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How does strings scale length affect your sound?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by namuxtree, Jul 30, 2009.

  1. Jul 30, 2009 #1
    namuxtree

    namuxtree

    Jun 25, 2009
    Orange County, CA
    Like the title says...i.e. Long Scale, medium scale, short scale. How do they differ in tension, feel, and sound?
     
  2. Jul 30, 2009 #2
    MIJ-VI

    MIJ-VI Inactive Supporting Member

    Jan 12, 2009
    Gee... How does that 'ray 5 feel? ;)
     
  3. Jul 30, 2009 #3
    fretlessguy

    fretlessguy

    May 17, 2008
    Hopefield, AR.
    Long scales, as compared to medium and short scales, tend to have higher tension when doing a comparison using the same gauge strings. The shorter scales obviously feel more "bendable" and slightly easier to play, at least to my fingers. Faster playing as well. As for the difference in sound, unless you play a very low quality short scale there is not that much. I have played some pretty fat sounding shorties and some pretty thin long scales.