Scale length as relates to sound, timbre- hi Ken Smith

suraci · #1 06-29-2007, 05:55 PM

I am a pro musician who just took up UB, I have an American Standard plywood and an Acoustic Image. I also know
Ken Smith from back in the day just before he started making e basses!!! Hi Ken, JG ( elec bass ) from Weston's here, how are you, and Arnie Wise?!

What effect besides sore fingers does the longer scale UBasses have on the sound? Is longer scale "better"? Is there a definable characteristic to long, med and short scale Uprights?

For my first string bass, i picked ( unknowingly ) a long scale, I forgot that exact number, but 43 1/2 maybe. I have heard longer scale is not neccesary, and many use a shorter scale. I like a big sound especially in the bottom where it counts!
Thanks

**Francois Blais** · #2 06-30-2007, 05:35 AM

FYI, Ken left Talkbass several months ago to start his own board.

Regards,
François

Steve Swan · #3 06-30-2007, 09:00 AM

The longer string length of 43 1/2 on your American Standard came from the days of gut strings with their lower tension and more supple feel compared to most metal strings made these days. Your bass was designed for getting a big sound in school orchestras and it's pretty popular among Bluegrass, Americana, country, etc. musicians who want a big tone out of a plywood bass.

I sold the American Standard that I had to a fairly small woman who plays in a nationally known oldtime string band group, the Stairwell Sisters. She quickly got used to the extra reach compared to her old Kay and loves playing her bass at festivals and in concerts. I hope that you enjoy your bass too.

suraci · #4 06-30-2007, 02:22 PM

Thank you for that. I have the Thomastik med gauge ( one step thicker than the "Vikes" ) strings popular with jazz players on the bass. Do you think I would like ( I know, subjectivity ) a gut string on the AS??
I grew up listening to the bassists of the 50's and 60's.

From my electric bass playing mind set, I recall that the short scale basses had a distinctly different character compared to eg. the Fender's.

How does this apply to String basses... just a "bigger sound".
Does a shorter scale create less tension or more, or no effect?

I have to work pretty hard with my set up, action is a little on the high side for what I "hear".

My bass was damaged and then repaired perhaps improperly, it is out of line ( the neck ) so compensations caused the bridge to be to close the the bar. One repair shop said it would cost to much to fix. Of course they are looking to sell new basses.

Thanks again

clink · #5 06-30-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francois

FYI, Ken left Talkbass several months ago to start his own board.

Regards,
François

http://smithbassforums.com/

dfp · #6 07-01-2007, 05:33 PM

strings: yes, i think you'd like a gut string on that bass if you like the 50's 60's sound. and as you say you like a big sound, esp. down low...

i lately use the La Bella set 980. perfect old school sound and feel. i was told by a La Bella rep that it is the same set they've sold for several decades. Bob Moore says he always used La Bellas. maybe the same set? playing them, i don't doubt it. good luck and enjoy!