Short scale basses legitimate basses?

[BurtMacklinFBI]

Of course they’re legit. Frankly TB is the first and only place I’ve heard anyone suggest otherwise.

 

[Dabndug]

Hmmmm. I'm going to know who "they" is first......

I think "they" are those folk who feel need to diss anything that differs from their own preferences in order to feel secure. They seem to pop up on the internet every now and then. The kind of people who say only bass "x" produces a useable tone or question your character for using a particular kind of amp or cab.

 

[Pilgrim]

Wondering what the general consensus is on short scale basses. I have met many bassists that disregard short scale basses and say they are not "real" basses. I personally have no problem with them, I just prefer the longer scale. Not to say that I wouldn't play one if a cool bass came along.

This gets my vote for silly question of the month.

Short scales are used everywhere.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

I think "they" are those folk who feel need to diss anything that differs from their own preferences in order to feel secure. They seem to pop up on the internet every now and then. The kind of people who say only bass "x" produces a useable tone or question your character for using a particular kind of amp or cab.

Sorry, I was speaking in jest...

 

[yodedude2]

Jimmy Page's Guitars and Gear

A telecaster during the Yardbirds.

yes, but he made the vintage les pauls famous with his led zeppelin concert appearances (along with the double-neck and, to a lesser extent, the theremin). and so, i reckon a metric boat-load of fenders got traded in for les pauls due to ... jimmy page.

 

[Rob Martinez]

He mostly played the Ric on Abbey Road. He also used the Jazz on Let it Be.
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Paul can play any bass he wants. So can any TBer. The legitimate angle is more TB angst.

Ha ha! Fair enough! Bassed on McCartney, Hofner, Rick, and Fender are "legit" basses!

 

[IamGroot]

This gets my vote for silly question of the month.

Short scales are used everywhere.

 

[Dabndug]

Sorry, I was speaking in jest...

I thought you posed a very valid point/asked a very valid question, even in jest!

 

[JIO]

Legit? Yup!

View attachment 3484798

Super legit!

 

[zontar]

Of course they’re legit. Frankly TB is the first and only place I’ve heard anyone suggest otherwise.

I've heard it in person--due to owning & playing a short scale--I ignore such remarks.

 

[sleddogn]

who has time to have this discussion at band practice or gigs? i know i don't, we rock when together, not diss each others instrument of choice. run from those dudes, sounds like a bunch of horse- ****

 

[/\/\3phist0]

View attachment 3485213

Tip toe on those streets of gold Tim.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

I think "they" are those folk who feel need to diss anything that differs from their own preferences in order to feel secure. They seem to pop up on the internet every now and then. The kind of people who say only bass "x" produces a useable tone or question your character for using a particular kind of amp or cab.

You mean the P bass, tort, tubeamp, Jaco only needed 4, geezers?

 

[B-Mac]

Long scales bug me just as much as short scales.

• Can't really utilize my finger-per-fret technique in the first position on long scales. Too much of an awkward stretch. Squeezes the fun out.

• Upper registers laughably too cramped on short scales. Yes, I play up there. Squeezes the fun out.

With medium scalers - I definitely found my size - a perfect fit. Why look any further?

One person's jewel is another person's yawn. Diversity makes the world go round, as it should be.

Enjoy your long scales, enjoy your short scales. Let me enjoy my mediums.

No one ever walked into a studio and called out the scale length on a well-played and well-recorded bass track. It simply doesn't happen.

Thank you.

A wise man once said ‘play what fits you’

Hmmm, now who was that?

 

[BadSanta1281]

Is this even a legitimate thread?

Asking for a friend.

 

[IamGroot]

Is this even a legitimate thread?

Asking for a friend.

Are we legitimate bass players? Or just guitarists trying to pass?

 

[JIO]

Are we legitimate bass players? Or just guitarists trying to pass?

now that's going too far

 

[JIO]

Says a plenty. aka Mustang

Man, that is the most illegitimate funky bass break I've ever heard! (and getting down with a pick! Outrageous!)

 

[dannylectro]

Yeah I know it seemed rediculous to me too. I'm glad the general community here is different than the people I know. Maybe they think that because they were originally made for beginners and guitarists converting over? who knows.

Another question. For those of you who have alot of experience with shirt scales, does playing on a short scale for a long time mess up your muscle memory on long scale basses?

No.

 

[JohnArnson]

Ask such acclaimed bass players as Mike Watt, Jack Bruce, Paul McCartney and Stanley Clarke.

They all mainly play short scales, and does an amazing job at it too.

It's not really up for debate, it's a fact.