I am in the planning stages for a solid-bodied, electric, GDAE tenor guitar build, and I'm considering the options for scale length.
The classic trade-off, of course, is the enhanced fret-ability and playability of a shorter scale vs. the enhanced tonal benefits of a longer scale. However, many believe that the tonal benefits of the longer scale are all but lost on electric instruments.
Despite this, I have found that the longer scale length certainly helps with an electric instrument's Power, Sustain and what I'll call "Shimmer" (that classic clarity, crispness, and 'bite').
Since I play mostly "guitarish" Rock and Blues, this Power (especially on Power Chords), Sustain and Shimmer are more important to me than being able to play lightning fast fiddle tune melodies. So, I don't think a very short scale will work for me. However, I'm wondering about a scale length just slightly less than normal.
So, does anyone have an electric tenor in the 21" to 22" scale length range, and if so, how would you rate its tonal performance on Power Chords and rhythm lines on the low strings?
If I can make that pinky stretch just a little shorter great...But I sure don't want to lose that Punch that comes with the longer scale.
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