Multi-scale?
Tilting the Scales in Your Favor
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-string bass 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!
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-string bass 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!
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But you don't have to take my word for it: see what these people had to say...
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