Scale (string instruments)

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In a string instrument, the scale length (often simply but confusingly called the scale) is the sounding length of the strings. On instruments with strings which are not stopped (harp, piano) and on most fretless instruments it is the length of string between the nut and the bridge. On most modern fretted instruments the actual string length is a bit longer than the scale length, to provide some compensation for the sharping effect caused by the string being stretched a little as it is fretted. On such instruments it is not possible to determine the scale length by simply measuring the speaking length of the string.[1]

In many but not all instruments, all the strings are roughly the same length, so the scale can be expressed as a single length measurement, as for example in the case of the violin or guitar. In others, the strings are of different lengths, as for example in the case of the harp or piano.

In many instruments, for example the violin, the scale of a full-sized instrument is very strictly standardiised. Smaller scale instruments are still often used:

  • By younger students.
  • By smaller advanced players.
  • To obtain a particular tone or effect.
  • For convenience when travelling.

Larger scale instruments are rare, but may be used by experimental and avant-garde players, or specially made for soloists with particularly extended reach.

In other instruments, for example the viola and the electric guitar, the scale of a full-sized instrument varies a great deal.

Contents

[edit] Bowed strings

[edit] Violin family

The two most famous violin makers, Antonio Stradivarius (1644-1737) and Joseph Guarnerius (1698-1744), both used an open string length of 12.875" (327mm) for their violins, which had already been established a generation before by Jacob Stainer (c. 1617-1683). Later makers have been unwilling to deviate from this.

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 317mm, a 3/4 a scale of 307mm, a 1/2 287mm, and a 1/4 267mm. 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 scale 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 27.4" (695mm).

Violas are commonly described in terms of their body length rather than by a conventional fraction. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, unlike that of the violin and the cello, the viola scale length has not standardised, but rather an advanced player will use whatever scale length best suits them, see viola. Secondly, student sizes are not as often required, as most viola players who start learning at a young age would start on the violin. Common sizes include 17", 16.5", 16", 15.5", 15", 14", and less commonly 12", smaller than a standard violin; These measurements are nominal and approximate. At least one of the surviving Stradivarius violas has a scale length of 14.25" (362mm).

[edit] String bass

There is some variation in the scale length of orchestral string basses, generally in the range 42.3"-43.3" (1050-1100mm). There are also smaller versions of this "full scale" string 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 full-sized 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.

[edit] Classical guitar

Like that of the violin, the scale of the classical guitar was standardised by the work of its most famous maker. Antonio De Torres (1817-1892) used a scale length of 25.6" (650mm), and later makers and their customers have been unreceptive to any suggestion of change.

Unlike Stradivarius, Torres had no strong tradition on which to build regarding scale length, so the 25.6" figure can be validly attributed to him.

[edit] Electric guitar

As of 2006, the scale length of the electric guitar was one of the least standardised of all instruments.

[edit] History

Fender have used a standard scale length of 25.5" since the original Fender Esquire, but have also produced several 24" models which they describe as full scale to distinguish them from the student or 3/4 scale models. These 3/4 scale models have most commonly been 22.5", but some have been shorter.

Gibson have used several scale lengths, but most commonly 24.75", which was the scale of the original 1937 Gibson ES-150 and the Gibson Les Paul. However later ES-150 guitars had a 25.5" scale length.

[edit] Summary

[edit] Electric bass

[edit] History

The first electric basses were upright electric basses built in the 1930s by fitting an otherwise normal string bass with electric pickups, and so had a scale length of about 43".

In 1951 the Fender Precision Bass shortened this to 34". This is still often regarded as the standard length for a bass guitar.

On a modern bass guitar, 30" or less is considered short scale, standard (also called long) scale is 34" for a 4 string and 35" for a B-E-A-D-G 5 string, and extra-long scale basses of 36" also exist.

[edit] Summary

  • 30.5" (775mm)
    • Gibson EB-1, EB-0 and other EB-x basses, Gibson SG bass.
    • Fender Bass VI.
  • 33.5" (851mm)
    • Rickenbacker 4000 Series basses.
  • 34.5" (876mm)
    • Gibson EB-0L and other EB-xL basses.

[edit] Piano

Main article: piano acoustics

The scale length of a piano is quoted as the length of the longest string. As this is normally the lowest bass note, it will be a single string.

[edit] Grand piano

Concert grand pianos range in scale from about 7'6" to 9' or occasionally more. Notable concert grands include:

  • The Steinway Model D, at 8'11-3/4" (274 cm).
  • The Fazioli F308 at 10'2" (308 cm).

Smaller grand pianos vary in naming. The larger models, about 6' 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 the smallest, 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 format would permit in the available space.

[edit] Upright piano

[edit] Spinet

[edit] Pythagorean scale

For the musical (rather than instrumental) scale, see Pythagorean tuning.

Pythagorean scale refers to the relative lengths of strings within an instrument[2]. This kind of scaling dictates that the ratio of string lengths should be equal to the harmonic ratio of their pitches. It is a logarithmic scale which doubles at each octave. This type of scaling was offered under the assumption that by keeping all other factors consistent (esp. string thickness and tension) and changing only length, the sound of the instrument would be homogeneous across its full range.

Because the length of strings increases so quickly in the bass register, it often would produce an instrument of such length as to be impractical. If pythagorean scaling were applied to the stringed instruments, the double bass would be extremely cumbersome. In pianos and harpsichords, generally less tension or thicker strings are used in the lower register to avoid the need for such large dimensions as demanded by a Pythagorean scale.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] Offline references

  • Fender's 3/4 Scale Guitars, a two-part article by Tim Pershing in 20th Century Guitar Magazine, December 1996 and January 1997.

[edit] External links

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