What difference does scale make?

[Azrael]

Hey everyone.
What exactly is different with a 25,5 inch scale compared to a lesser inch scale?

[Tom B]

http://www.jimsoloway.com/27inch.htm

good read

[darren wilson]

Azrael: To find out what difference scale length makes, put a capo on the first fret of a 25.5" scale guitar and then re-tune it to standard pitch. The shorter scale length means less tension at the same pitch.

[Azrael]

Originally Posted by darren wilson

Azrael: To find out what difference scale length makes, put a capo on the first fret of a 25.5" scale guitar and then re-tune it to standard pitch. The shorter scale length means less tension at the same pitch.

Good one.......have no capo though......maybe I'll do it sometime when I have one.

[whatshisname]

Yes, it does give less tension. But, it also gives a different sound. Longer scales tend to sound snappier, and shorter scales tend to sound warmer. For instance, if you put a Warmoth 24 3/4 conversion neck onto a Strat, it wouldn't sound so "Stratty" anymore. That's also why you could never get a Strat with a humbucker to sound exactly like a Gibson, regardless of the wood the body if made of.