Short Scale vs Standard Ric Scale

bbobb24 · Post by **bbobb24** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:40 pm

Hi all, Do any of you folks own and play both standard and short scale Ric's? If so do you have any problems switching from one to the other? I've never played a guitar with a scale length shorter than 24-3/4, and I'm really itching for the new 1996.

Thanks in advance,
Bob

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:58 pm

I never have, Bob. I go back and forth between my 325 and the others frequently. I mean, obviously, there is a difference but can't say I've had a problem. What it always boils down to though is each individuals personal preference. I wouldn't recommend a short scale for folks with fingers the width of a hot dog.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:07 pm

I agree with Stan 100%. I own both and it's a breath of fresh air to switch from one to the other. I have slender fingers, though.

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:08 pm

My issue has always been my hand size. I have small hands, but fat fingers. 3/4 is better for my hands, but lousy for my fingers and vice versa. I prefer the full scale.

Does that help? Probably not.

bbobb24 · Post by **bbobb24** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:12 pm

Every opinion helps Brian. I have, I guess normal sized hands. I think I'll give it a shot.

Thanks everyone!

325_fan · Post by **325_fan** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 5:54 am

No problem.

[img]http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f278/Valentinejayne/2ricks.jpg[/img]

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 6:34 am

Bob: Don't worry about it. If you buy a 3/4-scale guitar and decide you don't like it, you can always sell it. It's hard too lose money on a near mint Rick unless you pay way too much for it.

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:07 am

I worried about the scale difference too until I had the chance to play a used 325v63 in January. I loved it! It was certainly much shorter than standard scale - almost four inches - but imagine playing a full scale guitar capo'd at the third of fourth fret and you're in the ball park. I found playing leads to be surprisingly easy. My encounter with that guitar tipped the scales for me, and the next day I ordered a 1996! Can't wait for it to arrive...

bbobb24 · Post by **bbobb24** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:33 am

Randy, I wasn't thinking about it that way, but you're right. I think I'll be ordering a 1996 soon. Damn these Rics are addictive!!

Thanks again for everyone's input.

glen_l · Post by **glen_l** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 2:59 pm

It's not as dramatic as you might think. For some reason people keep saying 3/4 scale, but a 325/1996 is not that at all. It's more like 7/8 scale.

What makes them seem so small is the compact body (also why a 350 still looks small - same body)

Yes, they do have slim necks, but that's hardly unique to the short scale models either.

grinch · Post by **grinch** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:57 pm

Put a capo on the fourth fret of a Strat and you'll feel it.

glen_l · Post by **glen_l** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 12:36 am

Actually it would be a capo the 3rd fret if you were trying to replicate the scale length.

With a 325/1996 you tend to position it with the guitar body resting on the middle of you, rather than across you as a full scale guitar does. This moves the neck out into a more familiar playing position.

qmoder · Post by **qmoder** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 2:52 am

You still won't get the same effect due to the fret size.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:18 am

I think you mean fret spacing?

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:23 pm

You also will not get the same effect due to the fact that the full-scale guitar will, in most cases, have lighter strings on it. You can't really play a shorty with .010s on it.