Reasons for and against short scale

[BlindtheCarrier]

Hey just looking for opinions each way and why you like/dislike short scale basses. I don't really have money for another bass at the moment but I could see a short scale being useful at some point in my future.

 

[Winnb]

Pros:
- Lighter weight (nice for your shoulder on those long gigs)

- Shorter fret distance for easier fingering

- Less string tension for softer feel

- Usually has more of and old "thumpy" feel to it.




Cons:
-Kinda limited in the sounds you can get, but that also depends on your pickups and your style.

-Sometimes long scale strings don't fit quite right.

-Doesn't look as cool as the 6 string, 35" scale, Koa wood/Wenge, active pickup, flamed maple top, $4000 behemoth that gets everyone's attention.

 

[metalstorm]

Cons: If you're fat, it makes you look fatter.

 

[msb]

That's the main one , they make your butt look bigger .

 

[heavyfunkmachin]

you look liker a giant...if you stay away form gutiars, to avoid comparatives.

They do sound great...

I want one badly, a natural mustang... maybe a eatswood classic... i just need money to sped.

 

[mongo2]

I use shortscales pretty much exclusively now. I find the tone doesn't suffer due to the shorter scale length, they're easier to get around on, the one's I play are every light, and they sound very even being less prone to dead/hot spots.

Win-win-win-win for me.

 

[grisezd]

I have stubby fingers, so I bought a short scale. Good move.

Not the best bass for metal, but it gives our metal cover tunes more thump, especially with flats!

Fits better in an overhead compartment, too!

 

[newbold]

Less Fundamental, more rich overtones.

Big, warm, fat.

Kinda like me.

 

[Stranger Danger]

Easy fingering!

 

[Diogenes]

Pros:

1. can be easier to transport than longer scale basses
2. can be lighter weight than longer scale basses
3. it's benefits are a matter of user's preferences

Cons:

1. none other than user defined limitations

 

[lunarpollen]

You should definitely do a search; there have been numerous threads on this exact topic and you will find all the answers you need and then some!!

 

[jallenbass]

Here's a good one:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/help-munjibunga-prove-his-point-about-short-scales-626148/

 

[LSquared]

I've really gotten used to the light weight of my medium scale Hagstrom HIIB. When I switch to a full scale, it seems huge, and HEAVY.

 

[honeyiscool]

Pros:

1. Bassy, rich, relaxed sound.
2. Easy on your fingers.
3. Light, small, easy to take places.
4. Less neck dive.
5. In a world full of the same instruments, a little individuality is nice.

Cons:

1. Finding strings. Be aware, some shortscales (like Mustang, Hofner, etc.) require medium scale strings.
2. Not as snappy.
3. Probably not as good for Drop D, but with the right strings, possible.
4. Fewer choices for instruments, sometimes upgrade parts are harder to find.
5. Poorer resale value because some bassists think that struggling with the instrument is an essential part of playing bass.

I have three basses, all three are short scales, and I don't feel that I'm missing anything at all.

 

[bassteban]

Don't forget that a smaller bass can make you look larger & thus more intimidating, or more teddy bear-like & huggable.

 

[Bongolation]

You should definitely do a search; there have been numerous threads on this exact topic and you will find all the answers you need and then some!!

This.

 

[ishouldbeking]

to me the downside is the string tension and the different character of the attack. i play with a pick and like to be able to dig in for some clangy grind. shortscales, in general, make this a bit harder, and its often made worse by the pickup choices manufacturers tend to use in short scales. I'd imagine a bass like a Landing wouldn't suffer from these issues as much.

 

[Rusty the Scoob]

I find my left hand is getting a little sloppy since I play so much shortscale lately. But it gets the sound I want.

 

[BCalder]

I have a 30" scale bass that I play for certain songs. It's actually strung up BEAD. It's real grindy. But that's what I'm looking for with it. To add to that sound I added onboard electronics, a boost and distortion. If I play light, it just sounds full and huge. With the scale being so short, I can play it for hours with little fatigue. It's almost like playing a Bari guitar.

 

[jasper383]

Munjibunga's short scale threads are worth reading, for their entertainment value alone.

Short scale basses, in general, aren't as "vibrant" or "growly" as their long scale brothers. The sound is more thumpy and fundamental. This can be a good or bad thing.