Scale (string instruments)
Encyclopedia
In stringed instruments
, the scale length (often simply called the "scale") is the maximum vibrating length
of the string
s to produce sound
. In the classical community, it may be called simply "string length" or less often "mensure." On instruments in which strings are not "stopped" or divided in length (typically by frets, the player's fingers, or other mechanism) like for example the piano
, it is the actual length of string between the nut
and the bridge
.
In many but not all instruments, the strings are at least roughly the same length, so the instrument's scale can be expressed as a single length measurement, as for example in the case of the violin
or guitar
. In other instruments, the strings are of different lengths according to their pitch, as for example in the case of the harp
or piano
.
On most modern fretted instruments, the actual string length is a bit longer than the scale length, to provide some compensation for the "sharp" effect caused by the string being slightly stretched, when it is pressed against the fingerboard. This causes the pitch of the note to go slightly "sharp
" (higher in pitch). Another factor in modern instrument design, is that at the same tension, thicker strings are more sensitive to this effect, which is why saddles on acoustic (and often electric) guitars are set in a slight diagonal. This gives the thicker strings slightly more length.
All other things being equal, increasing the scale length of an instrument requires an increase in string tension for a given pitch.
A musical string may be divided by the twelfth root of two
, approximately 1.059463094 and the result taken as the string-length position at which the next semitone pitch (fret position) should be placed from the previous fret (or, in case this is the first calculation, the nut (instrumental)
or zero fret
) of the instrument. This quotient is then divided again by itself to locate the next semitone higher, and so on.
Alternatively, the string may be divided by
, approximately 17.817, and the quotient taken as the location of the next semitone pitch from the nut of the instrument. The remainder is again divided by 17.817 to locate the next semitone pitch higher, and so on. For centuries the divisor 18
was used instead; this "Eighteen Rule" produced a sort of rough compensation. Actual fret spacing on the fretboard was often done by trial and error method (testing) over the ages. However, since the nineteenth century the availability of precision measuring instruments has allowed frets to be laid out with mathematical accuracy.
In many instruments, for example the violin
, the scale of a full-sized instrument is very strictly standardised. Smaller scale instruments are still often used:
Larger scale instruments are rare, but may be used by experimental and avant-garde players, or specially made for soloists with particularly extended reach.
In other instruments, for example the viola
and the electric guitar
, the scale of a full-sized instrument varies a great deal.
(1644–1737) and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù (1698–1744), both used an open string length of 12.8 in (327 mm) for their violin
s, which had already been established a generation before by Jacob Stainer
(c. 1617–1683). Later makers have been unwilling to deviate from this.
Smaller scale instruments are used extensively to teach younger players. The size of these is described by a "conventional" fraction that has no mathematical significance. For example, a 7/8 violin has a scale of about 317 mm, a 3/4-size instrument a scale of 307 mm, a half-size one 287 mm, and a quarter-size one 267 mm. 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32 and even 1/64 violins also exist, becoming progressively smaller, but again in no proportional relationship. (A full-size instrument is described as 4/4.)
Cello
s exist in a smaller range of sizes than violins, with 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/10 being reasonably common. As with the violin, the Stradivarius scale is regarded as standard for orchestral work; This is about 27.4 in (695 mm).
Viola
s are commonly described in terms of their body length rather than by a conventional fraction. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, unlike that of the violin and the cello, the viola scale length has not standardised, but rather an advanced player will use whatever scale length best suits them, see viola
. Secondly, student sizes are not as often required, as most viola players who start learning at a young age would start on the violin. Common sizes include 17 in (43 cm), 16.5 in (42 cm), 16 in (41 cm), 15.5 in (39 cm), 15 in (38 cm), 14 in (36 cm), and less commonly 12 in (30 cm), smaller than a standard violin; These measurements are nominal and approximate. At least one of the surviving Stradivarius violas has a scale length of 14.25 in (362 mm).
, generally in the range 42.3"-43.3" (1050–1100 mm). There are also smaller versions of this "full scale" double bass with the same scale length but with a smaller sound box, intended for other musical idioms. Smaller scale instruments are also quite commonly used by full-sized players in jazz, folk music and similar ensembles.
The system of conventional fractions is taken to its logical conclusion with string bass sizes, in that a full-size (4/4) bass is uncommon. Most basses are 3/4 or 7/8, and younger players can use 1/2 or even 1/4 size instruments.
was standardized by the work of its most famous maker. Antonio De Torres (1817–1892) used a scale length of 25.6 in (650 mm), and later makers have followed suit. However, from the mid- 20th Century luthiers seeking increased volume have moved to a 26 in (660mm) scale, which is now the standard for such leading makers as Ramirez.
Unlike Stradivarius, Torres had no strong tradition on which to build regarding scale length, so the 25.6 in figure can be attributed to him with confidence.
typically has a scale slightly shorter than the classical instrument, the most common scales ranging between 24.6 in and 25.4 in.
