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What should I expect after getting a short scale bass?

#21
Having crossed over to the short side, I was interested the Gretsch 2220 and then I played one. I didn't care for the finish on the neck which I suppose I could sand/steel wool that away a bit, but i also found it to have the chunkiest neck compared to my other SS basses. It will be interesting to see if you like the neck since you like the Ibanez SR series. I still go back and forth between scales at times, but going from 34 to 30 ins't much of an issue other than my hands just don't like to stretch that far ( my reason for going short ). The only one that takes a few minutes of re-calibration to play is the 25.5 scale bass I have, but it's mostly just a "for fun" thing anyway.
 
#23
I have two 34” and three 30”. Doesn’t bother me to go back and forth. But being a mandolin player also, it’s easier to back and forth between the shorties and the mando. But after a few minutes I get acclimated and back to normal.
 
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#27
Once you get used to the different scale, after a week or two of playing, switching won't be a big deal. Even on fretless it's not a big deal, once you break yourself in on both the instruments.

You will, however, notice that you can play with much less discomfort on the shorter scale, and that no matter how much you play the short scale, you do not actually turn into a whiny little girl.
 
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#29
Things to expect from short scale...

- Tonally, a little more warmth and fundamental, a little less harmonics.
- Physically, a little less reach and angle on your arm and wrist which you may find more comfortable. Also, short scale basses are usually somewhat lighter in weight than long scales.
- Logistically, there aren't as many options for strings, accessories, etc. for short scales as for long scales.
 
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#30
Used to think I’d use my 5-string P-basses exclusively. 5’s have several advantages. Then got Rob Allen Mouse and Fender Mustang - both 4-string 30’s and figured I’d leave long scale behind. Got R&B gig that had lots of low B-string notes on recordings, so pulled back out 5-string — no issues. Next week, had “real book” jazz gig and used Rob Allen no prob. Last night, having some challenges cleanly nailing some fast/busy parts on an R&B tune on my Mustang, I pulled back out 34” 5-string. Was surprised (after 120 seconds to acclimate to extra string) how those busy parts were executed more cleanly than weeks trying them on Mustang. Conclusion: I’m going to stop thinking. Maybe one bass just works better for me with different styles of music (for whatever reason). I love 30” for practicing scales and repetitive hand movements — reducing stretch is great. End of discombobulated rant.
 
#34
I started out on a short scale, but my experience with it also involved the dreaded Gibson mudbucker pickup, so any comparison sound wise would be a little unfair. I assume newer model shorties have better pickups.
At least I hope they do.....
Playability wise, the only difference I remember switching to the long scales was that I had to reach a little farther..
 
#35
I started on SS as that was what my friend lent me when I decided to switch from guitar to bass. I then played SS for many years before buying a P bass 15 years ago and then a succession of LS basses until recently when I have started acquiring and playing SS again. SO MUCH more comfortable for my old fingers, and truthfully, My Mustang P/J with flats sounds nearly exactly like my MIA P with flats that no one can tell when playing with the band. I like the SS Jaguar so much I bought 2 of them since they are now discontinued.

I have maintained a long time that the problem with SS basses has been the strings. Many people try to use cut down LS strings which doesn't work well since they are not pulled to proper tension, and it may be that the string makers did not put as much effort into the lower-selling SS strings. I feel that this is changing now.

I think my next purchase will be the new U5 SS from Sire - it just looks really good.
 
#36
I switch quite easily between a Guild Starfire II and a Yamaha 5 string... as mentioned the Guild has much more fundamental whump (technical term) while the 5 is much richer in harmonics.

people ask which I prefer, I always answer ‘yes’
 
#37
I love playing short-scale - my current favorite is my fretless '71 Guild M-85 II, but I have others. I also love my Rickenbackers and Fender P-Basses - in fact, lately, I've been playing my P-Bass exclusively lately. I don't have any trouble going back and forth, but I grew up playing both guitar and bass and dabbled in mandolin, so that might have something to do with it.

Also, not all short-scales are the same! I don't buy the "put a capo on the 2nd fret" argument - the shape of the instrument, how it hangs on a strap, how it sits in your lap, will all change with each instrument.
 
