32 vs 34

[elteye]

So if you had the choice on the same model bass, between a 32 and a 34 inch scale length, and the 32 sounded maybe even better than the 34, which one would you choose and why?

 

[Ken J]

Short Scale

 

[line6man]

The question cannot be answered without knowing how they play.

On the other hand, sound is all that matters, so I would take the one that sounded better, even if it played worse.

 

[cassius987]

On the other hand, sound is all that matters, so I would take the one that sounded better, even if it played worse.

Even if it gave you hand cramps? etc.

 

[St Drogo]

Short scale. Everytime.

My first bass was a shortscale (hagstrom super swede). Love 'em.

 

[ghostdog93]

Technically, the 32" is a medium scale, not a short scale.

 

[Dave W]

Without knowing anything more, the 34" for me. Most of my basses are 34" so I'd rather keep them all similar than put an odd duck in the mix.

 

[khutch]

I'd have to have a very compelling reason to switch from 34. It would have to play like butter or sound like an angel. Any active bass I have played can produce such a wide range of tones that I seriously doubt anyone could make a 32 that "sounded better". So I am saying 34.

Ken

 

[AltGrendel]

The 32', I have stubby fingers. Short and medium scale basses are my friends.

 

[line6man]

Even if it gave you hand cramps? etc.

I would find a different bass.

 

[rictor66]

32.

From my experience, the shorter the scale, the rounder the bottom end. Smaller bass, fatter ass.

 

[KingRazor]

The question cannot be answered without knowing how they play.

On the other hand, sound is all that matters, so I would take the one that sounded better, even if it played worse.

Sound may be all that matters to you, but feel is more important to some people than sound, especially with me.

I've never played a short or medium scale bass so I couldn't say.

 

[knarleybass]

I have built a few 32" basses with great success, lots of fun to play and sound darn good

 

[elteye]

Guys, thanks for all your responses. The deal is, I'm figuring out how many of each to make in the first run of six. Personally, I prefer the sound that I can achieve with the 32. But a very good friend who's a dealer advises me to stick only to 34's.

I'm just trying to educate myself what is a consensus. And I'm finding out that everybody has their preference and basically would like to stick to it.

The sound of my two prototypes - one 32 and one 34 - was decently close, and the playability was pretty much equal too - so I don't think that THAT would be an issue when you make the choice.

Again, thanks very much for your input, and keep those opinions coming please!

Sincerely,

Teye

 

[KingRazor]

Well, from a sales perspective, 34s are safer I would think. That's the standard. What most people are used to.

 

[ebonalley]

Well, from a sales perspective, 34s are safer I would think. That's the standard. What most people are used to.

On the other hand, its a real pain in the wallet to find a good 32" now a days. If you can build an affordable quality instrument you'd have the corner on the market. An affordable 32" 5'r with a solid B may make you rich.

 

[superblues]

On the other hand, its a real pain in the wallet to find a good 32" now a days. If you can build an affordable quality instrument you'd have the corner on the market. An affordable 32" 5'r with a solid B may make you rich.

Boy howdy, would it!!! That's exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[LCBurt]

Yeah, I have some serious alligator arms so a 32" fiver with a great B, just the thought gives me some serious GAS.

 

[shrimpchowmein]

I'd love a 32"! You'd have the market cornered.

 

[KingRazor]

There need to be more string companies that make 32" scale strings.