playing a bass that's just a tad too big?

PuffusMaximus · #1 12-20-2011, 10:08 PM

hey all, I was wondering if there are any seriously adverse effects of playing whose scale might be a tad too long. For instance, in a song i frequently play the G and C major triads which for my hands is a small yet slightly uncomfortable stretch, and my hand gets tired pretty quickly. Is this an issue where my hand might adjust over time or should i look into a smaller scale bass?
Also, for the sake of cleanliness of sound i stray away from open strings in the triads so they dont ring out.

GrantStuff · #2 12-20-2011, 10:34 PM

If you are new to playing, it should get easier pretty quick, when you get used to stretching. If it continues to annoy you, though, then it will become less fun to play bass and no one wants that, so at that point ideally you should get a smaller bass. Generally though, part of playing the bass is stretching. It's a large instrument, and it's all a learning process.

But, if you don't want to get a new bass right now, continue learning and practicing on this one, so that when the day comes that you get nicer bass it will feel like it's playing itself.

ksandvik · #3 12-20-2011, 10:39 PM

An instrument should be comfortable to play -- maybe the first check when inspecting a new bass.

skychief · #4 12-20-2011, 11:21 PM

Also, consider getting your current bass a proper setup. this may help with the fatigue issue.

The short scale bass will make playing the G & C major triads a little easier, but i think having a good setup will help alot.

M0ses · #5 12-20-2011, 11:26 PM

In time, your hand will stretch. Use 124 on the lower frets until you get to that point: go a little past the point of comfort in practice, let it hurt a little bit, then go back to comfortable. It will get easier and easier and it will take longer and longer to start hurting.

Never let it KEEP hurting: that will eventually lead to injury. But a little bit of pain is a good thing.

ShredderMaximus · #6 12-21-2011, 02:25 AM

Also, if it really comes down to it, there is no shame in going to a medium/short scale bass. My first bass, a Squier Affinity P, was a 34in. scale, and thats what I learned on, and it was comfortable. But my second bass, a 32in. medium scale Ibanez Destroyer II, (didn't know it was medium scale when I got it) is just super comfortable and just that much easier to rip up and down the neck on, and I wouldn't trade anything for it today. Eventually for my next bass I want to get a full scale six string, but for now, the Destroyer is my baby.

DirtyDeRock · #7 12-22-2011, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShredderMaximus

Also, if it really comes down to it, there is no shame in going to a medium/short scale bass. My first bass, a Squier Affinity P, was a 34in. scale, and thats what I learned on, and it was comfortable. But my second bass, a 32in. medium scale Ibanez Destroyer II, (didn't know it was medium scale when I got it) is just super comfortable and just that much easier to rip up and down the neck on, and I wouldn't trade anything for it today. Eventually for my next bass I want to get a full scale six string, but for now, the Destroyer is my baby.

I recently switched from my 11 1/2 year old DeArmond Pilot V to a SGR 506 and man that 1 inch makes a huge difference. It is so much smoother on the fingers, makes me play less aggressively and control tone easier. Still getting used to it but it feels great.

OP, try out shorter scale basses.as well. It is, after all, a matter of personal comfort.