Gibson
uses a scale length of 24.75 in (629 mm) on many of its electric guitars, including the Les Paul, Flying V, Explorer, SG, and ES-335. Gibson has used other scale lengths on various models through the years.
with electric pickups, and so had a scale length of about 43" (109 cm).
In 1951 the Fender Precision Bass
shortened this to 34" (86 cm). This is still often regarded as the standard length for a bass guitar
.
On a modern bass guitar, 30" (76 cm) or less is considered short scale, standard (also called long) scale is 34" (86 cm) for a 4-string and 35" (89 cm) for a B-E-A-D-G 5-string, and extra-long scale basses of 36" (91 cm) also exist.
Quite an uncommon scale construction using the Novax Fanned-Fret system that "fan outward" for the ability to play in tune with the unequal scale lengths of each string that is used to find the optimal equal tonal response and equal string tension from string-to-string for easier playing is represented by Dingwall Basses, who uses a 37" to 34" span on their Prima, Z1, Z2, and Afterburner original designs and a shorter 34.25" to 32" span for their "Super J" Jazz Bass
design.
36in bass---------alembic//
37 in multiscale bass----------dingwall//
38 in bass---------overwater//
39.55in bass knuckle bass//
Smaller grand pianos vary in naming. The larger models, about 6 ft (183 cm) or more in scale length, may have the full grand piano action, and are used in smaller concert spaces. Others are intended for larger homes, and may have a simplified action lacking the repeat lever that is only useful for advanced players.
Baby grand pianos are the smallest, intended for homes, restaurants and similar applications where the grand style of piano is desired even at the expense of the longer scale and better sound that an upright format would permit in the available space.
Pythagorean scale refers to the relative lengths of strings within an instrument. This kind of scaling dictates that the ratio of string lengths should be equal to the harmonic ratio of their pitches. It is a logarithmic scale
which doubles at each octave
. This type of scaling was offered under the assumption that by keeping all other factors consistent (esp. string thickness and tension) and changing only length, the sound of the instrument would be homogeneous across its full range.
Because the length of strings increases so quickly in the bass register, it often would produce an instrument of such length as to be impractical. If pythagorean scaling were applied to the stringed instruments, the double bass would be extremely cumbersome. In pianos and harpsichords, generally less tension or thicker strings are used in the lower register to avoid the need for such large dimensions as demanded by a Pythagorean scale.
String instrument
A string instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. In the Hornbostel-Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification, used in organology, they are called chordophones...
, the scale length (often simply called the "scale") is the maximum vibrating length
Length
In geometric measurements, length most commonly refers to the longest dimension of an object.In certain contexts, the term "length" is reserved for a certain dimension of an object along which the length is measured. For example it is possible to cut a length of a wire which is shorter than wire...
of the string
Strings (music)
A string is the vibrating element that produces sound in string instruments, such as the guitar, harp, piano, and members of the violin family. Strings are lengths of a flexible material kept under tension so that they may vibrate freely, but controllably. Strings may be "plain"...
s to produce sound
Sound
Sound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within the range of hearing and of a level sufficiently strong to be heard, or the sensation stimulated in organs of hearing by such vibrations.-Propagation of...
. In the classical community, it may be called simply "string length" or less often "mensure." On instruments in which strings are not "stopped" or divided in length (typically by frets, the player's fingers, or other mechanism) like for example the piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, it is the actual length of string between the nut
Nut (instrumental)
The nut of a string instrument is a small piece of hard material which supports the strings at the end closest to the headstock or scroll. The nut marks one end of the speaking length of each open string, sets the spacing of the strings across the neck, and usually holds the strings at the proper...
and the bridge
Bridge (instrument)
A bridge is a device for supporting the strings on a stringed instrument and transmitting the vibration of those strings to some other structural component of the instrument in order to transfer the sound to the surrounding air.- Explanation :...
.
In many but not all instruments, the strings are at least roughly the same length, so the instrument's scale can be expressed as a single length measurement, as for example in the case of the violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
or guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
. In other instruments, the strings are of different lengths according to their pitch, as for example in the case of the harp
Harp
The harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones and has its own sub category . All harps have a neck, resonator and strings...
or piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
.
On most modern fretted instruments, the actual string length is a bit longer than the scale length, to provide some compensation for the "sharp" effect caused by the string being slightly stretched, when it is pressed against the fingerboard. This causes the pitch of the note to go slightly "sharp
Sharp
Sharp or SHARP may refer to:*Sharp *Sharp , a flour made from hard wheat*Sharp , Canadian magazine*Sharp Daily, a free newspaper published in Taiwan and Hong Kong*Sharp...
