Originally Posted by
peter.coombe
I have built mandolas with scale lengths of 15 3/4, 15.82, and 16 inches, and have played a 17 inch Gilchrist. The shorter scale lengths are easier to play, the longer scale lengths have a better sounding C string. The short scale lengths have a C string that sounds "thuddy" when fretted. I found the Gilchrist virtually unplayable, but beautiful instrument. However, if you are a guitar player or OM player then it probably would be ok for you. I am mostly using 16inches nowadays which I think is a reasonable compromise. Better sounding C string than 15 3/4, but still quite playable. Longer scale lengths do not sound brighter, so you are barking up the wrong tree there.
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