Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Another dumb question from non-musician

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Houston
    Posts
    100

    Default

    I know, I should search the archives, but I have and found no real answer. How do you measure scale? I have several mandolins and each is different. Help an old man out. Thanks
    Treetopper

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    757

    Default

    Scale length? Measure from the nut to the 12th fret, multiply by 2.

  3. #3
    Registered User otterly2k's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Philadelphia
    Posts
    3,611

    Default

    Or just measure from nut to bridge.
    Karen Escovitz
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Otter OM #1
    Brian Dean OM #32
    Old Wave Mandola #372
    Phoenix Neoclassical #256
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    If you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!

  4. #4
    Registered User Bill Snyder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    7,316

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by (Treetopper @ Oct. 11 2007, 13:08)
    I know, I should search the archives, but I have and found no real answer. #How do you measure scale? #I have several mandolins and each is different. #Help an old man out. #Thanks
    Most modern mandolins sold in the USA will have a scale length very close to 13 7/8".
    Bill Snyder

  5. #5
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States
    Posts
    14,283
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

    Since your bridge isn't fixed to the top (if you have an archtop) you may have a little play (and a little intonation problem) with the scale length. The scale is distance nut to bridge.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

    + Give Blood, Save a Life +

Similar Threads

  1. Dumb question....
    By Mars in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 21
    Last: May-17-2007, 7:34pm
  2. Dumb question
    By tabber in forum Equipment
    Replies: 5
    Last: Dec-29-2005, 4:43pm
  3. Sorry, really dumb question
    By J. Mark Lane in forum Builders and Repair
    Replies: 17
    Last: Nov-11-2004, 9:37pm
  4. A Dumb Question
    By Dray in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 9
    Last: Mar-14-2004, 8:48pm
  5. Dumb Question #67
    By vedauwoorocks in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 6
    Last: Mar-02-2004, 5:57pm

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •