Scale length (string instruments)
The scale length of a string instrument is the maximum vibrating length of the strings that produce sound, and determines the range of tones that string can produce at a given tension. It is also called string length. On instruments in which strings are not "stopped" or separated, it is the actual length of string between the nut and the bridge.
String instruments produce sound through the vibration of their strings. The range of tones these strings can produce is determined by three primary factors: the linear density of the string, that is its mass per unit length, the tension placed upon it, and the instrument's scale length.
Generally, a string instrument has all strings approximately the same length, so the scale length can be expressed as a single measurement, e.g., the violin and most guitars.
Bowed strings
Violin family
The two most famous violin makers, Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, both used an open string length of for their violins, which had already been established a generation before by Jacob Stainer. 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.
Cellos 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.
Violas are commonly described in terms of their body length rather than by a fraction. There are two reasons for this. First, unlike that of the violin and the cello, the viola scale length has not standardised, but rather advanced players use whatever scale length best suits them. Secondly, student sizes are not as often required, as most viola players who start learning at a young age start on the violin. Common sizes include,,,,,, and less commonly, smaller than a standard violin; These measurements are nominal and approximate. At least one of the surviving Stradivarius violas has a scale length of.
Double bass
There is some variation in the scale length of an orchestral double bass, generally in the range. 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 fully-grown 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 bass is uncommon. Most basses are 3/4 or 7/8, and younger players can use 1/2 or even 1/4 size instruments.
Guitars
Classical guitar
Like that of the violin, the scale of the classical guitar was standardized by the work of its most famous maker. Antonio De Torres used a scale length of, and later makers have followed suit. However, beginning in the mid-20th century luthiers seeking increased volume moved to a scale, which is now the standard for such leading makers as Ramirez.Steel-string acoustic guitar
The steel-string acoustic guitar typically has a scale slightly shorter than the classical instrument, the most common scales ranging between short scale and long scale. Small travel guitars and guitars specifically designed for children can have even shorter scales. For example, a 3/4 size steel string guitar might have a scale length of.Electric guitar
Electric guitars reflect the range of scale lengths found with steel-string acoustics. With regard to tone, a longer scale favors "brightness" or cleaner overtones and more separated harmonics versus a shorter scale, which favors "warmth" or more muddy overtones. According to Dave Hunter's Tone Manual, each scale length has its characteristic sound and tone, which is individual from other sounds in the tone chain: strings, pickups, pedals, amplifiers, speakers, and cabinets.Gibson uses a scale length of on most of its electric guitars, including the ES-335, Les Paul, SG, Flying V, and Explorer. Gibson has used other scale lengths on various models through the years. Gibson's nominal "24.75" in scale length has itself varied, sometimes measuring depending on the production equipment used. As Gibson necks are not typically interchangeable, this usually goes unnoticed in practice.
Most Fender electric guitars, including the Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Jazzmaster, use a scale length of. A few Fender models such as the Jaguar and Mustang, which was introduced as a student model, use a scale length of. Fender has also built some 3/4-size student guitars with a scale length of or shorter.
As many superstrats are based on Fender Stratocaster, they also ended up adopting the scale length. Seven-string guitar may utilize the same scales range across the fretboard, ranging from all the way to, while eight-string guitar may utilize scale ranging from all the way to. Alternatively, they may utilize Multi-scale fingerboard such that the high string utilize scale length, and then gradually lengthen until the lowest string is at around scale length.
Bass guitar
The first electric basses were upright electric basses built in the 1930s by fitting an otherwise normal double bass with electric pickups, and so had a scale length of about. When the electric bass guitar was popularized by the release in 1951 of the Fender Precision Bass, its shorter scale length of was established as the standard scale length for a bass guitar. An instrument with a scale of or less is considered "short scale". A "medium scale" of, halfway between the two, also exists, but is less common.Lap steel guitar
Other chordophones
Mandolin family
- Mandolin:. Classical bowlback mandolins are often 13 in., Gibson mandolins are 13.875 in. Some manufacturers, such as Weber, use 14 in.
- Mandola:
- Octave mandolin:
- Mandocello
Ukulele
- Soprano ukulele:
- Concert ukulele:
- Tenor ukulele:
- Baritone ukulele:
- Contrabass ukulele:
Banjo
- Banjo:
- Tenor banjo
Piano
The scale length of a piano is the length of the longest string. As this is normally the lowest bass note, it is a single string.Grand piano
Concert grand pianos range in scale from about or occasionally more. Notable concert grands include:- The Steinway Model D, at.
- The Imperial Bösendorfer, at with 97 keys.
- The Fazioli F308 at.
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.