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Does anyone find shortscale basses MORE uncomfortable?

fourstringdrums

fourstringdrums

Decidedly Indecisive
Supporting Member
Oct 20, 2002
9,721
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Massachusetts
#1
It seems like the widely held opinion is that shorter scale basses are more comfortable than standard scale, and it would make sense. But in my case, I bought an Allen Woody Rumblekat for the times when my hands were bothering me (carpal tunnel) thinking that it would be more comfortable to play. But since I've had the bass for a few months I've actually felt like it's more uncomfortable for me to play than standard scale. So much so that it's probably going to be on the block eventually (which is a shame since I upgraded it and will lose a lot).

Has anyone else had the same experience with shortscale?
 
#2
I'm with you pal. I'm 6"3 and have really long arms, it's nowhere near as comfortable. Been wanting to try a gibson sg for ages, and finally got the opportunity to a couple of weeks back. It was horrible - the neck dive was really bad, but more than that it just felt like a toy in my hands :***:
 
#3
I'm not yet 15 months in my bass playing experiment.
I just got my first short scale (Beatle). I learned on a 5ver. There is certainly a bit of a learning curve to the short scale as I only played on 34" before. Twangers love shorts as it is immediately
more accesible to them-- all perspective from the individual player, usually imprinted by the player's first learning experience.
Mostly, I'm finding transition to short scale fairly easy as the string spacing is very similar. Now when I try to play a twanger… It is very hard for me, physically/ cramp city from having to curl my fingers towards the nut (bunching up me digits), instead of reaching towards the bridge.
fnord!
 
#8
To be honest I haven't found a short scale that I would buy. I've tried a few but it just doesn't feel quite right to me. I am also 6 foot plus so that probably has something to do with it. I also play guitar, a little, but that scale feels ok. Just sayin,
 
#11
hdracer said:
No
It is still larger than a guitar. My SG bass makes a SG guitar feel tiny
Click to expand...
I'm well aware that my beatle bass is 30.5 " and guitars are 24.75-25.5 (mostly). I set up all my instruments. I was trying to explain that the transition from 34 to my 30.5 is nothing compared to trying to play one of the those tiny twangers (for me). I have two 6 string toys, and: that's where the pain starts. It's like I'm trying to condense my fingers/hands rather that stretching them on my 34" scale bass which has my first experience with the bass.
Everyone's different and maybe the OP with his particular switch from 34 to 30, might be experiencing the same effect that I've detailed,
f n o r d !
p.s.
op, tough it out… go to the woodshed with it!:bassist:
 
#12
I only own a short scale. I'm going to buy a full sized once I have the money. My short scale isn't very good. I mean, it's Squier, and it's a beginner, so it's not going to be perfect. But it slips out of tuning (as is common with short-scales) and doesn't get a great tone. Not only that, but strings are more expensive. The music store doesn't even usually carry them. Luckily, they ordered them for me since I'm a regular.

I've played a few full-size basses. It didn't feel too different, but I did like them.
 
#14
fourstringdrums said:
for the times when my hands were bothering me (carpal tunnel)

Has anyone else had the same experience with shortscale?
Click to expand...

Hey, after my 12+ year hiatus playing bass, I went the short scale route because of hand issues as well. I work in the software industry which means that, between my teen years, my college years, my university years, my career, my hands have developed issues (not carpal tunnel, more like joint issues and the beginnings of mild arthritis).

Short scale has definitely helped me. However, I should mention that I only measure 1.75 meters and I was never really super comfortable with 34 inch scale, even as a teen when I could still play decently with a pick :)

I like short scale but it sometimes feels small and can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Honestly, I find that flatwounds, a VERY VERY low action, and low tension strings do a lot more to make my hands comfortable than just short scale.
 
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#15
Depends on the bass. My SG is more comfortable than my RumbleKat, which in turn is more comfortable than my "Beatle" bass. I found spending quality time with each of those basses allowed me to discover ways to be comfortable with each one.

The definition of comfort will vary for each player with their respective needs and preferences. When not playing my short scales I tend to play either Fender Precisions or Ibanez 5-strings as they are both comfortable for me. However Ibanez 4-strings are very uncomfortable for me, as beautiful as some are, I'll never buy another one.

My advice is to try a bit longer but listen to your body.
 
#16
nshuman said:
Hey, after my 12+ year hiatus playing bass, I went the short scale route because of hand issues as well. I work in the software industry which means that, between my teen years, my college years, my university years, my career, my hands have developed issues (not carpal tunnel, more like joint issues and the beginnings of mild arthritis).

Short scale has definitely helped me. However, I should mention that I only measure 1.75 meters and I was never really super comfortable with 34 inch scale, even as a teen when I could still play decently with a pick :)

I like short scale but it sometimes feels small and can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Honestly, I find that flatwounds, a VERY VERY low action, and low tension strings do a lot more to make my hands comfortable than just short scale.
Click to expand...

Similar career path leading to some similar issues. That is partially how I got to short scale use. I am also not very tall which helps me with short scale basses.

I also was helped along by a car accident that further injured my shoulder and has resulted in neuropathy of the neck and shoulder. Short scale, light-weight basses with excellent quality, wide padded Levy's Leather straps help a lot as well.
 
#19
Hypnotaize said:
I only own a short scale. I'm going to buy a full sized once I have the money. My short scale isn't very good. I mean, it's Squier, and it's a beginner, so it's not going to be perfect. But it slips out of tuning (as is common with short-scales) and doesn't get a great tone. Not only that, but strings are more expensive. The music store doesn't even usually carry them. Luckily, they ordered them for me since I'm a regular.

I've played a few full-size basses. It didn't feel too different, but I did like them.
Click to expand...

bassstringsonline, my friend.
also, buy used local gear to maximize your purchasing power. play the (individual) bass before purchase. recognize that the strings have lots to do with sound and ask what strings are on the bass you test, also the pickups :cautious:
happy gassing,
fnord!
 
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