Scale Length + Tone

[cstar]

To my understanding, a longer scale length provides more power and punch. As in, that is why basses have always tended to have longer scale lengths?

Do you, as luthiers, find that any short scale basses you have made lacked mid range power and punch? Or were lacking in low end fullness?

If this is the case, is there a way to restore some of this lost power on a short scale? What have you done about it?

Thanks, from an aspiring luthier.

 

[Musiclogic]

Go check out "Big Mikey C" on youtube. Mikey plays a 30" scale 6 string that has a ton of ball$ and plenty of punch. If you have any doubt about a short scale with oomph, Mikeys bass will end that thought all together

 

[garmenteros]

Pretty subjective I think... Theres too much going on to call it out all on one single factor. That said longer scale will make it easier and more viable for lower tunings. Its a fact. Sure if you string up a 30 scale bass with really thick strings you could get low, but try playing it. Carl thompson once mentioned in an in depth interview that in his mind the single thing that most affects tone is scale length.