• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

35" Scale Basses

randysmojo

randysmojo

Jan 14, 2008
1,073
28
51
Temple, TX
randybarnette.com
#1
I've been a pro bassplayer for 17 years, but this is my first thread here on TalkBass. I have been playing lead guitar for the last couple of years, but decided that that is to much of an ego driven job, that I just don't have enough of. I want to get back to making sweet low end! My question is if anyone could tell me what 35" scale basses in the medium to higher range price scale are out there? I've almost always played 5 and 6 strings, but have not been happy with many of the low B's I've played on and would like to try a longer scale to see if I can get a clearer B string out. If anyone knows of a 34" that gets a good sustaining clear B string, that would be greeat too!

Thanks!
 
#4
I have an old 1990 Fender HM (heavy metal) 5 string; and I know what you mean about that 'less-than-stellar' low B. The guitar is great otherwise, but the low B has not always 'been there for me.'

Anyway, I recently lost an amp to a gear bandit and had to buy a new one. I bought a GK 1001rb which comes equipped w/a feature (button) that (when pressed) extends the low frequency range. It instantly solved the floppy-B problem and gives me the exact feel that I had always hoped for.

Just something to consider.

good luck
 
#5
It's all subjective. Some guys give praise to a bass that sounds floppy to my ears. My general rule of thumb is that most sub $2k basses don't produce a great low B in 34" scale. Most 35" scale basses will have a good low B in most price points. There are plenty of luthiers who can get you a great low B in 34" scale and some can do it in 33" and 32" scale, but at a premium!
 
#7
You have literally hundreds of brands of basses to choose from in your price range. Problem is, you aren't going to find what you're looking for at Sam Ash or Guitar Center. However, I encourage you to stick around TalkBass for a few months, where you will be flat inundated with folks like me showing off and bragging on our boutique and high-zoot basses, which we believe makes us better people! And we will all recommend whatever we bought, which is the best you can get or else we'd have bought something better.
 
#9
spade2you said:
It's all subjective. Some guys give praise to a bass that sounds floppy to my ears. My general rule of thumb is that most sub $2k basses don't produce a great low B in 34" scale. Most 35" scale basses will have a good low B in most price points.
Click to expand...

Thats because your attack can have a lot to do with how "floppy" a low B is.

I have to disagree about 35" scale basses having better low Bs across all price points. I have played plenty of poorly built 35" scale where the low B was complete crap. I recently played a Squier Deluxe Active Jazz V, mostly because of the praise it got here, and the low B left me speechless. I have never played a better low B on a bass that inexpensive, regardless of scale length.

I still say that build quality + playing style have more to do with how the low B reacts than scale length. Its just one of a number of factors, such a rigidity of the neck, solidness of the bridge, string type, etc.

And there are plenty of great low Bs in the ~$1500 price point. However, I play a Spector Euro, which is 35". Just my $0.02 :smug:.
 
#12
I'll try to be a little more helpful.

Some questions:

- What style (looks) of bass appeals to you?
- Do you prefer narrow or wide string spacing at the bridge (and nut)?
- Do you want passive or active tone controls?
- What type of tone are you looking for?
- What is your budget? "Medium to high" means different things to different people.

When you can answer these kinds of questions, people will have an easier time making specific recommendations (which will number in the hundreds, and half of which will be for basses that don't meet your criteria).

My personal recommendation is to look seriously at Lakland basses.

JD
 
#13
I have yet to play any 34" scale low B that will hang with a 35" scale. You CAN find a "good" 34 but then compare it to a 35" and all of it's flop, flounder and lack of balance with the other strings becomes glaring. I would strongly recommend Modulus, Lakland (both skyline and USA), MTD ( USA and Import series ) and also Spector (Euro and USA series). All of these companies offer amazing choices in a variety of price points. Happy hunting!
 
#14
OK you started the 35" debate again , LOL. I'm a firm believer that as far as tone and feel go, longer is better. I won't repeat myself more, except to state my opinion that until you've played a Dingwall, you haven't heard your best B.
 
#15
lomo said:
OK you started the 35" debate again , LOL. I'm a firm believer that as far as tone and feel go, longer is better. I won't repeat myself more, except to state my opinion that until you've played a Dingwall, you haven't heard your best B.
Click to expand...

Heh, then when ya do 35" or longer scales AND awesome construction, you end up with an amazing low B that won't flop no matter how hard ya hit it and had amazing tone.
 
#17
Personally, for 35" B's, I prefer Modulus or Lakland (both of which I own).. Between the two, I slightly prefer the Lakland because of the more organic sound.

Having said that, I'm having a 34" 6 string built. So, don't put too much stock into numbers..
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back