Short Scale vs. Long Scale

Lots of folks here like them, but I have a real problem adjusting my playing style to the lower string tension. It's a shame, because in some ways they're a lot easier to get around on, for obvious reasons. But I'll stick with 34", personally.

 

AAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!! I really hate shortscale basses e.g. 19 fret. I started on a standard scale (21 fret) and am moving up to full scale shortly. But I will NEVER go down to a scaled down Bass. Anyway I think bigger basses have better sound and feel better to play!

 

Tom - are you confusing the scale length with the number of frets?

The scale length is the (nominal) distance from the bridge saddles to the nut. Standard "long scale" basses are 34" (some go to 35" or 36", which could be called "extra long"). Medium scale basses are around 32-34" and short scale 30-32". People's opinions on these boundaries will likely differ a little, as always.

A bass could have, say, 19, 21, 22, 24 frets et cetera at any of these scale lengths, depending on the design. It is true that some well known short scale basses are designed with fewer frets, though (e.g. Fender Mustang).

 

Wouldn't be my thing all the time. But I find they are fun and easy to play. And they have a different sound - more punchy and "vocal". (Nice to take a break from the darker vibe of full-scale sometimes.)

 

Shorter scales have more midrange, less highs and lows. Scale length has more effect upon tone than almost anything else but sadly few basses vary far from 34".

Alex

 

Short scales are good is certain situations. It depends what the band is made up of really. It's good with Gretsch guitars and acoustic Pop type music, or small club blues. I think they all sound unique some better than others. I've played a few lately that were affordable and Phat. They can be good, it just depends. It's good to have the option.

 

I go back and forth an artist uses different colors why should'nt a bassist use different colors?

 

I gigged standard scale (34 and 35 inch) basses for more than 25 years. Never even considered a short scale bass.
Then, my wife bought me a Hofner Icon Beatle Bass for our anniversary. I did not care for it right out of the box, but with a string change and proper set up, I really started to enjoy playing it. In fact, I liked it so much, I started getting rid of my other longer scale basses.

Today, I only own 3 basses -- all short scale. The Hofner, a Gibson SG reissue and a Rob Allen Mouse 30. Don't foresee ever going back to standard scale. I can get any sound I want from these 3, they are lighter and easier to get around on.

All I can say is go out a play a lot of basses. Eventually, your hands will tell you what bass(es) you should play.

 

Have any of you guys tried a 36" scale. The string tension is higher, so it opens up the low end a bit more. It sounds give more definition to the low end. You have to reach more.

 

You should definitely use the search feature for this question, because there are a billion other threads about the topic already, where anything you might be wondering has probably been addressed multiple times.

 

What do you guys think about 35" scale basses? because im thinking about getting a peavey cirrus and i want to know how the feel and tone compare to a 34"

 

I assume you searched this short/long scale topic extensively......not?

 

It's not like this hasn't been discussed here ad nauseum. It's the age old debate, sort of like paper vs. plastic.

 

I personally don't hear a significant difference between them, if they're decent quality basses. I like both...I own some of both...I play them interchangeably.

 

I've tried to like the Shorties, but I'm all about the 34" and ups. No doubt, I prefer the LONGS.

 

Ok, I've looked into it, it's just that i have never actually played a 35" scale, I don't have any first hand experience.

 

Unless you've been playing for 10 years on 34" exclusive basses or you have small hands and 34" feels like a struggle to you, you really wont notice the added inch except maybe in string tension. If your muscle memory is decent and you can play without looking, you'll be thrown off sligthly for a week or so, but that's it.

 

Thank you FunkMetalBass, I have heard that there is greater string tension. My hands are on the smaller side, but I do have good muscle memory and i don't need to look when playing, so hopefully I'll adapt quickly.