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Do you play both long and short scale basses? Why?

Hevy T

Hevy T

Jan 11, 2011
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4,017
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Lethbridge, AB Canada
#1
I have 11 long scale basses but with my arthritis I'm finding doing 12 bar walks just kill my hands at times!

Though I dont really care for short scales! I'm thinking one may be nice to have on hand for those days when the hands are really stiff.

My choices locally are a Gretch Jet Jr or a Player Series Fender Mustang.

Which would you choose?

Also anyone here play both long and short and why?
 
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#2
I play both, because I like both basses individually, more than a scale choice.

I have a 30 inches Jaguar that is very light and comfortable, and it's my main bass for long gigs. I also love my 34 inches T-Bird. A bit heavy for long gigs, but feels just right under my hands.

On the opposite, I tried a fender (can't remember the model) short scale with 3 pickups that fell odd, and I sold my 34 inches Epiphone Zenith because of despite the great looks and sounds, the reach for the first frets was not for me, and it was way to heavy for long use.

I tried the Gretsch, I tough it was really good, light and comfortable, but since I already own a Gretsch Baritone, I did not bought it because for the gigs I prefer to have instruments that are visually different. But If somedays I'd switch the Baritone for a Bass Vi, I'd certainly also switch the Jag to a Gretsch for the same reasons.
 
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#6
I only have short scale, but I only started playing bass about 6 months ago.

Why? Comfort. I've tried 34 scale basses and they feel like I'm reaching out for the end of a broomstick. Why do that?

I'm not a small person either. I'm 5'9", which is average height for males in the U.S.
 
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#8
Doctor Morbius said:
I've tried 34 scale basses and they feel like I'm reaching out for the end of a broomstick. Why do that?
Click to expand...
In my case, because a 34" scale bass makes a different sound than a 30" bass. The driving factors in my bass choices are how the bass sounds, and how the bass makes me play it. Variety is good. :)

(But I've got nothing against those who chose short scales only or long scales only or whatever, do what though wilt etc...) ;)
 
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#11
I have a 34"-scale bass (Music Man SR5) and a 35"-scale bass (Mike Lull M5V). The scales that they are just worked out that way.

I can tell literally no difference in the way they play.

I can't see why what music I'm playing would dictate a particular scale that would be more appropriate than others.

I certainly see how a short-scale instrument would be helpful to one with some impairments from injuries or old-age (I'm the latter, but thankfully, I don't have impediments...yet...:D)
 
#12
For decades I played basses ranging from 4/4 upright to an 18" Guild Ashbory.

However, due to a stroke which messed with my right side I now use only lightweight shortscales. I've found that basses with the offset body such as the Mustang work very well for me especially when playing seated which I have to do now. When seated the offset body places the neck a bit more to my left for a less cramped position which makes it much easier for me to play. Also the slab body with well radiused edges of the Mustang provides a nice shelf for me to more comfortably rest my right arm to relieve stress there and help stabilize the bass.

The shorter scale definitely helps with preventing pain in my left hand after long sessions.
 
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#13
I play only 34's with wide necks at this point, because....my ginormous hands feel cramped on smaller fretboards. Could I play a short scale? Yes, but the muscle memory of having everything the same scale means I'm more automatic, so I can look at the other musicians for cues on the vibe and tempo, rather than having to look often at my hands.
 
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#16
Well, Okay...
1. I would choose neither of those basses. Not because they're necessarily a bad choice, but because they don't come in a left handed model - and I'm left handed. For anybody else? IMO, they'd be a good choice for somebody who wanted to see if they liked a shorty; and, a good one to keep if they did. Personally? If I were in your position,
Dano Longhorn (2).JPG a Danelectro Longhorn would probably be my choice; 'cause I can get a lefty. And, it's a nice segue into...
2. Yes, I do play both short and long scale basses. I don't have any particular trouble going from one to the other, either. I mainly have short scale basses because, if you want, say, a violin bass? It's going to be a shorty. Same with the Dano Longhorn (yes, this one's mine). I have one or two that I bought because they are short scales, but that was to fill specific spots in my herd. Same with a few long scales, too. But, for the most part, my basses simply are what they are...:cool:
 
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#17
Hevy T said:
I have 11 long scale basses but with my arthritis I'm finding doing 12 bar walks just kill my hands at times!

Though I dont really care for short scales! I'm thinking one may be nice to have on hand for those days when the hands are really stiff.

My choices locally are a Gretch Jet Jr or a Player Series Fender Mustang.

Which would you choose?

Also anyone here play both long and short and why?
Click to expand...
bholder said:
I play multiple scales because I can and want to.
Click to expand...

+1
I own basses with scale lengths of 25, 30, 32 and 34 inches. In general I prefer the shorter scales because of increased comfort (and generally, lower weight). I don't see any downside with them in terms of tone, as I play mostly R&B. Both of your choices have their fans. You might consider the Squier VM Jag (used, since they're discontinued) or the Allen Woody Rumblekat (if you like a warm tone).
 
#18
Hevy T said:
I have 11 long scale basses but with my arthritis I'm finding doing 12 bar walks just kill my hands at times!

Though I dont really care for short scales! I'm thinking one may be nice to have on hand for those days when the hands are really stiff.

My choices locally are a Gretch Jet Jr or a Player Series Fender Mustang.

Which would you choose?

Also anyone here play both long and short and why?
Click to expand...
I own both. Switched to shorties because of physical issues. Now I really enjoy the (generally) deeper fatter sound they bring, and they cover most of my needs.

But still, sometimes I'll bust out a 34" scale for a recording, when I'm looking for a sharper attack, especially when downtuning.
 
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#19
I only play long scale. But I hope to get a short scale at some point. A lot of semi-hollow basses seem to be short scale, and I've always wanted one of those. In general, short scale basses have a thump I think would be really useful for recording. I'd still primarily play my long scale basses live, I think.
 
#20
I'm an old Pbass guy , and do love a nice Ric . Over the years I acquired the the usual pile of classic basses . Also play upright . My usual go to bass is a Dano Longhorn , I have four other shortscales . I love the light weight and easy reach of the Dano , but to be honest was always perfectly comfortable with 34 in scale basses . For giggles I picked up an Ashbory last year . Not about to give up the Dano though ... I usually practice on the Ashbory or long scales , and gig the short scale or upright . No issue switching back and forth .
 

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