" (higher in pitch). Another factor in modern instrument design, is that at the same tension, thicker strings are more sensitive to this effect, which is why saddles on acoustic (and often electric) guitars are set in a slight diagonal. This gives the thicker strings slightly more length.
All other things being equal, increasing the scale length of an instrument requires an increase in string tension for a given pitch.
A musical string may be divided by the twelfth root of two
, approximately 1.059463094 and the result taken as the string-length position at which the next semitone pitch (fret position) should be placed from the previous fret (or, in case this is the first calculation, the nut (instrumental)Nut (instrumental)
The nut of a string instrument is a small piece of hard material which supports the strings at the end closest to the headstock or scroll. The nut marks one end of the speaking length of each open string, sets the spacing of the strings across the neck, and usually holds the strings at the proper...
or zero fret
Zero fret
A zero fret is a fret placed at the headstock end of the neck of a banjo, guitar, mandolin, or bass guitar. It serves one of the functions of a nut: holding the strings the correct distance above the other frets on the instrument's fretboard...
) of the instrument. This quotient is then divided again by itself to locate the next semitone higher, and so on.
Alternatively, the string may be divided by
, approximately 17.817, and the quotient taken as the location of the next semitone pitch from the nut of the instrument. The remainder is again divided by 17.817 to locate the next semitone pitch higher, and so on. For centuries the divisor 18Pythagorean tuning
Pythagorean tuning is a system of musical tuning in which the frequency relationships of all intervals are based on the ratio 3:2. This interval is chosen because it is one of the most consonant...
was used instead; this "Eighteen Rule" produced a sort of rough compensation. Actual fret spacing on the fretboard was often done by trial and error method (testing) over the ages. However, since the nineteenth century the availability of precision measuring instruments has allowed frets to be laid out with mathematical accuracy.
In many instruments, for example the violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, the scale of a full-sized instrument is very strictly standardised. Smaller scale instruments are still often used:
- By younger players.
- By smaller advanced players.
- To obtain a particular tone or effect.
- For convenience when travelling.
Larger scale instruments are rare, but may be used by experimental and avant-garde players, or specially made for soloists with particularly extended reach.
In other instruments, for example the viola
Viola
The viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
and the electric guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
, the scale of a full-sized instrument varies a great deal.
Violin family
The two most famous violin makers, Antonio StradivariAntonio Stradivari
Antonio Stradivari was an Italian luthier and a crafter of string instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, violas, and harps. Stradivari is generally considered the most significant artisan in this field. The Latinized form of his surname, Stradivarius, as well as the colloquial, "Strad", is...
(1644–1737) and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù (1698–1744), both used an open string length of 12.8 in (327 mm) for their violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
s, which had already been established a generation before by Jacob Stainer
Jacob Stainer
Jacob Stainer was the earliest and best known Austrian luthier.Stainer was born in Absam, Austria. His designs influenced instrument construction in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, parts of Italy, and several other countries....
(c. 1617–1683). Later makers have been unwilling to deviate from this.
Smaller scale instruments are used extensively to teach younger players. The size of these is described by a "conventional" fraction that has no mathematical significance. For example, a 7/8 violin has a scale of about 317 mm, a 3/4-size instrument a scale of 307 mm, a half-size one 287 mm, and a quarter-size one 267 mm. 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32 and even 1/64 violins also exist, becoming progressively smaller, but again in no proportional relationship. (A full-size instrument is described as 4/4.)
Cello
Cello
The cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. Old forms of the instrument in the Baroque era are baryton and viol .A person who plays a cello is...
s exist in a smaller range of sizes than violins, with 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/10 being reasonably common. As with the violin, the Stradivarius scale is regarded as standard for orchestral work; This is about 27.4 in (695 mm).
Viola
Viola
The viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
s are commonly described in terms of their body length rather than by a conventional fraction. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, unlike that of the violin and the cello, the viola scale length has not standardised, but rather an advanced player will use whatever scale length best suits them, see viola
Viola
The viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
. Secondly, student sizes are not as often required, as most viola players who start learning at a young age would start on the violin. Common sizes include 17 in (43 cm), 16.5 in (42 cm), 16 in (41 cm), 15.5 in (39 cm), 15 in (38 cm), 14 in (36 cm), and less commonly 12 in (30 cm), smaller than a standard violin; These measurements are nominal and approximate. At least one of the surviving Stradivarius violas has a scale length of 14.25 in (362 mm).
Double bass
There is some variation in the scale length of an orchestral Double bassDouble bass
The double bass, also called the string bass, upright bass, standup bass or contrabass, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra, with strings usually tuned to E1, A1, D2 and G2...
, generally in the range 42.3"-43.3" (1050–1100 mm). There are also smaller versions of this "full scale" double bass with the same scale length but with a smaller sound box, intended for other musical idioms. Smaller scale instruments are also quite commonly used by full-sized players in jazz, folk music and similar ensembles.
