Bass setup vs scale length

[steve_rolfeca]

Different radius of fingerboard (compounded by the extra string) giving you a different feel.
Different strings that give a better (for you) feel.
Whatever your thumb rests on is positioned better for your hand.
The shape of the body might put your arm, or the bass itself in a more comfortable position.

Pickup spacing is a big deal for some people, now that you mention it. Ditto for fretboard radius...

 

[Pure.Fusion]

Thanks for your replys guys.

Looking at your BTB vs the MM, there are some obvious physical differences:
- Weight matters. If the MM is a US model, it's probably a good pound lighter than the Ibby. Smaller and lighter always feels "friskier"- try a Beatle bass sometime!
- The longest fret-to-fret stretch you'll normally do (C to Eb on the B string, first position) is about an 1/8th of an inch longer on the Ibanez. Not huge, but still a small, noticeable difference.
- The BTB has a wide/flat neck carve, combined with wide string spacing at the nut and bridge. This neck shape (and the considerable size) make it best-suited to people who use a mechanically efficient, "classic guitar" fretting hand position: an open hand, the thumb fairly low, behind the neck.
- The MM has a rounder carve, with narrow spacing at the bridge and nut, and one less string. As a result, it's more forgiving of the typical "rock and roll" hand position, with the fingers curled in a more cramped shape and the thumb higher, possibly even wrapping over the top of the neck.
- Assuming that the MM is a US model, it's also a more expensive bass, and may show the effects of cleaner fretwork and a better setup.
- The MM may be using round-core strings (like DR Sunbeams), which feel a little softer and less stiff than typical hex-core strings, even when they are the same gauge.
- The MM may be using smoother strings (ie; most nickel strings vs most stainless), which can also be a little easier on the fingertips, plucking or fretting.
- A lot of players who own multiple basses, are particular about string spacing at the bridge. Particularly if you're a guitarist, even a small increase in string spacing can throw off your timing, making the instrument feel clumsy when you are jumping strings.

Awesome. Thanks for your time. Yes, I don't doubt that these differences make the instrument feel different.

Specifically, it is a right hand thing - it was easier to alternate 1st and 2nd finger across the strings as the left hand fretted the notes.

The more I think it thorugh, the more I think the difference (for *me* in this case) was the right hand. I don't have any left hand fretting issues, apart from the fact that it all could be cleaner, smoother and tighter - but the same could be said for my guitar playing as well, not to mention also for anybody playing at any level.

So, does that narrow down the variables to string spacing, height above the pickups, string type (nickle vs SS etc) and string gauge?

First off, in order to get the two basses on the same playing field, you'll want a pro setup on the Ibanez.

Secondly, you'll want identical strings on both basses. This is easier said than done. The Ibby, like a lot of 35" basses, needs super longs.

Off the top of my head, I don't know of any SL round-cores. You may be able to fit regular DR longs, but you'll have to measure the B string carefully. If the string tapers before the nut, then it will buzz, and the intonation will be terrible. Thomastik will fit (Jazz Flats have a super-soft feel), but you'll have to trim the silk with a razor blade, as I do on my 35" fiver.

Last but not least, you've argued that the sixth string is not the reason that you find the Ibanez a little clunkier to play. Well, you're wrong. You can overcome it, but a wide-spaced 6-string is always going to feel a bit like an army boot, compared to a narrow-spaced 5'er.

If you're enjoying the BTB (lovely basses, by the way), I would sink the extra dough into a pro setup and maybe a string change.

Awesome info. Much thanks.

Yes, the Ibanez was the best contender out of a few basses in the shop on the day. The 36" scale seemed to have more sustain, especially in the low B where the 35" semed to just die off.

Will try some strings first up. (Maybe DR NMR6-30 Sunbeams ?)
Will I be disappointed with a lower gauge? I dunno.

Again, thanks for your help.

FM

 

[gt96g]

A few replys - thanks guys.

Short scale? Woops, I did mention newbie! At least what I meant was that yes the MM is the 34" and the BTB is longer.

Absolutely, i knew It was a hard ask to go straight to a 35" in a 6 string. To reach across that wide neck to get to the low frets on the B string was going to take new muscles I'd never used before. But having size 13 hands made this easier and after 18 months I don't seem to have a problem with it. Six strings (as opposed to a four string) didn't bother me at all after about a month.

Rocky McDougall - Thanks for your advice on what I will need for my recording projects - I'm sure your right across it and are in the best position to hand out sweeping advice like 4 string is all you will ever need.

Really, I need some basic mechanical knowledge of why I found the MM so easy and nimble to play, and why I find it so hard to do this wih the ibanez. It has nothing to do with the number of strings. Specifically, it is a right hand thing - it was easier to alternate 1st and 2nd finger across the strings as the left hand fretted the notes.



Really, I'd like to know all the technical resons behind this comment Soulman.

Cheers,
FM

If it is the right hand your looking at it is likely the string spacing, btb's are 19 or 18mm spacing I believe and a stingray 5 is 17.5 much tighter spacing and for some easier alternating between strings.

 

[brorbjoern]

the string spacing on a Musicman is slightly less than on an Ibanez BTB, which might be why you like it better for fingerstyle (; but also I find that the setup really is a crucial point when it comes to hand fatigue, and playing ease. That and string gauges. I generally find that the lower the bridge string retainers ar set the easier playing the bass is, I think it's something to do with the break angle And if you want easy playing, especially on a 35 inch scale, get lighter strings. On my own 35 inch scale I use (I know I'm going to get dissed for this x_x) a custom set of Roto's that goes 35-50-70-90-120, the difference between this and a standard med.lt. 40-60-80-100-120 cannot be overstated. it also got rid of som of twangy tendencies the G string developed at higher volumes :b Generally, on a 35inch try using lighter strings, the bass'll still be tight, but it'll be a lot easier to play.

 

[iunno]

I also teach. I would never have a student learning to play on a 6 string long scale bass like your Ibanez. I'd would even discourage them from learning on a 5 string. My suggestion would be to find a shorter scale 4 string bass you like and use that to begin with then transition to a 5 string if you like once you've got the basics down. JMHO.

I never understood why people are so afraid of 6 strings, my first bass was a 5, and I tried out a 6 before I bought it. They just feel a little different to play, although I much prefer 4 strings now. I played a 6 recently, and while the high c was nice for some solo stuff, it just felt unnecessary.

 

[enricogaletta]

Try to set a low action on your bass.
- it will be more easier and comfortable to play
- the real tone of your bass probably will come out
Cheers. Enrico

 

[Pure.Fusion]

I never understood why people are so afraid of 6 strings, my first bass was a 5, and I tried out a 6 before I bought it. They just feel a little different to play, although I much prefer 4 strings now. I played a 6 recently, and while the high c was nice for some solo stuff, it just felt unnecessary.

Yup. Really, I just wanted to be able to use the notes down to the low B. Whether or not it had the 6th string was not important at the time; t'was just the most suitable in the shop, in that price range, at the time.

Turns out now after 18 months, I like playing chords with the high C and solo work is a lot more fun as well.

FM

 

[Pure.Fusion]

Try to set a low action on your bass.
- it will be more easier and comfortable to play
- the real tone of your bass probably will come out
Cheers. Enrico

Yep, new strings, factory setup (which lowered the strings from where I had it, or where it moved over time) and it is a lot more playable.

Cheers,
FM