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Traben 35" scale = 34.25"...huh?

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DaveCarter

Oct 13, 2010
9
0
Essex, UK
#1
Hi guys,

I bought a Traben John Moyer 5 a few months ago (the Standard model, not the Havoc). The whole reason that I bought it is because its a 35" scale; I play in some low tunings but was on an equally low budget, so I wanted the cheapest 35" scale bass that I could find, which turned out to be this Traben. Out of interest, I recently measured the scale, and its not 35! XD From nut to saddle is about 34" on the high G, down to about 34.25" on the low B. From the nut to 12th fret is a hair over 17". All Trabens seem to be 34" for 4-string and 35" for 5-string, so I have no idea how this could have happened. Unless 35" isnt actually supposed to mean 35", but that doesnt make any sense. Anyone know what might be going on here?

These are discontinued now, and the BC Rich models arent out yet, so there's probably no chance of getting another one of these, which is a shame because other than the scale its a great bass! I also somehow got sent one with the 18v Aguilar preamp, which should only be on the Havoc anyway, so I dont really want to let this one go...but knowing the scale isnt what it should be does annoy me! Any advice? Thanks.
 
#2
Does the bass play like you like?? Sound like you like?? How is the B string?? If it is all within what you would call "good", then I say play the thing. Scale lenth in and of itself does not make THAT much difference. Ask Sadowsky, G&L, Musicman, etc... There are LOTS of 34" scale basses that are rock solid. There are also cheaper 35" scale basses that are not. If you think about it, going from 34 to 35" scale adds less than 3% of overall lenth to the string. That means they are not THAT much tighter. Of all my 5 strings, only one is 35". US made Peavey Millenium. GREAT bass. That said, the construction, the graphite rods in the neck, the 5 bolt attachement, etc, IN MY OPINION, make more difference than does the extra inch.

Sorry for rambling. Bottom line, "shut up and play the damn thing!"

:hiding:
 
#3
The low B is ok as a B, but I like to drop it to G# if possible, and thats not happening as well as Id like even with a .145. Im gonna keep playing it, but Id just like to know what's going on with this Traben! Your 35" Peavey is actually a full 35" from nut to saddle, right?
 
#4
The saddles adjust to intonation, so they're useless to measure scale off of.

Measure from the fretboard side edge of the nut, to the 12th fret, right on the fret itself. 17" = 34" scale, and 17.5" = 35" scale.
 
#6
I had a traben john moyer 5 and it was the same the b string was nice and tight so It didn't bother me , I think there is to much hype over 35" scale , some of the better builders like for instance brubaker is using 34 5/8" scale don't be to caught up in the hype.. also look at birdsong bass's they use a 31 " scale and have one of the most amazing b strings I have ever heard..
 
#7
Ah your Traben was the same scale? At least I know I didnt get a dodgy bass! Very cheeky of Traben though, if it says 35" then it damn well should be! I know 35" isnt as much of a big deal as a lot of people make out, but I think when youre down-tuning then it does start to make a big difference. Perhaps when I can afford it I might upgrade to something like a BTB that can handle the G# better, or just go nuts and order a Dingwall :D All in good time....
 
#8
I don't get the obsession with 35" scale. If the B feels floppy put thicker strings on it and be done. Increasing the scale length, which makes the bass require a touch more effort to play, to tighten a B string is like using a .30-06 to kill a fly.
 
#9
I've owned some 35" scale basses, and agree there's too much obsession with it. I had no trouble playing 35", but didn't think it was any better... just a little different.

That said, it's flat-out wrong for a company to sell a 34.25" scale bass as 35"... which is the point of the thread. I'd hate to think that they were using false marketing to lure those who do happen to be 35"-obsessed.
 

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