Description – This is a straight edge / scale indicator for checking or determining the position of frets on a instrument. Its made out of aluminum and the markings are engraved so it will never wear out. They measure 1.5in x (x) long x 1/16 in thick. The anodized option is much better quality aluminium and the clarity is much better in the scale indicators. It has a .25in Offset Scale. We have lots of sizes listed below, Please specify in the notes section of your order which size you want. Sizes over 25in can get bent in the mail without the protective packaging option, but they are fairly easy to straighten. If you are looking for a different scale length, just let us know as we sure to have it.
Some features of our scales include:
- Higher grade Aluminum.
- Round Notches instead of Square Notches.
- “Offset Scale” for higher compatibility.
- Best information on compatibility.
- Temperature Declaration for better accuracy.
- Ours in made in NC, USA preventing the use of any foreign child labor in this product.
- Use green energies and recycled packaging whenever possible to reduce our carbon foot print.
- We use the hardest cutting bit that we can find for less variation.
- Made by dedicated hard tooling (CNC vs ASPS Machining)
- Engraved markings for long lasting.
- Anodized option for better wear resistance, higher strength, and better clarity.
Round vs. Square – We were the first to pioneer the use of round notches. When we first started making these we made square notches. We quickly learned it was easier to measure the frets and we could produce a more accurate slot with a round hole vs. a square slot. This is because the cutting tool is stronger because it does not have to reach to the very corners that cause less flexing of the tool bit when it cuts. We also use the hardest/strongest cutting tool we can find. And we cut the shanks down as much as possible so we can lower the cutting head as close to the scale as possible to reduce as much flexing as possible. It also requires less energy to manufacture thus reducing our carbon footprint. It takes over one hour to cut our shanks of our cutting bits using a diamond cutter. That’s a hard cutting bit!!
Anodized Option – Our Anodized scales are of considerably higher quality. The engravings are sharper and the aluminum of a stronger alloy. They are much easier to read in all lighting conditions. The anodized layer is also 10 times harder than the aluminum so it much harder to scratch.
Offset Scale – What is “Offset Scale”. It’s a good question because we had to invent the term to solve a problem that is common with these scales. Here is what happens. Most scales are based on the math of how to machine the scale so all the frets will fit. This would work well if it only had to fit the frets, but it also has to fit the nut. The nut can be hugely larger than the fret and not knowing what size the nut might be this is often overlooked. The result is a scale that will not fit. To solve this problem we “Offset” the scale to accommodate variations in most nut designs. As a result, this greatly improves the compatibility of our scales fitting any particular design of guitar or other instrument.
Temperature Declaration – Aluminum can expand and shrink more than you might expect. Its best to use a scale at the same temperature that it was manufactured at. If a scale is machined in a foreign country at 120 degrees Fahrenheit (not uncommon for a manufacturing environment) combined with cnc machining process can push the temperature of the aluminum to 500 degrees or more. And if you used that scale on a cold winter day in your unheated shop it could be off by as much as 1/8 of an inch! That’s why we declare the temperature of which our scales are manufactured at: between 65 and 85 degrees. If the temperature of our metal exceeds this range we stop the process to investigate what is wrong or let the metal cool before continuing. This reduces the thermal variation over the total length to a theoretical maximum of .004in. Typical variations can be found in the .002in range or less.
Engraved Name / Text – Personalize your scale with your name or shops name or other.
Cut to Length – Use this option if you want your scale to be cut to a certain length. This is different than the scale length. This is the overall physical length of the scale. Most people will specify which fret they want the scale to end at. We cut it just after that fret specified.
Divide Scale – This cuts the scale in half making it two seperate scales. You must specify between which two frets you want to cut the scale at.
Deburr – This removes the burrs on the backside of the scale in the fret openings from the manufacturing process. It also removes any sharp edges or corners on the scale.
Recycled Packaging and Carbon Footprint – It ships in reinforced recycled packaging and we use green energies whenever possible in the manufacturing of this product. We also use bicycles to make our post office shipments whenever possible to reduce our carbon footprint.
Note: Fret placement on musical instruments are often done by hand and misalignment of the frets as measured by the scale is only an indicator and may not mean a defect in the quality or workmanship of the instrument(s) being checked.
