Fret spacing
If you were to play a Fender Jaguar (24″ scale) then play a Fender Stratocaster (25.5″ scale), you might notice that they feel completely different. As scale length increases, the distance between frets also increases.
One may also ask, does scale length affect intonation?
Scale length isn’t just about tone; it also affects your CBGs intonation.
Considering this, how accurate do fret slots need to be? It must be very, very close or the instrument will sound like, well you know . . . When I cut my fret slots, I try to be accurate to within 1/64″. To my ear, that’s close enough. It had better be, because it’s about as close as I can cut them.
In this regard, how are fret distances calculated?
Divide any scale’s open string length by 17.817, and the result is the distance from the front edge of the nut to the first fret. For several centuries, this number was rounded to 18 and referred to as the “rule of 18.” For example, a typical guitar scale length (Fender Telecaster) is 25.5 inches (648 mm).
How do you measure scale length on a guitar?
The best way to determine the scale length of a guitar is to measure the distance between its nut and the centre of its 12th fret. Once you’ve discovered the value, double it. And voila – you’ve established the scale length. Keep in mind that guitar scale lengths are typically measured in inches.
How does scale length affect playability?
Scale length can have a significant effect on playability. All factors being equal (string gauge, string length beyond the nut and saddle, break angles, and so on), shorter scales produce lower string tension, are more elastic, easier to fret, and require less arm extension.
How many frets should a beginner guitar have?
Standard acoustic guitars have 19 frets, but some acoustic guitars may have between 18 and 20 frets. Frets on an acoustic guitar are divided into two: 12 to 14 frets running from the nut to the start of the guitar’s body. 6 to 8 frets from the sound hole to the end of the guitar’s neck.
What is a guitar nut?
A guitar’s nut serves several important functions. Located at the end of the fingerboard (where it meets the headstock), the nut determines the spacing of the strings and the action in the lower registers. Different materials will influence a guitar’s tone, and a poorly fit nut will greatly affect playability.
What is the difference between a 12 and 14 fret guitar?
12-fret guitar guitars tend to be warmer, fuller sounding, because of where the bridge is located.” On the other hand, a 14-fret guitar, with the bridge closer to the soundhole, can be brighter, with more attack on the highs. Comfort is another difference between these two guitars.
What is the rule of 18?
The rule is sometimes called the “rule of 18”. Basically, the position of the next fret, is the scale length, minus the displacement of the previous fret, divided by 18. It was close enough, and is still pretty close. Although the accepted number today is 17.817.