Short scale?

[RHCP250]

So all of my basses are long scale, and I've never played a short scale before. Thinking about getting one to fool around on when I go places since it wont take up as much room. How is the sound on a short scale compared to a long scale?

Also how are the danelectro 63's?

 

[Pilgrim]

I have four long scales and four short scales. I can't really tell ANY difference whatsoever based on the scale. There are differences, but they're due to the differences in the types of basses, not the scales. (If a hollowbody short scale or Beatle Bass shorts scale didn't sound different than a solid body long scale, something would be very wrong!)

Of course, some folks will swear up and down that short scales inherently sound VERY different than long scales. Until I can play identical basses in short and long scale with the same electronics, strings and setup, and THEN I hear a real difference, I have yet to be convinced.

 

[amandolin]

My SX short-scale has a more fundamental-heavy tone, with not a lot of overtones. It can sound bright and snarly with the right EQ, but I can't get it to sound like a long-scale Jazz.

 

[fretlessguy]

I love short scales. Some would have you to believe their sound is inferior to a long scale, but if you get a good one that is well made there will not be much difference.
I have not had a chance to try the 63 reissue, but I had a Longhorn reissue for awhile, and it had a very cutting sound, almost like a Ric.
If you want one just to take places as a travel/practice sort of thing, I'd suggest you try one of the ones www.rondomusic.com sells. They are cheap, easily modifiable, and get a very decent sound stock. I have one of their Fretless Jazz bass clones. You might need to do a setup and provide decent set of strings. It is a good, low cost way of seeing if you like them.
Short scale strings are easy to find if you look the right places. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] and Link Removed have them in just about any gauge and type just as their long scale cousins.
I wish you well in your seach.

 

[honestjohnny]

My SX short-scale has a more fundamental-heavy tone, with not a lot of overtones. It can sound bright and snarly with the right EQ, but I can't get it to sound like a long-scale Jazz.

Just to illustrate the subjective nature of tone, I DO think that my stock short scale SX Jazz sounded like a standard scale Jazz. The same with my P Although, now that they're no longer stock they sound much different.

 

[patman01]

I've got 2 Longhorns, and my description of their tone is that they sound like a short scale Rick--I really like them although YMMV

 

[RHCP250]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll try and find a Dano around here to test before I commit to it.

 

[Gubna]

I bought a SX jag short scale. Loved it, but sold it when I was broke. I'd get another one. It was great for playing around with on the couch in the living room.

 

[DeanT]

A lot of people have an unwarranted bias against short scale basses. They don't sound like a long scale, they're beginner instruments, you should learn to play a long scale or you're a wuss. These are all absolutely false, except the first one. Short scales do not sound like long scales. That's because two long scales of the same brand and model will not sound the same either. There are many variables that go into making your sound.

Long scales are not better or worse than short scales. They are just different. Short scales have their place.

Many excellent, professional, famous bass players played short scales at some point in their careers (Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, Tina Weymouth, Stanley Clarke, to name a few.)

 

[MNAirHead]

Much of this is the quality of the gear.

The scales of my neck do vary by a few inches (I used to have short scale) found it a bit challenging to swap back and fourth..

 

[Stompin Tom]

I use a sx short scale jazz as my main axe right now (I've played bass for over 15 years... mostly on a long scale). I ended up putting a high mass bridge and a p-style pup in the neck position. Sounds great, particularly a little dirty through a tube head. I didn't think the bridge changed the tone much, so I experimented, putting the original back on. It actually made a noticeable difference in the high end and the e string. Sounds more... solid, I guess I'd say, with the high mass bridge. Less boomy, more focused. I recommend it.

I should point out that the sx neck is very playable, but I find the small (scaled down) body a little, well, small. I'll eventually stick it on a full sized p body... and probably get the frets leveled so I can get a little lower action (though it's perfectly playable as is).

 

[amandolin]

Just to illustrate the subjective nature of tone, I DO think that my stock short scale SX Jazz sounded like a standard scale Jazz. The same with my P Although, now that they're no longer stock they sound much different.

