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THE SHORT SCALE BASS THREAD!

#361
Fender actually makes a short scale jazz bass, they refer to it as "smart size". All the ones I've seen for sale have been imported from Japan through either a dealer or EBay. I remember a couple members of the forum who have purchased one online. Very interested in these basses myself, though I wished they offered more exciting colors. I plan to get one eventually.
 
#362
lousybassist said:
About half a year ago, I bought this short scale Hagström Swede-inspired bass built by TB:er MPU:

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It's now my favourite bass, and has made me a short scale convert. No more long scales for me, I think.

You can hear it on my Link Removed.
Click to expand...


Very cool!
Soo who makes this bass? The member here MPU? Where can I obtain one from? Is this totally custom built?
 
#364
melikecookies said:
Fender actually makes a short scale jazz bass, they refer to it as "smart size". All the ones I've seen for sale have been imported from Japan through either a dealer or EBay. I remember a couple members of the forum who have purchased one online. Very interested in these basses myself, though I wished they offered more exciting colors. I plan to get one eventually.
Click to expand...


I didn't know about these, thanks. It makes no sense that fender doesn't offer them here.
 
#369
I thought I posted this here, maybe I was dreaming.

This is branded as a Granada, it is an EB-3 copy.
It's Matsumoku made.
It's light, plays great, although the pickups are a bit weak, but they dot he job.

Maybe one day I'll replace them.

But I love it.
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#374
I'm looking to buy a short scale bass for my grandson, who is just starting lessons for the first time (with yours truly). He's 12, not a big guy, which is why I was thinking short scale. I've never owned a short scale and would love to hear from you experts what I should be looking for (or looking to avoid) in a short scale budget bass? I'll be focusing on the pre-owned market for this one. Thanks!
 
#376
BassHappy said:
Lots of pretty good options as below, and a few others not pictured here....

muliples-basses.png


Good luck with the search!

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

Wow - thanks for the array! I recognize several of these from other threads (and this one). Please forgive my beginner questions as I really don't know much about this breed:

  • Are most of these about 30" scale length?
  • Are there P vs J type variations in short scale necks or are they all uniformly narrower and less bulky than standard 34" scale basses?
  • Does the bass tone from a short scale rival a standard scale bass tone? Is the short scale's tone less deep and robust than a standard scale?
  • Are the bodies of short scale basses smaller and lighter than standard scale?
  • Is there a typical weight range expected for short-scales?
  • These photos of short scales offer a variety of P vs J vs PJ pickup configurations. Are their tonal variations similar to the same pickup configurations on a standard scale?
  • Will standard tuners, bridges, pickups and pots work on a small scale bass should one want to mod/upgrade components later? (Does one need to do this at all? Better left alone if that's a reasonable expectation!)
 
#377
Ukiah Bass said:
Wow - thanks for the array! I recognize several of these from other threads (and this one). Please forgive my beginner questions as I really don't know much about this breed:

  • Are most of these about 30" scale length?
  • Are there P vs J type variations in short scale necks or are they all uniformly narrower and less bulky than standard 34" scale basses?
  • Does the bass tone from a short scale rival a standard scale bass tone? Is the short scale's tone less deep and robust than a standard scale?
  • Are the bodies of short scale basses smaller and lighter than standard scale?
  • Is there a typical weight range expected for short-scales?
  • These photos of short scales offer a variety of P vs J vs PJ pickup configurations. Are their tonal variations similar to the same pickup configurations on a standard scale?
  • Will standard tuners, bridges, pickups and pots work on a small scale bass should one want to mod/upgrade components later? (Does one need to do this at all? Better left alone if that's a reasonable expectation!)
Click to expand...

Howdy

Yes, they are all right around 30", some are 30.5", some might be 29.5".

Most of the necks are scaled down width wise as well as length wise from their long scale brethren - and for the sake of visual impact the bodies are slightly scaled back as well. This is also to allow for the fact that it makes it much easier from a technical standpoint to dial the neck pockets down to the proper width by "shrinking' the body slightly. This makes the instruments as a whole - much lighter too.

I have a much more detailed dialog on the tone/sound issue - which relates to tension and string gauge here:

http://www.innertainment.net/medium.html

You might enjoy reading all of this but definitely scroll down to where it says "Moving From Long Scale To Short Scale".

All the best,

BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
 
#378
Wilkins Barracuda Bass (Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Stack® Pickups, 30" Scale)
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Lakland Hollowbody 30
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Mockup...This one is in the oven (US Lakland Decade 30" Scale, ChiSonic Humbuckers)
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#380
MarkusBass said:
Wilkins Barracuda Bass (Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Stack® Pickups, 30" Scale)
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Lakland Hollowbody 30
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Mockup...This one is in the oven (US Lakland Decade 30" Scale, ChiSonic Humbuckers)
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Click to expand...

I never get tired of looking at that incredible Pat Wilkins - what a spectacular build - and these three basses clearly illustrate some of the remarkable "high-end" short scale options out there.

BassHappy
www.innertainment.net
 

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