I have a 1999 Deering Golden Era that I’ve owned since 2000, and I just noticed that the distance between the 22nd fret and the end of the fretboard is about 1/2 an inch, as opposed to my Gibson blackjack and newer Deering, which is about .25 inches. I’m clearly NOT very observant!
Does anyone know why Deering did this, when did they change, and how does this affect the tone. I assume that the bridge will be closer to the middle in the GE, but I’m not sure.
Thanks!
Are the nominal scale lengths - ie Nut to 12th fret X 2 - identical? That's what determines the approximate position of the bridge. If they are identical, the bridge will indeed be closer to the center of the pot.
Even in old Gibson factory necks, and certainly amongst the boutique conversion neck makers, the space between the last fret and the end of the fingerboard has seemed to always varied. I don't know why, I can only speculate.
I expect some of the more modern CNC necks/fingerboards are more uniform, but even then I would expect not all brands would agree on how much "empty" fingerboard they design into their necks.
My point is that such variation is NOT unusual.
John: yes indeed the scale length is 1/8 inch shorter on the golden era.
Dick: thanks for the info regarding Gibson necks. The GE sounds just as bright and crisp as my others when played near the bridge. I suppose 1/8 inch shorter makes no difference.
Thanks to both of you for the insight.
Without the benefit of a scope, my 2 cents is, theoretically, there would be a bit more string length from bridge to tailpiece........even with minimal extra length, the GE would have a deeper sound at lower frequencies. Sure, there are many variables but as said - without a scope to confirm, it's theoretical.
Interesting. It does
Have a deeper sound than my equivalent
Gibsons.
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