Questions about tenors...

[dadsaster]

I'm looking to purchase my first tenor. I'm not into Irish music but am still considering tuning GDAE so I can switch between TG and mandolin without much thought. I know scale lengths vary from around 21" to 23".

Are shorter scale lengths more beneficial for the GDAE tuning? I'm also considering buying a cheap parlor guitar and converting it to tenor as I'm a left-handed player and I'm going to have to spend some money converting anyway.

Does anyone have thoughts on scale length and how it pertains to different tunings? Anyone have success converting a guitar to a tenor?

Thanks

[fox]

That is great news. I am sure you will love the tenor guitar.
You can tune GDAE on either scale but some guitars might sound better with CGDA.
Either way, you will be able to play all your mando tunes on the tenor but you might have to slow down a bit & make more use of your pinkie.
Considering how cheaply you can buy a purpose made tenor guitar I would not recommend converting a six string. There are lots of issues, mainly the bracing & design. Even a short scale six string will be made for around 150lb of string tension & tenor guitars normally need around 80lb to perform at their best. Then you have the neck width to deal with....

[pheffernan]

Are shorter scale lengths more beneficial for the GDAE tuning? I'm also considering buying a cheap parlor guitar and converting it to tenor as I'm a left-handed player and I'm going to have to spend some money converting anyway. Does anyone have thoughts on scale length and how it pertains to different tunings?

From what I've read, longer scale lengths are more beneficial for the GDAE tuning, adding depth to the low G in particular. My Newton has a 23" scale, although I've been tempted by the 21" Fletcher out of curiosity.

[bruce.b]

Both scale lengths work fine for GDAE. It’s more about the instrument and what sound you want.

[Mark Wilson]

My only thought is the longer scale is a bear for me in first position. But sounds really good. I'm curious over the shorter scale myself

[fox]

The answer is always the same... get both

[pheffernan]

The answer is always the same... get both

I keep looking to see if this one is available.



https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/117692#117692

[Cornfield]

That SSStewart in the classifieds here looks very nice

[Mark Wilson]

I keep looking to see if this one is available.



https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/117692#117692

Oh man that one checks off all my next tenor wants. one at a time one at a time...