12 fret 25.5 scale vs 14 fret 24.7 scale

[musical123]

I'm trying to figure out the main differences between these 2 configurations. I have a D-03 14 fret 25.5 inch scale and a P-03 12 fret 24 inch scale and am looking for a guitar that has an in-between fret spacing.

I really enjoy the parlor but the neck is a bit too short, so looking for something with short fret spacing and possibly less string tension but with a longer scale.

I think that a 12 fret with 25.5 scale would have the string tension as my D-03, but would the fret spacing be different? How would the 14 fret 24.75 fret spacing compare to a D-03?


Thanks in advance for your thoughts

[jpmist]

musical123
I'm trying to figure out the main differences between these 2 configurations. I have a D-03 14 fret 25.5 inch scale and a P-03 12 fret 24 inch scale and am looking for a guitar that has an in-between fret spacing.. something with short fret spacing and possibly less string tension but with a longer scale.

I think that a 12 fret with 25.5 scale would have the string tension as my D-03, but would the fret spacing be different? How would the 14 fret 24.75 fret spacing compare to a D-03?

You're in luck, Larrivee recently put out a new short scale model, the 24 series
https://www.larrivee.com/24-mahogany-vintage-series

Because I can't stop myself from taking pictures today here's a std size OO next to a custom OOV that is 24.75. Note the bridge saddle difference of about 5/8" from the bottom edge of the guitar.

String tension is the least of your concerns IMHO. With an online string tension calculator you can find the tension you have now and then shop for the string guage set that fulfills your objective.

The picture will show the nut on the OOV is slightly shorter. With a gun to my head blindfolded put either guitar in my lap and I would not be able to pick which was the short scale. I measured the distance from the bottom edge of the nut to the top edge of the 3rd fret, 100 - 98mm. With only 2 mm difference across the bottom three frets I'm skeptical anyone could tell them apart blindfolded either.

That said, very subjectively, for my long fingers, I do find that with a capo on the second fret of the OOV is a nice compact fret spacing I actually prefer over the same capo placement on the standard scale OO. But I could be imagining that.

[B0WIE]

The scale determines fret spacing and tension. If you want less tension and closer fret spacing, you have to get a shorter scale.
Tone is affected (more mids) but it's not the only thing that affects tone so it can be worked around.

[musical123]

Thanks for both your replies.

[Gill]

This is not going to be a lot of use to the OP'ers query,but when I pick up my OM-03 12- fret,or my OM-10 14- fret to play,I don't really feel, or find, any difference in playability,one is the same as the other to my my old hands and fingers,though they obviously sound so much different,wonder what I'm missing here.

[coldcoffee]

I'll just add two considerations:

1. There are a few chords, like a long A with the pinkie on the 5th fret of the high E, where short scale really helps me.

2. Before jumping the gun on a 12 fretter, spend some time and play one.  I've found that the bridge feels really far back for me if I'm palm muting (which I don't like).  The weight of the guitar on your lap is also distributed very differently than a 14 fret because of the elongated body... not better or worse, just different. So try it before you buy it.

[teh]

As Cold Coffee suggested try a 12 fret guitar before buying. When I bought my first 12 fret Larrivee, a parlor guitar in 2004, I had five to choose from and I picked a flamed maple version over two mahogany and two rosewood versions. Today, I now have four different 12 fret guitars in various shapes, bracing patterns and wood combinations.

My first 12 fret, short scale guitar is the 2004 Larrivee Sitka/Flamed Maple Parlor with a 24" scale, solid headstock and non scalloped bracing.
The second is a Martin 000 Custom with a 12 fret 24.9" scale, slotted headstock, scalloped bracing, Sitka spruce top, 3 piece mahogany back and sides.
The third is a Larrivee LSV-03 with a 12 fret and a 25.5" scale, solid headstock, scalloped bracing, Moonwood Spruce top, American Walnut back and sides AND a Venetian cutaway which gave me unrestricted access beyond the 12th fret. 
The fourth is a Larrivee Mahogany topped 00-24 with a 12 fret 24.9" scale, solid headstock and scalloped bracing.

The LSV and 00 have factory installed Anthem pickups and I use a Fishman Humbucker soundhole pickup on the 000. All three guitars run through a Fishman Loudbox Mini which allow me to add volume when needed. The parlor spends most of its time at my son's house since it's his favorite.