Short scale bass VS full scale

[cnltb]

Hi guys
I'm an old drummer who wants to start playing bass. Just doing my research. I know it's a rookie question but what's the difference between a short scale bass and a full scale bass besides length. Any advantage/disadvantage.. pros/cons? Educate me please
Thanks
Al

A shortscale bass is likely to not sound quite as open and full as a longer scale one. A bit "bassier "perhaps.
Since the frets are closer together and the neck shorter some find short scale basses more comfortable to play also.
I think a short scale will do the job pretty much as well as a long scale bass, but the "flavour" will be slightly different.
I personally like short scale basses but since I am used to a 36" instrument I do miss the fuller sound I get from it when using short basses and for that reason prefer the longer scale generally.
There have been situations when a shortscale bass suited the music better ikn which case I used that.

 

[Bongolation]

I get all my strings off the 'net so there is no issue of availability of shortscale strings.

The strings that come on them are probably unsatisfactory, and are probably the wrong length.

Short scale strings are -- like normal scale strings -- a total headache to properly fit, and being "specialty strings" they are typically more expensive and have less options, few cheap, especially if you play flatwounds.

Dropping $42 on shortscale flats online and discovering they don't fit properly is a real downer.

Poor string fit is one of my pet peeves in general and it's a deal-killer for shortscale. Second to that is the unfortunate fact that most shortscale basses are novelty or "student design" instruments that don't cut it for me...Danelectros [spit!], Mustangs, Broncos, etc., etc.

I imagine I'll eventually get a Gibson EB of some sort.

In principle, I don't have anything against the short-scale concept, which I would otherwise certainly use, as I have small and Link Removed hands, it's just that shortscales have a nuisance value that their utility for me does not yet outweigh.

 

[mongo2]

The strings that come on them are probably unsatisfactory, and are probably the wrong length.

Short scale strings are -- like normal scale strings -- a total headache to properly fit, and being "specialty strings" they are typically more expensive and have less options, few cheap, especially if you play flatwounds.

Dropping $42 on shortscale flats online and discovering they don't fit properly is a real downer.

Poor string fit is one of my pet peeves in general and it's a deal-killer for shortscale. Second to that is the unfortunate fact that most shortscale basses are novelty or "student design" instruments that don't cut it for me...Danelectros [spit!], Mustangs, Broncos, etc., etc.

I've had no problems with mine.

 

[notverygood]

The strings that come on them are probably unsatisfactory, and are probably the wrong length.

Short scale strings are -- like normal scale strings -- a total headache to properly fit, and being "specialty strings" they are typically more expensive and have less options, few cheap, especially if you play flatwounds.

Dropping $42 on shortscale flats online and discovering they don't fit properly is a real downer.

Poor string fit is one of my pet peeves in general and it's a deal-killer for shortscale. Second to that is the unfortunate fact that most shortscale basses are novelty or "student design" instruments that don't cut it for me...Danelectros [spit!], Mustangs, Broncos, etc., etc.

I imagine I'll eventually get a Gibson EB of some sort.

In principle, I don't have anything against the short-scale concept, which I would otherwise certainly use, as I have small and Link Removed hands, it's just that shortscales have a nuisance value that their utility for me does not yet outweigh.

Our experiences differ greatly. I've used Roto flats and rounds, GHS flats and rounds, and LaBella flats of all different gauges and I've never once had a problem on any length. I would also point out that many pro bassists have used mustangs, danelectro's etc. Can't really consider them "student basses" anymore. I guess my point to the OP is to judge them on what's most comfortable for you.

 

[Ayce]

I thought "brown tone" was when your speaker farted?

