• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Should I do it?

Get the short scale?

  • Total voters
    143
bassflyer19

bassflyer19

Nov 18, 2008
245
4
Florida
#1
so, ive been playing for 6-7 years now, and ive recently become interested in short-scale basses. ive come to the conclusion that i wouldn't mind getting one for a low price. RondoMusic to the rescue, i found one that fits what i want.

heres the link: Link Removed

if i get it, then im going to replace the knobs with standard Jazz bass knobs. so, save up the 120ish dollars to get it, or just stay with all full scales?
 
#2
Do you have a reason to play a short scale bass or do you just want one? Many bassists play them because their hands are very small - some teens learning bass-or have had hand/tendon problems such as tendonitis and or Carpel tunnel. If you want to get one just out of curiosity then you can if you want. If you are seroius about a small scale bass then I would go for a Birdsong. What is it about a full size bass that you are unhappy with?:bassist:
 
#3
If you're got a hundred bucks or so, go for it. 30" is pretty short. In my mind, thats pretty much reserved for beatle basses and gibson eb-somethings. If this doesn't work out, think about 32" scale. I used to be a one bass guy back in the days of my Fender Urge I. I probably would still be if that neck would've held up better.
 
#4
I guess I didn't say why I prefer 32" over 30." At 30", the strings start to feel funny - string tension isn't what I'm used to. At 32," you've got a fast little neck that feels great (to me) string-tension wise and, in my hands and to my ears, sounds and plays a little more in tune than a 30" or 34."

Come to think of it, I've got a great 32" sitting downstairs in a case. Gotta go...
 
#5
to be honest, i far prefer a full-scale bass over short. the neck feels right at 34". i have just come to like short-scale since they are pretty fun to play. i used to actually hate short-scale basses, its only lately ive come to enjoy playing them. also a full fits my hand better. i have long fingers on my big hands. so, a short would just be something fun to check out.
 
#6
wvbass said:
I guess I didn't say why I prefer 32" over 30." At 30", the strings start to feel funny - string tension isn't what I'm used to. At 32," you've got a fast little neck that feels great (to me) string-tension wise and, in my hands and to my ears, sounds and plays a little more in tune than a 30" or 34."

Come to think of it, I've got a great 32" sitting downstairs in a case. Gotta go...
Click to expand...

is that an attempt to sell me one of your basses there, wv?
 
#10
Sure, go for it.

Short scale is a different animal. The best way to find out what the tone possibilities are is to own one. The only thing is I'm not sure about the SX's quality. I'm probably wrong, but I think it's a little tougher to get a good short scale bass on budget. If it doesn't play well it might turn you off to what a short scale bass has to offer.
 
#14
The shorter the scale length,(32", 30" )the less tension on the strings, and vice versa...
The longer the scale length(34" 35") the more string tension.
Don't put heavy (.105" on the Low E) strings on a short scale bass.
Please use light gauge (.100", .095", .090")for short scale basses.
 
#15
While I enjoy playing my Fender p-basses,a few years ago I got into the old silvertone basses and found that I really enjoyed their sound and feel. I currently build a line of short scale electric resonator basses and am working on a prototype for a short scale semi-hollow bass. There's something old-school about their sound,especially with flat wounds. Not better,just another flavor.
MVC-297F.jpg
 
#20
I own a 32in scale bass and thats a cheapo precision that the wife bought me (what do you do ) but i really like it and i pick it up every single day to practice on, it sounds awesome, i would get one if i was you as there really nice basses.
Shot scale EB0 looks favourite, would love one myself to be honest
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back