32" scale basses

[rockscott]

Im a shortscale player, i jumped ship 7 years ago, no regrets whatsoever! I purchased my 1st 32" bass last week! Why are there so few models (32") available,

 

[Sid the Kid]

I really don’t know. I suppose tradition?

I recently acquired an Ibanez short scale multiscale, with a 32” B, that has an amazing voice all over the B string. More sub bass content and less overtones without a hint of flab, and this is compared to the B on my 35” multi scales. I think 32” might indeed be a sweet spot and and I too hope more manufacturers start rolling them out.

 

[B-Mac]

Im a shortscale player, i jumped ship 7 years ago, no regrets whatsoever! I purchased my 1st 32" bass last week! Why are there so few models (32") available,

Why Not Play the Bass That Fits You Perfectly? from @BassHappy
245 pages of medium scale stuff here: The Official Medium Scale Bass Club

Nice looking used Fernandes medium scale on eBay
FERNANDES Japan 1995 FWB-85 PJ 4-String Bass - 32" Medium Scale, MIJ, Blueburst | eBay

I just had a fretless medium scale ABG delivered this week.

They're out there if you hunt for them. Rondo has some on their website as SX brand every now and then. Rondo Music Bass Guitars

 

[GodPlayedBass]

Well 32" is technically a medium scale. A short scale is actually 28in to 30" so most short scale players use a 30" scale. 32 is technically... Unique. Youll find many short scales to be 30"

 

[rockscott]

Does the bass world consider 32" shortscale or is midscale an actual classification?.

 

[GodPlayedBass]

Does the bass world consider 32" shortscale or is midscale an actual classification?.

Yes I've heard people refer to it as medium scale

 

[Old Blastard]

I have a couple of 32 scales and they're my favorites. I've got tiny hands going arthritic and they just fit best. Best of both worlds. The ones that gigged the most are 33" scale made by @Drake Custom Andrew Drake

 

[B-Mac]

Does the bass world consider 32" shortscale or is midscale an actual classification?.

google 32" medium scale
32" medium scale - Google Search

 

[B-Mac]

Does the bass world consider 32" shortscale or is midscale an actual classification?.

another thread on TB
Master List Of Medium 32" Scale Basses Only - Not For Short Scale 30"

 

[rockscott]

I have never had an opportunity to play an electric 32", they seem to be quite the rare bird here in new england. I did just purchase a 32" breedlove & i really like the scale a lot!

 

[B-Mac]

I have never had an opportunity to play an electric 32", they seem to be quite the rare bird here in new england. I did just purchase a 32" breedlove & i really like the scale a lot!

I own ten 32" medium scale basses.
Either Hollow, Semi-Hollow or ABG.

 

[rockscott]

A couple years ago i played a fender aerodine at guitar center, i remember that i really liked the bass a lot. I did not realize at the time it was a midscale!

 

[B-Mac]

A couple years ago i played a fender aerodine at guitar center, i remember that i really liked the bass a lot. I did not realize at the time it was a midscale!

Quite a few MIJ Fenders are medium scale, especially models from the mid 80’s

@BassHappy is a huge proponent of playing what fits you and 32” medium scale are his fav

 

[burpgun]

I have a medium scale Fender acoustic bass that is so comfortable to play, I'd love to have a medium scale P Bass. I have big hands but they're getting older and creakier. Short scale is nice but it can be cramped, and sometimes I have a hard time getting the right tone out of the lowest string (I tune down to D.) Medium scale seems like a nice "split the difference" deal, easier to play than long scale, sounds better than short scale.

 

[B-Mac]

I have a medium scale Fender acoustic bass that is so comfortable to play, I'd love to have a medium scale P Bass. I have big hands but they're getting older and creakier. Short scale is nice but it can be cramped, and sometimes I have a hard time getting the right tone out of the lowest string (I tune down to D.) Medium scale seems like a nice "split the difference" deal, easier to play than long scale, sounds better than short scale.

FA450?

 

[burpgun]

FA450?

It's a CB-60SCE. It's a cheapie, but it's nice for practicing, which is all I use acoustic bass guitars for.

 

[rockscott]

I have no issues with the tone im getting from my ( higher end) shortscales! But 32" seems like it could be a nice option as im done with longscales!

 

[Mannyinnewyork]

My medium scale JBass is my all time favorite. I have had several SS and mostly full scale. I was introduced to medium scale here on TB.
Mine is a JB-45M. From 1994. Bought on eBay.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

Alembic has offered medium-scale (32") since 1972. I tried it, and found a natural fit.

 

[burgerdj]

My next bass will be a medium scale 5. Not sure when that’ll be, but that’s the plan. I’ve played 34” for decades, only because it seems to be the default. I’m not a big dude, and ergonomics are increasingly important.