Short scale bass

Crimson Bass · #1 12-22-2007, 04:53 AM

Hi,
age old problem - small hands makes long scales a real difficult problem. Most everybody who doesn't have this problem seems to say that a short scale just can't produce the deep low Es and lacks the deeper punch of the long scales.
However, came across 'Birdsong' short scale bass guitars and Scott Beckworth. The sound samples sound pretty good, they look great and would appear to be my salvation.

What is your opinion of short scale basses? Have you heard anything about 'Birdsong' short scale basses? is there another solution (I'm 45 and tried all the stretching exercises to no avail)?

janekbass · #2 12-23-2007, 06:52 PM

well I play them as short as they come...

I play a fodera, and I've wound the E string down to an A on a record before. So I don't know what people are talking about when they say instruments can't produce that low end punch. I think it's more to do with the standard of the luthier, and how the instrument is made. Now there may be a bunch of crappy short scale basses out there that can't produce the desired sound, but I haven't come across that with the fodera.

Go for the short scale, and work with the bass. It's normally all in the fingers anyway, no matter what bass you play. So just be cool with the scale and work on the sound from the fingers. You'll have to change your touch a little I'm sure, but it's way worth it for not having to work so much....

Easy,

Janek

Crimson Bass · #3 12-24-2007, 03:13 AM

Thanks for the advice. You suggest the ability of the luthier and quality of his products is the key. Have you heard about Scott Beckwork's 'Birdsong' shortscale basses?

jcoopcoyote · #4 12-25-2007, 03:30 PM

Hi, I'm a short older guy too. After 20+ years of playing long scale Fenders, I swithched to 30" short scales about 5 years ago. Most of them can produce just as much bottem end. The biggest difference I found is looser string tension, so they require a lighter touch or stiffer strings. The other thing is they often have more of a thumpy fundemental sound, and less piano like harmonics and overtones. This of coarse is subject to build, pick ups, woods and strings. There are many high qulity short scale basses including Birdsong (although I think Scott only makes 31" scale) I have tried several custom models (Landing, Rob Allan), but didn't find any that really suited me. It turned out I'm happier with several inexpensive models (SX, Sammick, Jay Turser, Aria). They are not as high quality, but give me the basic sound and feel I like at a fraction of the price. Good Luck. P.S. Search short scale basses on this forum for lot's of info and suggestions.

rdrr · #5 12-31-2007, 03:56 PM

Don't forget Stanley Clark plays a short scale alembic. The scale is 30.75" and it's what he's been playing for the last 30 years or so and I think his sound is pretty damn good. I too am looking for a short scale in the future for the same reasons as you state. If you pick one up let us know how it works out for ya

Antti · #6 02-14-2008, 05:51 AM

Some cool stuff with reasonable price comes from Cliff Bordwell (cbbasses.com). If you look CB club pages (tb) you can find David Muntners short scale basses. He got 32" six string and some fours. I also ordered mine from Cliff Bordwell and it will be ready soon. Well, it will be 36" but Cliff makes those short scales and I believe he knows, how to make a good bass.

Crimson Bass · #7 04-11-2008, 05:10 PM

Thanks to all posters... I took the plunge and ordered a Birdsong 'Corto'. When I get it I'll let you all know what effect it has had (apart from creating a big hole in my wallet!)

Chrissy · #8 05-05-2008, 12:35 PM

Hi,

I have a 30 squier bass and I like the short Scale very much. But I wish to have an instrument with an active pic up. Do You know short Scale basses with an active pic up system?

Chrissy

jcoopcoyote · #9 05-06-2008, 11:20 AM

There are lots of short scale basses with active pick ups, or you can add them to a bass of your choice.
Since you like your Squire Bronco why not modify it, or buy another one to experiment with. You can try active pick ups, different bridges, tuners, strings, etc. If you are looking to try something different go to the various short scale links here on talk bass. They have lists of short scale basses you can try. Also look up pick ups and read about the various types and there pros and cons.
I had a Landing L1 with active pu's and I tried a Daisy Rock Retro H.
I believe if you go to rondomusic.com Kurt has a Les Paul style bass with active pu's.
Truthfully, I get all the tone and output I want from external devices without having to worry about changing a battery in my bass. But many people love and swear by active pu's.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

CTbass&birdsong · #10 05-07-2008, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crimson Bass

Thanks to all posters... I took the plunge and ordered a Birdsong 'Corto'. When I get it I'll let you all know what effect it has had (apart from creating a big hole in my wallet!)

Congrads on the corto.. I love the Birdsongs... you will also love yours !!!!