Short scale influence on your regular bass playing?

[mikeluch]

I just picked up a G&L Fallout bass. I really like it, too much
I have many high end "regular" scale basses and I am curious of others that might switch back and forth between the scales if they have any issues. I have been playing for over 50 years and never played short scales, but after playing one it makes me wonder if I get too attached, could it might impact my playing on the full scale basses. Any thoughts?

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I just picked up a G&L Fallout bass. I really like it, too much
I have many high end "regular" scale basses and I am curious of others that might switch back and forth between the scales if they have any issues. I have been playing for over 50 years and never played short scales, but after playing one it makes me wonder if I get too attached, could it might impact my playing on the full scale basses. Any thoughts?

Good question. I go back and forth with no issues. Same with 4 vs 5 string, flats vs rounds. I approach and play them all differently. Regular and consistent rotation is the key.

 

[blue4]

I've been primarily a short scale player for many years, with the occasional detour into 34" 5 strings. I don't easily switch back and forth because my playing style came from learning on ss. I make stretches that I can't make on regular scale, and I use my pinkie far more then most people I've watched play.

 

[WG Plum]

No issues moving back and forth for me, I pretty much use upright fingering on both short and regular long scale electrics until I'm well up the fingerboard.

 

[bassdude51]

Age 70. I have to admit that with a short scale, I play faster, cleaner notes, easier to play, less hand strain. But, pride keeps me on 34". And IME, a full scale has better sound, tone and sustain............but only slightly.

It is nice to see that short scale basses are now greatly more appreciated and respected then just a few years back.

 

[AGCurry]

I started on short-scale basses 50-plus years ago, with a Gibson EB-0 and Guild Starfire. After ~5 years, I took up long-scale basses and upright bass.

It's possible that the short-scale experience influenced my choice of notes, as I tend to play passing phrases that go beyond root-five. Obviously, these choices are easier on short scales. As to whether that's better or worse, it's a matter of taste. I do have to restrain myself from overplaying sometimes.

 

[rpt50]

I'm 60, relatively new to bass, but have played guitar since childhood. I've gotten into a rhythm of practicing on my long scale bass, and using the short scale for rehearsals and gigs. I think overall the short scale is easier to play. I think the transition from long to short is smoother than the transition from short to long. I don't find much difficulty switching bass scales, but since I still play a lot of guitar (including regular and short scale guitars), I probably get more switching practice than most people. I think that if you make an effort to spend a little time with both scales, you will be fine.

BTW, don't every sell your Fallout. That was my first "real" bass. I sold it and now I regret it. My current short-scale is an Ibanez that works just fine, but I'll probably end up Fallout again at some point.

 

[IronSpatula]

I pretty much use upright fingering on both short and regular long scale electrics until I'm well up the fingerboard.

This is the way.

 

[SJan3]

I'm so used to 34" that I feel cramped in the upper register when I play my Mustang 30" bass. Otherwise, it does seem easier to play in the lower register. But I still favor 34" for tone.

 

[msb]

I was a happy long scale guy until I bought a Dano Longhorn . Did not like the short scale at first . And then came to prefer it . Still have a bunch of classic basses , but I prefer the shorties .
I don’t have any hand issues with long scale , and don’t have any issues shifting between scales . I just like them more now .

 

[Killing Floor]

I only have one short scale. It’s 30.7” Duesenberg. But I’m waiting on another.
I love the way it feels. I routinely switch between that and standard P, J, MM types and unlined fretless…and a Strat (25.5), a baritone, (27), Les Paul (24.75), and my violin (12.8”). Doesn’t make a bit of difference. Don’t overthink it. Your brain takes care of it.

edit!!! I forgot I also play 35” 5 strings. Brains run the show.

 

[micguy]

I had a short scale and a medium scale for a while. Never could get used to either - I have huge hands, and either one slowed me down a lot - my fingers were just too cramped playing with the close spacings. I did gig the medium scale once, but in the end both got donated.

 

[mongo2]

I've been playing various scale lengths for over 50 years ranging from a 4/4 upright to an 18" Guild Ashbory but now I mostly play 30" and 28.6" scale lengths.

I've never noticed any issues switching between different scale lengths.

 

[Mannyinnewyork]

For me, medium scale is the Goldilocks of basses. Didn’t even know they existed until a few years ago - I thought it was either a 34 or a 30 but 32 hits the sweet spot. The only influence is the comfort.

 

[Pings Bass]

Not exactly the same, but 34" electric is my short scale; I switch between that and upright all the time. No issues. It just takes practice on both to keep the muscle memory programmed.

 

[mike buzzetti]

I dont get it I can switch seemlessly between short scale guitar and long scale bass 37" ?? maybe its just me ??

 

[Killing Floor]

One way to think about this question, put a capo on the 1st fret of a regular 34” and down tune it 1/2 step. Done. Same thing. Or at least your hands won’t know the difference.

 

[mikewalker]

Been playing short scale right from the start (a long long time!) but I have discovered that I can acclimate to long scale instantly with no affect on playing ability; it's just another bass. I DO notice that it "doesn't quite feel right" (subtly!) and thus I now only own short scales exclusively. But I have had a dozen or more long and medium scales pass through my hands the last couple of years, and I definitely noticed they weren't any harder to play. I actually found that a Lightwave (longscale) bass had one of the most comfortable necks ever!

 

[bigjames]

I have played 34" scale almost exclusively. Bought my daughter a 30" scale bronco and it was fun to play around with, but I prefer the feel of 34". I expect being proficient on both short and long would be similar to being proficient on 4, 5, or 6 strings - practice evenly with all of them so you maintain your muscle memory. I find 4 strings the hardest to switch back to now that I play 5 and 6 strings exclusively.

 

[zubrycky]

After years playing long scale Warwicks, Jack Bruce couldn't play his short scale Gibson EB-3 anymore

It felt like a toy to him.