Thinking about it, the long-scale Jazz I played was ash, the shortie was alder... I might just be crazy though

Just to clarify, my shortie is my only bass, and I prefer the (perceived) tonal differences compared to other basses I've played. Hopefully Kurt at Rondo gets some more shorty P's, preferably without the "Junior Series" on the headstock

 

[Sgtthump]

So what is the point of a short-scale bass anyway? Is the main point a difference in tone, a difference in feel, etc...?

 

[BassBob185]

I've really enjoyed the SX P short scale. To answer the question it is easier to play for those with small hands and shorter arms. I like the tone of the SX short P and it compares well with my regular scale SX PJ with only the P pup active. The main difference I notice running the bass straight to the amp with no effects is it can be a little more brighter/twanger with the tone full on. Easier on the back, arms, and hands. Leo Fender was always experimenting with short scale basses and what I read is that a short scale bass prototype was the instrument on his work bench when he died.

 

[Step]

I have a short-scale Starfire, and due to the size of the body, it feels like a long-scale, as such I dont have problems switching back and forth between short and long-scale basses.

however, I think shortscales are easier to play

and to be honest, I dont wanna step on anyone's toes here, I dont give a rat's ass about tonal differences, and I dont think the crowd does either.

 

[Bassamatic]

I started on Short Scale - a Gibson EB2 and a Hagstrom. Played them for many many years. Now I play only long and longer (35"). There is a tremendous difference in the tone, as the long strings must be pulled much tighter.

I have also been experimenting with medium scale (32") and now have 3 medium scales bassses. I was trying to convince myself that this was a good compromise, but still can't get the same tone as long scale.

Now I am not saying that the medium or short scale tones are bad - just that they are different. It depends on what you are looking for.

In addition, the precision of your finger placement has to be even tighter with short scale.

 

[Sgtthump]

...and to be honest, I dont wanna step on anyone's toes here, I dont give a rat's ass about tonal differences, and I dont think the crowd does either.

Must be nice! I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm a tone hound. I go for tone above and beyond anything else and that includes playability or looks. It would be nice to not care about tone, to be honest with ya. So you've got it good!

PS - It has nothing to do with a crowd noticing either. It's all about my ears and inspiration.

 

[BloozBass]

I've gone back and forth between short and long scale most of my playing life (40+ years). Started on a short-scale Kay, went to a Mustang, then a Jazz, then an EB2, then a T-40...you get the idea.

My current inventory is 3 long scales and 2 shorts, and the long scales are collecting dust. I've always had small hands and short arms, and now that the late 50's are here arthritis is causing me some (albeit minor) discomfort. Given that I'm a smallish person (except in weight!!!) full size P or J bodies make me look like a fat smurf behind them. At this particular point, most of my playing is musical theatre orchestra pits, where the short neck is an added benefit in not whacking the guy beside me with the headstock.

I'm finding that it is very uncomfortable for me to play long scale sitting down - it's still OK standing, but it's just easier on my hands and wrists to play the short scale. Of course, this information applies only to my personal situation and may not be applicable to many or indeed any others.

Blooz

 

[Throckmorten]

So what is the point of a short-scale bass anyway? Is the main point a difference in tone, a difference in feel, etc...?

A fair question to ask.

There are differences in tone, as people have rightly pointed out they are hard to isolate. But they are there. And some, like the Dannos or Hofners, have a look and sound all their own. (IMO taken as a group they tend to be punchier, less sustain, tend to have slightly higher action, less tension and tend to be divy, but I wouldn't want to go to court on that because you'll find exceptions to every point and I've held and heard long scales with the same qualities, which is a long way to say what Pilgrim said better in his post.)

One reason for short scales is the one that prompted the original question, something that doesn't take up much room, for travel, tight spaces, ease of maneuvering.
Given some of the tiny spaces bands frequently are given set up in, I'm surprised you don't see more of them.

They can be very easy on the hands if you've had an injury or have other problems, and still deliver everything you want from a bass.

You can get all over the neck in a hurry if you want to.

Another reason, and one I see regularly when the discussion comes up, is that they are just plain fun to grab and play.

Everyone should own at least one. Just pick it up and enjoy.

 

[alembicguy]

I dont know but my short scale Alembic sounds just like a 34" Alembic