It seems that many folks that play five stringers like a longer scale, like 35". Is there some reason other than personal preference that longer scales and fivers match up? Is it playability? Or perhaps the tonal quality of the B-string?
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Longer Scale For A Five String???
- Thread starter Chico Ruger
- Start date
>> tonal quality of the B string
You got it. Longer B string = more tension = better sounding B.
37" or nothin.
You got it. Longer B string = more tension = better sounding B.
37" or nothin.
This will cause a debate.
There will be those who chime in and say "My 21" scale Snootypot bass has an amazing B string because it was built correctly."
And others will say "If it ain't 35" it ain't tight. I don't care whooooyar."
In general, I find that on production basses a 35" B string will be tighter than a 34". That's my experience. That being said, my main player is a 34" Fender Precision 5 and I have no problems with the B string even though I play somewhat aggressively.
There will be those who chime in and say "My 21" scale Snootypot bass has an amazing B string because it was built correctly."
And others will say "If it ain't 35" it ain't tight. I don't care whooooyar."
In general, I find that on production basses a 35" B string will be tighter than a 34". That's my experience. That being said, my main player is a 34" Fender Precision 5 and I have no problems with the B string even though I play somewhat aggressively.
My 5-er is 35.5 inch scale. Not too concerned about the B, but in my opinion the G sounds much clearer and precise, especially 7th fret and above. YMMV.
(And, yes, the B string is nice - but it was nice on my 34 inch scale 5-er, too.)
(And, yes, the B string is nice - but it was nice on my 34 inch scale 5-er, too.)
I read once that Hamer did some testing and concluded that overall string length from tuner to bridge (including the string outside nut and saddle) was helpful with the B, and did reverse 5 on a side headstocks for a while to get a better B, but they didn't stick with that so it doesn't seem they were convinced over time, -that was in the late '80s. Interesting theory anyway.
I've always thought that there are a lot of great basses (ones I like) with a variety of specs.
On longer scale basses, all the strings are higher tension, - not everybody likes all the strings tighter, so it's a little bit of a trade off. Kubicki was really a genius with the X-factor, and adding length to the E alone (with the D option lever), I think those are 32" scale, with the option of a 34" D at the bottom. He really thought outside the existing boxes on that one, gotta give that guy respect whether you like those or not.
I've always thought that there are a lot of great basses (ones I like) with a variety of specs.
On longer scale basses, all the strings are higher tension, - not everybody likes all the strings tighter, so it's a little bit of a trade off. Kubicki was really a genius with the X-factor, and adding length to the E alone (with the D option lever), I think those are 32" scale, with the option of a 34" D at the bottom. He really thought outside the existing boxes on that one, gotta give that guy respect whether you like those or not.
In music generally the lower the note the bigger the instrument, bass drum, baritone, DB and cello etc, or longer as in piano, xylophone, harp etc. This still applies to bass guitar but because much of the sound is generated electrically it is a grey area. A well made 34" 5 string bass can sound better than an average 35" bass.
My 34" Wal had a fantastic B string, my 34" Fender, not so much. Both my 35" basses, Lull and Lakland, are perfect. Try your instrument and make your choice based on what you hear and feel.
My 34" Wal had a fantastic B string, my 34" Fender, not so much. Both my 35" basses, Lull and Lakland, are perfect. Try your instrument and make your choice based on what you hear and feel.
Doner Designs
Steve Doner
- Jun 2, 2012
- 5,784
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- Doner Designs is an alias for Steve Doner
The importance also depends on what kind of strings you like to play. Less of an issue if you prefer high tension strings (like flats for example).
The slightly longer scale adds a hint more tension to the strings, making for a tighter B. I definitely prefer a 35" scale for a low B. For regular EADG it is a little tight.
It was noticeable on the Peavey Cirrus 5'er that I owned (tighter B). I had a bear of a time finding strings that fit right, but it was a good feeling bass.
I prefer 35" on basses with 5 strings or more. My Modulus Q5 was 35" and both of my custom US Spector 5er's are 35" scale and they are fantastic up and down the neck!!
On the flip side, I ran into a builder who makes 32, 33, 34, 36 and 37 scale high end basses, but, on multiple occasions, has refused to build a 35 for me. I found out later thru a friend, who is also one of his other customers, that this particular builder has issues with the 'harmonic content' of a 35" scale basses and refuses to make them. I find a bit odd, especially since there are a lot of high end bass builders who freely offer that option.
Like most things in life, try as many options as you can and figure out what feels/plays/sounds best for you and go with it!
On the flip side, I ran into a builder who makes 32, 33, 34, 36 and 37 scale high end basses, but, on multiple occasions, has refused to build a 35 for me. I found out later thru a friend, who is also one of his other customers, that this particular builder has issues with the 'harmonic content' of a 35" scale basses and refuses to make them. I find a bit odd, especially since there are a lot of high end bass builders who freely offer that option.
Like most things in life, try as many options as you can and figure out what feels/plays/sounds best for you and go with it!
I will be that person
32" scale Eshenbaugh. Sounds great, and Carey Nordstrand agreed.
That said, I get why some would find the longer scale to help. Dingwall certainly makes it their thing, so who am I to argue. If it works, it works.
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
You can have a tight and responsive open B string on a 34" bass (or 35") but you cannot have a B string with notes that sound clear and full all the way up the neck without going 37"+. You will get wolftones as you fret up the neck on anything shorter. Honestly though, I have played 37" B strings that still get wolftones at the 15th fret. I have also had 34" B strings that blew 35"ers out of the water. I honestly do not think anything is gained between 34" and 35" aside from player preference.
35 is no guarantee of anything-may be roomier for big hands though.
a well crafted 34 scale five string can be awesome.
my L 2500 G&L has a phenomenal B string and I cant imagine a better one.
I have owned DW's and the 37 really is a treat. I owned a 35 inch DW (super P) and I thought the B was spongy.
a well crafted 34 scale five string can be awesome.
my L 2500 G&L has a phenomenal B string and I cant imagine a better one.
I have owned DW's and the 37 really is a treat. I owned a 35 inch DW (super P) and I thought the B was spongy.
