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I'm about the build Martin Size 2 parlor. After reading through the archives, I noticed that there is aome debate as to the best scale length for this instrument. The original length is 24.5 but others have stated that these instruments need a longer scale, such as 24.9 or 25.4. So what do you gain from a longer scale length on these instruments?

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Don Sharp
Got Brazilian?
http://www.sharpguitars.com

access to more frets and different string tensions

Don,

I actually like the 24.5" scale length on these guitars with 12 frets clear of the body - the balance looks and feels right. These old parlours have wide necks and this goes nicely with the shorter reaches from the shorter scale. I don't think string tension is a problem - I use 12-52's on mine and if you build/brace them appropriately this is more than enough tension, even when I go into dropped tunings. You get the easy bendability of the strings for the bluesy bends and the trebles sound really sweet. Access to higher frets is really not that big an issue imho.

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

... as in you can get to those higher frets with the right technique as opposed to you don't need them

_________________
Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

I never said the tension was a problem but many players like different tensions for different tunings. That is only one of the things longer scales bring to the pallet. Personally I like the short scale on parlors but was just answering what longer scales offer

Maybe I will have to build three identical instruments, with the exception of scale length. One with 25.4, one with 24.9, and the last with 24.5. And then compare. I can't help but compare the differences between a 25.4" and a 27+" baritone scale length and apply this knowlege to the difference between a 24.5" and 25.4". Maybe that's fouled logic though.?

_________________
Don Sharp
Got Brazilian?
http://www.sharpguitars.com

By the way, What are the body depths at the neck and tail blocks on these? I don't have plans to go by but I was thinking 3.5" to 3.75" and 4.125" respectively.

_________________
Don Sharp
Got Brazilian?
http://www.sharpguitars.com

[QUOTE=Dave White] ... as in you can get to those higher frets with the right technique as opposed to you don't need them [/QUOTE]

A friend of mine says using any more than 12 frets is just showing off.

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53% of all statistics are made up on the spot
http://driftwoodguitars.blogspot.com/

[QUOTE=WayneC] [QUOTE=Dave White] ... as in you can get to those higher frets with the right technique as opposed to you don't need them [/QUOTE]

A friend of mine says using any more than 12 frets is just showing off. [/QUOTE]

Yes - but which 12?

_________________
Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010