Scale length

[blindedbysilence]

How much does it bother you once you get used to a certain length. I have 2 Les Pauls and realized I hate the shorter scale length on them. I have a Schecter with a 25.5" length and a Gauge that I don't know the length of, but it is longer than my Gibby's. So, do you stick with the guitars hoping you get used to them, or trade them for something with a scale you like more?

[lex666]

I've had no problems getting used to the scale lengths of Gibson, Fender, and ESP guitars...

I say play 'em more and you'll eventually get used to it too.

[blindedbysilence]

I always wanted a couple Gibby's, but man they just seem small.

[blueman335]

Try a thicker gauge on the Gibson style guitars, for more string tension. The 3/4" difference in scale length between the two works out to be a very small percentage, only 3%. That shouldn't through your playing into total chaos, unless you're one of those 'princess and the pea' kind of guys.

[phil_104]

I can switch between almost any scale quite fast. I have had everything from fender scale to short scale guitars, and I can make it work.

If I have to pick though, I take 25 inches on 24 frets, with 9s.

[GoDrex]

I've had a small amount of difficulty adjusting to the 24.75 scale length, since I've only played 25.5 scale guitars. I've found my biggest problem is when I get past the 12 fret it way cramped up there. I make more mistakes than I normally would. I do like the feel of the strings though. I've always liked 9's, but I found the low E is too loose on the 24.75 scale - so I use the super light top/reg bottom set and it works great for me.

[flieger67]

I've got electrics with three different scale lengths and I don't find much problem switching between them. What can take just a moment to adjust to is the string spacing and nut width differences.

As a previous responder suggested, if you find the strings too "rubbery" on a shorter-scale guitar, try a heavier on the shorter-scale. For instance, if you've got an .009-gauge set on the shorty, try a set of .010's.

[JB_From_Hell]

I find that the design of the guitar makes much more difference. Some guitars are really compact, with the neck being set further into the body, and that bugs me more than the scale.

[blindedbysilence]

Well I'm using .11-48s on all my les pauls. I'm not sure what the problem is. I'm playing my Studio right now, and it just doesn't feel right. Maybe it is just me, but I cannot get used to the feel of the Pauls.

[Karmadog777]

I have4 guitars that are 25" scale a couple at 24 3/4" and only 1 now at 25 1/2"

guess whats the most comfortable to me? teh the 25" , I think its just what I have grown accustomed to. Sometimes I fumble on my les paul but the fender scale is no problem ever, even though I play it least. 25" scale just fits me like a glove

[phil_104]

I find that the design of the guitar makes much more difference. Some guitars are really compact, with the neck being set further into the body, and that bugs me more than the scale.

+1. The fact that a LP has the neck in contact with the body a lot higher on the neck is a bigger concern than scale.

[Invader09]

I like Gibsons, 22 Frets is better for me... I like the slide up to the 22nd fret alot, and I tend to slide too far on 24 fret guitars... Also I love the les paul sound, but I hate how far into the body the neck is... I can never get up onto the last 4 or 5 frets... without really trying hard..

[Zhangliqun]

Scale switching isn't a problem. If the feel of an LP bothers you, it's likely something other than scale length.

[subanots]

small scale bugs me, but its fun for a bit.

[blindedbysilence]

so the problem is most likely the fact that the neck is set so far into the guitar. I just know the Les Paul feels SMALL to me.

[super rad stuff]

switching body shapes is what really screws with me, especially neck placement. i can't deal with a lower-placed neck, like a strat. scale does me in just a bit, it feels wierd to me stretching just that extra 3/8" for cowboy chords

[Petrovsk Mizinski]

Not a fan of scale lengths below 25.5 inch for my personal playing to be honest, especially given I play 7 strings, where clarity is a bit more important for the low B string too.

[LesPaulRules]

I'm a total Gibson guy when it comes to scale length. Weird thing is that I have fairly big hands, but a 25 1/2 scale length has always seemed to long.

I even have a Warmoth conversion neck on my strat.

[guitfiddle]

I've found that a 25.5" works best for me...so the Tele is my new friend. I've played my 78 LP for five years now, and I got used to it for sure...but the 25.5" just suits me better. High fret access is also easier for me on a Tele.

For cowboy chords, neither one feels as good to me as a 25" scale...the spacing is just right on those.

[lex666]

Well I'm using .11-48s on all my les pauls. I'm not sure what the problem is. I'm playing my Studio right now, and it just doesn't feel right. Maybe it is just me, but I cannot get used to the feel of the Pauls.

I, personally, would try switching to 10-46, or even a 9-42 or 9-46 if you're using standard tuning. Too much tension on an LP can made it feel really hard to play, IMO. It should be "buttery" to play, if ya know what I mean...