The system of conventional fractions is taken to its logical conclusion with string bass sizes, in that a full-size (4/4) bass is uncommon. Most basses are 3/4 or 7/8, and younger players can use 1/2 or even 1/4 size instruments.
Classical guitar
Like that of the violin, the scale of the classical guitarClassical guitar
The classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
was standardized by the work of its most famous maker. Antonio De Torres (1817–1892) used a scale length of 25.6 in (650 mm), and later makers have followed suit. However, from the mid- 20th Century luthiers seeking increased volume have moved to a 26 in (660mm) scale, which is now the standard for such leading makers as Ramirez.
Unlike Stradivarius, Torres had no strong tradition on which to build regarding scale length, so the 25.6 in figure can be attributed to him with confidence.
Steel-string acoustic guitar
The steel-string acoustic guitarSteel-string acoustic guitar
A steel-string acoustic guitar is a modern form of guitar descended from the classical guitar, but strung with steel strings for a brighter, louder sound...
typically has a scale slightly shorter than the classical instrument, the most common scales ranging between 24.6 in and 25.4 in.
Electric guitar
The scale length of the electric guitar is one of the least standardized of all instruments.History
Most Fender electric guitars, including the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Esquire, and Jazzmaster use a scale length of 25.5 in (648 mm). A few Fender models such as the Jaguar use a scale length of 24 in (610 mm). Fender has also built some 3/4-size student guitars with a scale length of 22.5 in (572 mm) or shorter.Gibson
Gibson Guitar Corporation
The Gibson Guitar Corporation, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan and currently of Nashville, Tennessee, manufactures guitars and other instruments which sell under a variety of brand names...
uses a scale length of 24.75 in (629 mm) on many of its electric guitars, including the Les Paul, Flying V, Explorer, SG, and ES-335. Gibson has used other scale lengths on various models through the years.
Summary
- 20.7 in (527 mm):
- Squier BulletSquier BulletThe Squier Bullet Strat is an electric guitar that emulates the look of the Fender Stratocaster, but with modifications to reduce cost. Like the Squier Stratocaster, it is not considered a strat copy as it is manufactured by Squier, a subsidiary of Fender and therefore carries the Fender brand name...
Mini - RickenbackerRickenbackerRickenbacker International Corporation, also known as Rickenbacker, is an electric and bass guitar manufacturer based in Santa Ana, California...
Electro (student model) Es-16, Rickenbacker 1996, 320 and 325, notably John Lennon's most famous guitar
- Squier Bullet
- 22.5 in (572 mm), known as "3/4 scale" in Fender sales literature:
- Fender MusicmasterFender MusicmasterThe Fender Musicmaster is an electric guitar by Fender, and was the first of their 3/4 scale guitars. With a single pickup and no tremolo arm, it was a basic but functional instrument....
- Fender Duosonic
- Fender MustangFender MustangThe Fender Mustang is an electric guitar by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, introduced in 1964 as the basis of a major redesign of Fender's student models then consisting of the Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic. It was produced until 1982 and reissued in 1990.In the 1960s, it was used in Surf...
- Some Musicmaster II and Duosonic II
- Fender Musicmaster
- 22.72 in (577 mm):
- Fender StratocasterFender StratocasterThe Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as "Strat", is a model of electric guitar designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares in 1954, and manufactured continuously by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to the present. It is a double-cutaway guitar, with an extended top...
Junior
- Fender Stratocaster
- 22.75 in (578 mm):
- GibsonGibson Guitar CorporationThe Gibson Guitar Corporation, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan and currently of Nashville, Tennessee, manufactures guitars and other instruments which sell under a variety of brand names...
3/4 scale Les Paul Junior and Gibson Melody MakerGibson Melody MakerIn 2007, the Melody Maker became a separate model. It now has a smaller single-coil pickup than the P-90, a wraparound bridge/tailpiece unit, a mahogany neck, and a pickguard similar to the original Melody Maker...
- Gibson
- 23.5 in (597 mm):
- Gibson ByrdlandGibson ByrdlandThe Byrdland is an electric guitar, made by Gibson. Its name derives from the names of guitarists Billy Byrd and Hank Garland for whom the guitar was originally custom built by Gibson.-Thinline series:...
- Gibson Byrdland
- 24 in (610 mm), confusingly called "full scale" in Fender sales literature:
- Fender JaguarFender JaguarThe Fender Jaguar is an electric guitar introduced in 1962. A descendant of the Jazzmaster, the Jaguar quickly caught on in the emerging Surf music scene...
- Most and current Fender MustangFender MustangThe Fender Mustang is an electric guitar by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, introduced in 1964 as the basis of a major redesign of Fender's student models then consisting of the Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic. It was produced until 1982 and reissued in 1990.In the 1960s, it was used in Surf...
