
I just returned a new 000-15sm and exchanged it for a 000-18, mostly because of the shorter scale on the 18. I'm an "older" guy with some arthiritis and find the shorter scale makes a big difference in how well I play. I've come to like the sound better too, I play fingerstyle, mostly blues and also own a Taylor 522 hog and a Rainsong parlor.
I like the brighter sound of the long scale especially when singing
Short scale for me, i think it is the playability that is important, sound is negligible.
I don't hear a damn bit of difference...
Are you deaf ?
I think the short might actually sound better. Idk. Standard is cleary brighter. But better, idk
Woah, 60 fps throwing me for a loop. It does make everything smoother looking in the video though. Nice.
Strange that some claim not to hear a difference. I certainly can, even on crappy computer speakers. Like you say in the video, the shorter scale has a more pronounced mid-range, which comes to the forefront when playing melodies or arpeggios, whereas the longer scale has as fuller sound when playing rhythm. Yes, the difference is negligible but it's definitely there if you pay attention. Everyone prefers the shorter scale due to playability, the very same reason why I prefer the longer one. I always struggled with cramming my fingers together to form certain chords (s.a. open A Major) due to lack of space, or avoiding string buzz due to strings touching my fingers fretting adjacent strings, and I always wished there was some guitar out there that has greater string spacing (larger fret width) and wider fret spacing (longer scale length) to fit my hands. You know what they say about large hands! hmm... hmm...
also, the longer scale really shows its necessity in low tunings. in standard the difference is nill, in something like drop A, its a gamechanger.
I think the main difference (other than you might prefer the sound of one over the other, or the playability) is one of projection or cutting perhaps. I think the longer scale probably punches a little more. The only time this would matter is playing unplugged in a group, though, and even then, with guitars of this caliber, I doubt it would matter. Even the SS would hold its own against 99% of guitars out there.
what tunes were you playing I liked the second and third song
Lennon and Fogerty played 20” scale Rics for rhythm and songwriting. Easier to play more chords you can’t with longer scales. Easier to sing with when you’re not straining.
What is the name of the tune at 3:30?
short scale sound very nice and long scale sound very tight sound
I like the bass on the short scale and the treble on the long scale. If I had to pick one I'd go with the short scale.
the extra bass on the short scale is from the top resonating a lot more from reduced string tension
hey tony i got tiny hands i do alot of travis pickin but love playing faster strumming rythyms too what is a pro quality guitar you suggest?
Each scale has it’s own strength. Small scale for small hands or fingerpicking. Long scale for powerful strumming or drop tuning. Best advise is to have both “flavors” if you can, just like owning a Fender and a Gibson.
I didn't know that Martin would put a short scale neck on a dread, but I have stadard scale dreads and a Gibson Roy Smeck style jumbo with a short scale. What I noticed when I played the short scale with my trio was that I overworked it - because, apparently, I needed the extra tension of the standard scale. I think you can put more energy into a standard scale and it will respond more, but if you want your dread for finger-picking then maybe the short scale might be the deal. Just a thought.
The short scale option is only available through the Martin custom shop. We like the short scale option allot and usually have several in stock. Shoot me an email if you would like more information... info@acousticletter.com -Chad
i have to go with the standard one
I love short scale. Its so cute! My grandpa owns a farm. He said "if you learn tuning guitar ill buy you one" then ill make a decision short scale or long scale
See what you mean and I agree. Blended with other instruments the shorter will stand out more clear and bell like I guess.
Question, I want one 1/3 or a shorter guitar like that, not the most expansive there is. Any advice ?
Tony, During the strumming section near the end of the video, the titles are wrong on some of the short scale vs. long scale titles are mismatched.
Gibson is already building (for quite a while...) Hummingbirds for whoever wants short-scaled mahogany dreadnoughts, right? :)
i think i slightly prefer the standard scale length. just my opinion and taste. i like the clarity with open strings and chords.
Hi, Can anyone please tell me what tune is being played between 4:04 and 4:30 - It has a bluegrass and blues mix sound - I love it and want to learn it! Thanks
Where can I get the tabs for the pieces you play?
The standard sounds better (brighter, bolder) but the shorter seems easier to play. As someone else said for performance, playing a short scale more lightly but mic'd up can be easier on the hands.
I liked the standard version.
standard length sounds a little more richer , the short scale tone sounds higher pitch especially when you are playing slower stuff
Short scale for me.
I play standard scale, the sound of shorter scale is like I want to hug it.. ❤️
Is that short scale length available with the the wider (1.75) nut?? Seagull did it right.
Long scale sounds tense. As in more tension. Short scale kicks back with soul and a beer.
