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Help-Short Scale Bass?

scottie65

scottie65

Jul 31, 2013
130
49
New Mexico
#1
What are the pros and cons of a short scale bass? I am looking at acoustic/electric bass models and noticed the Alvarez model I am looking at (AB60CE) was advertised with a scale of 27.5". Most bass models I have viewed have a 34" scale. I just need some advice as to the reasons or advantages of a short or long scale bass. Does anyone know much about this model?
Thanks
 
#3
I'd be more concerned over the pros and cons of an acoustic/electric rather than the scale length.

I have an Ibanez Mikro solidbody that has a 28.6" scale length as well as quite a few 30" scale basses and they all work fine.
 
#4
This?
DV016_Jpg_Large_H78610.001_natural.jpg

It's not short scale. Ibanez makes a 32" acoustic. Fender makes a 30". Michael Kelly makes a 24.5". The ubass is 21".
 
#5
Howdy Scottie

Basses are just like shirts, they come in small, medium, large and extra large. You have to play them to figure out what fits you best. Believe me, if you can find a well equipped music store play them all and one of the sizes will jump out at you and simply feel better to you.

After playing them, if you find that short or medium scale basses are the ones for you, there is more info here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Best of luck!

BassHappy
Link Removed
 
#6
I don't know about that model, but I do own a couple short-scales.
I've got a modded Squier Bronco(cloverleaf tuners, P-pups, Mustang inspired pickguard, string-through body bridge).
I've got a SX jazz-shaped(can't recall the name) bass that I'm refinishing.
I owned a different Bronco(the badtz maru version), but sold it and I'm borrowing an older Squier 32" P.

For me, the short-scales are more comfortable, and I challenge you to find anyone who is not a bassist to tell the difference when the whole band is playing. Is there a difference? Probably, but most people just don't care or can't tell.

Some people thing the strings feel floppy or loose on a short string, but I've played full-scales that felt more floppy than mine(I'm sure the reverse is true as well), and you could always go up in string gauge and increase the tension. I've actually got some strings to experiment on that at some point in the near future.

I also want to point out that a surprising number of very popular songs were recorded on short scales...
 
#7
Some people have noted, and I tend to agree with them, that the tonal quality of the E and A string is better on a long scale but the D and G strings sound better on a short scale.

This is certainly a generalization but overall I think it's pretty much correct.
 
#8
Olde Axeman said:
Some people have noted, and I tend to agree with them, that the tonal quality of the E and A string is better on a long scale but the D and G strings sound better on a short scale.

This is certainly a generalization but overall I think it's pretty much correct.
Click to expand...

Selecting the proper strings for the instrument addresses that issue for all scale lengths.
 
#9
Olde Axeman said:
Some people have noted, and I tend to agree with them, that the tonal quality of the E and A string is better on a long scale but the D and G strings sound better on a short scale.

This is certainly a generalization but overall I think it's pretty much correct.
Click to expand...

Without a doubt qualifies as the most ridiculous generalization I have heard on TB, well so far. I got to admit there is a lot of competition for the slot.

BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
 
#10
Olde Axeman said:
Some people have noted, and I tend to agree with them, that the tonal quality of the E and A string is better on a long scale but the D and G strings sound better on a short scale.

This is certainly a generalization but overall I think it's pretty much correct.
Click to expand...

Bahahaha that's load of crap. As a huge fan and user of short scales the above statement is incorrect. A properly setup short scale will sound as good a long scale. But you have to compare apples to apples. I have a Warwick corvette ss and a Corvette 34". And they sound identical live and in studio. However my Squier jag ss does not sound like my MIA Fender P/J passive bass no matter how hard I try.
 
#12
GM60466 said:
Stay away from a scale that short. It will mess you up in the long run.
Click to expand...

Not true. I switch effortlessly between 42, 35, 34, 32, 30, 28.6 and 18 inch scales. That's from an upright to an Ashbory.

jonnybass1 said:
Bahahaha that's load of crap. As a huge fan and user of short scales the above statement is incorrect. A properly setup short scale will sound as good a long scale. But you have to compare apples to apples. I have a Warwick corvette ss and a Corvette 34". And they sound identical live and in studio. However my Squier jag ss does not sound like my MIA Fender P/J passive bass no matter how hard I try.
Click to expand...

Yet another good example of how different basses can sound different.
 
#13
I am by no means an expert, but I started on a short scale about a year and a half ago. A few months ago, I got a medium scale. Last week I went and played some long scales. I don't seem to really even notice a difference in playability except on the first few frets.
 

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