How often are you using your short scale?

[mrperkolator]

I tend to grab my AFB200 a lot. It’s a hollow that’s just loud enough I can sometimes get away with practicing unplugged, which is handy.

This was my issue in the past as well. I’m long and my arms would ache after a…short period of time.

Sorry about that. Anyway, that’s why I’m considering a cheap one for maybe a song or two when I do get back to gigging again.

The g&l fallout is known for having possibly the longest reach on a shorty. It’s close to a 34 in overall height. This might work for you. Some players don’t like the reach though.

 

[40Hz]

I usually reach for a short-scale (I have three) anytime I just feel like playing something. I also prefer using a short-scale whenever I get roped into playing bass for a blues jam.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive but great sounding and easy playing short-scale, I’d recommended checking out the Gretsch Junior Jet. These little basses punch well above their weight in terms of both their tone and build quality.

Note: short-scale basses already have a lot of low end. But people tend to automatically put flat wounds on them despite that. I’d suggest trying a set of GHS Pressurewounds for a little more tonal versatility instead.

 

[scuzzy]

I've got 3 short scales. A full hollow body, a semi-hollow, and a chambered single pickup. I play the full and semi quite a bit, but i've been missing the chambered. all three play and sound great, if you like that tone. the Ibanez full hollow is such a great sounding instrument. it is my pick playing acoustic sets with a drummer.

 

[evanrunyon]

I've had three short-scale basses in my life (a '78 Musicmaster, a '67 Univox Hi-Flier, and a cool 80's Aria). They all had the right vibe and I desperately wanted to like all of them but I, uh, didn't. Alas.

 

[msb]

Twenty something basses , about half are short scale , it’s my preferred size.

 

[coryr1000]

I picked up a Squier Mustang last year and use it about 70% of the time over my long scale basses. I'm in my 60's now and having hand issues so the Mustang is just easier to play 3 sets with.

 

[SteveCS]

This question is geared towards people who use them as a secondary instrument.
...
How often are you picking up your short scale over your long scale?

After almost 40 years of long-scale only, I now have one short-scale (a Hofner Ignition Club) that gets it's fair share of play time and has become the 'go-to' on a small but growing number of tunes. The Hofner sound (mine has Labella DTF Black tapes) is unique and quite different to my 'default' which is modern/active/Hi-Fi, so I don't see it becoming a primary instrument, but that has nothing to do with scale, just the sound.

I think if I had a short-scale that sounded like the long-scales I would probably not play it, but that different feel and sound has brought some new dimensions to my playing which are still (1 year on) fresh and exciting, at least from where I sit

 

[And I]

i have been half-heartedly trying to sell my vintera mustang but for the small amount of bass i do play these days, it's the bass i play. if i were to start gigging on bass again, i'd more actively try to sell it though. i like the feel and the short-scaley-ness but just don't dig the tone for most of what I play (and i'm partial to 5ers).

 

[Bunk McNulty]

I've been a confirmed 34"-scaler since way back, but lately the Sire U5 has been proving its worth on gigs. It was my backup bass, but more and more I'm reaching for it first. The 30" scale strung with flats delivers a solid, unambiguous punch that is the delight of both FOH and studio engineers.

Mine is the delight of my BL, when I brought one of these to a gig where there was no stage and barely enough room to turn around. Plays good, sounds good, and no fear of hitting her in the chops with it.

 

[brianrost]

I’ve had a Danelectro/Silvertone bass since 1978. Definitely a specialty bass! It gets gigged now and then for blues, currently it’s my busking bass. I have been playing it so seldom that I had to go buy some FastFret for the strings (46 years and going strong ) because they were so gunked up last time I pulled it out.

 

[ZachM]

Since buying my JMJ Mustang I've been gigging it about 80% of the time, and my T-40 is getting the other 20%. I suspect it'll level out to an even split once the newness wears off, but that short scale + flats tone is really getting it done for me lately.

 

[LowWay]

I don’t exactly fit your criteria, but I bought a short scale due to physical limitations in 2020. I’ve since healed and gone back to full scale for a little while, but decided, in the end, I prefer short scale. So I’m now short scale only.

I’m a bedroom/home studio player now, but I’ve been playing almost 40 years and was an active touring musician in my heyday.

All of my shorties stay in tune. From my Squier mustang (with upgraded tuners) through my custom Bordwells.

 

[fhm555]

Hand issues have forced me to use short scale full time.

 

[bftbassman]

These are as good as any bass ever played & thats a lot. They respond to proper set ups well.

 

[Jefenator]

I somehow wound up with 3 out of 12 being in the 30" ballpark. That includes both the hollowbodies.
They get out fairly often. I like to use them on jazz gigs where there's no room for the upright, and I like to swap them in sometimes for rock / country / folk / etc.
I almost gave up on the Gretsch Broadkaster, but after raising the neck pickup 1/8" I can't stop playing it.

 

[Alivefor5]

My short and medium scale bases just sit in their cases. Wish I hadn’t bothered.

Same for me.

 

[Ostie]

I play my shorties all the time. I have five of them and only two long scales. My #1 will always be my JC gold top, but I play the others all the time.

 

[dalkowski]

I was 100% with my Allen Woody and loving it, until (for whatever reason) it became uncomfortable for me. That was sad, but it went to a good home with a TBer not far from me.

I bought a stripey Squier CV Mustang from another TBer a year or so ago, but I haven't dialed it in yet to be my main player. So right now my 77/78 P is my 100% (gigged with it last night, in fact). Like it always has, it feels like home whenever I pick it up.

(I totally know how @WI Short Scaler will answer this question!)

 

[bigjames]

I gave my short scale Squire Mustang to my nephew, but when I had it, I kept it in the living room and used it as my random practice instrument and loved it.

 

[Bruce Pete]

I have 4 short scale basses and play one everyday.