32" Scale - Pros and Cons?

[spade2you]

Originally Posted by Immigrant

OK, we get it.

It's getting old, eh?

[wvbass]

No cons. 32" scale is THE proper scale for a four string bass. Plays better. Sounds better. Is better.

Since most basses are 34", though, that is what I tend to play. A 34 is a sedan where a 32 is a sports car.

IMO, of course.

[rapidfirerob]

Alembic Spoiler since 85. I love the 32" scale and the bass!

[joebar]

i prefer a shorter scale bass
my old vantage is just over 32 inches and 22 frets and i used it exclusively for over 20 years and always loved the comfort of it.
playability is always number one for me.
these days a 34 inch neck is ideal but only with 24 frets; the spacing of this combo is perfect for my small hands.
a 35 is too much.

[Herrick]

The Aria Pro II CSB 32 scale bass I own is very comfortable to play except for the tight string spacing.

[iiipopes]

Originally Posted by markblasco

If you want to get an idea for the feel of a smaller bass, tune your current bass down a whole step and place a capo behind the second fret, which will put it at standard pitch, but with a shorter scale. This will not be exactly 32 inches, and using the capo at the 1st fret might be closer to that (I don't have a bass handy to measure), but it should give you an idea of the feel of the neck.

TUNE THE BASS DOWN A HALF-STEP, NOT A WHOLE STEP. In other words, tune the bass open strings to Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, then capo the 1st fret to get what a 32 inch bass will feel like. OK, 32 3/32, so tune it another 5 cents flat.

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by wvbass

No cons. 32" scale is THE proper scale for a four string bass. Plays better. Sounds better. Is better.

Since most basses are 34", though, that is what I tend to play. A 34 is a sedan where a 32 is a sports car.

IMO, of course.

I disagree. I think 32" is the proper scale for just one string, but not for the others. Hence the idea of fanned-fret multi-scale basses like Dingwalls. I think even 34 is a bit short for an E string, and certainly shorter than a B string should be at.

That's not to say that 34" scale 5-strings are bad, I just don't believe that that is the ideal scale length for a low B.

Dingwalls have a 37" low B string. That's more like it.

[Bassamatic]

I like 32 - it is more comfortable for me as I get older, and in general, seems to have a bit more definition than 30". I have been buying every 32 I can find that I can afford. My latest is a Yamaha Motion B II - very nice instrument! My favorite is the Aria Pro II TSB, but I don't like the pickup placement - it is a bit too close to the bridge for my tonal taste.

The tone and playability seems fine to me, as long as you use the proper strings designed for 32" scale.

I hope to find an Ibanez so I can get the narrow Ibby neck that is so nice. Still looking! My next trip to Japan, I will do some looking there, as it seems that there are quite a few MIJ 32" Fenders.

Warwick is said to be bringing out some 32s at NAMM - that should be interesting.

[steelbed45]

Originally Posted by Baird6869

Just saw this is a 5 year old thread, but IMO KingRazor is correct!

I personally don't understand why everyone doesn't just play 34/35" scale basses, but that is just me.

Seriously, I am a small guy (5'6") and I have small hands... I can play a 34" 4 string and a 35" 5 string just fine. In fact, I prefer them to 30 or 32" basses.

I have owned 30" Gibsons and a 32" Stu Hamm Fender. Didn't like the string tension on either (the Gibson was the worst) and strongly preferred the feel of standard scale basses.

To each their own, but IMO every bassist should at least try 34" before believing they should get a 30/32 just because they are short and/or have tiny hands.

I guess I'm the opposite, then. I have a 32" Urge bass, and I'm having a 32" bass made for me by Little Guitar Works. I sold my last 34" bass, which was a 1983 Fender P, last week.
I've played that bass since 1983. That pretty much says it all. I loved that bass, but I didn't just want to hang it on the wall. I sold it cheap, too, I practically gave the damn thing away. Japan Fenders have no market value, and that's a shame, imo.

[wvbass]

Originally Posted by KingRazor

I disagree. I think 32" is the proper scale for just one string, but not for the others. Hence the idea of fanned-fret multi-scale basses like Dingwalls. I think even 34 is a bit short for an E string, and certainly shorter than a B string should be at.

That's not to say that 34" scale 5-strings are bad, I just don't believe that that is the ideal scale length for a low B.

Dingwalls have a 37" low B string. That's more like it.

I can't argue that the Dingwall 37" B string is perfect. Last gig, I used my ABI all weekend. But, for a four string, I really like 32. My Urge I was probably my favorite bass ever. More punch than thump, but that was about the electronics. My Kubicki certainly can thump. Still, if you don't like the 32" E string, the Super J is your bass,and it fans from 32" (I think) I didnt love the five string version, but the four string Super J may just be the best bass on the market right now.

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by wvbass

I can't argue that the Dingwall 37" B string is perfect. Last gig, I used my ABI all weekend. But, for a four string, I really like 32. My Urge I was probably my favorite bass ever. More punch than thump, but that was about the electronics. My Kubicki certainly can thump. Still, if you don't like the 32" E string, the Super J is your bass,and it fans from 32" (I think) I didnt love the five string version, but the four string Super J may just be the best bass on the market right now.

I've been eyeballing the Super Ps every since they came out. I'd be inclined to agree with you.

[wvbass]

Originally Posted by KingRazor

I've been eyeballing the Super Ps every since they came out. I'd be inclined to agree with you.

Forgot about the Super P for a minute. That is probably a gas-ending bass.

[ebonalley]

I don't think anyone mentioned less weight. Most of my collection has a slightly smaller body. My P and J are 7+ lbs. Nice on the shoulder. PS that Blue Aerodyne is killer looking. I hate when I run across it on eBay.

P.S. No cons noted.

[Wally Malone]

Originally Posted by Baryonyx

Another Ex-Factor owner chiming in here! I really dig having a 32" scale bass. It sounds good, and it plays excellently! I've noticed with 32" scale basses that they often feel very responsive for slap, but this could just be in my head. Needless to say, I'm a big fan of 32" scale basses!

I love my Kubicki as well and got it new in 1986. Basses come and go but this one stays around and gets played.

Wally

[joebar]

Originally Posted by wvbass

Forgot about the Super P for a minute. That is probably a gas-ending bass.

actually...

IT IS!

32-35 scale-perfection.

[DeliriumTremens]

ha, this is a blast from the past. I never did get that Jazz Bass

[Hopper]

I play 31'' at the moment and find it easier to play down the nut end. I have heavy strings on it, 110 - 50, to compensate for the drop in string tension. If you're worried about loose string tension on a shorter scale, that's all you have to do. With regular strings it tends to make the sound heavier, thumper which I don't like

[ricoshea]

Very late on this thread.
I just purchased an Urge I (1989) bass without any strings it. It should arrive this weekend.
Can I just use standard gauge long scale strings, surely short scale strings are too short for a Fender headstock?

[Immigrant]

Originally Posted by ricoshea

Very late on this thread.
I just purchased an Urge I (1989) bass without any strings it. It should arrive this weekend.
Can I just use standard gauge long scale strings, surely short scale strings are too short for a Fender headstock?

It's hard to say. I've had medium scale strings (D'Addario) barely fit on a SD Curlee; the taper just made it to the nut. It's doubtful that short strings will fit the Urge.

I use regular scale strings on my other medium scale basses with no issues. One strings through the body, and a couple others have enough room between the nut and the tuner that no windings make it to the tuner.

It's a trial/error/learning thing. Post photos when you get it!

[ricoshea]

Thanks for the response. I hope to get it & string it 2mrw. Will post a pic if I can figure out how to.