scale length preference?

Vince Luke · From: Iowa, USA

I've read that short-scale steel guitars offer the advantage of easier slants, but are there tonal considerations to steel scale as well, like on non-lap guitars?

And, assuming "yes, there are" let's say I'm after a "Les Paul"-type sound. . .would that mean I'd want to play a short-scale steel (because LPs are short-scale electric guitars) or a long-scale steel (because a long scale steel is closer to the scale length of the LP)?

I 'preciate any wisdom offered--been playing (loosely speaking) on an acoustic, but getting the itch to plug in!

Vince

Rick Alexander · From: Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Vince, the short scale (22 1/2" with 3/8" string spacing) is the most accurate for 3 string and split string slants. In other words, if you are doing a 3 string forward slant and 2 of the notes are in pitch - the 3rd note should also be in pitch.
It's possible to do 3 string slants in tune on a long scale guitar, you just have to compensate. A longer scale will give you more sustain because the added length increases the amplitude of the string's vibration so it takes longer to decay. Harmonics ring out more easily on a longer scale.

I generally prefer short scale because I tend to do a lot of 3 string and split string slants. But when I got my "new" 53 Fender Stringmaster Quad with 26" scale I fell in love with it.
It sustains into next week and the harmonics chime out if you're even close.
If you get the bottom and middle notes of a 3 string slant in tune, the top note will be slightly flat. Slight downward pressure on the tip of the bar compensates for this.
It's called "ear-hand co-ordination".

But when I perform live I almost always take my Remington Steelmaster T-8 with 22 1/2" scale.
It sounds great, it stays in tune and it's very accurate, so I have no worries . .

Chuck Fisher · From: Santa Cruz, California, USA * R.I.P.

I like short, if you use roundwound strings theres pleny of sustain, harmonics seem to pull differently on different scale lengths, IMO.

22 7/8 rocks

Bill Creller · From: Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)

The 26 inch Stringmaster has gotta be the best Fender built for tone, especially the old ones without the blend knob etc.

Dam,,wish I had one!!!

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

I own a 54' Fender Champion and an early 70's Deluxe 8, both have their own unique sound but when I play my 55' T-8 Stringmaster it's just absolute tone heaven. Even though the longer scale makes those 2 and 3 string slants harder to negotiate the tone and sustain more than make up for it.

Larry Phleger · From: DuBois, PA

I really like the 23” scale on my National T8 Console. I chose the 24” scale when I built my 10 string lap steel. I used a Carvin 10 string pickup on it, and I am extremely pleased with the tone. My string spacing is 3/8” at the bridge and the nut, making slants easier. Laughing

Bill Creller · From: Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)

National was big on the 23 inch scale. I built a couple lap steels with that scale. New Yorker has that scale.

Vince Luke · From: Iowa, USA

Thanks, gentlemen!

So, judging by the replies so far, the take-home message I'm getting is that. . .

short scales indeed offer simpler slanting (particularly w/optimal string spacing) and can sound awesome;

longer scales may require some extra skill development for slants, but at least some ears prefer the sustain and/or tone offered.

good to know,
Vince

Rick Winfield · From: Pickin' beneath the Palmettos

Having owned a "few" Les Pauls, I believe THAT tone comes from three essential factors: Hard wood
Humbucking pups
Magic Fingers
As far as the 22 1/2" scale on steel, it's the only way my small hands can get the melody triads I want. Even a small change such as a 23", becomes awarkward to adjust to.

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