• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Full Scale or Short Scale?

#61
I prefer short. I have a 1969 Fender Mustang Bass, a Gibson SG Standard Bass and a Gibson SG Reissue Bass. I also have a Fender AVRI 57 Precision. As I've gotten older, I prefer the shorter scale for the lighter weight, less strain on my shoulders and elbows.
 
#62
I had & tried some short scale basses long long time ago. Never satisfied. Sold them. I prefer 34". Never find short scale bass that suits me (sound/tone wise esp.). I don't think much about it (scale of the basses) actually, neither look for it, but if I find one that suits me in the future, I'll be happy because I have a small hands.
Not the short scale bass' mistake, but it's me..I just can't make it sings.
 
#63
Thanks for the advice on Landing - I'll check them out. Frankly I had never given them a serious look due to their 1995-esque website. On initial glance I didn't think they offered a serious, quality product. Corporate image matters!
 
#64
bluesdogblues said:
I had & tried some short scale basses long long time ago. Never satisfied. Sold them. I prefer 34". Never find short scale bass that suits me (sound/tone wise esp.).
Click to expand...

I wonder if that's a short scale issue or an issue with the relative lack of product available? It's like my question in another thread: how would a short scale P compare to a long scale P if all other elements are the same? It's hard to compare subjectively if all you have at hand at the short scale end is, say, a Mustang or an old Gibson.
 
#65
RedHotFuzz said:
Here's my dream short scale that no one seems to make:

Pro-level build under $2k ($1k-$1.5k ideal).
Solid body in a traditional shape (P, J, LP, etc.)
Body contours for comfort (goodbye Mustang and Gretsch).
Pickups that can tonally fill the ubiquitous P category. Ability for additional tonal variations even better.
At least a couple of color options, including solids.
Under 9 lbs.

Is there anything other than build-your-own (Warmoth) out there that I'm overlooking that meets these criteria? In 34" I'd have hundreds of options. :(
Click to expand...

A PiccoBass has some of that. Whether it has all is somewhat subjective.
- Pro-level build. Not sure what would qualify for that.
- Solid traditional shape - got it.
- Body contours for comfort - edges are rounded.
- Pickups that fill P cat - two humbuckers with significant tonal variety.
- Color options - nah - the PiccoBass is about the beauty of a naked instrument.
- Under 9 lbs - about 6.5.

Oh - and it's 25.5 inch scale with custom, matched, excellent strings.
 

Attachments

  • 3 Rosewood fretted body in case.png
    3 Rosewood fretted body in case.png
    831 KB · Views: 89
  • 2 Rosewood fretted head in case.png
    2 Rosewood fretted head in case.png
    893.4 KB · Views: 90
#66
RedHotFuzz said:
I wonder if that's a short scale issue or an issue with the relative lack of product available? It's like my question in another thread: how would a short scale P compare to a long scale P if all other elements are the same? It's hard to compare subjectively if all you have at hand at the short scale end is, say, a Mustang or an old Gibson.
Click to expand...

Some of mine were Vintage Gibson EB, Fender Mustang...all had their good treatment. :D So I mean, they were good basses. I'm sure it's just me
 
#68
I mostly play a P bass, but I have a 60's something EBO. The mudbucker has been replaced by what appears to be a Dimarzio Model 1 and what I think is a Model J was added at the bridge. It's a beater. It can sit for months un played and I think maybe I should sell it.

Then I pull it out and it just slays the low end and I can't put it down.

Plus it's always cool to see someone hide a sneer when I pull it out and watch their eyes pop when they hear it.
 
#69
RedHotFuzz said:
Here's my dream short scale that no one seems to make:

Pro-level build under $2k ($1k-$1.5k ideal).
Solid body in a traditional shape (P, J, LP, etc.)
Body contours for comfort (goodbye Mustang and Gretsch).
Pickups that can tonally fill the ubiquitous P category. Ability for additional tonal variations even better.
At least a couple of color options, including solids.
Under 9 lbs.

Is there anything other than build-your-own (Warmoth) out there that I'm overlooking that meets these criteria? In 34" I'd have hundreds of options. :(
Click to expand...

I don't know about it sounding exactly like your P fantasy, but since you did mention the J, how about a stunning brand new Fender Japan Jazz bass in 30" short scale:

Invalid Link Removed

Sorry they have changed the way their linking works. Go to my link and hit PRODUCTS and then hit SMART SIZE and look for JB62SS. There it is. It is a 1962 Jazz Bass replica, with no pickup or bridge cover, and no annoying screw holes either. Don't worry about the scale listed - in Japan they ONLY measure from the nut to the 12th fret. You have to double it then convert to inches.

BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
 
#71
Getting back into playing after years, I had only my '70 Precision. When I realized it needed some work, I picked up a Martin Stinger P-J, which I've gotten to really like. I have a second home, so I bought an SX Jazz-style online to have something to play when I'm there. I find I really enjoy it. Big thing- I'm older, don't have exceptionally large hands and find that things I'm trying to learn- like chords- are easier on the SX. The sound, at least at living room volumes, is fine. Now I'm thinking about a medium-scale.
 
#72
RedHotFuzz said:
Those are nice. If only they offered a P (or P/J) in that size. :(
Click to expand...

Yeah, within the short scale realm and your budget, your best quality P Bass choice would probably now be Warmoth. They recently started offering the P in both short and medium scale. This one is chambered and looks pretty nice:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Go here for more bodies:

Invalid Link Removed

Certainly NOT bargain basement cheap, but they make some pretty high quality bodies and necks and you can certainly end up with a very nice short or medium scale - probably close to the budget you were mentioning.

BassHappy
 
#73
bluesdogblues said:
Some of mine were Vintage Gibson EB, Fender Mustang...all had their good treatment. :D So I mean, they were good basses. I'm sure it's just me
Click to expand...
That's one thing about short scale. Either you love them or you hate them. Not much in between. Most folks prefer long scale, but after playing short scale for a lot of years, they have grown on me and that is all I gig with now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bluesdogblues
#75
I think that a long scale is only really explored in all they potencial by top jazz or metal musicians. If you put a short scale bass in pop musicians hands like Adam Clayton, or the bass guitarist of Green Day (two exemples of long scale bass players), I think that they don't notice that.
 
#79
For 4 string bass I really prefer short scale basses. That could be because my background is more guitar based but I find the tone sweeter in the upper and middle ranger and heavier and more mellow in the bottom end.
For 5 string I use a 34" long scale basses and as much as I have access to a 35" scale which gives the low B string a bit more stiffness I prefer 34".
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back