Classical scale length
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DarwinStrings
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Classical scale length
It looks like there is a choice here, 26" or 25.6" (Torres) for nylon strings, which do you chose?
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Jim Schofield
Jim Schofield
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Trevor Gore
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Re: Classical scale length
650mm is by far and away the "standard".
660mm is reasonably popular on flamenco guitars.
630mm and 640mm have been used by those with smaller hands.
I've built classicals with both 650 and 660mm scales. Only about 50% of people notice the difference, usually those who have only ever played on 650mm scales, and they seldom figure out why they keep missing notes (because there is only one scale length, right?).
The extra tension you get running at 660mm can be useful if you have a guitar that likes high tension strings.
There might be more scope amongst nylon folk guitars as opposed to classicals. If you're used to steel strings and it's a folk guitar and you have large enough hands, go for the 660mm. Apparently 666mm (includes compensation) is popular!
660mm is reasonably popular on flamenco guitars.
630mm and 640mm have been used by those with smaller hands.
I've built classicals with both 650 and 660mm scales. Only about 50% of people notice the difference, usually those who have only ever played on 650mm scales, and they seldom figure out why they keep missing notes (because there is only one scale length, right?).
The extra tension you get running at 660mm can be useful if you have a guitar that likes high tension strings.
There might be more scope amongst nylon folk guitars as opposed to classicals. If you're used to steel strings and it's a folk guitar and you have large enough hands, go for the 660mm. Apparently 666mm (includes compensation) is popular!
Fine classical and steel string guitars
Trevor Gore, Luthier. Australian hand made acoustic guitars, classical guitars; custom guitar design and build; guitar design instruction.
Trevor Gore, Luthier. Australian hand made acoustic guitars, classical guitars; custom guitar design and build; guitar design instruction.
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DarwinStrings
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Re: Classical scale length
Good memory Trevor. So you know I am not making a classical. I have a Fender template 2.3mm shy of 650 or a Banjo job at 665.2. High tension would be my choice but as the 650 is standard the Fender is also tempting.
Disclaimer. I never bought the banjo template, it came attached to the Stewy Mac Fender one.
Disclaimer. I never bought the banjo template, it came attached to the Stewy Mac Fender one.
Life is good when you are amongst the wood.
Jim Schofield
Jim Schofield
Re: Classical scale length
What scale do you use on the small-body classical Trevor?
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Trevor Gore
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Re: Classical scale length
Rob, the one you played was 650mm, with high tension strings. That particular guitar doesn't need any more tension, but that model could be done in 660mm no problems, if someone prefers a longer scale.
Fine classical and steel string guitars
Trevor Gore, Luthier. Australian hand made acoustic guitars, classical guitars; custom guitar design and build; guitar design instruction.
Trevor Gore, Luthier. Australian hand made acoustic guitars, classical guitars; custom guitar design and build; guitar design instruction.
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Nick
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Re: Classical scale length
You say that like you're distancing yourself from your inner Banjo fetish?DarwinStrings wrote:Disclaimer. I never bought the banjo template, it came attached to the Stewy Mac Fender one.
Trevor Gore wrote:Apparently 666mm (includes compensation) is popular!
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DarwinStrings
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Re: Classical scale length
Damn was it that obvious Nick? I don't have much luck with banjos, the other day I had a customers one in the car and stopped at the shop. I was only away from the car for five minutes and by the time I got back someone had smashed a window and left another two banjos in there 
Life is good when you are amongst the wood.
Jim Schofield
Jim Schofield
Re: Classical scale length
I'd expect that in DarwinDarwinStrings wrote:Damn was it that obvious Nick? I don't have much luck with banjos, the other day I had a customers one in the car and stopped at the shop. I was only away from the car for five minutes and by the time I got back someone had smashed a window and left another two banjos in there
Martin
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