are scale lengths magic numbers?

[vtpcnk]

will a neck intonate only when scale length is 24 or 24 3/4 or 25 or 25 1/2 ?

will a neck not intonate if the scale length is say 24 1/2 or 25 1/4 ?

appreciate the insights.

 

[pabloman]

There are a lot of different scale lengths out there. The fret placement will dictate overall intonation. The scale length and fret locations have to work together to create a neck full of proper notes.

 

[Tempest]

will a neck intonate only when scale length is 24 or 24 3/4 or 25 or 25 1/2 ?

will a neck not intonate if the scale length is say 24 1/2 or 25 1/4 ?

appreciate the insights.

If the whole guitar (neck, bridge placement, fret location) is designed for it then any scale can work just fine.

 

[Cagey]

will a neck intonate only when scale length is 24 or 24 3/4 or 25 or 25 1/2 ?

No, you can pick a length and calculate where the fret positions need to be. Here's a good description of the math, as well as some handy automated calculators you can use.

 

[drewfx]

Google "fanned fret" and you'll see some interesting evidence.