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Author
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Topic: Nut to bridge measurement?
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Wayne Carver
Member From: Martinez, Georgia, USA
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posted 02 February 2003 08:24 AM
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Hello, I think the correct way to measure scale length is to measure nut to bridge (inside to inside) Is this correct? Thanks, Wayne |
Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 02 February 2003 08:53 AM
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No, you measure from top to top, i.e. contact point to contact point.  |
Rick Collins
Member From: Claremont , CA USA
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posted 02 February 2003 09:44 AM
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As Jim says, "contact point to contact point" is correct. But, I also check the accuracy of the manufactures placement of both nut and bridge by measuring equal distance from the 12th fret to the nut,___12th fret to the bridge. Sometimes you can tweek the measurements to make them more accurate on some of the old guitars. And of course, the bridge of the Stringmasters and the Fender 1000 are highly adjustable. Rick |
C Dixon
Member From: Duluth, GA USA
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posted 02 February 2003 01:00 PM
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It is the center line of the changer axle respect to the center line of the nut. So the poster IS correct. By eye, it is the DTC of each. Dead top center. carl |
Wayne Carver
Member From: Martinez, Georgia, USA
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posted 02 February 2003 07:56 PM
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So if my nut is 1/4 inch wide and my bridge is 1/8" wide, where do I measure to and from?
Would it make any difference whether the instrument in question is a lap steel or reso? I understand the 12th fret is halfway and a good place to check measurements. |
Jim Smith
Member From: Plano, TX, USA
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posted 02 February 2003 08:26 PM
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It would probably be from the middle of each, but it doesn't matter how wide the nut and bridge are. Measure from where the string touches on each. |
C Dixon
Member From: Duluth, GA USA
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posted 03 February 2003 10:04 AM
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Jim is correct. Since one generally has NO way of finding the top-dead center of a roller nut or changer, the best way is to measure between where the string leaves the nut AND the changer. Most manufacturers are quite critical when installing the "Center line" of nut and changer axles.So if one measures slightly less than say 24 and 1/4", it is safe to say that guitar was ineed 24 and 1/4. Same would apply if one measured slightly greater than this. Rarely do manufacturers use less than a 1/4" in dimensions. Some don't go less than 1/2". I just went downstairs and measured my Excel. Using the points where the string just touches the nut and changer, it was dead on 25 and 1/2", which is what the specs call for on my guitar. Hopefully this will help you. carl |
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