- Fender Jag-StangFender Jag-StangThe Fender Jag-Stang is an electric guitar designed by Kurt Cobain, of the band Nirvana, intended as a hybrid of two Fender electric guitars: the Jaguar and the Mustang. Cobain suggested his idea for an instrument to Fender, resulting in two left-handed prototypes built by former Custom Shop Master...
- Most Musicmaster II and Duosonic II
- Fender BroncoFender BroncoThe Fender Bronco was an electric guitar model produced by the Fender company from mid 1967 until 1981. It used the body and neck from the Fender Mustang, but had only one pickup and a different tremolo arm mechanism...
- Brian May Red Special
- Fender Jaguar
- 24.5 in (622 mm):
- MosriteMosriteMosrite is an American guitar manufacturing company, based in Bakersfield, California, from the late 1950s to the early 1990s. Founded by Semie Moseley, Mosrite guitars were played by many rock and roll and country artists....
guitars - Paul Reed SmithPaul Reed SmithPaul Reed Smith , is a luthier and the founder and owner of PRS Guitars.Smith is originally from Bowie, Maryland. He made his first guitar while at St. Mary's College of Maryland, and continued to build guitars after he finished college, making them one at a time, one a month...
245 series guitars
- Mosrite
- 24.6 in (625 mm):
- GretschGretschThe Gretsch Company was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch, a twenty-seven year old German immigrant recently arrived in the US. Friedrich Gretsch manufactured banjos, tambourines, and drums, until his death in 1895. His son, Fred, moved operations to Brooklyn, New York in 1916...
most electric guitars
- Gretsch
- 24.75 in (629 mm):
- Gibson Les PaulGibson Les PaulThe Gibson Les Paul was the result of a design collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the late jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. In 1950, with the introduction of the Fender Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. In reaction, Gibson...
- Gibson SGGibson SGAt the launch of the SG in 1961, Gibson offered four variants of the SG; the SG Junior , the SG Special, the SG Standard, and the top-of-the-line SG Custom. However, Gibson's current core variants as of 2010 are the SG Standard and the SG Special...
- Gibson ES-175Gibson ES-175The Gibson ES-175 is an electric guitar manufactured by the Gibson Guitar Corporation, currently still in production. It is a 24 3/4" scale full hollow body guitar with a trapeze tailpiece and Tune-O-Matic bridge...
- Epiphone Les PaulEpiphone Les PaulThe Epiphone Les Paul is a line of solid body electric guitars produced by Epiphone as a more modestly priced version of the famous Gibson Les Paul. Epiphone is a subsidiary of the Gibson Guitar Corporation and manufactures the Les Paul and other budget models at a lower cost in Asia. Visually and...
- EpiphoneEpiphoneThe Epiphone Company is a musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos. Epiphone was bought by Chicago Musical Instrument Company, which also owned Gibson Guitar Corporation, in 1957. Epiphone was Gibson's main rival in the archtop market...
G-310 and G-400Epiphone G-400The G-400 is an Epiphone solid body electric guitar model produced as a more modestly priced version of the famous Gibson SG. Currently, Epiphone is a subsidiary of Gibson and manufactures the G-400 and other budget models at a lower cost in Asia...
SGs - Original Gibson ES-150Gibson ES-150The Gibson Guitar Corporation's ES-150 guitar is generally recognized as the world's first commercially successful Spanish-style electric guitar. The ES stands for Electric Spanish, and it was designated 150 because it cost $150, along with an EH-150 amplifier and a cable.After its introduction in...
- Fender CycloneFender CycloneThe Fender Cyclone and Fender Cyclone II were a series of electric guitars made by Fender. Introduced in late 1997, the Cyclone body is similarly styled to the Mustang but with a significantly different specification...
- RickenbackerRickenbackerRickenbacker International Corporation, also known as Rickenbacker, is an electric and bass guitar manufacturer based in Santa Ana, California...
most electric guitars (including 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 620, 650, 660) - Godin guitars most electric guitars
- GuildGuildA guild is an association of craftsmen in a particular trade. The earliest types of guild were formed as confraternities of workers. They were organized in a manner something between a trade union, a cartel, and a secret society...
most electric guitars - ESP Maverick now it calls ESP MV
- Fender Tele-Sonic
- Fender Stratosonic
- Gibson Les Paul
- 25 in (635 mm)
- DanelectroDanelectroDanelectro is an American manufacturer of musical instruments and accessories, specializing in rock instruments such as guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers and effects units.-History:...
guitars - DobroDobroDobro is a registered trademark, now owned by Gibson Guitar Corporation and used for a particular design of resonator guitar.The name has a long and involved history, interwoven with that of the resonator guitar...
resonator guitars - Most Paul Reed SmithPaul Reed SmithPaul Reed Smith , is a luthier and the founder and owner of PRS Guitars.Smith is originally from Bowie, Maryland. He made his first guitar while at St. Mary's College of Maryland, and continued to build guitars after he finished college, making them one at a time, one a month...
