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are the short scale basses your thing?

B

bushy

Mar 8, 2018
347
50
#1
I've touched a few of these in store, short scale bass guitars from Jackson to Ibanez. I do have the Mikro short scale electric guitar from Ibanez. I like how short scale feels like as if I can actually have better control or grip of it, maybe it's because I'm only 5'7" in height and perhaps my fingers are small. Do you think that's the reason? If you were taller than me, would a regular or standard sized bass guitar feel more natural? I'm shopping around for another bass guitar and I've eyed a few short scale ones and some standard sizes as well from Yamaha such as these:

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http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha/TRBX174EW-Mango-Wood-4-String-Electric-Bass-Guitar.gc
 
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#5
I bought a Squier VM jaguar to see if I would like short scale. After playing it for a while I don't like playing long scale at all. The problem with that is that I have some nice long scale basses. I guess that I will see how I feel about it in 6 months.
 
#6
Had an ibanez tr series from when i played long ago. It lived mostly on my closet for 2 decades. Got it out here and there but never persisted.

Played a mikro and eb0 when my kid was taking guitar lessons and the short scale felt so good. Not sure if i knew they existed (even though still played when internet new but around).

Got eb0 and played almost every other day for 8 months so far. New record! Have also tried bronco, mustang and gretsch 2220. Still want to try ss jag and gibson [too pricy but want to see what its like]. And want to try an epi ignition. Think im stuck on my eb0...dream of modding it.

At stores i still like to try other basses. Only reg scale i have liked was sub4 in low to mid priced basses ive seen (limited local selection). Im a cheap bassist (just play for myself no band) :) figure i have big issues with neck feel and nut width in deciding what like to play yet never knew the variety there was until recently [or cheapest midlife crisis...used eb0 :) ]

Ps lots of short scale threads lately :)
 
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#7
E6108916-FE59-440F-A225-3A8D5489F5CE.jpeg


Lately, my shoulder has been dictating my choice in basses. It’s all about the “reach” anymore... My lovely P bass has been gifted to my son, and I now find myself firmly in the medium and short scale realm. Thankfully, I have a few nice choices...

Lately, the ‘78 Musicmaster has been getting the call, and performing quite nicely. I’m 6’ 2” and rather “large-boned”, so the bass does look a little dwarfed, but I’m still playing!! At last week’s wine-bar gig, the Musicmaster and Rumble 40 (with @AstroSonic mods) delivered the goods relatively pain-free... IMO, play what works. I definitely miss my P (or even my J, though not nearly as much), but I’d rather play short than not at all!!

-robert
 
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#8
Short scale basses are primarily a size option, but they also deliver a certain sound because of the short string length so are played by any sized player. But as a general rule, a player should play any (sized) bass that is comfortable for them to play and sounds good.
 
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#9
el jeffe bass said:
I bought a Squier VM jaguar to see if I would like short scale. After playing it for a while I don't like playing long scale at all. The problem with that is that I have some nice long scale basses. I guess that I will see how I feel about it in 6 months.
Click to expand...

If you are like me you will eventually go through stages. You will get the urge later to play long scale again. It goes on cycles.
 
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#10
Lots of brands putting out short scales lately. Not sure if this is to lure younger players to get into playing. People got sidetracked into clicking a mouse to "play" music. Lol.

Anyway, is anything under 30" considered a short scale? I wished they had the Yamaha's I listed in short scale version but it's 34". Might go with ibanez mikro or Jackson minion.

Nebula24 said:
Ps lots of short scale threads lately :)
Click to expand...
 
#18
I just played my MIJ Mustang bass (short scale) tonight for the first time since November. After playing only either my Precision or, to a lesser extent, my Jazz all winter, it was a real eye opener. I mean, I already knew everything I liked about the Mustang, but after being away from it so long, it was just kind of shocking how much less of a handful it is compared to a full scale. And it sounds great.

So, "Are short scale basses your thing?" — Yes. However, so are long scale basses. But I like the Mustang so much, it does make me question why I would ever wrassle with a full scale again...

Then again, I’m hardly gonna give up my Precision, and I’m recently enjoying owning a Jazz again after 12 years without one...

I guess "It’s all good", as they say :cool:
 

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