Hi,
I just realized an important thing about string tension when trying different string setups for my guitars (PRS, Fender, Les Paul and ESP MH-1000).
I noticed this my new ESP was feeling way easier to bend than my Les Paul which is counterintuitive. And PRS was easier to bend than my Les Paul.
So here's the kicker - string tension is not at all related to scale length but to actual string length!
The string length is the furthest point from the tuner peg to the bridge for each string.
This is why the same string gauges can feel so different on different guitars and even on the same strings.
This also means that the head stock length, orientation, nut type and tuner peg location has a big impact on string tension.
And this of course impacts correct string gauge selection for each guitar (if you care about such things like me).
You can test this by bending a string and ringing the string between the nut and the tuner at the same time - it changes the pitch which means that the absolute length of the string is not limited to the nut and the tip of the saddle!
Below is a list of different scale lengths and string lengths on my various guitars. Note the HUGE difference in actual string lengths.
- Gibson Les Paul (top wrapped)
- Scale length: 24,75"
- String length: High E 75 cm (29,3"), G 82 cm (32")
- PRS SE 24 (my favourite of course with optimal scale and string length)
- Scale length: 25"
- String length: High E 69.5 cm (27.1"), G 77.5 cm (30.3")
- Fender Stratocaster
- Scale length: 25,5"
- String length: High E 82 cm (32"), G 77 cm (30.1") <- Note the huge string length on the High E <- This is why Yngwie tunes it down half a step
- ESP MH-1000 (the locking nut reduces the string length since it is the furthest point where the string is locked)
- Scale length: 25,5"
- String length: High E 66 cm (25.8"), G 66 cm (25.8")
In my opinion every guitar ad should include string length for each string in addition to scale length.
Because I think it impacts playability a lot more than scale length. Scale length is more related to how big your hands are.
I hope this information was useful for somebody
I just realized an important thing about string tension when trying different string setups for my guitars (PRS, Fender, Les Paul and ESP MH-1000).
I noticed this my new ESP was feeling way easier to bend than my Les Paul which is counterintuitive. And PRS was easier to bend than my Les Paul.
So here's the kicker - string tension is not at all related to scale length but to actual string length!
The string length is the furthest point from the tuner peg to the bridge for each string.
This is why the same string gauges can feel so different on different guitars and even on the same strings.
This also means that the head stock length, orientation, nut type and tuner peg location has a big impact on string tension.
And this of course impacts correct string gauge selection for each guitar (if you care about such things like me).
You can test this by bending a string and ringing the string between the nut and the tuner at the same time - it changes the pitch which means that the absolute length of the string is not limited to the nut and the tip of the saddle!
Below is a list of different scale lengths and string lengths on my various guitars. Note the HUGE difference in actual string lengths.
- Gibson Les Paul (top wrapped)
- Scale length: 24,75"
- String length: High E 75 cm (29,3"), G 82 cm (32")
- PRS SE 24 (my favourite of course with optimal scale and string length)
- Scale length: 25"
- String length: High E 69.5 cm (27.1"), G 77.5 cm (30.3")
- Fender Stratocaster
- Scale length: 25,5"
- String length: High E 82 cm (32"), G 77 cm (30.1") <- Note the huge string length on the High E <- This is why Yngwie tunes it down half a step
- ESP MH-1000 (the locking nut reduces the string length since it is the furthest point where the string is locked)
- Scale length: 25,5"
- String length: High E 66 cm (25.8"), G 66 cm (25.8")
In my opinion every guitar ad should include string length for each string in addition to scale length.
Because I think it impacts playability a lot more than scale length. Scale length is more related to how big your hands are.
I hope this information was useful for somebody
Last edited:
