Building a multi scale guitar?

axisus · April 2022

I'm fascinated by the look of multi-scale guitars but I have never tried one. I'm currently building a 7 string guitar and I'm now wondering about making it multi-scale.

Is there any reason why not? I haven't routed the body yet, or fretted the neck. I'm assuming it's a case of doing the maths for the frets and getting an appropriate bridge - or am I missing something?

EDIT: I guess it would need a different nut as well?

jasonbone75 · April 2022

Yes, pick your straight fret, mark frets to longer scale on low string and shorter scale on high. Join the dots and that's your slots. Nut is angled so make your own.

Individual mounting saddles are best for bridge.

WezV · April 2022

Yeah it's just a different order of operations.

Worth cutting the fretboard to shape before slotting so you can then mark fret positions down each edge.

Although be aware the actual scale length for the outer strings will be slightly more/less than the distances marked on the edge of the board. I.e. 25"-27" marked on the edges will give you slightly more than 25" on the high e string, and slightly less than 27" on the low E. Not really a problem, but some like to adjust measurements accordingly.

Makes sense to have the "perp"(fret that is perpendicular to the centre line) between 5th and 12th fret depending where you want the fan to be. If you want the nut less angled so chords feel more familiar, put the perp closer to the nut like 5th fret. If its a shredder, push it towards the 12th.

You can go as far as having the nut or bridge as the perp, which some refer to as a half fan. Having it at the bridge means you can use normal hardware, but can give a very angled nut. It still works well with smaller differences in scale lengths, not so erll with extreme fans

I tend to mark each side of the board, checking fret to fret and nut to fret distances carefully on each one. Then scribe between each side and clamp a block on the board to act as a guide for each fret. Slow going but works well enough without making jigs for repeatability.

PhilKing · April 2022

This is the Firebird that @WezV made for me:

Image: https://i.imgur.com/x9jfdhm.jpg?2

When you play, it is easy unless you look at the fingerboard! However it really feels comfortable and it fits with the Firebird shape.

axisus · April 2022

Thanks people. I'm still undecided about this having never actually played one, but it's all food for thought.

normula1 · April 2022

I've played one of @WezV ;'s fan frets and after 30 seconds or so really didn't notice the fan at all

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

Become a Subscriber!

Building a multi scale guitar?

Comments