General Question

unused_bagels's avatar

What's the difference between guitar lengths?

Asked by unused_bagels (1749points) April 26th, 2010

I’m looking to buy an inexpensive guitar to learn how to play on. I’ve noticed that kid’s guitars are only 25”, but I’ve seen some in 38” and 42”. Does the length affect tonality, or just resonance and timber?

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8 Answers

se_ven's avatar

Wish I could answer from my vast guitar knowledge ;)

but this looks promising: http://www.guitarnoise.com/lesson/scale-length-explained/

the100thmonkey's avatar

The length of the guitar doesn’t affect the wood it’s made from. What most affects timbre is the size, material and placement of the hole and bridge on the frontplate.

unused_bagels's avatar

lol I said TIMBER, not TIMBRE. I can’t believe I didn’t catch that.

the100thmonkey's avatar

@unused_bagels: :D

The guitar is tuned to the same notes as a full-length guitar.

Randy's avatar

The difference is:

A) A smaller guitar is easier for children and people with tiny hands to play.

B) A larger guitar body can add volume, depth and resonance to a players sound without adding electronics into the mix.

C) A longer neck adds more frets to the guitar which gives more notes and greater range of play in the instrument.

Personally, if you are wanting to learn to play, I suggest buying a full size. (at least a 37”) When you have played for a while, you will want to upgrade anyways and if you buy something too small, you’ll have to make adjustments to your stye since the guitar will be bigger.

Here is a pretty good deal for an decent into guitar. Also, I would suggest checking out what Fender’s (cheaper) sister company, Squire can do for you. They are pretty cheap and decent for an entry level instrument. Good luck!

unused_bagels's avatar

Awesome! I found me a 38” in my price range, and really appreciate the info!

Strauss's avatar

I guess the timber can affect the timbre!

@unused_bagels,what kind of git-tar did you get

zenele's avatar

Mark Twain said that if you can only read a sentence one way, you lack imagination. Well done, jellies.

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