(your opinion needed) Optimum Scale Length for Low B

[bostjan]

What is the scale length that gives the optimum low B tone, in your opinion. Just looking at tone here. I know there are other variables, but assume those are otherwise already optimized to your liking.

For 7 string guitar, not bass...

 

[thebeesknees22]

just the regular 25.5" is fine. Just throw a .7 on it. anything lighter than a 7 though sounds poopy and floppy (at least on my two 25.5 7's)

 

[Kyle Jordan]

"26-26.99" is mislabeled "25-26.99".

I voted 27.

 

[bostjan]

just the regular 25.5" is fine. Just throw a .7 on it. anything lighter than a 7 though sounds poopy and floppy (at least on my two 25.5 7's)

0.070"?

I've been using a 0.064" or 0.066" at 25.5". It's serviceable, but I've grown to personally much prefer a lighter gauge at a longer length. Something like 0.059" at 28". It's all personal preference, of course, thus the poll. Thanks for your input!

 

[bostjan]

"26-26.99" is mislabeled "25-26.99".

I voted 27.

Damn.

Hopefully that doesn't throw the poll off.

 

[thebeesknees22]

0.070"?

I've been using a 0.064" or 0.066" at 25.5". It's serviceable, but I've grown to personally much prefer a lighter gauge at a longer length. Something like 0.059" at 28". It's all personal preference, of course, thus the poll. Thanks for your input!

yeah sorry .070

typo

 

[CanserDYI]

I'm always in A, which I always keep my scale lengths at 25.5 as longer just make the higher strings a PITA if you ask me, and multiscales are super uncomfortable for low chords for me, which is a huge part of my sound. I use a .068 for A, which uptunes very nicely to a very very taut and bright B.

 

[stinkoman]

Subjectively, I sometimes prefer the the the tone on a longer scale, sometimes shorter depending on what i'm playing or mood.

 

[thebeesknees22]

I should probably correct my post. lol I tune to G#. I just assume like everyone would want to be like me and tune to G# haha

so .070 on G# on the low B
(－‸ლ)

 

[Lorcan Ward]

26.25” for B

 

[Kyle Jordan]

Some clarification and further info on my feedback as well:

I have been floating between .052 and .060 for the low B anytime I have owned a guitar tuned with it. My 25.5" 6 and 7s we're usually .056, but I would go up to .060 for feel. On my 27" 8 string, I've consistently used .054 and am experimenting with .052. All of these tuned to B.

I'm definitely in the "thinner strings and longer scale length" camp when it comes to lower tuned strings.

 

[Emperoff]

Any guitar over 25.5" I buy gets tuned to drop A, so I guess my vote doesn't count much.

 

[aesthyrian]

25.5 with a .56 for the low B sounds and feels the best to me at this point.

 

[MrWulf]

26.5 to me. 25.5 is a bit short while 27 is a bit too long. 26.5 seems perfect for me

 

[IwantTacos]

28

 

[xzacx]

I do Bb, but 25.5 with a 54 is what works best for me.

 

[Anquished]

26.5" with a 58 for B for me.

 

[Crungy]

Of my two 25.5" RG's (1527 and 7321) and a 27" Agile Septor the low B (or A) doesn't feel drastically different. The Agile and the 1527 had fresh unknown strings on them when I got them and I put brand new EB Cobalt 10-56's on the 7321.

Not a good or scientific comparison since the strings vary but the RG's don't feel any looser than the Agile to me. I prefer how the RG's feel and play though the Agile is a very solid guitar.

 

[Marked Man]

For my style (prog metal), all things (including ease of playing) considered, 26.5" is King.

And SS frets, please. Both of my 7s have them.

 

[CovertSovietBear]

60/62 in A for 26.5, 56 or 59 for B on 26.5. Skinnier gauges still sound objectively good, though they don't feel as good, which goes against the optimum statement?