Get what you like best. After some time you'll be able to play longer scale basses with minimal effort anyway, don't worry too much about the scale IMHO.
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Not Short Scale but Easier
- Thread starter CQLRobyn
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I'm pretty little (5'9", buck fifty), and wear a medium glove, and full 34" scale (and 3/4 size upright) pose very few problems for me, even when I was starting out. I think you could make a 34" instrument work for you.
Also, if you're playing in low tunings (as the bands you've described mostly do), a short scale bass is kinda less than ideal with regard to string tension/feel. Is there a specific reason you're after a short scale? If so, fair enough, and there are several options (Reverend Wattplower, Guild Starfire, Rockbass Star bass (32"), and many others that will fit the bill). Big fat rounds on a shortscale bass with humbuckers is one of the gnarliest sounds in rock, maybe it's for you and maybe it's not.
Also, if you're playing in low tunings (as the bands you've described mostly do), a short scale bass is kinda less than ideal with regard to string tension/feel. Is there a specific reason you're after a short scale? If so, fair enough, and there are several options (Reverend Wattplower, Guild Starfire, Rockbass Star bass (32"), and many others that will fit the bill). Big fat rounds on a shortscale bass with humbuckers is one of the gnarliest sounds in rock, maybe it's for you and maybe it's not.
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Some manufacturers produce a 33in scale bass. Its only an inch but makes a world of difference. To my knowledge I only know of two builders doing this currently. One is Fodera, probably cost prohibitive for a beginner, or Bacchus. The Bacchus is fender style instrument and a 33in scale model can be had for between 7 and 800
Ric5
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Ibanez Mikro ... the easiest bass to play ... 28.6" scale shown next to a 34" scale below ... they sound pretty good as well ...
You've got lots of advice and you'll get more.
I have a dozen great basses, some expensive some not. I have short, medium and long scale and they all sound good and play great in both the American band and grungy blues band.
They all work and they all fit whatever music you want to play.
Find the one that sings to you and makes your wallet smile
I have a dozen great basses, some expensive some not. I have short, medium and long scale and they all sound good and play great in both the American band and grungy blues band.
They all work and they all fit whatever music you want to play.
Find the one that sings to you and makes your wallet smile
Ric5
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+1 for the Mustang PJ ... tried one in Paris ... super suitable for any rock you may be willing to play
You say this as if it is a widely agreed-upon fact -- as if teachers generally recommend starting on short-scale and later moving to long-scale -- but that just isn't true. You could do it, of course, and there might be some teachers who would recommend it, but it isn't anything like a truism.
I learned on a short-scale bass for the first few months -- but I didn't know it. I had borrowed a bass from a friend that happened to be short-scale, but he didn't tell me that and I didn't know at the time that basses have different scale lengths. After those first few months I made my first trip to a music store with the intention of buying a bass, and it was one of the most frustrating afternoons I've ever experienced: I couldn't play a single bass in the store. I was like, "What is wrong with all these things?" I went home empty-handed that day, but some time later went out and bought a long-scale bass. What followed was months of frustration, as I felt like I was starting from scratch again. Eventually I got used to it, of course, but I think starting on the short-scale really set me back, and that I would have been much better off if I had started on a long-scale bass from the start.
Ric5
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My first 2 basses were Hofners ... 30" scale ... next bass Gibson eb0 ... 30" scale ... 4th bass was a Rickenbacker 4001 ... 33" scale ... I played for 30 years before I owned a 34" scale bass
I'll just throw in that the Sire M3 is one of the more comfortable 34" scale basses I've ever played, and as their entry-level bass, would be an excellent first bass choice.
You have received great advice so far. I started on 30" short scale (Aria Beatle Bass which I played for 3 years) gradually moved to a Fender Precision 34" scale, which I played for 20 years and now have moved to 32" scale 24 fret basses (1986 Alembic Persuader and Dave Pushic Custom). I find the 32" scale 24 fret basses give me all the comfort and notes I need and want on a bass.
My vote would be for a 32" scale bass, but buy what feels right to you and good luck on your bass playing journey!
My vote would be for a 32" scale bass, but buy what feels right to you and good luck on your bass playing journey!
Welcome to the forum! I agree with everyone and think you should try out a few and go for what's best for you. It doesn't matter what others play, it's all about what feels best to you.
