Strange question... but - Short scale jazz bass?

[Element Zero]

The bronco is a short scale squier bass, and the rest are full scale.

I get that. I’m having a hard time understanding why you find it easier to play specifically jazz music on a short scale. Are you talking about soloing over jazz standards or walking bass lines? How does that differ compared to say lots of classic rock that has more involved moving bass lines on a long scale bass?

 

[Tmw2011]

There looks to be a few ways to snag the FJ Smart Size Jazzes around, at least one on Reverb, one from Ebay Japan that ships world-wide, etc. in addition to the SX and custom routes, but of course you're paying for the Fender name (as well as a shipping fee).

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I often wonder if walking bass would be easier on a shortie. I have yet to test this theory though.

You can put a capo on the 2nd fret and play a tune to see how it feels.

 

[LowWay]

Im interested

Here’s a link to the thread where I bought it. I’d sell it for $200 plus shipping.

shipping is high on a full size bass right now. I bought it with the neck removed and shipped in a smaller box and reassembled it myself. I would do the same for you if you’d prefer it. It is as pictured in the original add. Here are 2 songs I recorded with it.

SOLD - Short Scale Jazz Bass 3TSB EMG Gotoh Res-O-Lite GB350 Whole or Parts

 

[GodPlayedBass]

I get that. I’m having a hard time understanding why you find it easier to play specifically jazz music on a short scale. Are you talking about soloing over jazz standards or walking bass lines? How does that differ compared to say lots of classic rock that has more involved moving bass lines on a long scale bass?

Okay I see. So the dynamics to jazz music change so suddenly and quick that you could have to go from the first fret of the E string, straight to the 10th fret of the D string. thats a big leap from 10 frets down and 2 string over. A short scale bass is smaller so the leap isnt so massive and will save you time so you dont end up off beat and behind.

 

[Element Zero]

Okay I see. So the dynamics to jazz music change so suddenly and quick that you could have to go from the first fret of the E string, straight to the 10th fret of the D string. thats a big leap from 10 frets down and 2 string over. A short scale bass is smaller so the leap isnt so massive and will save you time so you dont end up off beat and behind.

Even on a short scale… a 9 fret jump? Wow. Guess I’m really stuck in my ways of a 5 string type of mentality where I can save myself big jumps like that. More power to ya.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

J&D Mini Jazz

 

[philthygeezer]

I built a Warmoth SS Jazz. Sounds really good with the EMG JV52s in it. Ergonomics are excellent. Thinking the next one might get Fender Custom Shops in it, so I can compare to full size and see what changes.

 

[Nedmundo]

Landing Basses (Jimmy Wilson) makes short scale basses with dual-J pickups, though I believe the standard configuration has a Strat-type body and input jack, which I think is cool. I don't remember whether any have the offset J-bass body, and it appears his only web site is a Facebook page on which I don't see a formal model list. Maybe it's on there somewhere, but I think he does custom work and would probably make a short scale straight-up J.

 

[bluzdoctor]

I have this 2012 Fender MIJ JB-62SS 30" scale Jazz Bass for sale. Its exc+ with one tiny nick on the upper bout. Bought it years ago from Japan and just never played it. I'm a guitar player. Comes with a Fender gigbag. Really exceptional quality. $1175.00

 

[4 Out of 5]

I just stumbled across this Ashdown 30" Jazz today. Looks quite pricey, but presumably quality is very good.
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[TomB]

Even on a short scale… a 9 fret jump? Wow. Guess I’m really stuck in my ways of a 5 string type of mentality where I can save myself big jumps like that. More power to ya.

To me short scale has nothing to do with jumps, and everything to do with comfort for aging hands and shoulders, not to mention weight savings. These are especially important on longer gigs, not so much in a recording studio. As to your comment about the ease of playing position on a five string, I absolutely agree. That’s why 90% of my playing today is on a short-scale 5-string .

 

[mongo2]

As far as shortscale J basses go, I've used the SX (30") and CNZ (28.6").

I've also used a Hofner HCT Galaxie 30" scale that has an offset waist style body shaped similar to a J bass.

Not being completely satisfied with the short scale J offerings I've tried, I'm in the process of cobbling together a J style bass with a slab body I cut from a body blank of Paulownia (Empress), a favorite recycled Squier Jaguar short scale neck with Gotoh BG350 tuners, a Schaller bridge and a single hot dual coil/blade humbucking guitar pickup located in the middish position but a bit closer to the neck wired straight to the jack. So far it plays very well, sounds really good with the nylon tape wound strings I install on all my basses and it appears to be suitable for a lot of different genres including the jazzy duo I play in.