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are the short scale basses your thing?

#42
No, they aren't really "my thing", as opposed to anything else. I do have... 7 of them, I think,... and they simply are what they are. I didn't buy my Dano Longhorn or my Eastwood Flying V bass because they're short scales. I wanted them, and that's just what Dano Longhorns and Eastwood Flying V's are. I actually prefer 34" scale - slightly - but that's probably just because that's what I learned on, and played for years before I bought a short scale bass. I have no problem playing a shorty, or switching back and forth...:whistle:
 
#43
I'm about 5'8". I have always played long or regular scale length basses, but I have recently started having trouble with the long scale basses. I can play them, but they are more work than I'd like. I've been thinking of picking up one of the SS Jaguar basses to see how I like them.
 
#45
I’ve got basses with 30, 32, 34, 34.5 and 35 inch scale necks. I have no strong preference for one over any of the others. I’ve never bought or didn’t buy a bass purely because of the scale length. But I play my own Simandl based hybrid fingering style, so the neck scale isn’t an issue for me.

As far as short-scale basses go, I play mine purely because I like the way they sound. Short-scale basses have a tone and vibe all their own that you won’t get with a long scale. If that’s your thing, then a short-scale is your bass. Or as a second bass to expand your tonal pallet.
 
#46
kodiakblair said:
Not my thing. Have owned about 5 short scales over the years, last one is my Dano Wild Thing. Can't get used to my left arm being so close to my body and the light body just doesn't hang right. My T40's I find better suited.

If short scales are your thing then play the heck out of them. Pester string makers for more variety too, once they realise there's a large and vocal number of short scale players they'd be crazy to ignore that section of the market :thumbsup:
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For what it's worth: My Birdsong came with a set of standard-length strings. Scott Beckwith, who makes them, likes Curt Mangan roundwounds. I mention this only because my guitar tech, who has been around the block a few times, was surprised by them. I use standard-length strings on my other shorty, too.
 
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#48
bushy said:
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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I am 6'4" and I quite like my new Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro bass with a scale length of just 28,6".

I don't really have big hands though, but not small either.

Stanley Clarke on the other hand does have relatively big hands and he plays an Alembic short scale bass.

Don't think it has much to do with a person's physical size really, think it has more to do with personal preferences.

If you feel a short scale is more comfortable for you to play than a regular 34" scale, then by all means get one.

Now a days you don't really have to compromise on quality if you prefer to play a short scale, and you can get short scale basses that are fully on par with similar 34" scale basses without having to invest in an Alembic or a custom build bass.

Even cheap so called budget basses like the Ibanez Mikro or the Jackson Minion you mention are of surprisingly high quality compared to their relatively low price point.

Today a budget bass doesn't mean a poorly build nearly unplayable bass like it used to, it will typically just mean that it has been equipped with cheaper hardware and electronics (something that relatively easy can be replaced along the way if you are not satisfied), as well as quality control would have been lacking to some extend, which means quality will be inconsistent from instrument to instrument, but not necessarily bad.

So if you do go for a cheap budget bass you would be best off checking them out in person first so you can make sure you get one of the good ones.

Maybe consider one of these: SWB-1 Scott Whitley Signature | Chowny Bass

An amazing high quality short scale bass to a quite affordable price.
 
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#49
I had some store credit with Music Go Round and happened to pick up a Squier Bronco for $27.00 out of pocket. I really like playing it. I also have a Hofner, but never really used it much at gigs other than a couple songs. After playing Rickenbackers for the last 40 years along with a MIM P bass and other various full scales I didn't think I'd like SS basses, but I do find them fun to play. And if you're just sitting around practicing or playing an intimate/sitting type gig I find the short scale to be more comfortable. I guess it does suit older age and arthritis.
Still for now I'm more apt to use full scale at a gig, but I may get more used to the shorty's over time.
 
#50
I'm 5'8" and have proportionaly shaped hands. I started on a 34" Ibanez GSR bass, which cramped up my hands, so i thought I need a shorter scale bass and I tried different short scale basses. But finally I settled for a regular size P-bass and never looked back at short scales.

Lesson to be learned:
  • Even though you are looking for short scale basses don't write of long scale basses. Try them also because there is alot of difference in the size and shapes of long scale basses.
  • Little height + small hands ≠ short scale bass
 
#51
Practicing a lot these days with a Danelectro Longhorn (after borrowing a SS Jerry Jones Neptune) due to back issues. Feels like a guitar. A little cramped on the frets but it's worth the trade off for the weight. I wouldn't say short scale basses are 'my thing' but they certainly have their use. And if they're your thing, go with it. The best bass is the one you like best.
 
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#52
Not my thing. My first basses were short scale, probably why I don't care for them, but like others I now have shoulder and wrist problems so I'm probably going back to them. I'll keep a couple along scales because the issues aren't chronic yet. Thinking about picking up a Mustang, based on budget and rave reviews.
 
#53
rllefebv said:
View attachment 2969131

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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I have the same issue - the reach hurts my shoulder. I recently bought a Supro Huntington H3 which I love (30” scale). I also got a Gruv Gear Duo Strap. After a LOT of fiddling around with it, it’s work well on my 34” scale Sadowsky. Both are keeping me playing!
 
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#54
Bunk McNulty said:
For what it's worth: My Birdsong came with a set of standard-length strings. Scott Beckwith, who makes them, likes Curt Mangan roundwounds. I mention this only because my guitar tech, who has been around the block a few times, was surprised by them. I use standard-length strings on my other shorty, too.
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That's great my brother but most of the good folks here are picking up Mikros,Talmans etc from places like GC or MGR. Sadly those places don't stock Curt's strings, heck GC only carries 12 sets of short scale strings. Once the big string makers hear there's a market for more short scales basses they will make the strings.
Ever tried buying short scale tapes in a normal music shop ? The glazed eyes of the sales person is a sight to behold :laugh:
 
#56
My very small 8 year old son has a 29" scale bass and after two months of learning, he is just as comfortable on my Fender Precision Bass, I think it is a matter of preference. I'm also 5'8" and I am fine on a 34" scale but do not like 35" scale basses.
 
#57
kodiakblair said:
That's great my brother but most of the good folks here are picking up Mikros,Talmans etc from places like GC or MGR. Sadly those places don't stock Curt's strings, heck GC only carries 12 sets of short scale strings. Once the big string makers hear there's a market for more short scales basses they will make the strings.
Ever tried buying short scale tapes in a normal music shop ? The glazed eyes of the sales person is a sight to behold :laugh:
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What I am trying to say is that regular bass strings work just fine on short-scale basses. There is no need to limit yourself to strings made especially for short scale basses. That's just a marketing scam.
 
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#58
Bunk McNulty said:
What I am trying to say is that regular bass strings work just fine on short-scale basses. There is no need to limit yourself to strings made especially for short scale basses. That's just a marketing scam.
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Just don't try them on Danelectros :laugh: Seriously though I always go for flats and hate seeing the ribbon start to uncoil at the tuner when using regular length strings.
 

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