Calling on a 350 V63 owner for help

[320capt]

Could anyone with a 350 V63 out there do me a favor and measure the length of their fret board from the nut to the end of the board at the neck pickup?

I have never had the chance to see or play a 350 and want to know if the fret board is longer than a 620 or 660. I know it is "full length" but so is my 650D and it's fret board is 19 inches long compared to my 620 and 660 at 17 and 7/8th inches.

I am trying to understand how this works in that the scale length does not equate to fret board length. I was surprised, but pleased, that the 650 fret boards are longer than a 620/660 even though they are still the same scale length. I gather it has someting to do with where the bridge is place on the guitar base on what I found on the internet:

Although it’s very rarely considered when buying an instrument, the guitar’s scale length (or neck length) is an integral ingredient in shaping an instrument’s tone and playability. Scale length has nothing to do with playing scales and everything to do with the length of the strings from the nut (that white thing the strings go over, up there by the headstock) to the bridge. Why does the length of the strings matter? The scale (length) of the neck (and, ultimately, the strings) determines two major aspects of a guitar’s personality: the distance between the frets, and the tension (or tightness) of the strings.

Thanks!

[jingle_jangle]

The 650D has 24 frets. The 350V63, 21. Same scale length at 24 3/4", though. More frets=more fretboard length.

[Clint]

Actually, in this case, the different lengths are due to the 650's three extra frets. The scale is the same, but the 620 and the 350V63 have 21 frets. The 650 has 24.

[kiramdear]

Thanks for the quote and for bringing up the subject of scale length which is a peculiar obsession of mine. It's the reason I love Rickenbacker over all other makers because their ultra-short 310-320-325 models afford me the optimum in tone and playability. There is simply no replacement in the world for me for these models.

Now somewhat less favorably, Rick's full scale models are similar (to me) in feel and (in some ways) tone with Gibson's because they share closely their scale length, while Fender's full-scale models (being nearly an inch longer than those) have never found favor with me. I have enjoyed the short-scale Gibsons and Fenders but they are still a good two inches longer than the short Ricks which I have found ideal for my purposes.

[320capt]

The 650D has 24 frets. The 350V63, 21. Same scale length at 24 3/4", though. More frets=more fretboard length.

I'm stupid I know, but why if they are the same scale length why does the 650 have more frets than the 350 V63?

In pictures the 350 V63 neck looks long to me so I thought it might be like the 650D, which I like. I don't think I could come to grips with the short neck models. The 620 and 660 necks have my left hand feeling just a little too much to the inside as it is, if that makes since. Not so on the 330 and 360.

I'm digg'in the neck on this 650D - fast, wide and way out there baby!

[jingle_jangle]

More frets = ability to play higher notes on each string, so you can rock and roll solo with the best of them.

The 24 fret thing came about in the '70s when pop and rock lead lines were getting shriller and screamier.

[buchrob]

If you really want to confuse yourself, go by your local music store and try on a Strat Mini which is designed for kids. Seems about a foot shorter than "normal" when you pick it up.

Dreaming of a cheapie 325? Dream on....

When you measure the scale length, from nut to bridge, it's just about the same as it's big brother. Fender just shortened the headstock and shrunk the body, putting the bridge further back, so that the younger players could handle a lighter mini-axe.

[320capt]

so you can rock and roll solo with the best of them.

Solo's? That explains it - I can't do those

Thanks guys and gals for the info. I hope to add a 350 V63 to the litter some day and take my hat off to those of you that can play the shorty's (and narrow neck 12's).

[ozover50]

Go for it Rick!! I have four of them and love 'em all to death!!

[xcoyle]

A 350 Liverpool, as opposed to the 350v63 has 24 frets. The neck is longer, and the bridge placement is closer to the fret board, so the three pickups are squeezed together like a 325.

[320capt]

A 350 Liverpool, as opposed to the 350v63 has 24 frets. The neck is longer, and the bridge placement is closer to the fret board, so the three pickups are squeezed together like a 325.

Thanks for pointing that out. As amazing as it seems, I had noticed that the Liverpool had Hi Gain pickups and "R" tail piece but not the other things. So...If I was insane and really wanted a 24 fret V63, a Liverpool with VP's, vintage TRC and tuners with a trapeze tail peice would cover it.

Could someone be that crazy? I quess it would only take money.