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Actual scale-length measurement on a Gibson 24-3/4" FB?

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 4:09 pm
by Mike Van Brackle
Can anyone tell me the actual measurement between the face of the nut and front (or center) of the saddle at both E strings on a Gibson 24-3/4" acoustic fretboard?

I know it's not exactly 24-3/4" and I know you can get it very close to perfect using special tools or jigs. I just want to know what the factory measurements should be to compare my guitar measurements. Just curious how far off this particular instrument might be.

Thanks.

Re: Actual scale-length measurement on a Gibson 24-3/4" FB?

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 4:57 pm
by Rodger Knox
Gibson's scale lengths are all over the place.
Measure from the nut to the 12th fret. That will be half the scale length. From the nut to the saddle, the high e should be the scale length + 1/16" and the low e should be the scale length + 3/16". These are approximations of the compensation, but should be close enough for you to check.

Re: Actual scale-length measurement on a Gibson 24-3/4" FB?

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:26 am
by Steve Senseney
Another way to check the scale is use WFRET. Print out the scale you anticipate, and hold the paper template on your neck.

If one or two of the frets are poorly placed, you can spot this.

If the scale is wrong, you can print another scale until it matches what you have.