I like the shorter scale for chords and the longer for single note.
a great way to get away with better feel in standard is using thinner strings
Could always test the sound of 11 gauge set of strings on the 25.5 and 12 gauge on the 24.75. Probably would sound fairly similar.
which is the best guitar 18 frets or 21 frets acoustic guitar
Negligible difference in tone with the slight length difference... I prefer to play shorter scale but I also prefer smaller gauges while still loving the harmonics from heavier tension of longer scales and thicker strings... So I own a range from ukulele to bass... In need of a Baritone fan fret acoustic
Cool Video:)
Shorter scale is always going to be brighter. In this demo it's tinny compared to longer. To understand scale length think of bass instrument long and large compared to a treble instrument, always short (e.g violin, ukulele )
I think they sound pretty similar but I did not listen with my eyes closed and you have to do that if you really want to know if you can tell the difference. Having said that, I like playing SS if I am playing for more than an hour straight. However, a longer scale sounds a bit louder, crisper and in dropped tunings especially, has more projection. Thanks for this.
So you have a standard size D-18 and one with the shorter neck off a 000-18 ? Interesting. Nice option to have.
Both scales have there use for a focused or bigger sound and feel.
I found the standard scale's tone more to my liking.
What songs did you demo in the comparisons??.
Tony what about drop tunings? Would you still prefer short scale guitar? My concern is the strings would get too floppy and lose tone. Do you find that to be a problem?
I think as long as you're using mediums it would be fine. I think lights would get a little floppy, though, but I find that even on standard scale.
What is the best guitar for adults 18 inch or 41 inch ??
Its hard to tell the difference by sound. I have a short scale Alvarez and it is very comfy to hold and play. (MF60-OM)
Repeating Ken Chong's comment from a year ago. Martin's short scale is 24.9 inches, standard (or long) scale is 25.4 inches
anyone know the name of the blues piece that starts at 3:22 ?
he seems to play it on all the guitar test vids - along with the other 10 or so test/sample pieces he does.
Ever find out?
John Fahey - Last Steam Engine Train
awesome vid, very helpful.... got clunky old man hands from beatin em up and heard short scale better for barre, etc... but have to say, to me, long scale sounds better, tho' this is just YT quality vid
I definitely prefer the increased brightness of the longer scale length
Would be interesting if you went up a string gauge on the short scale to maintain a similar tension to the std scale. How would it affect tone and projection?
Yes I’d be very curious about this as well. My gut tells me it would bring the two guitars closer together. Whether you want that is another issue.
Does the more focused midrange of a shorter scale, make it any better or not as good for vocals? Obviously a shortened scale might make lead runs easier when phrasing vertically.
It really depends on your vocal range...
i've been meaning to get me a travel acoustic but i'm worried about issues in going back in forth in scale length. Is it something that i need to worry about or is does it just go unnoticed after a while. I play the good old standard 25.5 scale. beginner here, i appreciate any and all feed back. cheers!
I don't think this will an issue for you...... if this is just a guitar you play while traveling then I think you will quickly adapt and adjust to whichever guitar you're playing. -Chad
Hey, good looking out! It's settled then. Thanks for taking the time to answer my q!
I go between scale length all the time with no issue. I feel most at home on my Fender scale, but have Gibby scale to baritone and in between. I even have an old short scale Peavey T-15 which was my first guitar I'll mess with for fun from time to time. It's nothing to really be concerned with. You just play. You'll still have your favorites, but may find you like a shorter scale more. I find radius more important than scale. I love my compound radius guitars. It's difficult to go back from them.
sweet. thanks a bunch
Dig the "Cotten picking" Freight Train @3:08
I'd have to go with the longer scale just for the nut width. I really dislike narrow necks 'cause of my fat fingers. 1 3/4 is as narrow as I can go.
I'm a beginner, planning to buy EPIPHONE PRO-1. Is it right for me with a shorter scale length? Or should I switch to CORT AD810/EPIPHONE DR100?! Thanks in advance :-)
Hey, have you already bought your guitar?
Short scale instruments are softer to play, so it will be easier for you to learn it. By the way, don't worry about it now. Just pick an instrument that suits you and you like the sound.
The short scale just has the highs rolled off. The mids and bass are almost identical, with just a bit more edge to the bass notes on the long scale.
I think standard scale for better playability the short scale has more of a tone bass to it but I have a short scale guitar for my first guitar my second guitar I get it’s gana be a standard scale my hand could stretch out more for playability Iam 5”7 but I have big hands concert guitar is more cramped to play
Short Scale the best one
well I did't notice any difference in tone and sound when you play in finger-style. The difference become clear when you play with a pick and especially when strumming. And in strumming competition I liked more the long scale.
