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26/3/2016
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How-To Online Resources Learn About Guitar and Instrument Fretting + Fretwork Scale Length Explained
Scale Length Explained
Related Items
Finding your scale length, how it affects tone, and more.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is scale length?
How scale length affects tone
Common scale lengths
A-SCALELENGTH
Luthier's Digital
Caliper
WHAT IS SCALE LENGTH?

A guitar's scale length is calculated by measuring the distance from the front edge of
the nut, where it butts against the end of the fingerboard, to the center of the 12th
(octave) fret, then doubling that measurement.
If your 1930's Gibson L-OO, for example, measures 12-3/8" at the 12th fret, then your
guitar's scale length is twice thata 24-3/4" scale. For good intonation, the guitar's
saddle will be placed so a little extra string length is added. This extra length is called
"compensation," and it means the actual string length is longer than its 24-3/4" scale
measurement. At the center of the saddle it will be closer to 24-7/8". Compensation
varies for different strings, and that's why your saddle is placed at an angle.
Need help
computing or
laying out a fret
scale? Our
online Fret
Calculator will
do the math as
well as help you
locate your
bridge
correctly.
Fret Scale Rule
StewMac Fret Scale

Templates
HOW SCALE LENGTH AFFECTS TONE

Fender
One of the most common scale lengths is the Fender 25-1/2" guitar scale. Found on Stratocasters ,
Telecasters , and the huge variety of instruments inspired by them as well as the replacement, and custom
parts available for them.
Saddlematic
The 25-1/2" produces a rich, strong, bell-like tone, and defined low-end.
Gibson
The Gibson 24-3/4" scale is also very common, but it is also the most confusing of all scale lengthsthis is
because it rarely ever measures out to be 24-3/4 inches! This scale has gradually changed over the past
fifty or so years due to changes in production equipment.
Being shorter than the Fender 25-1/2" scale, the Gibson 24-3/4" scale has a lower tension/easier to play feel,
and a warmer tone.
PRS, Dobro, & National
When luthier Paul Reed Smith was developing his now highly desirable guitars, he was looking to capture
the harmonic richness of the Fender electric's tone as well as the fullness, warmth, and playability of the
Gibson electric guitars. PRS opted for a scale length of 25", which is also found on Dobro and National
guitars.
The bass strings on a 25" scale are fuller sounding than some 24-3/4" instruments, which can sometimes
sound muddy. The treble strings are not only easier to bend than on a 25-1/2" scale, but also have a
warmer, and fuller tone.
COMMON SCALE LENGTHS
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Guitar
# frets
scale
Bass
# frets
scale
Classical short
20
650 mm
Fender
20
34.000"
Classical long
20
660 mm
Fender short scale
20
30.000"
Fender 25-1/2"
Stratocaster & Telecaster
21 - vintage 25.500"
22 - modern
Fender Jaguar
22
Fender Duosonic &

Mustang
19
Fender Bajo Sexto
24
24.000"
Banjo
# frets
scale
22.500"
Gibson
22
26.250"
25
32.250"
19
22.250"
22
27.000"
Mandolin
# frets
scale
Gibson F5
29
13.875"
26-1/4"
30.1562"
22
Varies, see
above
Gibson 'Byrdland'
Gibson long scale
Long-neck
32-1/4"
Baritone Telecaster
Gibson 24-3/4"
(Musicmaster, Bronco, & Mustang)
22
23.500"
Tenor
22-1/4"
Vega
27"
20
25.300"
20
25.625"
21 or 22
24.750"
Gibson A model
22
14.125"
20
25.340"
Dulcimer
# frets
scale
Short
18
25-26"
Standard
18
26.5-27"
Long
18
28-30"
Ukulele
# frets
scale
Standard
12
13-14"
Concert
18
14-15"
Tenor
18
16-18"
Baritone
19
20-24"
(used on acoustics)
Guild acoustics
25-5/8"
Guild electrics
24-3/4"
Martin standard
25.4" (Dreadnought, OM)
Martin short
20
24.840"
National
20
25.000"
Paul Reed Smith
22 or 24
25.000"
24.9" (0, 00, 000)
Strat, Stratocaster, Tele, Telecaster are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments
Corporation. Les Paul and Byrdland are trademarks of Gibson Guitar Corporation.
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Scale Length Explained

Finding your scale length, how it affects tone, and more.

WHAT IS SCALE LENGTH?

Fret Scale Rule

StewMac Fret Scale

HOW SCALE LENGTH AFFECTS TONE

COMMON SCALE LENGTHS

Fender short scale

Fender Duosonic &

Fender Bajo Sexto

(Musicmaster, Bronco, & Mustang)

Paul Reed Smith

24.9" (0, 00, 000)

Our Guarantee since

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