Is the string tension any different between a 22 fret and a 24 fret neck, I noticed today that a 24 fret silo seemed easier to play and bend than my 22 fret silo special, is it individual mojo or is there some truth to this? Also I was reading up about the compensated nut and robelinda mentioned that his guitars with the compensated nut play better, Im always looking for that edge -
String tension
- Thread starter lock-ny
- Start date
All other things being equal, string tension will be the same on a 22-fret guitar than a 24-fret guitar. If they have the same scale length, are tuned to the same pitch, and use equivalent sets of strings, the tension will be equal.
The compensated nut helps with intonation primarily on the first few frets. I doubt it does much else different from a normal nut, assuming they are both cut to the same height.
The compensated nut helps with intonation primarily on the first few frets. I doubt it does much else different from a normal nut, assuming they are both cut to the same height.
I know you're an experienced tech so I'm not trying to contradict you, but I believe the scale length is 25.5 inches either way (at least that is the specification), meaning the bridge is in the same position relative to the nut. String tension should be the same.
To elaborate, on a typical 24 fret guitar the fretboard is actually longer - the 24th fret is at about the same place the neck pickup would be on a 21 or 22-fret guitar (the 4th harmonic). The pickups are actually placed closer together, and the lower bout is a little deeper to accommodate the extra frets. Again though, unless the scale length is changed, the bridge will be in the same position relative to the nut - that's actually the definition of scale length - if the bridge were further back, it would be a different scale length.
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Spudmurphy
Well-known member
^
+1
+1
Big Poppa
Well-known member
Uva you are correct. there is no tension difference between a 24 and 22 gret neck. YOu may be infleunced sonically because of the different neck pick up position.
Tension class for jon this afternoon.
Tension class for jon this afternoon.
fbecir
Well-known member
IMHO there are several factors that have an influence on the easiness for bending the strings :
1. The string gauge
2. The string height
3. The shape of the neck
4. Fixed / floating bridge
Personally, I use always the same gauge on all my guitars. But with some necks, I have more strength in my hand so bending is easier.
I do not like to have a low action on my guitars because I feel I have less strength.
1. The string gauge
2. The string height
3. The shape of the neck
4. Fixed / floating bridge
Personally, I use always the same gauge on all my guitars. But with some necks, I have more strength in my hand so bending is easier.
I do not like to have a low action on my guitars because I feel I have less strength.
Tim O'Sullivan
Well-known member
I have never liked 24 fret guitars because of the fact the neck pickup is pushed back a little and the way is makes the pickup sound.
Spudmurphy
Well-known member
Another thing is a nice meaty fret - needs to have some height left in it -on my Les Paul (Fretless wonder!)it is a nightmare to bend and apply vibrato (on the up!)
pjc812
Well-known member
speaking of Les Pauls, they never had enough string tension for me. 13's at pitch felt like my JP at pitch when it had 10's. Therefore, I ditched the Paul and got a real guitar, JP7 
fbecir
Well-known member
You are right ! Good frets are essential. But with EBMM, we are sure to have a perfect job. But the problem with such nice axes is that you play a lot, so you wear your frets quickly
tommyindelaware
Well-known member
scale is related to string tension. it takes less tesion to reach pitch on a 24&3/4 " scale guitar than a 25&1/2.
another much more illusive factor though .....is the distance between the tailpiece (starting at the string ball) & the tuner post. the longer the distance......the more tension it takes to reach pitch.
another much more illusive factor though .....is the distance between the tailpiece (starting at the string ball) & the tuner post. the longer the distance......the more tension it takes to reach pitch.
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