My arthritis is getting worse and my 35" scale basses are getting to be a bit much for me. Do any of the larger manufactures make 5's and 6's in these shorter scales? I know I can have one built, but I want to explore all my options before I spend that kind of cash. If you know of small builders that make basses in that scale that have good B strings you can attest to, let me know that as well. Thanks-Matt
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33" or 33.5" 5 or 6 string basses?
- Thread starter melkinsbass
- Start date
Garz makes a great one. The low B on mine is as good as I've ever found. I think the stiffness of the neck has a lot to do with it. The 33" scale does contribute a softer feel as well.
Coincidently, it's for sale
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=562103
/rick
Coincidently, it's for sale
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=562103
/rick
I'll second Chris Stambaugh. I personally have a 6 string Ristola from Brian Ristola (also of bestbassgear.com) that is a 33" scale bass. It's incredible. The low B is all that....really. You wouldn't believe it unless you played it. Mine also has narrow string spacing (16.5mm at the bridge and with a 2" nut). It's very easy on the hands.
RickC- Nice looking bass; I might need to give that some thought.
Jbay- I've heard others say good things about Stambaugh, but I've never gotten a chance to play one.
The rondomusic link only had short scale SX 4 string basses; I need a 5 or a 6.
emjazz-I've never heard of Ristola, but I'm definately going to check them out.
Jbay- I've heard others say good things about Stambaugh, but I've never gotten a chance to play one.
The rondomusic link only had short scale SX 4 string basses; I need a 5 or a 6.
emjazz-I've never heard of Ristola, but I'm definately going to check them out.
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
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- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
I'll third him. I've dealt with Chris a few times and his work is first-rate and he was very easy to deal with. The neck he built for my 5 string J style is without question the best neck I've ever played.
If you can find one, Rickenbacker made some 5ers in the past. There's a 4003S/5 and then the 4004 series has been known to be modded to 5 strings plus Rickenbacker made a few 5ers in the 4004C.
I play my 4003S/5 daily. Tight string spacing but otherwise a fine instrument.
I play my 4003S/5 daily. Tight string spacing but otherwise a fine instrument.
Don't want to sound like a broken record but...
Chris Stambaugh built me a 33 inch 6 string a few years ago. The low B kicks ass, as well as the rest of the bass. His prices may surprise you as well.
Chris Stambaugh built me a 33 inch 6 string a few years ago. The low B kicks ass, as well as the rest of the bass
. His prices may surprise you as well.
I was worried about this as well for my bass, but from what I can tell it's not an issue what so ever. I use standard scale Fodera strings. The fatter part of the end of the string just starts around the tuning post. I can't be perfectly sure if that effects the sound or not, but either way the low B sounds incredible so I'm not too concerned.
While I only have a 4 string from Cliff Bordwell and Chris Stambaugh, both are top notch builders! I enjoy the feel of my 33" scale 4 string Stambaugh for sure. I'll add that Cliff is known for his 32" scale 5-6 string basses. I'm sure Garz and Ristola are great, but I don't have experience with them.
Got a 33.5" Stambaugh 6 string. Smart design on it to counter the problem of long scale strings. The low B and E are run through body to prevent the full wrap going around the tuning posts.
Not to mention the low B is tighter than quite a no of 35"s I played.
Not to mention the low B is tighter than quite a no of 35"s I played.
I've got 2 33" basses, one 5 string ACG (www.acguitars.co.uk) and the other is a 6 string Shuker (www.shukerguitars.co.uk).
As everyone else is already attesting from their own experiences, the low B on both my 33s is amazing, the days of needing a huge bass to get a decent low B are long gone.
Most small luthiers these days are more than happy to make you a 5 or 6 string in 33" scale, as far as I'm aware though, there's no mass market ones at all.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at how the prices compare, in my experience, I've been able to get both my custom basses for around, or less than, the cost of a split new Musicman or high-end Fender...
Best of luck,
Eude
As everyone else is already attesting from their own experiences, the low B on both my 33s is amazing, the days of needing a huge bass to get a decent low B are long gone.
Most small luthiers these days are more than happy to make you a 5 or 6 string in 33" scale, as far as I'm aware though, there's no mass market ones at all.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at how the prices compare, in my experience, I've been able to get both my custom basses for around, or less than, the cost of a split new Musicman or high-end Fender...
Best of luck,
Eude
- Jun 6, 2004
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- Owner and builder Clementbass
Brian is a nice guy I haven't played any of his but have heard good things.
Yes running string through does help with using normal strings on 32 scale basses. tom
Yes running string through does help with using normal strings on 32 scale basses. tom
Brian does 33" versions of his Low End Jazz basses in 5 and 6 string formats too, "for the little guy" to quote him...
They look great too
Eude
Do you like this one? 30" 5 string, also available as 4- and 6-strings.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Made by Mensinger, a Polish builder. Link Removed
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Made by Mensinger, a Polish builder. Link Removed