guitars - Most Patrick Eggle guitars
- Danelectro
- 25.125 in (638 mm):
- Vox Virage II
- Vox Virage Series 77, 55, 33, 22
- 25.2 in (640 mm):
- Selmer Maccaferri Grande Bouche Model
- 25.5 in (648 mm), closest to the classical guitar scale:
- Fender EsquireFender EsquireThe Fender Esquire is a solid body electric guitar manufactured by Fender, and was the first guitar sold by Fender in 1950. Shortly after its introduction a two-pickup version named the Broadcaster was introduced while the single pickup version retained the Esquire name...
- Fender StagemasterFender StagemasterThe Fender Stagemaster is an electric guitar, somewhat similar to a Fender Stratocaster. They were made from the mid 1990's until 2002. The pickups were generally H-S-H and were mounted to a pickguard, although there were some variations featuring an H-H setup and/or no pickgaurd...
24 Fret Guitars - Fender TelecasterFender TelecasterThe Fender Telecaster, colloquially known as the Tele , is typically a dual-pickup, solid-body electric guitar made by Fender.Its simple yet effective design and revolutionary sound broke ground and set trends in electric guitar manufacturing and popular music...
- Fender JazzmasterFender JazzmasterThe Fender Jazzmaster is an electric guitar designed as an upmarket sibling to the Fender Stratocaster. First introduced at the 1958 NAMM Show, it was initially marketed at jazz guitarists, but found favor among surf rock guitarists in the early 1960s...
- Most Jackson GuitarsJackson Guitars__FORCETOC__Jackson is a renowned brand of electric guitar that bears the name of its founder, Grover Jackson.-Early years:Grover Jackson obtained ownership in Charvel's Guitar Repair of Glendora, California in the 1970s with a promise to bolster Charvel's business...
- Squier StratocasterSquier StratocasterThe Squier Stratocaster is an electric guitar based on the Stratocaster, manufactured and sold by Squier, a marque of Fender.-Origins:After Fender's decision to switch Squier's production from strings to guitars in 1982, the Stratocaster was one of the first models to be put under the Squier...
- KramerKramer-People:*Kramer , a musician and record producer.Fictional* Cosmo Kramer, a character from the American sitcom Seinfeld, usually referred to as just "Kramer".For other people, real or fictional, with the last name of "Kramer", see Kramer...
Striker - Most IbanezIbanezis a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass produce...
guitars - Most SchecterSchecterSchecter may refer to:* Schecter Guitar Research, an American guitar manufacturer* Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, a landmark Supreme Court decision regarding the Commerce Clause...
guitars - Gibson L-5
- Gibson Super 400Gibson Super 400The Gibson Super 400 is an archtop guitar, "the biggest, fanciest, and most expensive archtop ever built," and a highly influential model guitar which inspired many other guitar makers . It was first sold in 1934 and named for its $400 price.The Super 400 was the largest guitar that the Gibson...
- GibsonGibsonGibson may refer to:* Gibson Amphitheatre* Gibson Appliance* Gibson Girl* Gibson Guitar Corporation* Gibson * Gibson Generating Station-Places:In the United States:* Gibson, Arkansas* Gibson, Georgia* Gibson, Iowa* Gibson, Louisiana...
Johnny SmithJohnny SmithJohnny Smith is an American cool jazz and mainstream jazz guitarist.-Early years:...
Model - Fender StratocasterFender StratocasterThe Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as "Strat", is a model of electric guitar designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares in 1954, and manufactured continuously by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to the present. It is a double-cutaway guitar, with an extended top...
some 24.75
- Fender Esquire
- 26.38 in (670 mm):
- Selmer Petit Bouche Model and most Mirecourt-era Gypsy Jazz guitars
- 27 in (686 mm)
- Fender Jaguar Baritone Special HH (tuned B-B)
- Ibanez RG2228Ibanez RG2228The Ibanez RG2228 is the world's first mass-produced eight string electric guitar. It came out in March 2007 and was introduced in the Winter NAMM show of that year.-Basic Information:* Scale Length - 27" * Neck Length - 685.8 mm...
8-string guitar (tuned F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E) - Jim Soloway guitars
- Buckethead Signature Gibson (24 fret oversized Les Paul opposed to traditional 22 fret)
- 29.25 in (743 mm)
- Gretsch G6144 Spectra Sonic Baritone
History
The first electric basses were upright electric basses built in the 1930s by fitting an otherwise normal double bassDouble bass
The double bass, also called the string bass, upright bass, standup bass or contrabass, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra, with strings usually tuned to E1, A1, D2 and G2...
with electric pickups, and so had a scale length of about 43" (109 cm).
