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MULTI-SCALE?

Tilting the Scales in Your Favor
​So, what's a multi-scale guitar?
You may be familiar with the standard Gibson ("short") and Fender ("long") scale lengths and the feel and sound you get from each.  A multi-scale guitar can have the best of both worlds by blending a shorter scale length for the treble strings with a longer scale for the bass. The shorter scale on the treble side retains a familiar playability and finger reach feel.  The longer scale on the bass side increases string tension and gives low strings a satisfying snap and fullness of tone.

This combination of short and long scales sounds great on a 6-string guitar or 4-string bass, but is particularly beneficial if you play in drop tunings or want to explore extended ranges with 7 or 8 strings on guitar or 5 or 6 on bass.  On a standard-scale instrument, tuned-down or extra strings can feel floppy and exhibit serious intonation problems: on a multi-scale guitar, tension feels even across the fretboard and tuning is never compromised.  Give your strings the scale lengths they deserve!


How does a multi-scale fretboard feel?
Most people who try my guitars comment that the "tilting" or splay of the frets is a lot less noticeable than they had anticipated.  A 6-string guitar or 4-string bass fretboard will feel natural in minutes.  The 7- and 8-string guitars and 5- and 6-string basses will require a couple small adjustments in your fretting hand since the scales are stretched a bit more: a slightly longer reach is required in the lower bass side positions, and high positions near the neck-body joint may need an extra eye for accuracy at first, as well.

Don't think too much about it!  Playing a multi-scale instrument is mostly a visual adjustment.  Your hand will quickly adapt, and I know you'll find that the benefits in improved tone and tension will outweigh any initial challenges.  Remember, the scales are tilted in your favor, and once you play a multi-scale guitar, you may never want to go back!

But you don't have to take my word for it: see what these people had to say...
Testimonials
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  • Home
  • Guitars
    • Iris Guitar
    • Alma Guitar
    • Jessie Lynn Guitar
    • Alma Archtop Guitar
    • Custom Line
    • Essential Line
    • Oil & Vinegar Line
    • Order Now!
    • Available Now
    • Gallery
  • About
    • How I Build Your Guitar
    • Multi-scale?
    • Testimonials
    • Charitable Giving
    • Events and Press
    • The Luthierist Podcast
    • Lutherie Resources and Links
    • Warranty
  • News
  • Contact