I tried both when I was starting out and narrowed it down to two; The 34" Epiphone Thunderbird and the Gretsch Junior Jet. I settled on the Thunderbird because I have 'pianists' hands and have an 11" hand span, so going for long scale was the only choice for me really. I still love the Gretsch, it sounds fantastic and has been put to very effective use as a lead instrument by the band Royal Blood. Check out their Reading Festival appearance in 2015:
I also wanted a Vox Phantom bass, but they are hard to find and short scale as well
Whatever you choose I hope you have a very fulfilling and enjoyable time as a bassist.
My Vox Phantom bass (1968) was 34" scale.
Maybe somebody already mentioned this, but if not...
Whatever bass you choose to buy, have it set up properly _before_ you start practicing seriously. IMHO that will make far more difference to your comfort than the scale length.
Most instruments I've handled in music stores have high action with too much relief. (I know you're a beginner, OP; just wanted to introduce you to the terms. You can read the TB threads on setups, for general knowledge about how adjustments affect playability. But those two variables in combination have a lot to do with how it feels to play a bass.) Ask around and try to find a tech who does a decent job of it; the music store might or might not have a good one in house--but check with other musicians to find out.
And...welcome to the bass, and welcome to Talk Bass!
Whatever bass you choose to buy, have it set up properly _before_ you start practicing seriously. IMHO that will make far more difference to your comfort than the scale length.
Most instruments I've handled in music stores have high action with too much relief. (I know you're a beginner, OP; just wanted to introduce you to the terms. You can read the TB threads on setups, for general knowledge about how adjustments affect playability. But those two variables in combination have a lot to do with how it feels to play a bass.) Ask around and try to find a tech who does a decent job of it; the music store might or might not have a good one in house--but check with other musicians to find out.
And...welcome to the bass, and welcome to Talk Bass!
Don't let anyone tell you if a bass works or doesn't work in any scenario. Short scales are fully capable of holding up their end in any genre. If you like one get it. Had I just played what I liked when I started, instead of worrying that I wasn't a "real" bassist having a short scale, I would have saved myself a ton of time, money, and frustration. Play several basses before buying but remember that you're very unlikely to play that first bass forever. Especially if it's a lower end bass. At the beginning stage there is definitely a limit on how much gear info is too much info. I had people telling me that the first viola bass I had that my wife bought me was a one trick pony that couldn't handle multiple genres. I was a no trick pony worried that I couldn't play jazz and metal at the same hypothetical gig. Turns out that bass was just fine, I worried it was the wrong choice, sold it and ended up buying another one because I missed it. The point is, advice on this particular subject can be very subjective and filled with preconceived notions. It's best to play what you like, learn to do your own set ups, then you will understand what you want out of a bass and what design works best for you.
IMO of course.
IMO of course.
I recently rehabbed a Kay short scale (30") for a friend who is mainly a guitarist. I played it for a solid week while I was getting the adjustments down. I normally play P bass necks exclusively (and Aria SBs before that)...adjusting to the different scale took about an hour. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say "yes, comfort is important"...but when you start out, you are going to be somewhat uncomfortable anyway. I'd say it's more important to go for the tone that you like best and develop proper practicing habits to prevent injury and then after you've got some chops down, try out a a bunch of basses until you find one that you like.
That said...if you are dead set on a short scale...you really can't go wrong with a Hofner Violin Bass. I don't even LIKE The Beatles and I'm gassing really hard for one of those. (and you can play all the Alt Rock you want on it...my first bass was a Hofner knockoff and it rocked out Nirvana and Alice in Chains just fine)
That said...if you are dead set on a short scale...you really can't go wrong with a Hofner Violin Bass. I don't even LIKE The Beatles and I'm gassing really hard for one of those. (and you can play all the Alt Rock you want on it...my first bass was a Hofner knockoff and it rocked out Nirvana and Alice in Chains just fine)
I'm also going to chime in and suggest getting a regular scale Ibanez. You get a lot of bang for you buck, the necks are super comfortable, and you can still tune down without any worries. Another option would be the Ibanez Mikro 5-string. That way you have a low B and shouldn't need to tune down at all.
Ibanez GSRM25BK miKro - Black
Ibanez GSRM25BK miKro - Black
Somewhat agree on the string issue. I have a Hipshot D-tuner on my Jag SS. It works just fine, like you'd expect on a full scale bass however it does need a lighter touch detuned so you don't play sharp.
EDIT:
It's set for dropped-D.
