Eastman El Rey scale length

**Chimera1to1** · 11-12-2013, 09:02 AM

Can anybody that has one of these please confirm what the scale length is using the nut to 12th measurement x2.

There seems to be a variety of lengths quoted so far, 25.0, 25.4 and 25.5 on various sites

**goshawk** · 11-12-2013, 10:25 AM

On my El Rey 1 from 2007, it's 12.5" from nut to 12th fret, so 25" scale.

**Chimera1to1** · 11-13-2013, 06:31 AM

OK GOS, thanks for checking.

Eastman say 25.5, G and J say 25.4, J Hale and Fould's say 25.0.
I want 25.5

Anyone else got one?

**clem_gael** · 11-13-2013, 12:24 PM

Mine is 25" too.

I don't think that Eastman makes 25.5" scale guitars.
Most of them are 25" and some of the new laminate one are 24 3/4"

**Jim Soloway** · 11-13-2013, 12:34 PM

Eastman list them on their site as 25 2/5. I actually got interested in the new El Rey 4 when I saw that but at 25, that interest would definitely evaporate.

**Chimera1to1** · 11-14-2013, 07:18 AM

I am very comfortable on my teles but I wanted a hollowbody that would feel similar but with more acoustic tone.

**Jim Soloway** · 11-14-2013, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Chimera1to1

I am very comfortable on my teles but I wanted a hollowbody that would feel similar but with more acoustic tone.

I was planning on talking to a dealer who has the new El Rey 4 in stock. He's a very knowledgeable (and obliging) seller. I'll ask if he can measure it and report back to you.

**Chimera1to1** · 11-14-2013, 12:01 PM

Thanks Jim

**SierraTango** · 11-15-2013, 01:59 PM

I had a chance to play a El Rey 4 a couple of days ago at Red Zone in Pasadena, CA. I didn't have a chance to pull a tape however it sure felt like a 25" scale to me. I'm pretty aware of scale length since I have a Pisano 880 which is 25" and a Guild AA which is 25.5.
I was really impressed with the El Rey 4. I demo'ed it through a Quilter Micro Pro and as advertised the rig had no trouble producing warm, round jazz tones. Very comfortable and light. The neck profile rivaled my Pisano which is really saying something, as the Pisano has one of the best necks of any guitar I've ever owned.
I was tempted however it will have to go on the back burner for now.

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 11-15-2013, 03:50 PM

When is the El Rey 4 going to make it to their web page? (lament)

Beside the holes, how is it different from the other models? I'd love a 7-string version of an El Rey, not sure what model, to slake my 7-string thirst.

**SierraTango** · 11-15-2013, 04:09 PM

I agree a 7 string version would be wonderful. Without spending large dollars for something like a Bambino Deluxe 7 there isn't anything I'm aware of that compares.
It's been awhile since I played a El Rey 1, so memory only, however besides the sound holes I think it is a larger lower bout, like 15 1/2".
I also wonder why Eastman hasn't posted on the website. It's a REALLY nice guitar!

**JSanta** · 11-15-2013, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

When is the El Rey 4 going to make it to their web page? (lament)

Beside the holes, how is it different from the other models? I'd love a 7-string version of an El Rey, not sure what model, to slake my 7-string thirst.

J Hale can order you one in a seven. He's had a few on his page.

http://www.jhalemusic.com/pages/ER1-7GA-2.html

**Chimera1to1** · 11-16-2013, 11:13 AM

I emailed Eastman pointing out the error

**Dookychase** · 11-19-2013, 08:24 AM

I'll try to remember and measure my El Rey 7 string. I think the lower bout is 14 inches with a 25 inche scale lenght.
I find it very comfortable to play. I more enjoy playing it than my Foster St. Charles model, it has a 25.5 in scale.

The El rey body is a little shorter than my Foster so the neck is brought in a little closer.

**Chimera1to1** · 11-21-2013, 03:18 PM

Drum roll...hold the front page..…. Mr Eric Fawcett from Eastman guitars says 25.4

**Chimera1to1** · 11-21-2013, 03:37 PM

You won't believe this. He's just got back to me, the ER 1,2 and 3 are 25.4.

The ER 4 Is 24.9

**Jim Soloway** · 11-21-2013, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by Chimera1to1

You won't believe this. He's just got back to me, the ER 1,2 and 3 are 25.4.

The ER 4 Is 24.9

That would explain, at least in part, how they solved the balance issues. It knocks it off my list but I suspect it may well be a lovely guitar for a lot of folks.

**Chimera1to1** · 11-21-2013, 04:20 PM

I find it strange why Eastman would do this. To some extent it was something that I thought would crop up on the recent thread "No love for Hofner?".

Hofner have the same thing going on with their Verithins, most are 24 3/4 but the German made ones are usually 25 1/2. And then some of the full hollow bodies are 25 1/4. Consumers identify with "brands" but you can't IMHO identify with something ambiguous

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 11-21-2013, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by Chimera1to1

You won't believe this. He's just got back to me, the ER 1,2 and 3 are 25.4.

The ER 4 Is 24.9

Frowny face.

**Chimera1to1** · 11-22-2013, 07:19 AM

A bit like Fender with TDPRI, I hope Eastman are taking note.

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 11-22-2013, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by Chimera1to1

A bit like Fender with TDPRI, I hope Eastman are taking note.

FROWNY FACE to shortening the scale length

**Chimera1to1** · 11-22-2013, 01:37 PM

Response from Eastman

I was curious myself as to why the ER4 has a shorter scale. I am going to give Otto a call when I have a chance to see what his reasoning was behind this.

This is one of the few areas we don't have control over when it comes to design. The El Rey series is a partnership between us and Otto D’Ambrosio. They are his design. I will definitely express the concern of the jazz community regarding the ER4 having a shorter scale to Otto when I speak with him.

**Dookychase** · 11-22-2013, 02:06 PM

I measured my El Rey today during lunch. The lower bout is 14 1/4 inches at the lower bout and the scale lenght is
25. Its the El Rey 1-7. As I said before I find it really comfortable to play. Jeff Hale balanced it before shipping it out to me.

**Klatu** · 11-22-2013, 02:08 PM

I just measured my El Rey 2, and its scale length is 25", not 25 1/2".

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 11-22-2013, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by Chimera1to1

Response from Eastman

I was curious myself as to why the ER4 has a shorter scale. I am going to give Otto a call when I have a chance to see what his reasoning was behind this.

This is one of the few areas we don't have control over when it comes to design. The El Rey series is a partnership between us and Otto D’Ambrosio. They are his design. I will definitely express the concern of the jazz community regarding the ER4 having a shorter scale to Otto when I speak with him.

The plot thickens!