Switching between long scale and short scale basses

[steve_ss]

Between a 30" and 34", I learned some songs on the 30 and only played them on the 30. Some songs I learned on the 34 only. Never had a problem switching between songs. If I tried to play a song I learned on one length on the other length, I had some problems. I'd over shoot or undershoot the distance fret to fret. It's in my muscle memory.

 

[alex1fly]

When I was gigging regularly in 2017-2020 I switched between a 30" and a 34" between sets, or sometimes between songs. No problem. The 34" took more of a "focus on my instrument" vibe, the 30" was more of a "focus on the crowd" vibe. The 30" made it easier to play my lines without looking at the fretboard... just took a slight adjustment in my default finger spacing.

Whatever makes you comfortable, though. If you practice switching, you'll probably be able to do it just fine. You'll hit some snags, and can adjust your technique. Do practice it though so you don't get flustered.

 

[Ric5]

Been nostalgic about my old SB-300 bass sold eons ago -- love that solid Gibson sound for some stuff. Been thinking of getting either an Epiphone EB3 or a Gibson SG bass. The Epiphone is a 34" scale bass but the SG is a 30". Does anyone have a sense of how troublesome it is to switch between the two neck lengths mid-gig??

Thanks,
Don

practice will make you comfortable on different basses ...

 

[MCS4]

I don't have any problems going between different combos of 30", 32", and 34" basses on a gig based upon scale length alone. In fact, it has been several years since the last time that I took two basses of the same scale length to a gig.

However, I do sometimes get briefly tripped up by basses that have different numbers of frets if I play a tune where I need to quickly jump into the highest registers, probably because my brain is trying to make a snap judgment regarding the correct fret to land on based upon where the last dots/markers are.

 

[utterlybored]

Yes, I switch back and forth pretty easily. I've always kept my stage bass in the basement where my band rehearses and I kept my short scale acoustic ovation upstairs to practice on. I usually learn songs on my short scale and then jump right to the traditional bass at practice and play them without issue. My brain is just used to it at this point, I guess.

 

[smart51]

I switch between 34", 30.5" and 23" basses without a problem except for one song. Too Shy by Kajagogo. It has lots of jumps up and down the neck. I just keep missing the jumps on the short scale. I find fretting no problem at all. But if I've been playing short scale a lot, when I switch to long scale I find my plucking hand gravitates to the 24th fret.

 

[matdras]

I frequently switch between a Guild Starfire (30.75”) and a Dingwall 5 string (34-37” multi-scale) with no issues. Both have certain ergonomic qualities to them, and the range of available tones is enormous. I wouldn’t hesitate to add another scale length to the herd if that is what you’re after. The scale difference with switching between an electric and an upright (technique aside) is far greater than what I experience, and many bassists seem to acclimate to that just fine.

 

[darwin-bass]

The more often you switch, the less relearning there is. If you play both while you practice in no time you won't even notice the difference in scale length.

Conversely, ignore one of them for months and then play it at a gig for one song and boy, will it feel different.

 

[Slevage]

I often play UB or EUB — 41 1/2” scale and BG —35” or 34” , for the same gig.
Often on theater/choral pit work.
Just do it!
I’m glad my BG’s aren’t fretless, intonation could be tricky after a quick switch.

 

[JES]

For a year I was in a situation where I was switching between a 21" Kala u-bass and a 35" Lull on gigs. Zero problems.

 

[JimmyM]

If you're used to playing them on a regular basis, you can switch between anything. But just be aware of possible volume and tonal differences. I always like to use a separate preamp if the basses I'm switching between sound significantly different. I try to avoid it when possible.

 

[Treblefree]

Never really had a problem switching scales between songs. I've gone from 35" 5 string to 28.6" 4 string plenty of times as much most extreme, but also between 34" and 30" as well.

I have shorter fingers so prefer to play faster stuff on my smaller scale personally. I'm kind of on a short scale kick lately. They are so much fun to play.

 

[Max Bogosity]

How much do you rely on muscle memory versus looking at the fingerboard to establish what position you’re in?

I saw an interview with Stu Hamm where he complained that he took a new bass to a session and kept playing everything a semitone sharp. The problem was that the new bass’ body shape positioned the neck an inch further to the left than he was used to, so his muscle memory consistently landed him in the wrong place.

