Scale Length Question

[JehuJava]

So I've finally given in to my age old desire to build my own bass. My job has all the heavy tools I need (planer, jointer, drill press, table saw, band saw, router, etc.), so I'm in a good position to do this correctly.

Since I've never done this, I'm modeling my first bass after one my existing Stambaugh's. This way I have a known good example to check my work against. My only change from the original is shortening the scale length from 36" to 35". Honestly, I prefer the 36" length, but my only real reason for doing this is that I can't get a 6 string set of TI Jazz Rounds for a 36" scale bass.


So my question is how can I adjust the measurements proportionately? I don't mean adjusting the fret spacings to fit, I mean I want to keep the string spacing the same as the same as the 36'er. Do I just layout the current string spacing, draw a line at 35", and re-measure the new string spacing?

Current width at nut: 2 25/64"
Nut string spacing (coc): 10mm
Bridge width: 4 11/32"
Bridge string spacing (coc): 19mm

Or should I just shut up and build the 36'er? Drawings to follow after this decision is made...

[Arx]

You could measure the strings as you describe, but I think it would probably feel more similar if you make it so the spacing is the same at the bridge, and not the 35" point. The other benefit is that it's probably a standard dimension you can get a non adjustable bridge to fit.

Your right hand is probably going to sit similar in position to what it was before relative to the bridge, so making the strings closer together won't help anything.

[JehuJava]

I think at the 35" point the spacing would open up a bit rather than get smaller since the spacing is 10mm at the nut and opening to 19mm at the bridge (albeit it's probably like 10.5mm or something miniscule like that). But none-the-less, I think your absolutely right. Keeping the spacing 10mm at the 35" mark makes the most sense.

[Arx]

Originally Posted by JehuJava

I think at the 35" point the spacing would open up a bit rather than get smaller since the spacing is 10mm at the nut and opening to 19mm at the bridge (albeit it's probably like 10.5mm or something miniscule like that). But none-the-less, I think your absolutely right. Keeping the spacing 10mm at the 35" mark makes the most sense.

it would "open up" a very small amount relative to moving an absolute distance. But your movements should not be in the same absolute distances.

If you keep the widths the same at nut and bridge, and pick any random fret, you'll find that the width at that fret is the same as well.

-Nick

[JehuJava]

Originally Posted by Arx

If you keep the widths the same at nut and bridge, and pick any random fret, you'll find that the width at that fret is the same as well.

That's very good to know. I never thought of it like that. Thanks, man!