mwc9725e - Posted - 06/28/2012:  11:45:33

Is it larger, smaller, than a "standard" banjo? Thanks for any clarification, I'm starting to get the urge to buy another banjo, and I'd like for it to not be yet another mistake I make.

mbanza - Posted - 06/28/2012:  12:18:59

Peruse results of search for "a scale" from the search box in the upper right hand corner of your screen:  banjohangout.org/pages/search....a%20scale

Viper - Posted - 06/28/2012:  12:34:16

The neck is shorter. You know where you put a capo on a regular banjo to go from G tuning to A? That's where the neck stops. Mine has a scale length is 24 1/4 inches, where 25 1/2 to 26 inches is more the standard these days. They're good if you want a shorter reach. 

And yes, you can tune them to G and C, as well as A and D. 

mwc9725e - Posted - 06/28/2012:  13:02:57

quote:

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Originally posted by Viper

The neck is shorter. You know where you put a capo on a regular banjo to go from G tuning to A? That's where the neck stops. Mine has a scale length is 24 1/4 inches, where 25 1/2 to 26 inches is more the standard these days. They're good if you want a shorter reach. 

And yes, you can tune them to G and C, as well as A and D. 

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 Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.

plunknplinkntwang - Posted - 06/29/2012:  01:47:12

Roughly its based on the scale length so this should affect the neck length often 241/2 to 23" falls under the catchall name of A scale.

The over all length of the neck can also be affected by where the bridge is positioned on the head, so closer to the tail will shorten the piece of wood but may have an impact on the number of frets; hence those banjoes with cantilever fingerboards extending over the head.  In reverse the Kyle Creed bridge position which is further into the center of the head will require a longer piece of timber.

In addition the string gage can be changed to give different standard tuning too.  Thicker strings giving a lower state of tune but IMHO & experience too thick loses the banjo voice and the instrument can start sounding like a piano :)

What I like about A scale necks is the reduced distance between fret positions [if I had frets] although not massively reduced as individual positions the accumulative effect can make the difference.  For instance many tunes seem to call for same string Fret2 strike Fret4 hammer Fret2 Strike sequence.   Getting from one to the other without having to move my hand makes it sound right, made much easier with the smaller distance.  It's only reduction of about 1/4" comparing 26" to 24" scale lengths but it makes a difference for me

rgds

Chris

BanjoJAF - Posted - 06/29/2012:  06:04:52

In this archived thread banjohangout.org/archive/199522, BHO member Bisbonian posted a picture that very effectively, graphically illustrates the differences in scale-length between commonly used banjos.

Someone else in that thread suggested that it be made a "sticky" since the question comes up so often.

I bought a Lefty "A Scale" banjo. (Gold Tone CCOTA).  I had the tone ring and hooks upgraded by Gold Tone and I've since had the 5th string tuner replaced ~ pictures on my home page.

I can't comment on differences because it is the only banjo I have played. However, it is very easy to play and so comfortable to use - almost an intimate thing...but let's not get carried away ;~))

Cheers! Jay

BobCu - Posted - 06/29/2012:  09:45:02

24 3/4 on my Sagmoen, and I wish it were a little shorter.  Love the short reach.  Capo at the 2nd is perfect, and plays standard G tuning just fine.