If you rely on muscle memory to that extent, you might have a problem switching scale length.

 

[Ken Morgan]

No problem going back and forth. Occasionally when going from 30 or 34 to the Kala I’ll feel a bit constrained once in a while, but otherwise no problem

I DO have the occasional glitch swapping between 4 and 5 strings though

 

[Justshootit]

Wow everyone thanks so much for all the replies. I'm still mulling over the decision but I'll for sure factor your answers into it!!!!

 

[Joe Nerve]

I had a Sterling by Musicman short scale and I didn't care for it. Just didnt feel right to me. I would have problems for sure, changing mid set or gig. I'm sure some people dont have any issues.

There's not much to get used to, really. Maybe there's a couple seconds of adjustment, but it's pretty quick.

First time I ever had a go at a short scale, after playing long scale basses for years, I immediately said - that ain't happening again. Felt really weird.

Then I got obsessed with buying basses and started playing anything and everything I could get my hands on. After getting used to many neck profiles I decided to have a go with a short scale again, and it meant nothing to me. I adjusted within a few minutes, and now it really isn't a big deal at all. The one change that I admit was necessary was that I had to learn to play with a lighter touch, but that was something I needed to do anyhow. My band tunes down a half step, and we have a handful of songs we play in drop D tuning. Ya can't dig into an open C# on a short scale without running into problems, but you CAN get it to sound completely awesome once ya learn to lay back a bit.

All I play now are short scale basses. I love them.

 

[JimmyM]

First time I ever had a go at a short scale, after playing long scale basses for years, I immediately said - that ain't happening again. Felt really weird.

Then I got obsessed with buying basses and started playing anything and everything I could get my hands on. After getting used to many neck profiles I decided to have a go with a short scale again, and it meant nothing to me. I adjusted within a few minutes, and now it really isn't a big deal at all. The one change that I admit was necessary was that I had to learn to play with a lighter touch, but that was something I needed to do anyhow. My band tunes down a half step, and we have a handful of songs we play in drop D tuning. Ya can't dig into an open C# on a short scale without running into problems, but you CAN get it to sound completely awesome once ya learn to lay back a bit.

All truth. But there are times I like to actually play a little hard and make the string go lower in pitch as it decays. Paul McCartney used that to great effect at times. But lightening up a bit in general is the way to go with shorties.

 

[Joe Nerve]

All truth. But there are times I like to actually play a little hard and make the string go lower in pitch as it decays. Paul McCartney used that to great effect at times. But lightening up a bit in general is the way to go with shorties.

I used to think that if I learned to play more softly, I'd lose my edge. I found out it was the exact opposite. I can still dig in whenever I want... I just have a lot more headroom now in my fingers .

 

[PWRL]

First time I ever had a go at a short scale, after playing long scale basses for years, I immediately said - that ain't happening again. Felt really weird.

Then I got obsessed with buying basses and started playing anything and everything I could get my hands on. After getting used to many neck profiles I decided to have a go with a short scale again, and it meant nothing to me. I adjusted within a few minutes, and now it really isn't a big deal at all. The one change that I admit was necessary was that I had to learn to play with a lighter touch, but that was something I needed to do anyhow. My band tunes down a half step, and we have a handful of songs we play in drop D tuning. Ya can't dig into an open C# on a short scale without running into problems, but you CAN get it to sound completely awesome once ya learn to lay back a bit.

All I play now are short scale basses. I love them.

I did have trouble down tuning them, but everything else was smooth. I don't own one anymore, but I might again, someday. I'd still like an MIJ Gretsch shorty like an Electrotone.

 

[Justshootit]

Thanks all. I tried out an Epiphone EB3 and was not crazy about the sound. I guess I've gotten used to the sound of the Fenders and their derivatives to the point that an SG bass doesn't appeal to me as much as I thought it would. So I ended up getting an American Jazz II instead. The more I play it, the more I realize how much I missed have by a Jazz bass. If I ever come across an SB-300 for a decent price and have the cash, I may go short scale again but it's not happening today.

Again, thanks for all your responses!!