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| 12 string scale length question http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=30761 |
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| Author: | Gregg C [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:08 am ] |
| Post subject: | 12 string scale length question |
Good morning guys, I noticed Martin's D12 David Crosby and the D12X1AE has a 25.4" scale length, But the D12-28 has a 24.9" scale length. Why the difference ?? Whats the difference ?? Is once preferred over the other ?? Gregg |
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| Author: | JJ Donohue [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string scale length question |
I used 24.9" scale length when I built a similar model because I wanted to string it to concert pitch...so I used the lower tension of 24.9". I know a lot of 12's are 25.4" but tuned down and then use a capo to get to concert tuning. As a player, the feel and tension of the strings is important so I guess it all depends on who's playing. I've had mine strung at concert pitch with absolutely no movement in over 2 years. It's always in tune when I open the case, so I can only recommend 24.9" based on my experience. |
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| Author: | Haans [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:58 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string scale length question |
I've built them as long as 26.22" and as short as 24.625", but my next will be 22.875". It's mostly a matter of what guage strings you want to use, and what pitch you want to tune to. Long scales with very heavy strings can go as low as A or B, but yer light guage, harpy 12's are usually 24.875-25.34" and tuned to concert or D at lowest. I'm hoping to go with very heavy strings on the VS scale as there seems to be a point at the long and short end where you have to go heavy. That works for me as I can get that old time sound on a VS scale, I hope. |
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| Author: | Matt Bouchie [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:44 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string scale length question |
I'm working a 12 string now in Alan Carruth's class that I'm basing on one he made a couple of years ago. It was a 12 fret with a 24.5" scale length and was tuned to concert pitch. It was a cannon and sounded great. I'm not sure what gauge strings he had on it, but I'm hoping mine works out half as well. Matt |
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| Author: | Gregg C [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string scale length question |
So, the scale length will alter the string tension, tuning and the sound of a guitar. Very interesting. There doesn't seem to be any rules, as an amature I think I'll stick with imitating the known "quantities" Martin D12-28 24.9 scale length for now. Thanks for the info guys. Gregg |
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| Author: | Freeman [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 12 string scale length question |
Gregg C wrote: So, the scale length will alter the string tension, tuning and the sound of a guitar. Very interesting. There doesn't seem to be any rules, as an amature I think I'll stick with imitating the known "quantities" Martin D12-28 24.9 scale length for now. Thanks for the info guys. Gregg Shorter scale will reduce the string tension slightly with the same tuning and string gauges - making it easier to fret and bend, reducing the volume slightly and maybe reducing the tension to the top a hair. There is some great information here, including 12 strings at the bottom http://theunofficialmartinguitarforum.y ... ng-Tension I have an old D12-28 with the short scale - it is fine tuned to concert with lights but like many players I like to downtune two half steps. It starts to get a little muddy sounding there. When I built my OM sized 12 I went to the longer scale - it is much better tuned to D (I usually use 12's which are considered 12 string mediums). I recently built a very long scale (26.5) ladder braced twelve which is strung with "heavies" (13's) and tune to C or C# - it is a monster! A couple of other considerations - Martin 12's are braced exactly like an unscalloped 6 string - you may want to consider adding a tone bar, taller braces and/or thicker top plate (like Taylor). I'll also recommend smaller bodies (jumbo is fine, I think an OM is better) - I think they have better balance. Martin has also made their bridges with both configurations (octave near the saddle, primaries near the saddle) - both have advantages. I've I was going to build another 12 based on a Martin it would hard to decide between an old D12-20 and the new Grand J. |
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