Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Thanks everyone!

No problem.

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

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

I think you mean fret spacing?

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.