27" scale VS 25" scale

70Seven · #1 08-01-2008, 12:39 PM

I'm looking into buying a new 7-String. I have the choice of a 25" scale or a 27" scale. Is a 27" scale considered a baritone? I'll be tuning in standard, what would happen to a 27" in standard? 27" are made for lower tuning right? Should I stick with the 25" or would you guys advise going for the 27" anyway?

Cheers.

EDIT: a RG7321 is in 25" scale right? (that's what I have now, just so I know)

Bygde · #2 08-01-2008, 01:22 PM

Actually, the RG7321 is 25.5". It's a nice guitar, and the scale is pretty nice for 7-string guitars, but it will be smoked by a 27" anyday. With a 27" you don't have to use skilift cables to have a tight B-string. I don't own a 25.5" 7-str, but I've played a couple of sevens, and as far as stringtension goes, my 2077XL is far better. But really it's down to your opinion on what you like.

Algiman · #3 08-01-2008, 02:17 PM

Baritone is the way the guitar is tuned, not the scale length, though some would argue.

27" lends itself better to the low B, giving more definition to the notes. To tune a 27" to the same notes as a 25.5" scale with the same string gauge the strings are at a higher tension.
I have both, and to be honest, in standard tuning a 25.5" works for me. I use the 27" for downtuning a tone where the low A starts to suffer on a 25.5".

As Bygde says above, it's a preference thing. Go try a 27" and see if it works for you. They do feel different to play.

bulletbass man · #4 08-03-2008, 10:53 PM

If your dropping to a or lower i'd go with 27. If your only using b or b flat 25.5 works fine.

Find whichever you prefer.

Crazy_Guitar · #5 08-04-2008, 12:14 PM

At the moment, I have a RG2077XL at home for cleaning and set-up.
It has a good feel, but I often find it quite "weird". I can notice the longer distance in the higher frets, compared to a 25,5".

It's a great axe, but I would still prefer a 25,5" UV or RG.

But I guess it all comes down to a matter of personal taste.

NikP · #6 08-08-2008, 02:49 PM

Personally, I much prefer the feel of my 26.5" Schecter to my 25.5" Ibanez. In terms of feel, it's a matter of personal preference, and you should try both and decide for yourself.

In terms of tone, the 27" will definitely hold up the low-B better.

bobhop2228 · #7 02-03-2009, 12:50 PM

The RG2228 8 string is a 27" - when I first got it, my left hand got fatigued from stretching. I restricted my playing to the 7th fret on up for a while and slowly got used to it. Now when I play my strat, it feels like a toy! I also have a Fender Subsonic - (it's a 27" er) the low string starts at B and tuned in fourths. I just used that for recording low power chords before I got into 7 and 8 string Ibanez guitars. If you can't deal with the 27" scale - get a Line 6 Variax and the workbench software and tune the guitar whatever. You can tune each individual string up and down an octave. Wacky!

7 Dying Trees · #8 02-03-2009, 06:58 PM

I have a rg2077xl, and I am selling it. I also tune to A. Why? Well, the 27" scale length, it just doesn't seem to work for me. Also, the sound is different. 27" is more hifi, better low end note definityion, but starts to sound a bit tinny in the high range, and the strings, despite being more taught, just seem to be looser in a weird way.

The 25.5" guitars I find easier to play, despite thicker string gauges, and just have a better midrange and fullness to them overall.

It's all basically down to preference. For me, 27" just isn't right, which is a shame, as it's an awesome guitar.

Roland · #9 02-07-2009, 10:32 AM

I'd actually prefer a "27. Having played a few, I like the added tension on the bottom and increased distance on the higher frets - being a big guy with slightly sausagey fingers.

blister7321 · #10 05-31-2009, 02:17 PM

it really all depends on your preference, do you like using powerlines for strings or thinner strings. 27 you can use thinner strings but if youre using standard tunings go 25.5 its up to you dude

NeglectedField · #11 06-03-2009, 06:27 PM

Yeah 27's got a better low B clarity, but I like the general overall feel of 25.5 where pinch harmonics come easy.

RSVampire · #12 06-05-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeglectedField

Yeah 27's got a better low B clarity, but I like the general overall feel of 25.5 where pinch harmonics come easy.

agree'd

Akhenaten · #13 06-06-2009, 03:35 PM

I like both, but given the same tuning and strings, I prefer the 27. I got short fingers, but it's not SO different that I can't play it. Alot of people make it more than they need to. I love 'em.

I have been trying to have this one altered by LGM, but 2 or 3 emails to them have gone ingnored, so screw it...lol

Rachmaninoff · #14 06-06-2009, 04:16 PM

The 25.5" works for me, standard BEADGbe.
Take an Universe in your hands and you'll see what I'm talking about.

g.milko · #15 08-03-2009, 11:40 AM

for punch of single notes riffs....especially when you have a sevestring or an eightstring...i prefer a baritone guitar around 27" or even better 28"!!

like:
-ibanez rg2228 (27") http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-RG2228
-blackmachine 8 (28") http://www.blackmachine.net/8.htm
-esp STEF B-8 (27") http://www.espguitars.com/guitars_stef.html
-schecter jeff loomis-fr + C8 + V8 as limited versions (26,5")

...and so many more