Is going from a short scale bass to a full scale bass difficult?

[idk]

I bought my first bass a while ago its an ibanez gsrm20 mikro with a neck around 28 or 29 inches. I was thinking of eventually switching to a full scale 5 string like the schecter riot with has a 35 inch neck. My question is would this be a difficult transition to get used to? Im pretty sure my hands are big enough for playing on a full scale.

 

[Batmensch]

I started out on shorties, and the first time I played a long scale, it just felt right. When I finally got one of my own, it really didn't take too long to get used to it. There was a "break-in" period, but it wasn't bad at all.

 

[Redrama]

As long as you have large enough hands, it's really not a big difference. At least for me from switching from a short-scale Höfner Ignition to a full-scale Fender Jazz. You'll probably have more issues with the switch from 4 to 5 string than the scale.

 

[lfmn16]

Watch a good string bass player while they are playing Beethoven's 9th Symphony and you'll realize that scale has nothing to do with proficiency. If you have short fingers, learn to shift properly.

 

[spvmhc]

I had the same experience as Redrama; going from 4 to 5 strings was more difficult than changing scale. I'd encourage you to try out as many of the scale options as possible. Medium scale turned out to be most comfortable to me; your experience may be different.

 

[ArvindJayaram]

Try before buying and you won't be cursing later.

 

[Gorn]

For the sake of clarity, you're talking out going from a sub short scale to an extra long scale. Standard short is 30 inches and standard long is 34 inches.

 

[Ronbeast]

I switch back and forth between guitar, short scale bass, long scale bass and extended scale bass all the time. I've even switched during sets.

Honestly, it's mostly about feeling comfortable with your own instruments. I've logged a considerable number of hours on my basses and guitars and they all feel like a glove to me (I wouldn't keep them if they didn't). I can play my strat for a few songs, which is a 25.5" scale guitar and then quickly jump to any of my regular 34" scale basses. You just have to get used to doing so. Not a huge transition, and definitely something that most people can get used to fairly quickly.

-Ron

 

[godofthunder59]

Going from such a short scale to a full scale will take some getting used to just spend as much time you can bonding with it and you'll feel comfortable soon. I go back and forth from long scale to short all the time, it's never a issue for me. But I've been playing 44 years

 

[Dubista]

Some people can get bothered by the extra inch or two, others don't even notice the difference. With a 5 inch difference, it might take you a while to get the hang of it, if you get the hang of it at all.

YMMV.

 

[west al]

I never had any issues going from short, to long scales, and back again over the years. I agree though, where you may have problems going from a 4 string, to a 5 string.

 

[Dradder]

I'm facing the same issue; when I relocate from Ecuador to Ireland next year, I'm leaving my Mikro with a friend here and replacing all my gear at my new residence. Pretty much decided to make the jump to full-scale. I see YouTube videos all the time, with little kids and teenage girls with much smaller hands than mine, just shredding away on full-scale basses. So I figure I should just man up and get over my apprehensions about the matter.

 

[GM60466]

I go from a Hofner to a Yamaha with a 35" scale between numbers all the time. It is important to know where you are on the fingerboard at all times.

 

[Sav'nBass]

I's just an adjustment. As long as your arms are long enough to comfortably fret notes with out putting your hands in an awkward position.

 

[SirMjac28]

I find the more you do it the easier it is after you build that muscle memory your brain reacts on the fly.