scale length poll - for fun

[TBurst Std]

I am hoping to jump start my chambered mahogany VIP build in the next months.
The plan is to use a Wilkison trem and leaning heavily towards SD P-Rail pups. The purpose of this guitar is to be the pretty much go to item for a myriad of tones. From clean to decent distortion (no metal). The reason for this is to simplify the number of guitars I bring when I play. With being that I currently bring a Les and a Strat, whats your call on a scale length choice for this VIP. I am equally comfortable with both scale lengths.

I am already leaning heavily one way, but curious as to your thoughts.

 

[GoDrex]

I went with 24.75 for my LP, but I've always played on 25.5 and feel more comfortable with it. I thought that since my hands aren't large and I can't stretch very well, the shorter scale would help, but it doesn't make a difference. I find that I have a harder time in the upper registers, though I do like the looser feel of the strings. Just feels too tight up high for me. In the future I'll probably stick with 25.5.

 

[mayfly]

I used to be a shorter scale guy.  Now I like the string stiffness of the slightly longer scale.

 

[slashgnr88]

I have played PRS for ever so 25 scale length for me!

 

[line6man]

25.5in. and 34in. for me.

 

[Mark W]

I have 3 guitars and they just happen to be a 25 Carvin, a 25.5 strat, and a 24.75 Warmoth conversion
I haven't decided which I like best because they all have they're goods and bads

 

[tfarny]

I do like 24.75 for the slinkiness but I seem to always end up with 25.5 scale guitars. If I ever buy another Warmoth neck it'll be 24.75 though.

 

[JerkyChid]

28 5/8

 

[Wana_make_a_guitar]

I have a 25 1/2 but I like 24 3/4

 

[OzziePete]

I realised a while back that I actually played better on the shorter scale, but the difference is so minute, I tend to think it's more psychological than anything else. The old guitars I used to have AND enjoyed playing were all 24.75" scaled guitars (Firebird, Ricky 1997, Jansen Invader [old NZ guitar from 60s]). But tone wise, my preference is for the more raw tone of Fender single coil instruments like a Strat or Tele and they are 25.5"!

But if building my own or specifying a custom (as if!), I'd lump for a 24.75" scale everytime.

I'd suggest though, that you assess the tone difference that may bring to the guitar (going shorter scale).

When building the Tele from Warmoth, I went for the ebony fretboard on maple to liven up the treble a bit more than maple/maple or maple/rosewood.

In fretboards my preference for feel is actually rosewood, it feels soft and comfortable, but I realised that as I was shortening the scale the tone could lean a bit more bassy and less twang, so I went for the ebony, even though it is harder on the fingertips. No complaints though, nailed the Tele tone to my complete satisfaction.

I feel that wood choice for necks and fretboard is something to consider if you are heading shorter scaled, but want the Fender tone using single coils, like a Strat or Tele.

 

[TBurst Std]

Many thanks everyone. I was leaning towards a 25 1/2 scale length.

 

[blue313]

I think its because I my first real electric was a 25.5 scale that I'm more comfortable with it.  I even string my short scales one gauge higher to get a similar tension.

 

[Return of Guitlouie]

Have both, love both!  I have no problem alternating between the two.  It's true that 24 3/4 feels slinkier.  Sometimes I don't want slink, though!

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I have both, I prefer the feel of the 24.75

 

[kboman]

I've always played on short scale guitars, so that's what I like. Fender scale feels very awkward, but I basically never play on it so if I did, regularly, maybe I would be of another opinion.

 

[Edin]

36" and 37" scales - mean bass scales. B-string has better sound at longer scales

 

[AprioriMark]

I also prefer the shorter scale, but my next neck will be 25.5.

-Mark

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Is this a poll?  It says voting closes 10/24, but it looks locked.

 

[TBurst Std]

oops unlocked