In 1951 the Fender Precision Bass
Fender Precision Bass
The Fender Precision Bass is an electric bass.Designed by Leo Fender as a prototype in 1950 and brought to market in 1951, the Precision was the first electric bass to earn widespread attention and use. A revolutionary instrument for the time, the Precision Bass has made an immeasurable impact on...
shortened this to 34" (86 cm). This is still often regarded as the standard length for a bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
.
On a modern bass guitar, 30" (76 cm) or less is considered short scale, standard (also called long) scale is 34" (86 cm) for a 4-string and 35" (89 cm) for a B-E-A-D-G 5-string, and extra-long scale basses of 36" (91 cm) also exist.
Quite an uncommon scale construction using the Novax Fanned-Fret system that "fan outward" for the ability to play in tune with the unequal scale lengths of each string that is used to find the optimal equal tonal response and equal string tension from string-to-string for easier playing is represented by Dingwall Basses, who uses a 37" to 34" span on their Prima, Z1, Z2, and Afterburner original designs and a shorter 34.25" to 32" span for their "Super J" Jazz Bass
Jazz bass
Jazz bass is the use of the double bass, or in some genres bass guitar, to improvise accompaniment and solos in a jazz or jazz fusion style. The double bass began being used in jazz in the 1890s, to supply the low-pitched walking basslines which outlined the harmony of the music...
design.
Summary
- 25 in
- Airline Supro pocket Bass
- 28.5 in (724 mm)
- Fender Jaguar Bass VI Custom
- 30 in (762 mm)
- Fender Mustang BassFender Mustang BassThe Fender Mustang Bass is an electric bass guitar model produced by Fender. Two variants, the Musicmaster Bass and the Bronco Bass, have also been produced from time to time using the same body and neck shape.-History:...
, Fender Bronco Bass, Fender Musicmaster BassFender Musicmaster BassThe Fender Musicmaster Bass is a model of electric bass guitar, produced by Fender between 1971 to 1981.As with its six-string counterpart, which was a stripped-down version of the Fender Mustang, the Musicmaster Bass is a simpler version of the Mustang Bass. It features a very short 30" scale, the... - Fender Bass VIFender Bass VIThe Fender Bass VI, originally known as the Fender VI, is a six-string electric bass or Scale Baritone Guitar by Fender.The Fender VI was released in 1961, and followed the concept of the Danelectro 6-string bass released in 1956, having six strings tuned E-E, an octave below the Spanish guitar...
, Stagg AB203 Acoustic Bass
- Fender Mustang Bass
- 30.25 in (768 mm)
- Hofner 500 Beatle Bass
- MosriteMosriteMosrite is an American guitar manufacturing company, based in Bakersfield, California, from the late 1950s to the early 1990s. Founded by Semie Moseley, Mosrite guitars were played by many rock and roll and country artists....
basses
- 30.5 in (775 mm)
- Gibson EB-1Gibson EB-1The Gibson EB-1 is an electric bass that was introduced by Gibson in 1953, and is the first bass in Gibson's range.- History :The EB-1, then known as the Electric Bass, was first marketed in 1953 in response to the runaway success of the Fender Precision Bass...
, EB-0, EB-2, and Gibson SG bass(EB-3) - Hamer B8S 8-string bass
- Gibson EB-1
- 33.25 in (845 mm)
- Rickenbacker 4000 Series basses
- 34 in (864 mm)
- Fender Precision BassFender Precision BassThe Fender Precision Bass is an electric bass.Designed by Leo Fender as a prototype in 1950 and brought to market in 1951, the Precision was the first electric bass to earn widespread attention and use. A revolutionary instrument for the time, the Precision Bass has made an immeasurable impact on...
, Jazz BassJazz bassJazz bass is the use of the double bass, or in some genres bass guitar, to improvise accompaniment and solos in a jazz or jazz fusion style. The double bass began being used in jazz in the 1890s, to supply the low-pitched walking basslines which outlined the harmony of the music...
, Jaguar Bass - Gibson Thunderbird Bass
- Most Ibanez basses
- SteinbergerSteinbergerSteinberger refers to a series of distinctive electric guitars and bass guitars, designed and originally manufactured by Ned Steinberger. The word Steinberger can be used to refer to either the instruments themselves or the company that produced them...
basses
- Fender Precision Bass
- 34.5 in (876 mm)
- Gibson EB-0L and other EB-xL basses
- 35 in (889 mm)
- IbanezIbanezis a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass produce...
BTB series basses - Yamaha TRB series
- Ibanez
- 42.3–43.3 in (1074.42–1100 mm) double bassDouble bassThe double bass, also called the string bass, upright bass, standup bass or contrabass, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra, with strings usually tuned to E1, A1, D2 and G2...
