help with scale length

[searam]

Good morning, to all! I have a question that I cannot find on the forum. Now that I am ageing, wish it was like a fine wine LOL, I am finding that I need to drop my tuning from E to D. This was actually a tip from Gordon Lightfoot. Anyway, sometimes this presents a bit of a "rattle". Has Avalon ever built a guitar in a longer neck length to accomodate this tuning, and other tuning variations? Is it a special order? Does anyone have an Avalon made this way? I don't think my "pipes" are going to revert back to the days of my youth! Ta!

[mutley2209]

A baritone guiitar may be a good choice due to lower tunings but i think the tension in the strings remain the same? don't think avalon have made one before? have you thought about trying a clasical guitar?

[searam]

Thanks, but while I admire classical guitars, and I must assume you mean nylon strings, the fretboard width and general feel are not for me. I gig "live" and I am very near to ordering my next jumbo from them. There are many builders who build in a 27+ inch scale length, in adddition to the standard 25.5 inch. I was interested in finding out if Avalon has, or may, build a steel string in that length.

[philjs]

Now that I am ageing, wish it was like a fine wine LOL, I am finding that I need to drop my tuning from E to D. ...snip...sometimes this presents a bit of a "rattle". Has Avalon ever built a guitar in a longer neck length to accomodate this tuning, and other tuning variations? Is it a special order? Does anyone have an Avalon made this way? I don't think my "pipes" are going to revert back to the days of my youth! Ta!

Rather than trying a longer scale length, try increasing the string gauge. If you're using lights, try mediums. Thicker strings will have similar tension at lower tunings on the standard scale length. This is the idea behind DADGAD specialty strings where the 1, 2 and 6 are medium gauge and the 3, 4 and 5 are lights...

Phil

[searam]

That is probably a good idea for someone who plays a lighter guage. I play .13-.56, so it won't work for me. Thanks, though. I think it has to be a longer scale length.

[mutley2209]

have you considered a Godin Grand Concert Duet? For a nylon stringed guitar it's pretty badass! and great for live playing may be worth a play, there's one in my local music shop, very very nice!

http://www.godinguitars.com/godinmultgrconduetp.htm

[searam]

I have owned two Godin electrics before. They are a wonderful product. But, I am a loyal Avalon fan, not so much a nylon string fan no matter the make, and I have my heart set on having Jim, and company, build one especially for me, in steel strings! Maybe when JB gets in on Monday, he might address the longer scale, or baritone, I guess. Baritone, hmmm... But, Godin does make a great guitar. Thank you!