Am I "wrong" for wanting a short-scale bass?

[japhy4529]

Yes, there is. SHAME on you!

 

[MakoMan]

99.9% of the people who see you play won't even know you're playing a short scale. I play short scales exclusively. When I tell someone my bass is a short scale they have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about.

 

[AboutSweetSue]

I think more people should play short scale basses. String manufacturers would maybe produce more options....in regard to gauges.

I was shopping for SS Strings online, and my head started to spin trying to factor out all the needs and wants, pros and cons. I finally figured I’d try Jim Dunlop flats because f it. Got tired of looking, might as well try the only flat I’ve yet to try. So, yes, get the short scale bass. It’s awesome.

 

[hintz]

Ive played both!! Of course I ran into the issue of sorta confusing my hands by switching between scales, but with practice that goes away! Here's the last one I had about 15 years ago

Regretted selling that one but the pics below will be my 2nd shorty!!! The nicest thing that I will own so far and my birth year bass from 83'!!!

If on the off chance someone does give you crap just remind them that Stanley Clarke plays them! If they don't know who he is then they aren't a true musician anyways!!

Cheers!!!

 

[Bassamatic]

I have 2 miKros - a 4 and a 5 and get a lot of comments on how great they sound. Of course they play SO easy and are easy on my shoulder. However my Go-To is now a Mustang PJ strung with TI Flats. AMAZING! In live recordings it sounds so close to my MIA P with LaBella flats that it is not worth discussing! The narrow "J" style neck is really comfortable, it is light and really well made. It was also a super deal on sale at Adorama. I have a handful of shortscales and this is the one I gig with.

As mentioned above, the Squier Jag SS is a fantastic bargain at $200 new! It may be all you need. You won't believe how good it is.

 

[Bassist30]

Short scale basses are making a big comeback. I am not surprised with seeing a great player using one.

 

[Slinger]

I'm biased because I love mine, but if you get the chance try out a Squier Jag SS. I've come to bass via guitar too, and the Jag just sort of feels "natural" to me.

 

[pcake]

I appreciate all the input. As mentioned by someone earlier, one of the reasons I'm hesitant to use a short-scale (or Fender VI) is because I don't want to be stuck thinking like a guitarist. Perhaps this is why I could use more than one bass.

i don't think like a guitarist on a short scale, and i've played guitar since 1968, bass since 1994. i don't say this often, but you may be overthinking this. get a bass you like. if you like a mikro or another short scale, get it and start playing. later on, after you've played for a while, you'll figure out more of what you want, but you won't figure it out till you start playing. and i gotta tell you, bass is THE most fun

the VI is interesting to play but the neck is narrow, and speaking as a fingerstyle guitar player, i found it cramped for both fretting and picking. it was fun, though, but i didn't find it particularly versatile - ymmv.

 

[Ken J]

Theres a lot more choices in short scale nowadays then 15 years ago. Most of your popular manufacturers that offer custom builds offer 30 and 32” scales. eBay has a number of affordable short scales that can be upgraded easily. When I picked up the bass a number of years ago it was hard finding a short scale unlined fretless so I had to go the de-fretted rought and was not satisfied. Eventually made the decision to invest in a Birdsong and was very happy with it. Hear are a few pics of some short scales I have. All work fine after upgrades and setups

 

[Ken J]

I also like to add if you go to the Japanese web sites for basses you with find the greatest selection of 30 & 32” scale basses but expect to pay at least $125 in shipping