32" Scale - Pros and Cons?

[philtoler]

I have a 5 string 32". It feels slightly easier to play for my short little fingers. The action is set quite low. My main concerns about string tension and B string performance are non-issues - both are superb.

[ricoshea]

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Here she is. I had some lightly used Dad' 100-45's long scale hanging around so I put them on. Seems fine. First I cleaned up the fretboard with guitar honey, came up nice.
The pic doesn't really show it but there is a subtle gold sparkle in the black. The pearloid pickguard has also yellowed slightly, looks cool.

[Roscoe East]

Over the years I've owned two different 32" scale basses, and while neither of them struck me as excellent instruments (which is why I no longer have either) it never occurred to me to attribute their shortcomings to the scale length. There are definitely some things I can do better on a 32" than I can on a 34" or 35"...question is, how important are those things & how often would I need to do them, versus what I like & need & do regularly with longer scale instruments? Answer: Not very.

Still, in a pefect world (i.e., one with unlimited wherewithal), I'd have a super-badass 32" bass in my arsenal. Probably an Alembic Series I.

I'd also have a fanned-fret Dingwall, fwiw...

[Musicbiz60]

Just got a new 32" Squier Tele bass. Excellent sound and an excellent value. Like it even better than my '85 Squier Japan 32" P Bass.

[Immigrant]

Originally Posted by ricoshea

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Here she is. I had some lightly used Dad' 100-45's long scale hanging around so I put them on. Seems fine. First I cleaned up the fretboard with guitar honey, came up nice.
The pic doesn't really show it but there is a subtle gold sparkle in the black. The pearloid pickguard has also yellowed slightly, looks cool.

Congratulations! I like those 3 pup models.

[Musicbiz60]

Don't know how my Squier Tele Bass got linked to that site, but I bought mine from Amazon - $299.