Does short-scale weaken your technique?

[project_c]

Been holding off on getting a short scale bass for years, because I'm worried that if I get used to playing SC, I'll find the switch back to regular scale difficult, and I'm worried about making my other basses - which I love - redundant. A bit like getting used to a J neck and then going back to a P. It's ok, but it takes some re-adjustment. So short-scale people, has your technique been compromised? Are you able to switch between short and regular without issues? Or is it a struggle to go back?

(This is the only thing stopping me from buying a Mustang, the GAS is strong so please answer wisely).

 

[Sid Fang]

Different people have different levels of difficulty in adapting to changes of instrument scale, both in terms of length and width. You won't know unless you try

 

[GBBSbassist]

Yes. It also weakens your muscles, and your will, and lowers your charisma stat quite a bit. Drinks at the bar will cost you twice as much.

 

[tb4sbp]

I always felt the instrument should fit the persons body
And if the player was using a bass to get a certain tone
So for me practicing what technique works best for what situation always is the answer

 

[Bodeanly]

I'm just sorry that someone, somewhere gave you any reason to even entertain this notion.

 

[Mushroo]

Play a G Major scale. Now move up 2 frets and play an A Major scale. Finally, move back down 2 frets and play the G Major scale. Did moving up 2 frets "weaken your technique"? Because that is the difference between 34" scale and 30" scale: about 2 frets distance.

 

[lz4005]

So short-scale people, has your technique been compromised? Are you able to switch between short and regular without issues? Or is it a struggle to go back?

It's people who can't easily switch between scale lengths who have poor technique.
Same goes for those who lose sleep over fractions of a mm difference in string spacing.

 

[Mvilmany]

I have (2) 34” scale basses and one 30.5” scale bass. I only notice any difference when I switch from one to the other.

Going from my 34” with rounds to my 34” with flats (which are higher tension), THAT’S when I notice a difference.

 

[arbiterusa]

I played a short scale bass about a year and a half ago and am now homeless. Also my dog and wife left me. Said I wasn't a real man anymore.

OK, seriously, I do have an issue with switching back and forth between short, medium or long scale - but it's not the issue you're worried about. I play nothing but fretless and am very used to playing a 34" scale. I've been doing it for a LONG time, and really rely on that muscle memory to keep me in the ballpark, with ears doing the fine tuning.

I get on a short or medium scale (fretted, fretless, does not matter) and it's a catastrophe. Bum notes everywhere. Even if I'm hunched over staring at the fingerboard the whole time, I'm generating more clams than a chowder factory.

Obviously this would not be an issue for you. My guitar player, for example, is switching pretty constantly between a Les Paul (24.75 scale) and a Strat (25.5 scale) and he doesn't have a problem with it. I don't see why you would. As someone above noted, the difference between 34" and 30" scales is just two frets.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I swap between a 41” Double Bass, 34” Bass, 30” Bass and 24.75” Guitar. Hold my beer......

 

[Sid Fang]

I've had no real problems going between 34" and 35", and my left hand doesn't seem to have issues with occasional EUB work or picking up the odd short-scale bass. But for whatever reason, my right hand (which is huge) isn't happy with strings being too close together. I loved how my 35" Schecter Stiletto sounded and looked, and it was a dream for my left hand, but the 16.5mm string spacing proved impossible for me to adjust to for my right.

 

[project_c]

So basically you’re all saying I should buy the Mustang immediately. Can’t argue with that.

 

[greggster59]

In a word, No.

I have two Birdsongs (31"), a Kala UBass and three standard scale (34") basses. When I switch them up it takes about three minutes to adjust to the change in neck length and fret spacing. Then it's just playing.

 

[ShortyGetLow]

Some scales are shorter than others.

 

[gln1955]

As to your second concern, my short scales did make my 34" basses redundant. I found myself playing the SS more and more and finally sold my favorite Aerodyne Precision to help fund a Maruszczyk short scale. You'll figure out which scale you like best and buy and sell appropriately. Why worry about it?

 

[Silky Johnson]

I go from 31" to 34" and vice versa with no issue whatsoever, as long as the bass fits you well I think it's a non issue

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

I always felt the instrument should fit the persons body
And if the player was using a bass to get a certain tone
So for me practicing what technique works best for what situation always is the answer

My guitar players are both 6'4" and I'm 5'10". Should we switch instruments? Maybe they should play tuba instead?

 

[MCF]

No. Once you get used to going back and forth between basses, you probably won’t notice it. Unless you worry about it. Get a Mustang!

 

[Mordamir]

Are you able to switch between short and regular without issues?

Yes.

 

[Cutter8]

Cutting to the chase... you might as well buy the Mustang now, ‘cuz that’s how this movie ends.

On a more serious note, apprehension about problems switching between scales is very real (I had the same concerns/questions), but the imagined problems aren’t. No need to worry, just jump on in, the water’s great!