The multiscale fingerboard
The Multiscale Fingerboard
The multiscale fingerboard
The multiscale or fanned fret fingerboard...What is it and why is it cool (if it's cool)...
Its hard to say who actually created the multiscale instrument. A basic harp from centuries ago was a basic multiscale. As the note went higher, the span was shortened to be able to tune higher without breaking a string. I personally think this was the reason in the beginning because there was no fingerboard yet. Later on the harp invention was innovated into what we know today as the piano. It has a harp, and a soundboard to assist and project sound. Somewhere a few hundred years ago someone made a lute with a fanned fretboard and that was the beginning of the multiscale we know today. There have been people who have pushed it forward, and the term "Fanned Fret" was claimed officially, although multiscale is more generic and no one will come after you for using that term.
So what is it? A multiscale instrument is a way to make the lower strings longer in scale length, and the higher ones shorter in scale length. Measuring from the nut to the bridge saddle where the string breaks over on its way to where it is anchored, that length will vary for each string, where normally they kinda look all the same except for the bass side usually being slightly longer for intonation (help put the instrument in tune). When the frets are laid out where they are expecting a longer scale length for the lower bass sounding strings and shorter for the higher sounding strings, they will look fanned from nut to bridge instead of straight.
For the modern day guitar it has everything to do with ergonomics and tone. Different length scales have different fundamentals. Just as a short scale of 24" will sound different than a scale of 25.5" with differences found in increments between the two. Some multiscale makers use 25" - 27" and some use shorter ones. Many points to debate/discuss about all aspects from playability to tonal characteristics of each.
The DAB multiscale might wind up being more than just the one so far. This one is the one I wanted to hear first, and was designed for a specific tonal range. I happen to like the shorter scale a lot (I like long scales too) and I wanted to see if I could start with the 24.75" scale length and tighten up the bottom end. I always thought it sounded too "dark" for my taste generally, unless I was really into playing it for certain styles. Overall though I wanted to hear a flatter EQ, something not as heavy in the lower mids and weak in the bass. The highs were always sweet though. So I designed and had made by way of CNC the DAB multiscale. It is 25.25" on the bass side to 24.75" on the treble side.
Does the multiscale improve intonation? It doesn't effect intonation as the guitar is a compromise of all keys and this is not the way to improve that. However, intonation can be improved by compensating the fingerboard on the nut end and even going as far as using a compensated nut, which are offered out there in guitar supply land.
The multiscale is generally better ergonomically, but it depends on how contrasting it is from one side to the other. A span of 2" will give you a much more pronounced difference than less than an inch, but generally it is more comfortable but can be strange for some people who go back and forth.
The DAB multiscale fingerboard is compensated at the nut for better intonation and provides a more transparent EQ which is not heavy in any certain frequencies. Generally the tone is more alive with multiscales and I'm pleased with the result. The multiscale may never really catch on, players are generally scared by innovation and the hardware available is much more limited. I encourage anyone to find ways to test drive instruments before buying, you never know what you'll find :-)
Its hard to say who actually created the multiscale instrument. A basic harp from centuries ago was a basic multiscale. As the note went higher, the span was shortened to be able to tune higher without breaking a string. I personally think this was the reason in the beginning because there was no fingerboard yet. Later on the harp invention was innovated into what we know today as the piano. It has a harp, and a soundboard to assist and project sound. Somewhere a few hundred years ago someone made a lute with a fanned fretboard and that was the beginning of the multiscale we know today. There have been people who have pushed it forward, and the term "Fanned Fret" was claimed officially, although multiscale is more generic and no one will come after you for using that term.
So what is it? A multiscale instrument is a way to make the lower strings longer in scale length, and the higher ones shorter in scale length. Measuring from the nut to the bridge saddle where the string breaks over on its way to where it is anchored, that length will vary for each string, where normally they kinda look all the same except for the bass side usually being slightly longer for intonation (help put the instrument in tune). When the frets are laid out where they are expecting a longer scale length for the lower bass sounding strings and shorter for the higher sounding strings, they will look fanned from nut to bridge instead of straight.
For the modern day guitar it has everything to do with ergonomics and tone. Different length scales have different fundamentals. Just as a short scale of 24" will sound different than a scale of 25.5" with differences found in increments between the two. Some multiscale makers use 25" - 27" and some use shorter ones. Many points to debate/discuss about all aspects from playability to tonal characteristics of each.
The DAB multiscale might wind up being more than just the one so far. This one is the one I wanted to hear first, and was designed for a specific tonal range. I happen to like the shorter scale a lot (I like long scales too) and I wanted to see if I could start with the 24.75" scale length and tighten up the bottom end. I always thought it sounded too "dark" for my taste generally, unless I was really into playing it for certain styles. Overall though I wanted to hear a flatter EQ, something not as heavy in the lower mids and weak in the bass. The highs were always sweet though. So I designed and had made by way of CNC the DAB multiscale. It is 25.25" on the bass side to 24.75" on the treble side.
Does the multiscale improve intonation? It doesn't effect intonation as the guitar is a compromise of all keys and this is not the way to improve that. However, intonation can be improved by compensating the fingerboard on the nut end and even going as far as using a compensated nut, which are offered out there in guitar supply land.
The multiscale is generally better ergonomically, but it depends on how contrasting it is from one side to the other. A span of 2" will give you a much more pronounced difference than less than an inch, but generally it is more comfortable but can be strange for some people who go back and forth.
The DAB multiscale fingerboard is compensated at the nut for better intonation and provides a more transparent EQ which is not heavy in any certain frequencies. Generally the tone is more alive with multiscales and I'm pleased with the result. The multiscale may never really catch on, players are generally scared by innovation and the hardware available is much more limited. I encourage anyone to find ways to test drive instruments before buying, you never know what you'll find :-)
