Multiscale - The future of Acoustics

In the world of acoustic guitar building, innovation doesn’t often come quickly — and for good reason. The fundamentals of a great guitar have been refined over centuries. But every once in a while, a shift in design offers not just something new, but something better. I believe multiscale acoustic guitars are one of those rare advancements, bringing improved tone, comfort, and playability to the traditional steel-string format.

Multiscale — or fanned fret — designs aren’t just for show. By extending the scale length of the bass strings while shortening the treble side, the guitar achieves better balance in both tone and tension. The result is a low end that feels more like a piano or harp — strong, focused, and deep — without sacrificing the sweetness and clarity of the trebles. For fingerstyle players and those who prioritize a wide dynamic range, this balance can unlock subtleties that are harder to access with a standard-scale instrument.

Notice the fanning of the frets as the neck meets the body.

From a player’s perspective, comfort is just as important as sound. That’s why I place the neutral fret — the one that runs straight across the neck — at the 7th position. This keeps the fret angles aligned with the natural motion of the hand, making the neck feel more intuitive as you move up and down the fretboard. In practice, it’s not only more comfortable — some players find it more ergonomic than a traditional parallel fret layout. It may look unconventional at first glance, but in the hands, it makes perfect sense.

Another benefit of the multiscale design is how it allows for optimized bridge placement. The longer bass side naturally pushes the bridge further down the lower bout of the guitar body, which enhances resonance and helps the instrument produce a more powerful, open low end. Combined with careful voicing and material selection, this contributes to a tonal signature that’s both rich and articulate — the kind of sound that draws players in and holds their attention.

At the end of the day, multiscale guitars aren’t just a technical innovation — they represent a philosophy. It’s about refining what we already know works, and pushing it further in the service of the player. That’s what excites me as a builder. And if you’re the kind of player who’s curious about new frontiers without giving up tradition, I believe there’s a place for a multiscale guitar in your collection.

My most recently Completed Multiscale TripleNaught.