Regarding short vs long scale basses...

[Javibass74]

You can easily use long scale strings on a 32” scale bass. I have always used long scale strings on my 30” scale basses with no problems.

Thanks.

 

[ejaggers]

Pitch:
1. the quality of a sound governed by the rate of vibrations producing it

The unit for measuring the rate of vibrations is typically Hertz (number of cycles per one second)

The lowest note on a 4 string bass guitar in standard tuning is E1. Twelve frets higher brings us up one octave to E2, which is about 82 Hz.

Meanwhile, the open A on the same bass will be A1 (55 Hz, fwiw), and 7 frets higher on the same string will bring us to E2 at (about 82 Hz).

The two notes, E on the 12th fret of the E string and the E on the 7th fret of the A string are the same pitch, E2 82 Hz. The notes are unison, not octave

I disagree.
This simple equation mathematically proves the notes are NOT unison:

E1 = A1 (55Hz + E2/82Hz)**2 ÷ A2(fwiw)** 7th fret + 4 strings

057912

 

[MrLenny1]

Neck P.U.'s IMHO have a big effect on tone.

 

[rockscott]

Birdsong basses are engineered to use long scale strings, I use dr pure blues and low riders on my birdsong, I use longscale rotosounds on my SG. I cant remember what is on my mustang?

 

[mongo2]

I disagree.
This simple equation mathematically proves the notes are NOT unison:

E1 = A1 (55Hz + E2/82Hz)**2 ÷ A2(fwiw)** 7th fret + 4 strings

View attachment 3761972

Professor Irwin Corey would be proud.

 

[Sid the Kid]

I will say that my short scale Gibson has more sub lows than my longer scale Basses. The long scale Basses sound better all around, but they do not have the gut shaking low end. This is through earbuds, IEMs, and amplifiers.

 

[msb]

Flatwound strings require a specific length because the wrap will often crack along the post on the thicker strings . You want the string wrap to begin after the string is threaded through the post . That's why LaBella make some model specific shortscale flatwound strings . The Hofner set is longer than the Danelectro set ...

 

[SBassman]

Lots of people hear this and describe this in different ways, but I will make it easy: I agree with you.

 

[jellymax]

a great player will sound great on virtually any bass she plays. go practice ladies

 

[Moredator]

I noticed that my long scale sounds a lot better with fuzz than my short scale. I can't be sure if it is because it has humbuckers or because of the scale. The sound seem to be more snappy too with just comp/preamp. There is something about the E string too that I can't explain. Like, it sounds more hollow or something.
I think I prefer the sound of the long scale with FX (dirt), but when playing with just comp and preamp, it does not matter that much. I still appreciate the playing ergonomics of the short scale.

 

[JIO]

I own and have worked on/designed-built all scale basses (short/med/long) and frankly I've found scale has little to do with how a bass sounds amplified. Each flavor can be intoned, each flavor can sound good depending on the pu's/pu positions/electronics, and in general a short scale bass is easier to play and generally lighter as they are generally smaller. There's minimal up or down-side of a short-scale vs full-scale bass. Play what works for you.

 

[JIO]

a great player will sound great on virtually any bass she plays. go practice ladies

100%

 

[Les Fret]

In general short scales have less punch than long scales. The E string lacks authority and doesn’t push trough the mix like a long scale does. The G and D strings sound warmer/smoother/more vintage on a short scale.

I always liked 32” more than short scales because of the tone.

I have had 4 or 5 short scales but sold them all because of the lack of punch and authority in the lows.

 

[crazycloud]

All upright/spinet pianos sound just as good in the lower registers as concert grands. Scale length is irrelevant.

 

[ajkula66]

In general short scales have less punch than long scales. The E string lacks authority and doesn’t push trough the mix like a long scale does. The G and D strings sound warmer/smoother/more vintage on a short scale.

Depends on the bass, in my experience.

No shortage of punch with Alembic Stanley Clarke or Gibson Les Paul Triumph and definitely no lack of authority in any respect, including the sound of the E string.

I'm sure that there's more of them out there, but these two I've got (different levels of) personal experience with.

 

[Ric Vice]

There was a time when our choices were limited the Fender Jazz, Fender Precision, Gibson EB-0, EB-3, Thunderbirds, and Rickenbacker, and assorted basses from Hofner, Guild and Gretch. Fender’s just cut through the mix better. Especially the Fender Jazz. Gibsons had Mud Buckers and when played through period amps sounded boomy, mushy and didn’t articulate well. Rickenbackers were more articulate once they were available. Not an issue now because instruments of all scales have better pickups.