Can someone explain the pros/cons of scale length?

[johnpace2]

I'm wondering about the pros/cons of 24.75 versus 25.5 scale lengths. I have 2 Les Pauls and they are both 24.75. I also have a Jackson Rhoads and it's 25.5. I like both.

I'm asking because I'm considering ordering a Guiterrez Juggernaught and I'd have to decide. I'd like to do 24 frets.

Opinions?

Thanks!

 

[TeleBlaster]

Longer scale length = more tension at pitch.
This is a good thing if you are down tuning from standard.
Lowered tunings require a heavier string gauge to get a workable string tension for tuning stability and proper intonation on the frets.
Longer scale length gets you a decent tension with a lighter gauge string.

 

[johnpace2]

Thanks. I don't really down tune at all. Usually just at standard....

Are most 24 fret guitars 25.5?

 

[JakeAC5253]

Thanks. I don't really down tune at all. Usually just at standard....

Are most 24 fret guitars 25.5?

It's pretty irrelevant. What was said above is true. I've found it a little harder to do leads/bends on extended scale guitars, but 25.5 isn't extended scale. There is really not a huge difference between 24.75 & 25.5. Only three quarters of an inch, and remember that's distributed across the entire active string length. Won't change much of anything, but I would recommend the longest length that you can comfortably play so you can get fatter tone and benefit from lighter strings which in my experience intonate better, especially for down tunings.

 

[johnpace2]

Thanks. I don't really down tune at all. Usually just at standard....

Are most 24 fret guitars 25.5?

It's pretty irrelevant. What was said above is true. I've found it a little harder to do leads/bends on extended scale guitars, but 25.5 isn't extended scale. There is really not a huge difference between 24.75 & 25.5. Only three quarters of an inch, and remember that's distributed across the entire active string length. Won't change much of anything, but I would recommend the longest length that you can comfortably play so you can get fatter tone and benefit from lighter strings which in my experience intonate better, especially for down tunings.

Thanks, I'll spend time going back and forth between by LP and my Jackson to see if I feel comfortable going to 25.5 on a custom guitar.

 

[lolzgreg]

Thanks. I don't really down tune at all. Usually just at standard....

Are most 24 fret guitars 25.5?

There is really not a huge difference between 24.75 & 25.5.

I think there is. I have two Dean guitars, one at 24.75" and one at 25.5". They have the same profile neck, the same bridge, the same strings, and all. The only difference is the length, and I'll tell you picking on the 25.5" is MUCH more comfortable.

 

[Digital Jams]

Lead playing there is a big difference between the two, it is a feel thing.

Also 24 frets on 24.75 sucks imo if you go up there, less room to grab notes.

 

[Code001]

Lead playing there is a big difference between the two, it is a feel thing.

Also 24 frets on 24.75 sucks imo if you go up there, less room to grab notes.

My Horus with the 27 frets and 24.75'' scale makes for some interesting lead playing. That said, I honestly don't find that there is a huge difference between 25.5'' and 24.75''. Give me about 15 seconds, and I can get used to either one without an issue.

 

[JakeAC5253]

Thanks. I don't really down tune at all. Usually just at standard....

Are most 24 fret guitars 25.5?

There is really not a huge difference between 24.75 & 25.5.

I think there is. I have two Dean guitars, one at 24.75" and one at 25.5". They have the same profile neck, the same bridge, the same strings, and all. The only difference is the length, and I'll tell you picking on the 25.5" is MUCH more comfortable.

Right on man

I was thinking that there's not AS big of a difference as the jump from 25.5" to 27".

 

[MrDan666]

The biggest difference for me is that 24.75" scale length is more comfortable when I'm doing wide stretch licks across any of the frets up to the 12th.

The tone is also a bit fatter and less percussive/snappy on 24.75" scale length IMO.

 

[nighttrain69]

Thanks. I don't really down tune at all. Usually just at standard....

Are most 24 fret guitars 25.5?

most are unless you go with caparison,they use a 24.75 scale length with 27 frets on the horus model

 

[Code001]

Thanks. I don't really down tune at all. Usually just at standard....

Are most 24 fret guitars 25.5?

most are unless you go with caparison,they use a 24.75 scale length with 27 frets on the horus model

ESP has the Crying Star model that's 24.75'' w/ 27 frets.

 

[Vrad]

I could be completely imagining it, but it seems like the 24 3/4" scale always seems to have the intonation more in-tune or something.

 

[David_kessler]

Don't forget the PRS 25" scale. Best of both worlds.

 

[AmpliFIRE]

I'm disappointed that barzini hasn't posted in this thread yet

 

[TheMagicEight]

I've found 24.75" to be a bit more percussive and aggressive, where 25.5" seems smoother. I like both, but my main guitar is a Les Paul.