• 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.

very tall guy... short scale

tuBass

tuBass

Dec 14, 2002
2,228
203
Mesquite, Texas
www.creekbendrock.com
#1
I'm having a strange thought that I cant put in the past

I'm really really tall, like 6' 8", and I've got a short scale bass here I bought and modded for my son. The bass sounds great, and the nicest thing is I can move around the neck so easy, almost effortless

I was considering using it on a gig, but I keep getting this mental image of a guy my size holding a bass this tiny, and it looks almost comical. I guess I need to play what ever I think I play the best without considering such issues, but I wanted to throw it out there to see what you all thought

Here's a picture of me holding it,
2012-01-14_17-40-17_2.jpg


here's some closeups of it.

finleybass.jpg


headstock.jpg
 
#2
If it plays well and sounds good, I'd say rock it, appearances be damned.

BTW, did you change the bridge to one with standard (.75") spacing to get that J pup lined up properly? And is that a humbucker of some sort in the mid position? Cool shorty; I'm guessing modded Bronco.
 
#3
Bah, tall guys rock Les Pauls and Strats. What's the difference between them and a shortscale?

Just play and rock with the attitude that you and your bass are the greatest thing since sliced pizza and it's all good.

And yeah, what all did you do to that bass?
 
#5
You have it worse than me (6'4"). I love Bronco-style basses, but it's definitely a case of "bear on a bicycle" syndrome.

The only short-scale basses I will play are semi-hollows (see avatar) or those with long necks like Danelectros and such.

I hate to break it to you, but I agree, though it probably sounds great and you surely rock it righteously, it looks kinda silly.
 
#13
I'm 6'3 and 204 lbs. I play short scale basses better than 90% of the time - including 2-3 gigs a month.

The Gretsch G2202 is the roughly same length as a Les Paul. The neck joins the body at the 13th fret, so it's still a full 30" short scale bass.

I realize that I'm 5" shorter than you, but nobody has ever commented on the bass looking too small on me.

Keep this in mind: Most non-musician in the audience won't know the difference. Also, you're 6'8". Who's going to call you on it?!? :D Play the instrument that's most comfortable to you.

Regarding non-musicians - More than once on a set break I've had somebody at the bar ask me which instrument I play. This after having watched me and the band for a full set or two?

Picture of me playing the Gretsch:

Link Removed

Opinions differ, but I think the bass looks fine on me...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back