(for comparison)
Other chordophones
- MandolaMandolaThe mandola or tenor mandola is a fretted, stringed musical instrument. It is to the mandolin what the viola is to the violin: the four double courses of strings tuned in fifths to the same pitches as the viola , a fifth lower than a mandolin...
: 20.2 in (51 cm) - MandolinMandolinA mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family . It descends from the mandore, a soprano member of the lute family. The mandolin soundboard comes in many shapes—but generally round or teardrop-shaped, sometimes with scrolls or other projections. A mandolin may have f-holes, or a single...
: 14.1 in (36 cm)- Octave mandolin: 22.75 in (58 cm)
- UkuleleUkuleleThe ukulele, ; from ; it is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings....
:- Soprano ukulele: 13.6 in (35 cm)
- Concert ukulele: 14.75 in (37 cm)
- Tenor ukulele: 17 in (43 cm)
- Baritone ukulele: 20.1 in (51 cm)
36in bass---------alembic//
37 in multiscale bass----------dingwall//
38 in bass---------overwater//
39.55in bass knuckle bass//
Piano
The scale length of a piano is quoted as the length of the longest string. As this is normally the lowest bass note, it will be a single string.Grand piano
Concert grand pianos range in scale from about 7 ft 6 in (229 cm) to 9 ft (274 cm) or occasionally more. Notable concert grands include:- The SteinwaySteinway & SonsSteinway & Sons, also known as Steinway , is an American and German manufacturer of handmade pianos, founded 1853 in Manhattan in New York City by German immigrant Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg...
Model DSteinway D-274D-274 is the model name of a concert grand piano, the flagship of the Steinway & Sons line, first built in 1884.It is generally described as the first choice of most concert pianists....
, at 8 ft 11-3/4 in (272 cm). - The Imperial BösendorferImperial Bosendorfer (piano)The Imperial Bösendorfer is the largest model of pianos that Bösendorfer manufactures at 290 centimeters long, or 9½ feet. For 90 years, the only concert grand piano in the world with 97 keys, in 1990 it was joined in this tradition by the instruments of Stuart & Sons, Australia...
, at 9-1/2 feet (290 cm) with 97 keys. - The FazioliFazioliFazioli Pianoforti is a piano manufacturing company based in Sacile, Italy.Fazioli currently produces 110 pianos a year from its single factory, and has annual revenues of €6 million.- History :...
F308 at 10 ft 2 in (310 cm).
Smaller grand pianos vary in naming. The larger models, about 6 ft (183 cm) or more in scale length, may have the full grand piano action, and are used in smaller concert spaces. Others are intended for larger homes, and may have a simplified action lacking the repeat lever that is only useful for advanced players.
Baby grand pianos are the smallest, intended for homes, restaurants and similar applications where the grand style of piano is desired even at the expense of the longer scale and better sound that an upright format would permit in the available space.
Pythagorean scaling
- For the musical (rather than instrumental) scale, see Pythagorean tuningPythagorean tuningPythagorean tuning is a system of musical tuning in which the frequency relationships of all intervals are based on the ratio 3:2. This interval is chosen because it is one of the most consonant...
.
Pythagorean scale refers to the relative lengths of strings within an instrument. This kind of scaling dictates that the ratio of string lengths should be equal to the harmonic ratio of their pitches. It is a logarithmic scale
Logarithmic scale
A logarithmic scale is a scale of measurement using the logarithm of a physical quantity instead of the quantity itself.A simple example is a chart whose vertical axis increments are labeled 1, 10, 100, 1000, instead of 1, 2, 3, 4...
which doubles at each octave
Octave
In music, an octave is the interval between one musical pitch and another with half or double its frequency. The octave relationship is a natural phenomenon that has been referred to as the "basic miracle of music", the use of which is "common in most musical systems"...
. This type of scaling was offered under the assumption that by keeping all other factors consistent (esp. string thickness and tension) and changing only length, the sound of the instrument would be homogeneous across its full range.
Because the length of strings increases so quickly in the bass register, it often would produce an instrument of such length as to be impractical. If pythagorean scaling were applied to the stringed instruments, the double bass would be extremely cumbersome. In pianos and harpsichords, generally less tension or thicker strings are used in the lower register to avoid the need for such large dimensions as demanded by a Pythagorean scale.
Additional reading
- "Lutherie Info – Measuring Scale Length of Stringed Instruments" by R.M. Mottola, on the Liutaio Mottola Lutherie Information Website.
- "Fender's 3/4 Scale Guitars", a two-part article by Tim Pershing in 20th Century Guitar magazine, December 1996 and January 1997.
External links
- WA's Scale Lengths page -- guitar, bass guitar, mandolin and other stringed instruments.
- Instrument plans index giving some scale lengths.
- Discussion of the effect of scale length.
- Bass guitar buying guide discusses scale length.
- Vintage guitars with dimensions.
- Listing of some orchestral basses giving both body and scale lengths.
- Real Guitar Solo