phischer - Posted - 10/17/2011:  10:36:46

Was looking at a short scale bishline as an option.  Can I get some pros and cons on the 25.5 scale?

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 10/17/2011:  12:52:36

This may or may not apply  to your question because I know you're inquiring about bluegrass-style banjos.  I can't speak to Bishline banjos, but I do have a 25.5" scale openback banjo. 

Pros:  Tunes to A very well, sounds great in A (or double D) with no capo.  Also sounds great tuned to G (or double C)

Cons:  Sounds awful capoed to A.

I personally wouldn't consider it for a bluegrass banjo.  With an openback, I play almost always in A or D...hardly ever G, so I rarely have to retune to a different key altogether.  With bluegrass, I play in G alot.  Bottom line: works great for old time, not for bluegrass.  ---just my opinion.

Banjov1 - Posted - 10/17/2011:  15:08:52

Two folks I play with at a local Jam session have smaller scale necks... I think both are 25.5. One's a Gold Tone the other's a custom Robin Smith. Both players are smaller in size and rave about how much easier it is to play the shorter scale necks.

D.W. - Posted - 10/17/2011:  16:22:09

My Bishline is a "Short Scale". There really are no draw backs to the shorter scale. They just make reaching the notes easier. If you want or need to do one of those finger stretches/spans to reach a note on a tougher musical piece, it's easier with a short scale. 

Additionally I think all of their tunneled fifth string necks are by default "short scale." (25.5)  Or were when I purchased mine.

Edited by - D.W. on 10/17/2011 16:25:06

Scott Wilson - Posted - 10/17/2011:  16:47:34

I concur with D.W.

phischer - Posted - 10/18/2011:  13:33:33

The only problem I might see is that is could get a little tight when playing up the neck. Anyone else share this same opinion?

Scott Wilson - Posted - 10/18/2011:  15:30:40

I think we're talking only 3/4 of an inch difference between standard and short scale... is that right?  I don't notice any trouble with the frets being too close to each other up the neck.