Scale length (string instruments)

Violin family The two most famous violin makers, Antonio Stradivari (1644–1737) and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù (1698–1744), both used an open string length of for their violins, which had already been established a generation before by Jacob Stainer (–1683). Later makers have been unwilling to deviate from this. (There was variance in scale length in the earliest violins, and almost all of those in current use have had the necks replaced, with the original scroll grafted, so statements of consistent scale length during that time is somewhat speculative.) Smaller scale instruments are used extensively to teach younger players. The size of these is described by a "conventional" fraction that has no mathematical significance. For example, a 7/8 violin has a scale of about 317 mm, a 3/4-size instrument a scale of 307 mm, a half-size one 287 mm, and a quarter-size one 267 mm. 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32 and even 1/64 violins also exist, becoming progressively smaller, but again in no proportional relationship. (A full-size instrument is described as 4/4.) Cellos exist in a smaller range of sizes than violins, with 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/10 being reasonably common. As with the violin, the Stradivarius scale is regarded as standard for orchestral work; This is about . Violas are commonly described in terms of their body length rather than by a fraction. There are two reasons for this. First, unlike that of the violin and the cello, the viola scale length has not standardised, but rather advanced players use whatever scale length best suits them. Secondly, student sizes are not as often required, as most viola players who start learning at a young age start on the violin. Common sizes include , , , , , , and less commonly , smaller than a standard violin; These measurements are nominal and approximate. At least one of the surviving Stradivarius violas has a scale length of . Double bass There is some variation in the scale length of an orchestral double bass, generally in the range . There are also smaller versions of this "full scale" double bass with the same scale length but with a smaller sound box, intended for other musical idioms. Smaller scale instruments are also quite commonly used by fully-grown players in jazz, folk music and similar ensembles. The system of conventional fractions is taken to its logical conclusion with string bass sizes, in that a full-size (4/4) bass is uncommon. Most basses are 3/4 or 7/8, and younger players can use 1/2 or even 1/4 size instruments. ==Guitars==

Classical guitar Like that of the violin, the scale of the classical guitar was standardized by the work of its most famous maker. Antonio De Torres (1817–1892) used a scale length of , and later makers have followed suit. However, beginning in the mid-20th century luthiers seeking increased volume moved to a scale, which is now the standard for such leading makers as Ramirez. Steel-string acoustic guitar The steel-string acoustic guitar typically has a scale slightly shorter than the classical instrument, the most common scales ranging between short scale () and long scale (). Small travel guitars and guitars specifically designed for children can have even shorter scales. For example, a 3/4 size steel string guitar might have a scale length of . Electric guitar Electric guitars reflect the range of scale lengths found with steel-string acoustics. With regard to tone, a longer scale favors "brightness" or cleaner overtones and more separated harmonics versus a shorter scale, which favors "warmth" or more muddy overtones. According to Dave Hunter's Tone Manual (2011), each scale length has its characteristic sound and tone, which is individual from other sounds in the tone chain: strings, pickups, pedals, amplifiers, speakers, and cabinets. Gibson uses a scale length of on most of its electric guitars, including the ES-335, Les Paul, SG, Flying V, and Explorer. Gibson has used other scale lengths on various models through the years. Gibson's nominal "24.75" in scale length has itself varied, sometimes measuring depending on the production equipment used. As Gibson necks are not typically interchangeable, this usually goes unnoticed in practice. Most Fender electric guitars, including the Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Jazzmaster, use a scale length of . A few Fender models such as the Jaguar and Mustang, which was introduced as a student model, use a scale length of . Fender has also built some 3/4-size student guitars with a scale length of or shorter. As many superstrats are based on Fender Stratocaster, they also ended up adopting the scale length. Seven-string guitars may use the same scales range across the fretboard (i.e. for all string), ranging from all the way to , while eight-string guitars may use scale ranging from all the way to . Alternatively, they may use Multi-scale fingerboards, such that the high string has a scale length, and then gradually lengthen until the lowest string is at around scale length. Bass guitar The first electric basses were upright electric basses built in the 1930s by fitting an otherwise normal double bass with electric pickups, and so had a scale length of about . When the electric bass guitar was popularized by the release in 1951 of the Fender Precision Bass, its shorter scale length of was established as the standard scale length for a bass guitar. An instrument with a scale of or less is considered "short scale". A "medium scale" of , halfway between the two, also exists, but is less common. Some five- and six-string models use a 35-inch scale to allow for better resonance of the low B-string. Lap steel guitar • Lap steel guitar: (six-string electric) . ==Other chordophones==

Mandolin family • Mandolin: . Classical bowlback mandolins are often 13 in. (same as violin), Gibson mandolins (and many others that follow Gibson) are 13.875 in. Some manufacturers, such as Weber, use 14 in. • Mandola: • Octave mandolin: • Mandocello Ukulele • Soprano ukulele: • Concert ukulele: • Tenor ukulele: • Baritone ukulele: • Contrabass ukulele: Banjo • Banjo: (five-string standard and four-string plectrum) • Tenor banjo (19 fret) ==Piano==

The scale length of a piano is the length of the longest string. As this is normally the lowest bass note, it is a single string. Grand piano Concert grand pianos range in scale from about or occasionally more. Notable concert grands include: • The Steinway Model D, at . • The Imperial Bösendorfer, at with 97 keys. • The Fazioli F308 at . Smaller grand pianos vary in naming. The larger models, about or more in scale length, may have the full grand piano action, and are used in smaller concert spaces. Others are intended for larger homes, and may have a simplified action lacking the repeat lever that is only useful for advanced players. Baby grand pianos are smaller, intended for homes, restaurants and similar applications where the grand style of piano is desired even at the expense of the longer scale and better sound that an upright piano would permit in the available space. ==See also==