• 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.

Switching to Short Scale - Your Experiences

#23
I own mostly long scale basses and just this year bought two shorts, a Fender Mustang and an Epiphone Viola and I really enjoy playing those. I'm a big guy, 6'4" but my hand size, spread pinky to thumb tip on a ruler is only 8 5/8" which is barely average. Hands that measure around 9 1/2" will have a much easier time playing long scales.

The only downside to the shorts is I don't think they have quite the power and sustain of the longer scale basses. My Ibanez 700 and 505 sound like thunder compared to the shorts and my Fender P's and J's seem to be slightly more defined in the lower ranges. But this can be compensated for somewhat.

These slight differences don't matter to me, as I only play for self enjoyment and if there's an easier bass to play, I'm all for it. Currently waiting for a Fender Starcaster bass to arrive at my Guitar Center to check it out.
 
#24
One thing to be aware of is that some SS basses (like the Fender Mustang RI) have a slightly narrower string spacing (mine is 2-3/32" at the bridge vs. the more standard 2-1/4"). It may not sound like much, but I notice it when I switch to my SX shorty with the wider spacing. Not a problem, but it is noticeable, at least for me. I only mention this because you mention that you worry you "might feel a little constricted in the smaller space", so you might want to try before you buy.

Having come from years of playing guitar, I love SS basses. I bought a 34" P-Bass back during the 70s, never could warm up to it and sold it. Last year I picked up the Mustang and now I hardly play my guitars any more.

I have arthritis in both thumbs, which is another reason I opted for SS.
 
#25
MusicBear said:
That raises the question of proper setup and maintenance. Intonation should not improve (or worsen) with changes in scale length. :eyebrow:

I have long, medium and short scale basses and they all intone correctly - except for occasional problems on the fretless, and that is not the fretless' fault. ;)
Click to expand...

After over 20 years of long scale, I noticed the medium scale having somehow sweeter notes in the upper registers, esp. when played against live music. I don't get it either.
 
#29
I have a Squier P-Bass and a Hofner Icon. The transition from one scale length to the other is not a problem, but the string spacing takes a minute or two to get used to. I find myself using a pick more often with the Hofner than the P. I have La Bella Beatle Bass flats on my Hofner, and I use the edge of a teardrop-shaped medium celluloid pick when playing it. I get a nice, mellow tone like this, and for some reason I don't really understand the Hofner takes to pedals really well, even better than my P-Bass.
 
#30
I started over 40 years ago playing both short and long scale basses but over the last 10 years or so I've been making my way to playing only shortscales. I now use mostly 30" scale basses and recently converted a guitar to a bass with a 24.75" scale. In fact, today I installed a 30" scale neck on a 34" scale DIY 51 style P bass. I also play a 28.6" scale Ibanez Mikro and a 23" scale GT M-Bass.

The shortest scales I play regularly are Ashborys, original Guilds and DeArmond RIs, both with an 18" scale. The longest is a 4/4 upright but I had to give that up due to a surgery on my left arm from which I never recovered full strength.

I don't recall ever having any issues switching back and forth between long and short scales but like I said, I started out on both.
 
#33
I will never go back to a regular/long scale bass.

It's a - bad - myth that a bass has to be the size of a small tree to sound good.

This is coming from a guy who now focuses on short scale being - the scale of a guitar - 25.5 - not 30.

Playing smaller basses is incredibly enjoyable. Everyone else's mileage may vary.
 
#34
I started on a SS Guild Starfire. I played it for years before moving to a 34". That took a little getting used to. Now my favorite bass is my Lakland SS hobo. Going from 34 to 30 seems to be a much easier transition than the other way around.
 
#35
Pilgrim said:
I own 34", 32" and 30" basses. Switching back and forth between them has never bothered me at all. I find the shorter scales very comfortable to play, but I don't even think about it when switching back and forth. To me it's pretty much a non-issue.
Click to expand...

This is my experience a well. 34 or 35 or 32 or 30 scale length seems to matter verry little to me. About the only things I notice on sub 34 inch necks is faster left hand movement on those overly busy bass lines and a little less fatigue in both my fretting hand and strap shoulder after hours of playing. Some will also claim the benefit of not having any dead notes on a 32 inch scale, don't know if that's true, never really checked.
 
#36
BassHappy said:
Note to Immigrant and Agent77:

Missed your posts the first time around. Just noticed them and I am truly flattered by the kind words from both of you.

i can't believe that the Hot Rod bass is a screen saver.

:hyper::hyper::hyper::hyper:

Best,

BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
Click to expand...

Dude, that Hot Rod P is by far my most lusted after bass; I never get sick of looking at it. I have a medium scale Squier P and I've lost countless hours of sleep wondering if I should paint it black and get it pinstriped.:)
 
#37
I switched to ss about 5 years ago and now its all I play.

Here is my 30 inch scale Stambaugh jazz... recently put in NJ4 pups and was a definite improvement over the Model Js.

stambaugh1-2.jpg
 
#38
I dig short scales. I mostly play long but I have 3 shorties with a medium in the garage that awaits restoration. If I had to give up one or the other I'd give up the shorties because long scale is home for me. But I don't have to give any of them up and I'm not gonna, so there!
 
#39
JimmyM said:
I dig short scales. I mostly play long but I have 3 shorties with a medium in the garage that awaits restoration. If I had to give up one or the other I'd give up the shorties because long scale is home for me. But I don't have to give any of them up and I'm not gonna, so there!
Click to expand...

Jimmy

When you are ready - I would love to see/hear about that medium scale you are restoring...

Please share when the time is right....

P.S. What a beautiful Stammy - Bassist....

Thanks for the photo!

BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
 
#40
It's a Gibson EB-0 from 1960. Pickup was replaced with a DiMarzio Model One when I got it. I literally wore the finish off it, then I painted it black, then I accidentally smashed it and broke the body. Painted it in white Imron (my brother the boat refinisher's idea) and used it twice, loaned it to a friend for a jam, and the place it broke on the body broke again. Has sat dormant since 92. Have threatened to have it restored properly with an original pickup many times and never have. I think this year may be the year, though.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back