I think it comes down to playability. They sound differently, especially strumming, but none worse than the other.
I'm sory my 30 plus yrs of aviation Destroyed ears got very confused. Some cords sounded better short but some other cords sounded better long. Idk sory
But if you were to make an acoustasonic what scale size would you choose? Body is narrower then traditional limiting sound depth. Top is not traditionally braced but should be (mine is).!
General playing basically a beginner, me lol.
I can build them but playing not so much lol.
So help please
can you make acoustic guitar neck shorter..???
Is there a difference in the way the two tops are braced in terms of shape and/or distance? or are they identical?
Same on both tops.
Short scale for me, 24 3/4.
Way to go for cutting of the heads in the opening shot so that we can't see the difference in scale length.
I know right? I was getting frustrated.
to me there is more presence in the short scale.
The biggest difference(s) that I could hear was that the short scale guitar had an more trebly, bright timbre, had less attack and punch in the sound and it was general easier to hear the lack of proper intonation across the whole fretboard - compared to the long scale guitar, of course!
If there is a difference in SOUND I am incapable of distinguishing it. Thus, for ease of play for a guy with short fingers, short arms and "fat" hands, there is no question - the short scale 12-fret is the only choice. Although (no disrespect to Martin) I'm going to go with the Taylor 12-Fret with short scale neck option.
Easy. Short scale for picking/lead as its more pronounced and punchy. Standard scale for rythm as it sounds fuller and less punchy
Both the same gauge strings?
i am 6'4 with really big hands and long arms . would a longer scale length be a better guitar for me ?
I think either would be comfortable for you to play. It really comes down to personal preference.
@@musicvilladotcom that doesnt help me . i believe i have a short scale guitar and i constantly have upper shoulder and wrist pain . i wonder if i need a baritone guitar for the longer scale length. (hence Bigger Guitar)
What I would like is a short scale wide nut guitar to compensate for my arthritic hands and wrist; know of any guitar (make) like that?
Yes, we order custom Martins with the short scale and wide nut options. I believe we still have this custom D-18 Custom in stock now with those specs. www.musicvilla.com/shop-online/products/string-instruments/acoustic/d-18-mv-custom-short-scale-vts-8759 -Chad
Thanks for the information but I omitted one point; that is I am beginner and old one at that. So probably not a good idea to go overboard just yet into that kind of price bracket until I am confident of overcoming my physical restrictions.
My two problems are, one my arthritic wrist prevents me making that crucial C shape with my hand so I mute the E string most of the time. My way of thinking was to get a wide enough neck that would allow nut alteration to push the E string further away from the side of the neck; probably also have to alter the Bridge and the saddle as well, dunno?
The other major annoyance is that my fretting pinkie is now fused into an unbending C shape; which means I have only three fingers to work with and that's why I thought a short scale might be easier on me?
Sometimes I think I shouldn't bother but on youtube there is street musician playing really well minus his middle finger plus index finger is twisted at a right angle; so I ain't got an excuse, just looking for equipment to make it slightly easier. Thanks anyway
look for parlor guitars (it's guitar shape, not a company).
these kind of guitars have 24'' scale (while long scale is 25.5 and short scale is 24.75).
for example:
alvarezguitars.com/guitar/ap70l/
whats the song at 3:26?
Correct me if im wrong but the standard scale has slightly more treble?
For me it appears that it is mostly a playability issue. I don't hear much if any tonal differences.
Hey Tony, sorry for nitpicking but are you sure that the scale lengths are 24-3/4" and 25.5"? I always thought Martin's short and long scales are 24.9" and 25.4" respectively. I apologise for being a total geek about this but I imagine fellow guitar nerds out there would like to know for sure as well.
Oh yeah, you might be right!
Well these are Music Villa customs so they might differ a bit from the standard specs
Timmy Hoang They might, but I think Martin generally only does 23", 24.9" and 25.5" (or so) scales. And the 23", to my knowledge, is just on the 7-28 and Little Martin.
Jesse Watson I'm with you on this one.
Error on product page! Says 23 3/4" rather than 24 3/4" for the SS.
thanks. we fixed it. Good catch. cheers.
Acoustic Letter No problem! :)
+Acoustic Letter ON A SHORT SCALE GUITAR ARE THE FRETS 1 THROUGH 5 ACTUALLY CLOSER TO EACH OTHER (LESS SPACE IN BETWEEN) THAN ON LONGER SCALE GUITARS?
Actually, ALL the frets are closer together on a short scale guitar.... but you might feel the biggest difference on the first 5-7 frets.
ok thank you
I like a man with a long scale.