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short scale B strings? (32")

#2
sheepdog said:
Is it the construction of the bass as much as the scale length that affects the tension (floppiness) on a B string? The CB Basses got me thinking about it, but was wondering about short scale in general. Are other short scale basses going to automatically have a floppy B?
Click to expand...
Scott is building a 31 scale 5 string that is fantastic:hyper: :) ...checkout the birdsong website for more info !!!!!
 
#3
Based on my shakey recollection of the laws of physics, I think this is how it goes...

String tension is an inevitable issue with short scales, particularly with a B string. But sound is also determined by the degree to which vibration can escape from the string into the body, neck, etc, causing less to be delivered to the pickup. Since a shorter string has to vibrate slower, the tendency to lose volume and distort more easily. So the construction of the bass can improve on this pretty significantly by ensuring the greatest rigidity. I don't have any experience with other short scale 5ers (and I'm a 4 banger, myself), but I can recall that Alembic 32" 5 strings sounded great. I believe that was because of their very high rigidity. Players sometimes didn't like the feel of the B string (too loose), but generally agreed it didn't lack tone as much as it sounded distinctively "short scale", like the other strings on a 32".
 
#4
Hi y'all,

The physics discussion is a big can of worms, and a lot
of people have different ideas...

I built a 32" scale 6-string, tuned BEADGC, and the B-string
is quite usable - it is definitely not as tight or large sounding
as the 35" scale, but it is nonetheless pretty good, especially
since I play lightly.

I personally think this is the result of a very rigid neck
and a fairly heavy body - there is not much energy loss.

However - and this is key - you can approximate this
fairly closely by simply tuning down a 34" scale 5-string
by a half-step. This puts the B at the first fret, which
is extremely close to a 32" scale. You can even capo
it if you like.

Try it out - if it works for ya, then go for it.

Peace,
Martin
 
#6
The 6'er was a Nordstrand. There's lots of good discussion of the pros and cons of that specific bass in the thread dedicated to it. From my experience so far I would agree with the guys saying that high rigidity of the neck and body can lead to a tighter-sounding B-string.
 
#8
sheepdog said:
I just have recurring left wrist problems and the shorter scale would certainly alleviate some of the stress. 35" or larger is definitely out, unfortunatley.
Click to expand...
I prefer short and medium scales too mainly because of a bad left shoulder.
If you can swing the $, look at a Status Graphite Kingbass, which is available in 32" and a 5 string. There should be no rigidity problesm there.

I'm also of the feeling that neck rigidity and quality and build quality and electronics are especially important in short and medium scale basses to bring out their best, and eliminate some of the problems people have with them (lower string tension is not an issue with me).

Another option is to try to modify the ergonomics of whatever standard scale bass you've got. I prefer to play with nearly an upright position on the bass as this generates much less stress on my shoulder and give a much better angle on both wrists. Perhaps you could try this with some duct tape to put the strap ends in different positions, and if it works for you, just redrill two holes and move the strap pins to where they work for you.
 
#9
The physics discussion is a big can of worms, and a lot
of people have different ideas...
Click to expand...

Agree. I should have added, "And nobody can ever be sure which of these many factors (or others not mentioned) is really causing whatever you hear" .

you can approximate this
fairly closely by simply tuning down a 34" scale 5-string
by a half-step. This puts the B at the first fret, which
is extremely close to a 32" scale. You can even capo
it if you like.
Click to expand...

Great practical advice. What a quick and easy way to see what it'd be like.

I just have recurring left wrist problems and the shorter scale would certainly alleviate some of the stress. 35" or larger is definitely out, unfortunatley.
Click to expand...

Try a 32" Alembic 5er or one from another high quality builder (I'll venture that neck throughs will do better because of greater rigidity). I though the Alembics sounded about the same as many 34" 5ers.
 
#10
Friend of mine has an 5 string R bass that's 33". He loves it; calls it "organic". But, as of a couple months ago he'd been tracking mostly with his Sadowsky Metro. - My road gig has a USA Lakland 5, 35" scale, but all my home basses are 34". I'm looking to have a local builder do a 6 that's 33".....
 
#11
I have these 5 string basses:
Andreas 36"
Nordstrand NX 34 1/2"
Spalt Terminator 34"
Nordstrand SC 33"
R-Bass 33"
There are more factors involved in the equation than mere scale length, that I can tell. Finding the correct strings is important, as are woods and construction.
I ordered a 32" 6er from Cliff Bordwell that has just been completed. It's the second 32" 6er he's built, and his first one received raving comments both from Cliff himself and from the owner. I'll get mine pretty soon:hyper:
I also know FBB, JP basses, Landing and Birdsong have built medium scale 5ers.
Wished the guys that play one of these would post their opinions on this thread.... I have a soft spot for short and medium scale basses.:ninja:
 

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