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I can't try out any multiscale basses near me!

Eric Aquilina

Eric Aquilina

Oct 17, 2021
77
50
Buffalo, NY
www.youtube.com
#1
Recently I've been really interested in trying out a multiscale bass. The Ibanez EHB series and the Spector dimension series is really catching my eye, and they both sound great and get good reviews from videos. I would like to make a purchase, but I cannot bring myself to it because I really want to try one of these instruments out in person first. These basses aren't crazy expensive, but they are expensive enough where I definitely do not want to make a purchase I'm going to regret. Problem is, all the guitar centers near me, all the local music stores, they don't have any multiscale basses... let alone an Ibanez or Spector one. Would you guys consider it worth it to buy it and see what happens, or would it be more worth it to wait until I have the opportunity to try one?

Also if you guys have experience with these basses or multiscales in general, would you consider it worth it? Thanks
 
#4
Eric Aquilina said:
From a purely ergonomics standpoint the EHB really fascinates me, but I can understand your disinterest. I will admit I am young and don’t have any attachment to old school style of basses, so something with cool angles and edges really catches my eye!
Click to expand...

They look cool as heck, and the look fits well with some styles.

Surely in the NY / Toronto area there’s someplace to try one. Clubbass.ca maybe?
 
#6
I went and got the 6 string version and was for the same reasons. I'd never had a multi scale or a 6 string. So I just wanted to try them out. Bought it in the blind and I can honestly say this thing is a riot. Fun to play, easy to play, ignore the fan frets - that hype is over-rated. Just play the thing. Same can be said of the 6th string. Thats just an extension of the fretboard. But I would highly recommend them. Sound is great, its light, I think the flatness of the board is more noticeable than the other factors. But it is very easy to play so I can't really "complain" about anything. Now I don't see this as my primary bass. I suppose you could, but I have others that need attention too.... But go used.... I see them here (often) in the $1100-$1300 range
 
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#9
I tried a Dingwall in a store recently. I expected the fanned frets to take some getting used to, but to my surprised it felt just like playing a normal bass. Very effortless. I have pretty long fingers though, so if you don't you may have a different experience. Either way, it's always preferable to try an instrument before buying it! If you can't find any locally, it might be worth a trip.
 
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#11
I can tell you that the 33-35” multi scales are easier to play than the 34-37” variety. You will also have more options for strings. I can’t say I loved the 34-37” fan, they were uncomfortable *for me* in first position. 33-35” is a bit different though, the extra length on the B and E really make a difference in feel and shortening of the D and G fattens them up a tiny bit, making for a nicely balanced tone.

Playing in a store will give you an idea of how they feel but owning one and dedicating yourself to it for a few weeks is the best way to know. Good luck!
 
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#12
Sid the Kid said:
I can tell you that the 33-35” multi scales are easier to play than the 34-37” variety. You will also have more options for strings. I can’t say I loved the 34-37” fan, they were uncomfortable *for me* in first position.
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That's exactly the issue I had with my Dingwall. Playing the lower strings at the first fret was an awkward finger stretch. If I ever get another multi scale it will be 33-35" or less.
 
#13
I was searching for a lighter weight 5 string than my Stingray 5 for gigging, and I decided to give the Multi scale thing a try. There was a multi scale Ibanez soundgear at my local Long and McQuade, and I played it briefly. It only took a minute to get used to the fanned frets.

I'm not a fan of the soundgear basses. I'm a bigger guy, and they just feel tiny to me. I told myself if they put out a multi scale BTB, I'd be in. Well, they did, and I ordered one, sight unseen and not having played one.

I love it. It looks amazing, feels amazing, and has a lot of tonal options. It's now my main gigging bass for my hard rock/metal original band.
 
#14
Eric Aquilina said:
Recently I've been really interested in trying out a multiscale bass. The Ibanez EHB series and the Spector dimension series is really catching my eye, and they both sound great and get good reviews from videos. I would like to make a purchase, but I cannot bring myself to it because I really want to try one of these instruments out in person first. These basses aren't crazy expensive, but they are expensive enough where I definitely do not want to make a purchase I'm going to regret. Problem is, all the guitar centers near me, all the local music stores, they don't have any multiscale basses... let alone an Ibanez or Spector one. Would you guys consider it worth it to buy it and see what happens, or would it be more worth it to wait until I have the opportunity to try one?

Also if you guys have experience with these basses or multiscales in general, would you consider it worth it? Thanks
Click to expand...

Take a road trip, you’ll find multi scale basses in a bunch of stores in Toronto. Or if you don’t wanna cross the border head to Ish in Syracuse.
 
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#16
Eric Aquilina said:
Recently I've been really interested in trying out a multiscale bass. The Ibanez EHB series and the Spector dimension series is really catching my eye, and they both sound great and get good reviews from videos. I would like to make a purchase, but I cannot bring myself to it because I really want to try one of these instruments out in person first. These basses aren't crazy expensive, but they are expensive enough where I definitely do not want to make a purchase I'm going to regret. Problem is, all the guitar centers near me, all the local music stores, they don't have any multiscale basses... let alone an Ibanez or Spector one. Would you guys consider it worth it to buy it and see what happens, or would it be more worth it to wait until I have the opportunity to try one?

Also if you guys have experience with these basses or multiscales in general, would you consider it worth it? Thanks
Click to expand...
Most stores have return policies. If you’re not into it, you can always return it.
 
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#17
Eric Aquilina said:
Recently I've been really interested in trying out a multiscale bass. The Ibanez EHB series and the Spector dimension series is really catching my eye, and they both sound great and get good reviews from videos. I would like to make a purchase, but I cannot bring myself to it because I really want to try one of these instruments out in person first. These basses aren't crazy expensive, but they are expensive enough where I definitely do not want to make a purchase I'm going to regret. Problem is, all the guitar centers near me, all the local music stores, they don't have any multiscale basses... let alone an Ibanez or Spector one. Would you guys consider it worth it to buy it and see what happens, or would it be more worth it to wait until I have the opportunity to try one?

Also if you guys have experience with these basses or multiscales in general, would you consider it worth it? Thanks
Click to expand...

I bought my 1st dingwall having never played a fanned fret and moving from 4 to 5 string and loved it so much that I sold my 6 4 strings and now have 4 5 strings all fanned fret. Dingwall ABZ and Super JP, Spector Dimension and an Ibanez 1005 MS.

Good Luck!
 
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#19
After about 5 minutes on a multi-scale you'll be able to just close your eyes and play as normal if it's a 35-33 or something like that.

I have two Sadowskys as my mains and just recently started working with a metal band. So I wanted something that I could downtune without too much tension loss and, also, something I wouldn't be nervous to bring to a show that has a mosh pit. I didn't want to go all the way to the Dingwall style 37" since I don't even like 35" scale basses, normally... I got me an Ibanez EHB1505MS and dropped a Darkglass tone capsule preamp in it and it's perfect! It's 35"-33" and I tune everything down a whole step.

Also, it fits in a guitar gig bag and weighs next to nothing. I recommend it.
 
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#20
I've tried a few and left pretty unimpressed and disinterested in the concept. Adjustment time was minimal, as others have said, but I didn't like how things felt above the 12th fret for soloing or playing chords, something I do a lot. I also just don't fully buy into the concept. I think there are better ways to achieve the same result without compromising playability.
 

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