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Short scale basses....thumbs up? Thumbs down?
- Thread starter Greenman72
- Start date
You forgot this in the poll:
Short scale basses are instruments that have their own unique sets of attributes, just like every other instrument.
Short scale basses are instruments that have their own unique sets of attributes, just like every other instrument.
With a 5-string, if instead of playing open-string notes, you utilize the fifth fret of the string below it,
you play higher on the neck where the frets are closer together, and less-far of a reach.
It's like playing a short-scale with a few additional benefits.
you play higher on the neck where the frets are closer together, and less-far of a reach.
It's like playing a short-scale with a few additional benefits.
I didn't vote because none of the answers fit. My answer would be "both are fine." I'm pretty new to bass and my first one was a 34" PJ. Later I got a 30" short-scale. I like both and trade off. Eventually I'll probably have more in various scale lengths.
As to the first 5 frets being too far apart, look into the Simandl technique if you haven't already. Using that, or similar, even pre-teens can play long-scale basses. Not knowing Simandl isn't the best reason to get a short-scale, but there are lots of other good reasons to have one/some.
As to the first 5 frets being too far apart, look into the Simandl technique if you haven't already. Using that, or similar, even pre-teens can play long-scale basses. Not knowing Simandl isn't the best reason to get a short-scale, but there are lots of other good reasons to have one/some.
Thank you for posting this! I am sharing this with my wife… immediately! Lol.
Short vs. long scale basses are the same quibble as:
Single vs. two-pickup basses,
Single coil vs. humbucker pickups,
Passive vs. active electronics,
… ad infinitum.
Those who don’t like or don’t play short scale basses seem to readily and quickly build a list of their “shortcomings.” Still, there are plenty of players (stage or studio) who’ve found them to be just what the MD or the producer ordered.
Like every instrument of every character, it responds to a musician who’s willing to make the effort to learn. That you PREFER a particular characteristic does not make that characteristic superior to any other. It’s simply your preference and that’s just fine.
Single vs. two-pickup basses,
Single coil vs. humbucker pickups,
Passive vs. active electronics,
… ad infinitum.
Those who don’t like or don’t play short scale basses seem to readily and quickly build a list of their “shortcomings.” Still, there are plenty of players (stage or studio) who’ve found them to be just what the MD or the producer ordered.
Like every instrument of every character, it responds to a musician who’s willing to make the effort to learn. That you PREFER a particular characteristic does not make that characteristic superior to any other. It’s simply your preference and that’s just fine.
These are just a few SS bass players. I'll accept their opinion:
Paul McCartney - Beatles
Jack Casady - Jefferson Airplane
Allen Woody - Allman Bros.
Jack Bruce - Cream
Bill Wyman - Rolling Stones
Paul McCartney - Beatles
Jack Casady - Jefferson Airplane
Allen Woody - Allman Bros.
Jack Bruce - Cream
Bill Wyman - Rolling Stones
Play whatever you want. It’s just preference. I have had a few short scales but it’s not for me. They sound different. Warmer and creamier on the high strings and less punch (and volume) on the E string. For me a 34” is better balanced from string to string. Also they feel a bit more ‘toyish’ to me.
I also have a 32” and I like that better than a short scale. It’s the perfect hybrid between long and short scale.
I also have a 32” and I like that better than a short scale. It’s the perfect hybrid between long and short scale.
You couldn't have said this any better! I own 2 Rickenbacker 4003s that are both 33.25" and 2 FSOs that are both 34". I prefer the Ric scale length (or somewhere around 33") over anything else.
I owned a shorty (30) for a while and I kinda regret selling it, but I noticed one big difference between it and my 34. Hopefully others will validate this so I don't come off crazy, but it seems like you have to be a more technical player on a shorty. Meaning that you have to be better at fretting the notes right past the fret otherwise it will buzz out. Where as a 34 seems to give a lot more lee-way as to where you can push down on the string to cleanly fret a note. My hands are kinda wonky (my penmanship is terrible) but this could be a universal experience. Perhaps others can chime in to add some clarity?
Basvarken
Commercial User
- Dec 3, 2010
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I did not vote.
I love short scale as well as full scale.
One is not better than the other. Just different.
I love short scale as well as full scale.
One is not better than the other. Just different.
You can’t buy your way to getting better on any instrument. Practice
The standard electric bass could easily be 30 to 35.
It just so happend Leo made it 34.
A short scale is not a bass for kids or the injured its just a bass with the same notes.
If its the intervals between frets that bother you than yes a short scale helps with that.
If you are just starting and have large hands maybe work on straching for now instead of switching.
It just so happend Leo made it 34.
A short scale is not a bass for kids or the injured its just a bass with the same notes.
If its the intervals between frets that bother you than yes a short scale helps with that.
If you are just starting and have large hands maybe work on straching for now instead of switching.
I prefer 34" scale. The only short scale I've played is a Mustang. The tone was okay, but it felt too small to me, more like a guitar than a bass. But that's just me, some people love them. Everyone is a little different.
After only a month or so, I wouldn't be buying a new bass. You will soon be playing up the neck. Assuming you have a half-way decent bass, I'd put the money into lessons with a good teacher rather than buy a new bass. You'll get a lot more out of that money, plus your skills and knowledge of reading standard notation (a very good thing, in my book) will develop a lot quicker and without habits you may have to change later. You can find excellent bass teachers, including those who give lessons on-line. I've been taking lessons on-line with a great teacher since COVID days, and it's been wonderful for my progress - in technique, reading standard notation, ear training, repertoire, etc - a whole lot more than what a new bass will do for you. PM if you want a recommendation.
After only a month or so, I wouldn't be buying a new bass. You will soon be playing up the neck. Assuming you have a half-way decent bass, I'd put the money into lessons with a good teacher rather than buy a new bass. You'll get a lot more out of that money, plus your skills and knowledge of reading standard notation (a very good thing, in my book) will develop a lot quicker and without habits you may have to change later. You can find excellent bass teachers, including those who give lessons on-line. I've been taking lessons on-line with a great teacher since COVID days, and it's been wonderful for my progress - in technique, reading standard notation, ear training, repertoire, etc - a whole lot more than what a new bass will do for you. PM if you want a recommendation.
Short scale basses are better than their full-size brethren. Different sound--and easier to handle!
My 4005XC is larger than my 4003. Not all short scale basses are small.