You're confusing "brown tone" (good) with "brown note" (bad)

 

[Lavrans]

re: Short scale and strings. I have a Guild 1998 Starfire II- short scale. I have been using D'Addario medium scale strings. but they feel a little loose. (The short scale strings are too short!) The gauges are .045, .065. ;080 and .100. I'm thinking that I can improve the playing action if I use a slightly heavier gauge set- say Rotosound .045 - .110
These would be somewhat tighter and less "floppy" and I could maybe even lower the action a little. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[notverygood]

re: Short scale and strings. I have a Guild 1998 Starfire II- short scale. I have been using D'Addario medium scale strings. but they feel a little loose. (The short scale strings are too short!) The gauges are .045, .065. ;080 and .100. I'm thinking that I can improve the playing action if I use a slightly heavier gauge set- say Rotosound .045 - .110
These would be somewhat tighter and less "floppy" and I could maybe even lower the action a little. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Flats-labella 043-104
Rounds-GHS ?-107
These work really well for me.

 

[Gaolee]

I play 'em both. I like 'em both. People have their opinions, but then people think their religious and political preferences are correct above all others, too. I don't care what other people think. If you like short scales and they sound good to you, then worrying about overtones somebody else thinks are important just isn't important. That's pretty much all there is.

 

[Ayce]

I'm on the fence with this.
I'm using a borrowed Squier Bronco at home to practice with, and a Yamaha RBX170 (not mine either) when I go jam. I'm liking the maple neck on the bronc, over the Yamaha (rosewood, I think) but I like the long scale. Either way, I've got something to play. Not fussy.....yet.

 

[Ronnietex]

Birdsong - Professional hand built short scale basses

I have an excellent longscale Fodera. But sometime I enjoy just sitting on the couch playing and a shortscale is better. Also when I drive somewhere for something that is not going to take a lot of time or whatever I want a shortscale.

I have had a cheap (cheap lol...) shortscale for awhile. It has some issues. I finally ordered a Birdsong. If you want to check them out, I think this link will work for you. Pretty interesting botique. It's great having choices, eh?

 

[Lavrans]

Flats-labella 043-104
Rounds-GHS ?-107
These work really well for me.

I put on the LaBella 049-109s, and the additional tension enabled me to lower the action. Works great! Thanks for the info. Because of the overall ball to silk string length involved, I have to use medium scale strings; short scale strings are too short. These are good fit for the GSF II.

Thanks!



1998 Guild Starfire II
Peavey MAX 126 practice amp
Zoom B-2 mutli-fx pedal

 

[MCML]

I might be mistaken, but don't both Scott Beckwith (Birdsong) and Jimmy Wilson (Landing) specify "regular" length strings for use on their bases despite (maybe because of) the need to relax the tension a bit to be tuned to (B)EADG.

 

[Lavrans]

UPDATE:

The set referred to below turned to be too heavy, and I switched over to the La Bella .043/ .060/ .082/ .104 Deep Talkin Bass flats, and they work much better. The tension is manageable and the action is plenty low. I was getting carpal tunnel strain...


I put on the LaBella 049-109s, and the additional tension enabled me to lower the action. Works great! Thanks for the info. Because of the overall ball to silk string length involved, I have to use medium scale strings; short scale strings are too short. These are good fit for the GSF II.

Thanks!



1998 Guild Starfire II
Peavey MAX 126 practice amp
Zoom B-2 mutli-fx pedal
__________________

 

[soulman969]

.
The loudest part of a note played in first position on a 34" scale bass comes from the second order harmonic, and not from the fundamental, (especially with roundwound strings). This largely explains why longer scaled basses sound clearer and more mid-rangey than shorter scaled basses that sound more deep, dark, and muddy.

Exactly. Over the years I've played basses ranging from a Short Scale Gibson EB-O, to a Standard Scale Jazz Bass, to a Long Scale Modulus 5. By far the Long Scale Modulus was the most articulate and punchy and the EB-O very big and boomy on the low end. In its day there was some desirability of that low end sound but today the more punchy and mid-rangey sound predominate. Good luck with your search for what fits your style best.

