-1. I talked to some musicians that say they like to keep a short scale bass for the "old" maybe gibson-like rock 60's sound that they can get out of a shortscale, and not get from their longscale modern basses.
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Short Scale - what's the attraction?
- Thread starter SteveC
- Start date
-1. I talked to some musicians that say they like to keep a short scale bass for the "old" maybe gibson-like rock 60's sound that they can get out of a shortscale, and not get from their longscale modern basses.
i'm 6' with fairly large hands, but i like the feel of shortscale basses better regardless. also, with some flats and some darkstars --> tone heaven
i want this bass so bad
Well, depending on how active you are on stage ((I'm everywhere, and my bass manages to find many aerial positions )), you may appreciate the weight of a short scale bass. In the near future, I will be purchasing a squier bronco to use as my stage and practice bass.
I definitely like the deep thump and ease of jumping around, although most short scales are horribly unbalanced compared to standard scale basses. This is probably why they're not particularly popular. My shorty is a Rob Allen Mouse 30 and it's a blast to play and is one of the few shorties that can have a killer dropped D.
I am 6'1" with long arms and have basses from 30.5 scale to 36 scale and I love the feel of the 30.5 scale Birdsongs..I love them so much..at one time I had 15 of them !!! talk about love and GAS !!!!
IMO the biggest attraction to a short scale bass is the different tone nuances.
Of course it's a different sound from that of a long scale bass, but I believe there are more subtle tone variations that can be had simply by using your hands. For example, you can still get a tight sounding bass line by playing close to the bridge and then you get a big swelling note by plucking close to or right over the end of the fretboard. The result of this technique works on both long and short scale basses, but it's a bit more dramatic on a short scale bass.
The compact size of my Mouse 30 actually feels a little odd to me when it's strapped on. Maybe it's because I'm just use to hanging a 34-35 scale bass on my shoulder for all these years. I'm not a big guy either, but the size and weight didn't have much or anything to do with my decision to go short scale.
Of course it's a different sound from that of a long scale bass, but I believe there are more subtle tone variations that can be had simply by using your hands. For example, you can still get a tight sounding bass line by playing close to the bridge and then you get a big swelling note by plucking close to or right over the end of the fretboard. The result of this technique works on both long and short scale basses, but it's a bit more dramatic on a short scale bass.
The compact size of my Mouse 30 actually feels a little odd to me when it's strapped on. Maybe it's because I'm just use to hanging a 34-35 scale bass on my shoulder for all these years. I'm not a big guy either, but the size and weight didn't have much or anything to do with my decision to go short scale.
if i ever decide to sell it i'll let you know. but i can't guarantee that'll happen anytime soon
I love my SG reissue!
I didn't think I would though. I really wanted a Thunderbird, no one had any... Out of desperation I tried the SG (same pickups) to see if I wanted to order one sight unseen.
Well, I loved the short scale I am so glad I gave it a whirl.
BTW... I thought the Gibson through my SVT, with 15s would be mud city... not so, I am very happy with my rig.
Give it a try, you just might be surprised.
I didn't think I would though. I really wanted a Thunderbird, no one had any... Out of desperation I tried the SG (same pickups) to see if I wanted to order one sight unseen.
Well, I loved the short scale I am so glad I gave it a whirl.
BTW... I thought the Gibson through my SVT, with 15s would be mud city... not so, I am very happy with my rig.
Give it a try, you just might be surprised.
Did a few whole sets with the new to me Musicmaster the other night. Wow - that thing is a trip. Even out by the nut, my fingers are close together. Like trying to play a mandolin! Had to look down a bit more than usual for shifting. It was fun, though! Definitely a different "voice" than 34". I think I'll hang on to it just for that. (And lose that stock g****r pickup. 
)
Had to look down a bit more than usual for shifting. It was fun, though! Definitely a different "voice" than 34". I think I'll hang on to it just for that. (And lose that stock g****r pickup. )
They are fun to play, but to me it's all about how they record. The right ones sound HUGE and really speak in a mix. I don't know the technical reason for this phenomenon, but it works. My Jerry Jones longhorn is one of the "biggest" sounding basses I own, and it's super clear and defined as well.
I find that they're easier to use in close quarter fighting than a 34" bass. They're also easier to use when sitting on the crapper...especially if your toilet is long and narrow.
Apart from the above important points, my Thunder Jet also plays pretty damn nicely and allows me to run up and down the neck like Usain Bolt on amphetimines.
Apart from the above important points, my Thunder Jet also plays pretty damn nicely and allows me to run up and down the neck like Usain Bolt on amphetimines.
I'm currently really torn on whether to take a punt on one of these or not. It all depends on how much I value marital bliss!!
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I play my son's short scale Gretsch every once in a while, and it is great fun. Good tone, and a wholly different playing sensation, especially when soloing.
Not to highjack this thread
but could you put the lower four strings of a baritone guitar string set on a shortscale to get that spaghetti western twang? 
I could really use that in my band.
but could you put the lower four strings of a baritone guitar string set on a shortscale to get that spaghetti western twang? I could really use that in my band.
Can't see why not.Not to highjack this thread
Did a few whole sets with the new to me Musicmaster the other night. Wow - that thing is a trip. Even out by the nut, my fingers are close together. Like trying to play a mandolin!
Your Musicmaster wouldn't happen to be a fretless, with an oiled neck, oversized route under the p'guard?? It's a longshot, but after mine got stolen years ago, I heard a rumor of one like it showing up south of Eugene... Sigh... I miss that little guy...
As far as the pickup, try wiring it straight to the jack and hear it roar!
-robert
Before I bought it, my only experience with short scales were the murky sounding EB-3s I saw back in the 1970s. With the Alembic, it was love at first playing and that was more than nine years ago.
Sorry, this one's still fretted. (& not very lovingly I might add - holy fret overhang, Batman!!) I found it in Bend.
I might try that mod for kicks. I kind of like having volume & tone, though. The stock works good but Aero makes a 4-pole replacement I'd be curious to try. My experience thus far makes me want to try more single single coil basses. But that's another thread...
