MrFlibble

Ahhhhhhhhhhthisistheworstthread

Scale length is not irrelevant, but at the same time it is not the key factor in tension or clarity.

Clarity really comes from a balance of string gauge, material/construction of the strings, woods, construction style, pickup construction, scale, bridge style, fret material, nut material, and, of course, how long your cables are, how you set your amp, etc. Yes, scale length is one of the things in there. No, it is not the most important thing. Everything is equal in this regard. If anything, your amp and how you play is significantly more important.

Look at Brian May's guitar. 24" scale, semi-hollow construction, crap wood, thick layer of plastic around it, light strings and (technically sloppily-made) single coils wired up as humbuckers. If you simply ascribe clarity to scale length, string gauge and overall tension, you'd come to the conclusion that he would sound about as clear as a damp fart. But no, he's got damn well the clearest tone of any rock guitarist you can mention.
Conversely, look at Stephen Carpenter. 27" scale 7- and 8-strings, heavy string gauge, bright woods and ceramic active humbuckers, and the guy just produces a wall of inaudible noise.

If clarity is your end goal, scale length and string gauge aren't things to be worrying about. You should simply spend more time with your amp.

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