 

[mongo2]

Exactly. Over the years I've played basses ranging from a Short Scale Gibson EB-O, to a Standard Scale Jazz Bass, to a Long Scale Modulus 5. By far the Long Scale Modulus was the most articulate and punchy and the EB-O very big and boomy on the low end. In its day there was some desirability of that low end sound but today the more punchy and mid-rangey sound predominate. Good luck with your search for what fits your style best.

The EBO can sound boomy due to it's design but a few months ago I played several EBO style basses didn't sound boomy at all and had a clear top end.

I have quite a few shortscales and just like long scales they all sound different but none of them sound especially "dark" compared to my longscales. It's just a myth that shortscale automatically means it sounds bassy or dark.

 

[RRJackson]

Second to that is the unfortunate fact that most shortscale basses are novelty or "student design" instruments that don't cut it for me...Danelectros [spit!], Mustangs, Broncos, etc., etc.

I've mostly owned 34" scale basses, but I'd offer up the Alembic Stanley Clarke model as a pretty potent example of a short scale bass that's not really a "student design" instrument. I actually have an Alembic Series II 34" bass that I really wish was a Stanley "Brown Bass" these days, since the old Alembic is just SO heavy and huge. I actually considered it when I ordered mine in '84, but opted for a 34" scale instead. Hindsight, 20/20 and all that. I've thought about trying to sell mine and buy a BB or maybe try to set up a trade with a dealer. I may still do it one day.

But yeah, there are plenty of nice short scale basses out there. I recently bought an SG Standard "Faded" bass that I really like.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/r_jackson/8081299281

It might not be apropos for a jazz gig, but it's very comfortable and fun to play and it has a sound that didn't take me long at all to really warm to.

-Rob

 

[chef wong]

It took me so many years to figure out you should really play all three sizes of 30'.5, 32', and 34' to see what fits your hand. Maybe check out the unique scale of a Rickenbacker too.

You won't usually get the thunder of metal out of anything below the Rick scale, although Cliff Burton somewhow did so with a medium sized Alembic Spoiler. My hands are too small for the Fender standard length. Stretching for that low F with my left index finger used to give me hassels.

So I guess I'll sum it up with saying the shorter scales have more tone, whereas the 34' necks have more sustain.

 

[RRJackson]

It took me so many years to figure out you should really play all three sizes of 30'.5, 32', and 34' to see what fits your hand. Maybe check out the unique scale of a Rickenbacker too.

You won't usually get the thunder of metal out of anything below the Rick scale, although Cliff Burton somewhow did so with a medium sized Alembic Spoiler.

My first bass was an Aria Pro II CSB-380. Those had a scale length of 880mm, which is about 32 1/3". I played a Rickenbacker for years that was 33 1/4". I've played Gibsons with their 30 1/2" scale. Personally, I can barely tell the difference between the Aria, the Rick and a 34" scale instrument. They seem very similar to the touch. I get WAY more confused going from a Strat to a Les Paul.

The 30 1/2" scale is the only one that actually seems shorter to me, but I don't mind it at all. I don't ever feel like I'm cramped and tonally I don't really feel like I'm losing much, although sometimes E-F# on the E-string doesn't seem as defined as on an instrument with a longer scale.

-Rob

 

[chef wong]

The shorties are ok, it just that I always have to cross my fingers if I go beyond the 9th fret.

 

[RRJackson]

The shorties are ok, it just that I always have to cross my fingers if I go beyond the 9th fret.

I don't really hear a difference in the higher notes. Just a tiny bit more clarity in the bottom two or three notes on the E string.

BTW, it's probably worth pointing out that I really like an emphasis on the fundamental. I like a big, round, bass-y bass tone and short-scale basses seem to do that really well as opposed to the brilliant piano-like bass tones some people get from longer scale instruments. I think Modulus actually used to emphasize that in their advertising when they came out with the 35" scale Quantum series back in the 80's. I like something more like a Bass Viol tonally most of the time. I actually used to kind of like those little DeArmond Ashbory Basses a lot with their little 18" scale and rubber strings. They sounded really big.