39... plus the we bit for the endpin  X7 is more like 34 1/2

thanks for the info. i couldn't stop laughing at this marketing. in fact most of us just have 'smaller' guitars (x5 and cargo). of course each company has it's right to try to convince the customers

It's not all marketing.

If your chart would include the scale-lengths for all the guitars, you would see that things vary wildly.

Now, I know that *my* issues with scale length are not *everyone's* issues...but these guitars that are listed are not completely and perfectly interchangeable.

OK, Taylor introduced a small guitar, but they never said it is the only small guitar in the planett. So why all this is laughable ?

ok ok ok!!! don't missunderstand me!!! i was not laughin' at the company. it was the situation that seemed a bit funny and cheered XD as english is not my first language (and not even the second) i can't express myself properly ;)

I found it interesting that Taylor released a new "travel" guitar that "sounds like a full sized guitar" with dimensions similar to an old fashioned full sized 00 (something I checked after I went to the local Taylor dealer to find out when they would get one; September, but it is already sold).  I know a few of us prefer a shorter scale length, but I think most of us would prefer a travel guitar that was close as possible to full scale.  I used to do a lot of global travel and tried carrying a 00-15 instead of an LXM, and found the extra size of the 00 not as easy to get on a plane and after a few near checking experiences returned to the LXM (the LXM being all Formica is some extra peace of mind too).

In any case, Taylor's latest Wood and Steel is selling hard the GS Mini (as I suppose any good business should) and even I thought, briefly, wow a break through...

Disclaimer: I think Taylor makes some of the finest wooden guitars ever made (along with Martin, Collings, etc.)

Jon

This is an assumption that I would not make, based purely on the popularity of the Cargo.

I don't know that anyone has done a scientific poll of Cargo purchasers, but scale-length may be more integral to the purchase than some folks thing.  Correlated to the scale length with the Cargo is also it's overall length.  Add 1.375" to the overall length (which takes you from 22.75" to 25.5", scale-wise) and you might find that the length of the guitar starts to become an issue as a travel instrument.  Key to the last sentence is "might."  I don't know for sure, of course..

Regardless of overall length, I would once again stress that no one really knows (not me) exactly what  role scale-length (and comfortableness of playing due to the shorter scale) played in the overall sales-success of the Cargo.

I believe that Taylors new guitar is a 23.5" scale.  For people that play the guitar before buying (or not-buying), I am sure that this will have *some* impact on their decision.  Scale length should be considered when comparing instruments, if you want to uderstand fully the apples to oranges situation.

I guess my point is that one should not completely dismiss/ignore the vast differences in scale-length between "small guitars" when considering and/or comparing them.

I can say with certainty that in my case, the SHORT scale length of the Cargo was a big factor for my purchase.  The Emeralds, I believe, are small guitars with a "normal"  (or at least longer than the Cargo) scale length.  That is a part of the reason that I don't own one of those.  However, I do recall, back when CA guitars was still in business, that there were a number of people who said that they wished the Cargo scale length was longer, and some would not purchase one based on that.  Also, a number of people who initially purchased a Cargo, later sold it and got the OX because they felt the short scale length of the Cargo was not comfortable.  So, yes, I would definitely agree that the short scale length of the Cargo is a major factor (both for and against, depending on the person).

Tony

I find the Cargo to be very comfortable for me :) 

Based on the photos I've seen here with the Emerald X7 and Cargo... tennis anyone ?  funny with the cases they looked like tennis rackets for real.

I actually do want to try out an x7 because it appears to have similar dimensions to the cargo and I think it would work out well for me too.

I love the woody tops too that's just awesome! :)

-ev

Own two X5 woody's I think what Emerald does is nothing short of amazing. I have however been reading Larry Pattis's posts with interest. I think he is one to something when he says that the scale is only one part of the package, and it appears he is drawn to the shorter scale. Still I think he is dead on when he says the issue of playability is more than the scale length, it really is the whole design of the guitar. I suspect that as much as anything contributes to the popularity of the Cargo. It has big sound in a small package which many people find comforatable and playable. Tony was drawn to the Cargo by its shorter scale, he owns 3 Cargos because of their sound and how well they fits his style.

Even the competitors will give the Cargo design its due.  I am on the X7 road trip which means Tony will have a chance to spend some time with it. I will be curious to get his view on the X7 as it compares to his much loved Cargos.