#38
RabidMusic said:
When I gave up the baseball bat and finally got an Ibanez SR1400 things got so much easier. I finally had a bass that I could get my fingers around. For the first time in my life I had a bass that I could play. I like it so much that I picked up a SR1405. Lately I have been wondering if that is as good as it gets, or can I take another step towards even more comfort while playing. So today I ordered a Gretsch 2220 Junior Bass. I cold not find one within 100 miles to try, so as usual I took a chance that Sweetwater would send me a decent, playable bass.

I would like to have gotten a 5 string but they seem pretty rare in short scale. I did consider the Ibanez GSRM5B2K but the Gretsch seemed to have much better reviews. So I decided that first I should just see if a short scale is an improvement for me, and how big of an improvement. From my research the Gretsch is a decent, cheap bass. Maybe the best of the under $500 crowd. What I am wondering is how people who play short string basses proceed with their previous regular scale basses. Do you continue to play them? Do you have problems moving back and forth? Does short scale feel like a vacation that gets you ready to go back to work, on your regular bass? Will I have problems moving between my short scale 4 string and 5 string regular?
Click to expand...
It'll have more low end, and less highs. It'll be hard to play as it will feel like a toy. But, you'll get used to it. They're fun.
 
#39
Just to add further options for anyone considering down-sizing ("down-scaling"?): I find 32" scale to be an ideal compromise between the playbility and comfort of a SS and the greater harmonic complexity of a LS. Finding strings that work is a pain, but it's so worth it. I have a Landing 32" P bass that is AWESOME but they're typically found at boutique prices. Ibanez makes the Mezzo line that is easy to find and fairly affordable in medium scale. I played one briefly at a GC last year and it was a decent bass, certainly giggable.
 
#40
6ECA4278-549A-419D-9AA2-E0EC3E66C813.jpeg
RabidMusic said:
When I gave up the baseball bat and finally got an Ibanez SR1400 things got so much easier. I finally had a bass that I could get my fingers around. For the first time in my life I had a bass that I could play. I like it so much that I picked up a SR1405. Lately I have been wondering if that is as good as it gets, or can I take another step towards even more comfort while playing. So today I ordered a Gretsch 2220 Junior Bass. I cold not find one within 100 miles to try, so as usual I took a chance that Sweetwater would send me a decent, playable bass.

I would like to have gotten a 5 string but they seem pretty rare in short scale. I did consider the Ibanez GSRM5B2K but the Gretsch seemed to have much better reviews. So I decided that first I should just see if a short scale is an improvement for me, and how big of an improvement. From my research the Gretsch is a decent, cheap bass. Maybe the best of the under $500 crowd. What I am wondering is how people who play short string basses proceed with their previous regular scale basses. Do you continue to play them? Do you have problems moving back and forth? Does short scale feel like a vacation that gets you ready to go back to work, on your regular bass? Will I have problems moving between my short scale 4 string and 5 string regular?
Click to expand...

I’ve been round the houses on this. I have problems with my left hand (old injury... crushed metacarpal and twisted middle finger) and was finding stretching on a 34” or upwards scale really difficult. Not just stretching across four frets but even basic stuff like playing octaves on the low F, F# and G... just couldn’t do it comfortably. I tried switching to a 5 string and focusing on the 5th fret upwards where the fret spacing begins to get closer but still wasn’t really comfortable.

Short scales were a breakthrough for me. I now have a MIM Mustang (modded with Seymour Duncan quarter pounders), a Chowny SW1B and my true ‘lifetime’ bass, my Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Short Scale (pictured).

What to expect? Easier reach and comfort (IME). A thumpier tone (although subject to string choice, EQ, technique and other variables). Short scales tend to be a bit lighter than full scale (my shoulders thank me) although it varies from bass to bass. Downside is (for me) more limited string choices. I’d love to try EB Cobalts on my Stingray but they don’t exist in SS. Same is true with several other brands and options. It’s not terrible... there are still good choices... just not as many as for full scale.
 

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