21" scale boutique bass - looks like a lot of fun!

Why are they called basses?

 

I dunno... but the scale and tuning wouldn't really be considered qualities of a bass, would they?

Maybe "4-string guitar" would be more appropriate?

 

Here is another great video from Winter NAMM.

 

I saw these at NAMM. They were fun, but the short scale was very hard to play in the upper registers and slapping wasn't nearly as fun as I thought it would be.

However, Marleaux is a stand-up guy and makes great instruments (German engineering always seems to be the best, plus the Delano pickups). He's a pretty good player, and his attention to detail is immaculate. If you truly wanted one, you wouldn't be disappointed. They're just a tad on the pricey side, IMO.

 

No speakers at work. What it tuned to?

 

baritone guitar missing 2 strings

 

Fixed that for you

 

Octave above a bass guitar. ie, a guitar without the high B and E.

If Circle K made strings in lengths for that, I'd get a balanced set tuned to a regular bass' tuning. Probably need a .130 B or something.

 

This is why I play guitar 60% of the time. But I'm sure it has its place.

 

Ah. I was interested in the theoretical 21" scale bass, but thought in lieu of the Kala U Bass that this might be a regularly tuned bass.

 

hahaha you are right ... if they were cheap I would want one.

Heck ... I could build one of those from guitar parts ... hmmm ... this could be an interesting idea.

This has me thinking of building a short scale 8 string bass.

 

how much are they??

 

This is new to me. Anyone aware of whether the ditty he busts out at about 0:50 has a name, or is it just something he jams? I wanna learn it but if it's already been tabbed, I'll take the lazy route before transcribing it

 

THis bass is going to expensive. I bet $1500 +
I email for a quote but haven't heard back yet

 

Here's a five string, 25 5/8" scale, BEAD, tuned to pitch I built a while back. I just left off everything it didn't need. Sounds like a real one.

Check out the Official Short Scale Club thread. There are some neat instruments posted.

edit: With the right gauge strings, a 21" scale instrument can be tuned to bass pitch and sound fine.
mech