Yep tuning is important too.LP 24.5” from nut to saddle
Strat 25.5”
Shorter scale lengths need higher gauge strings respective to longer scale lengths to have similar tension.
Standard tuning 10 gauge @24.5”
Standard tuning .9 gauge @25.5
Each will have equivalent tension comparatively speaking.
Effect on playing? That is individual and determined by the player. You want the gibson jeff beck les paul or the fender jeff beck strat (or both?)?What is the difference between a les Paul scale length and a strat scale length and what effect does that have on playing?
What does it mean to have a les Paul scale length on a strat body and what is the benefit and/or downfall of that?
Indeed, an excellent correction!Gibson's scale length has changed a bit over the years but is typically 24 5/8" or more commonly 24 3/4" these days.
The proper way to measure the scale length is to measure from the front edge (fretboard side) of the nut to the center of the 12th fret and then double that measurement. You can't measure to the saddles because they are compensated and that position changes with the intonation of each string.
This doesnt track because artists have used shorter scale guitars tuned very low to great effect for decades.I prefer 25.5” scale guitars because I can use light gauge strings while maintaining good amount of tension.
The real benefits of longer scale lengths really start to pay off when using drop tunings greater than a half step.
With short scale lengths you’ll need to use heavy gauge strings when tuning down a whole step or greater to maintain an appropriate amount of tension.