Short neck v long neck?

[brianf]

I have noticed that the short necked mandolins seem to have a rounder tone and more pop than those joined at the 14th fret. This seems to hold even on the long necks, when capoed at the second fret, and applies to all the spectrum of quality instruments. It is a matter of string length.
I'm wondering if this is just a subjective impression, or if there is a physical reason for it?

[JEStanek]

When the neck is shorter and the scale is constant (~14") the bridge is pushed more towards the tailpiece than on a longer necked instrument of the same scale length. This accounts for the difference in tonality (assuming the soundholes are the same (both oval or both f hole shaped).

I'm sure there are folks who can give a more technical answer but this is my short version.

Jamie

[mandroid]

Shorter scale , at 13 inches is 7/8 less than that common on Gibson's, and that scale length appears
on like, Bowl backs, and Martin's Flat back . some others use that length too.

physics: a shorter scale length will reach pitch at a lower tension . ~o)

Seems like there is a bit different middle ground on Gibby type , I note..
A40/50, is a fraction of the 10th fret further off the body, than 22 A4, the post Loar change is another shift that direction, on the classic F5,
[ have a Czech made F5 that I compare , not an actual Gibson in that 3rd example, in my comparison ].
:popcorn:

[Rob Gerety]

Shorter scale length does produce lower string tension at pitch and might be a little sweeter sounding - certainly I have found that in guitars. But I think the OP question relates to neck length - not scale length. Neck length affects bridge position - not string tension. A good question is does a short neck and consequent rearward bridge placement (all other things being equal) affect tone and if so, how? I assume the answer is yes it does affect tone - not sure how.

[mandroid]

well FWIW,
Then again, too many variables to make a blanket generalization.
Not that that has ever discouraged It.
A cherry wood core, mahogany faced neck without a Truss rod,
vs a solid maple neck with a truss rod , or a carbon fiber reinforced
neck, or a carbon fiber neck made as part of a carbon-fiber instrument, ala Mix F,

A lot more factors affect tone. ;)
[Ex: got a Gibby A (w/o TR)and an A4 [with], they even with necks patterned on the same tooling,
they don't sound the same]

Tone, which after all is in the ear of the hearer, perceived sound .. :confused:

BUT the discussion is something to do.. :popcorn:

how much has been written here just on the sound difference of one string set over the other,
or a pick choice?

[brianf]

Maybe it's just me, but the tonal difference appears to apply to all mandolins. I just wonder if, when a capo is placed on the second fret, does anyone else notice a favorable change in tone. It is the same effect as a short-necked mandolin, without a capo.
It may just be that the shorter string produces a diferrent tone, due to different harmonics.

[mandroid]

Oh No not the capo on a mandolin thread again :disbelief:

Capos, yea or nay, is a whole different series of arguments , that comes up.

former guitar players mostly..

2nd fret, yea, A,E,B,F# does sound different than G,D,A,E..

let's just say, zero fret open string and making the nut of non metallic material has an effect too...
they are different.

:popcorn: