SCALE NECK LENGTHS

[GODSBASSMAN]

Hello,
A 6 string with a 30 or 32" scale length, what are the possible choices for actual neck length? Could a neck be shorter and therefore total bass length be shorter than the average bear? could the neck be positioned closer to the pickups?

 

[Rickett Customs]

32" might be possible, but 30", nope (unless it's a baritone guitar). Unless you're referring to using a different tuning (higher)..... The norm you'll see for 6 though is 34", 35" and 36.....

 

[grisezd]

Are you attempting to get a bass with a shorter scale length (less reach fret to fret, different tone/tension) or a bass that has a shorter reach to the nut? You could have a longer (35-36) scale length and a shorter bass overall by having the body start at the 12th fret and stick the bridge several inches back from where you're used to seeing them. That's extreme, but you can have anything you want in this world!!!

 

[ehque]

Simplified, scale length is the distance from nut to bridge.

You can have a shorter neck for the same scale length, but you'll either need to move the bridge even closer to the edge of the body, or have a longer body.

 

[tjclem]

32 works but you can't use low tension strings. I doubt 30 is possible with standard tuning and strings...t

 

[HogieWan]

Birdsong makes a Hy5 model that is 31" scale

 

[GODSBASSMAN]

I was counting frets on some 32, 34, & 35 scale basses and noticed that they had 24 - 28 frets regardless of scale length. I rarely really play beyond 17th fret but love a 6 string and wondered the configuration of a 19 or 20 fret neck on a 6 string bass.

 

[Rocky McD]

There are many 30" four strings that play great and sound just fine. The problem will be with the Low B 5th string. IMO, It needs 34" or more to reproduce it's low tone and tesion properly.
Rocky

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

I was counting frets on some 32, 34, & 35 scale basses and noticed that they had 24 - 28 frets regardless of scale length. I rarely really play beyond 17th fret but love a 6 string and wondered the configuration of a 19 or 20 fret neck on a 6 string bass.

Any neck lenght is possible, but the body may become unproportional visually. Do a photoshop using a standard 6'er and move/stretch the body, while keeping the scale lenght the same.

Regards
Sam