Scale length and fret number

[Justin]

So I printed up a scale template today and laid it on my neck. I'm having trouble making sense of my measurements. I've been planning on a 24.5" scale length, but I think I'm going to have adjust that to a 24" scale length. With my box size, I'm only going to end up with like 17 frets on the neck. Does that sound right? I have another box of similar dimensions only it's a little shorter. It would get more frets on the neck. But not being a player, I don't know how many need to be there. I know there are no rules, but I'd hate to get this thing finished and find out all the good songs require a 19th fret. ;-) A longer neck wouldn't really help since the scale length would remain the same. So a shorter box would help, but may affect the sound. I guess I'm just a confused person.

[Justin]

Thanks Mark. And  you're right, I should keep my guitar downstairs. I keep meaning to restring it and learn to strum out some sort of elementary tune. A simple blues riff or something. Well, half the battle is over. It's downstairs. I still can't play crap, but it's downstairs!

[Furry Johnson]

17 frets plenty all the notes start again after the 12 just higher sounding