I have been genetically cursed with small hands. I’m also a beginner and have a Squire Jaguar bass that I’m unhappy with because can’t get much harmonics response , or anything much else I like except when playing metal gets fat dark sound. Board is still a bit big too. Something easier to play plus with brighter sound for slapping and picking. Ideas?
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Electric bass for small hands?
- Thread starter upgroove9
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I have small hands and my go to bass is a EBMM Bongo 6 
If you need a short scale why not try the new EBMM Stingray short scale?
Or if you are looking for smaller string spacing then there is endless possibilities in terms of companies who make such basses.
If you need a short scale why not try the new EBMM Stingray short scale?
Or if you are looking for smaller string spacing then there is endless possibilities in terms of companies who make such basses.
When I was at a Tal Wilkenfeld concert last summer and everyone else was taking selfies with her afterwards, I wish I had thought to get a picture of her hand next to mine. She's a small person and has hands much smaller than mine; and she plays rings around me. So don't worry too much about small hands.
For a better sound, have you tried different strings? Some nice fresh roundwounds should get you out of the "fat dark sound" zone.
And what's your amp? How do you set your EQ?
For a better sound, have you tried different strings? Some nice fresh roundwounds should get you out of the "fat dark sound" zone.
And what's your amp? How do you set your EQ?
my Peavey Zodiac BXP has an inherently brighter sound than most of mine and the BXP necks enjoy a v thin profile at the nut, but the added EMG HZs provide guts and grit. they go for cheap. mod to taste if need be.
J&D (MusicStore.DE) makes a short (29") scale jazz bass, available in 5 colors... The 39mm nut, slim neck, and 19mm at the bridge make it a breeze to play. Plus all the tonal variety one tends to get in a jazz. All at a price that's very easy on the wallet.
One of these is going to be my next bass. I'm only debating color, and waiting for a time when I have €111 to spare.
One downside: control plate and pickguard are not "standard" size, if you want to mod. The pickups may or may not be; I have a shorty P with irregular pickup size.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Somewhere here, someone posted a video of an eight year old girl playing Led Zeppelin on a full sized drum kit, absolutely nailing it better than most adult drummers I've seen.
Reminds me of when I was on the fence about getting a five. I don't have large hands, and found many fives uncomfortable. Then I saw a very small young woman killing it at a blues gig on a Fender Deluxe Active Jazz V, so I figured I should be able to manage. I got a Jazz V soon thereafter, and I've played fives regularly ever since. (Actually, the narrow string spacing on my G&L fives makes them easier to play than my fours in some ways.)
Ibanez SR basses have small thin necks, and are available at a wide range of price points.
You don’t really need big hands for bass , or small hands for guitar.
My first upright bass teacher (in the Conservatory ) was probably 5ft 3 in tall, and he used a 3/4 bass. While “classical” technique differs a lot from electric bass, the scale length is 40+ in !!
Now that I think about it , most upright players that know are not taller than say , 5ft 11in, with hands that are proportional to their height.
My first upright bass teacher (in the Conservatory ) was probably 5ft 3 in tall, and he used a 3/4 bass. While “classical” technique differs a lot from electric bass, the scale length is 40+ in !!
Now that I think about it , most upright players that know are not taller than say , 5ft 11in, with hands that are proportional to their height.
Small hands aren't usually the problem as most 4 string bass necks are narrow. The problem usually lies in hand posture. If you thumb of your fretting hand is too high behind the neck your fingers will have a harder task to fret the notes. Try placing your thumb around the centre of the back of the neck.
I have smallish hand because I am short, I recently played a seven string bass no problem, has I had worst technique then I wouldn't be able too.
Try it. Most of the problems people have with ergonomics is poor positioning and technique.
I have smallish hand because I am short, I recently played a seven string bass no problem, has I had worst technique then I wouldn't be able too.
Try it. Most of the problems people have with ergonomics is poor positioning and technique.
D
Small hands + bright sound = Sandberg Electra
They're far too bright for my taste but the neck is awesome and very suitable for small hands.
Ibanez SR is another great option.
They're far too bright for my taste but the neck is awesome and very suitable for small hands.
Ibanez SR is another great option.
If yyou want a shorty, the Samick Greg Bennett Corsair is excellent (I own one) and should be available cheap secondhand. Cort have a similar unit called the Action Jnr I think.
For a full scale, I second the Ibanez Soundgear range. I have a couple of different models and even with modest digits, I can play a 6 (SR706) fine.
For a full scale, I second the Ibanez Soundgear range. I have a couple of different models and even with modest digits, I can play a 6 (SR706) fine.
Get a good teacher. Learn proper technique. Then play any bass you want.
Ibanez SR anything really! Just pick your price point
I have small hands and play a 34" Fender P. When I was younger it was a challenge and always felt too large. As I got older I learned the technique of moving or adjusting my fretting hand more. Not playing one finger per fret but shifting my left hand a tiny bit as needed. I bought a 42" EUB and it made me rethink my technique and has actually helped on BG.
"Small hands" is a bad and obsolete excuse for not working on your technique. Play whatever you love!
Many female bass players with tiny hands have no problem playing 34 inch scale bass (Tal Wilkenfeld, Tina Weymouth, etc).
I have small hands and do just fine on an EBMM StingRay 5.
As someone else mentioned earlier, check out the EBMM StingRay Short Scale. I've heard nothing but great reviews about that bass since it was released.
But I am a bit biased.
As someone else mentioned earlier, check out the EBMM StingRay Short Scale. I've heard nothing but great reviews about that bass since it was released.
But I am a bit biased.
I sometimes wish I had small hands (mine are ginormous). My hands feel cramped on a Jazz width neck, I pretty much have to have wide necks, or it slows me down. I've seen players who were 5 foot even play a full scale, and do it marvelously. Play a short scale if you want, but you probably don't have to.
