Is something wrong with me?

[Woodchuck]

Understood,
No point knocking them if they've never tried one.

That's the thing, I have. I played a Roscoe short scale 6 that was AMAZING. They're just not for me.

 

[Col the plunker]

Fair play to you mate. One other thing l noticed was that some short-scale players use a pick. Sir Paul McCartney being amongst them. Any other of you guys employ one, regardless of scale length persuasion???

 

[JimmyM]

Keep in mind: This is NOT thread to bash short scale basses, or those that play them! I'm just wondering if I'm the only one that's not a big fan of short scale basses. If I am, so be it. I've seen some nice ones, but they're just not for me. If a thread like this already exists, my apologies.

Woodchuck, as good a player as you are I wouldn't worry about it. You are certainly not the only one. If they don't turn you on, not like you're hurting for good sounding basses to play.

 

[Woodchuck]

Woodchuck, as good a player as you are I wouldn't worry about it. You are certainly not the only one. If they don't turn you on, not like you're hurting for good sounding basses to play.

I'm flattered! That being said, I think it's a mental thing.

 

[PJ Muzikmansky]

"Is something wrong with me?"

No

 

[jd56hawk]

Keep in mind: This is NOT thread to bash short scale basses, or those that play them! I'm just wondering if I'm the only one that's not a big fan of short scale basses. If I am, so be it. I've seen some nice ones, but they're just not for me. If a thread like this already exists, my apologies.

I know of two short-scale basses that I’d buy without even trying them out...if had any need or desire for short-scale basses, which I don’t.
Of course, I have no problem recommending one.

 

[JayLaughlin]

Any bass with a sub 41" scale length *is* a short-scale.

All kidding aside, short-scales can be great...or not-so much. They're just like any other scale in that regard.

 

[Mustang Surly]

View attachment 3723152

Please stop posting snap shots documenting your last colonoscopy prep...

 

[AlienNed]

ever heard a u bass? About as short as you can get. I was impressed.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Keep in mind: This is NOT thread to bash short scale basses, or those that play them! I'm just wondering if I'm the only one that's not a big fan of short scale basses. If I am, so be it. I've seen some nice ones, but they're just not for me. If a thread like this already exists, my apologies.

I would say you are not alone. That said, can you get an acceptable sound out of a short scale bass? Of course. The Fender Mustang I played back in the 70s was a killer sounding bass compared to my EB3.

Since 1974, I‘ve played 34 inch scales exclusively, but I sure there are some here that only like 35” or longer.

 

[Col the plunker]

ever heard a u bass? About as short as you can get. I was impressed.

Are those the ukulele looking jobbies???

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Are those the ukulele looking jobbies???

Re: U-Bass

I wasn’t. Yup, definitely short, and certainly light enough...Sorry, just not for me.

 

[40Hz]

@Woodchuck - Why should you or anyone else care either way? If a short-scale bass doesn’t work for you, then it doesn’t work for you - and no harm done.

It is possible to overthink these things. Try not to worry too much about what other people are doing or thinking when it comes to bass. Just go by what your ears tell you and you’ll do fine.

tl:dr - No. There’s nothing wrong with you. (But I think you already know that.)

 

[GIBrat51]

Yeah, there's something wrong with you. You're normal, with personal preferences - which in this world we live in now, is highly suspect. So, straighten up, and get with the program...

Actually, no, there isn't "something wrong". If you don't like them, then you just don't like them. Simple as that...
Personally, I don't care much, one way or the other. I have.. 8 short scale basses? I forget... Anyway, to me, a bass is simply what it is. I do have a few spots in my herd specifically for a short scale bass, so that's what I bought to fill those spots. Others? Well, if you want a violin bass, a short scale is almost certainly what you'll wind up with; especially if you throw "left handed" into the mix. If you want a Dano Longhorn? That's a shorty, too... As for my other shortys? The spot for "Gretsch bass" wound up being filled by a short scale Broadkaster. But, as it's the only production lefty Gretsch bass I've ever seen, I wasn't about to pass on it because of the scale. And, the "headless bass" spot wound up being filled by a short scale, aluminum necked Kramer Duke. Just the way things worked out... I don't have any problem playing short scale basses, but I'll concede that others might. For what it's worth, I do prefer a long scale bass. But, that's mainly because a long scale (Rick 4001) is what I learned on; and long scale basses are what I played for a couple of decades afterwards. But, of the 2 basses that sit out next to my rig? One of them is a bass like the one I learned to play on, and the other is my favorite shorty...

 

[AlienNed]

Are those the ukulele looking jobbies???

Yeah, with rubber strings. I forget what amp it was played through but it was amazingly upright bass sounding.

 

[nFinnyD]

I’ve never felt the burning need to add one to my collection. One homejob medium scale fell in to my lap for $20 at a flea market. It’s my shortest. I am seriously considering a Mensinger Cazpar(30”) if I won the lottery(not likely here in Utah) not because they are short scale, I just love the looks. That or maybe one of those mini Mayones bass.

 

[Watchootognbout]

For me the ones on the wall in a store are generally "traditionally" styled.
Which I don't like.
The ones that aren't "traditionally" styled aren't accessible and are expensive.

So I get what I can and what I like.
Which is long scale.

 

[sedan_dad]

Well good for the OP. I do think you're denying yourself the benefit of playing a variety of different basses. TO ME owning a variety of basses makes far more sense than owning 5 Jazz's or 6 Precisions.

 

[Aquilador]

I’m a ‘wee’ man and play a short scale Mustang and EB0.
I string both of my basses with La Bella flats and there is nothing floppy about these strings.

I had a Sterling Ray35 Classic and loved it, but it was too damned big for me and weighed over 12lbs. After an hour of playing it my shoulder was ready to cave in. My reasoning for a five string was that I could play the lowest notes of a four string midneck on the B string. But the 5 string is a different beastie and to stop the B string sounding (when I wasn’t using it) it meant I had to change my playing technique.
So, reluctantly, it had to go.

If I wasn’t ‘wee’ my go to bass would probably always be a Fender Precision, but it would be the quickest way to RSI in my wrist.

However... with the advent of the new short scale Sterling Stingray, I might have found a new go to bass!

 

[Hank Scorpio]

I had a Mustang briefly but ended up selling it. I generally play 34" but I'm really tempted by the new SBMM SS Stingray, they look great. I don't know why, but the hankering for a shorty has come back. I don't have huge hands but I don't really struggle on 34".. who knows, probably just boredom GAS from being home all day.