What's considered 'standard' for a bass nowadays?

[EvoMan]

It's been a while since I sold my last bass, so I've been out of touch with trends etc. I was looking through threads to get a sense of trends in preferred configurations, but haven't managed to get a clear picture. So I am curious what people consider the 'standard' scale length and number of strings nowadays (and if it's five, is that adding a higher or lower string? I assume the answer is not six!).

I'm partly just curious and partly interested in what I would get for my son to get him started on bass (he's an 'adult sized' teen). I don't want to impose my ancient preferences on him if/when I pick out a bass!

I've also attempted a poll (but am also obviously interested a discussion, especially if there are other trends to keep in mind). The poll is supposed to allow you to choose two options, one for number of strings and one for scale length. Thanks for the input!

 

[gln1955]

The four-string 34" is what most would think the typical bass. That of course does not dictate what any new player should start on or stay with. We all need to play what we are comfortable with and what fits our music.

 

[kjp360]

I'd imagine that 4 string 34" (and maybe 30") scale accounts for the lion's share of new retail sales. That said, a quick scan of the classified ads here show that there is a configuration out there for nearly every situation and preference.
Personally, I favor 4 string 30" scale.
30 and 32 scale have definitely increased in terms of acceptance (and most likely in sales) in recent times. Reasons for that are debatable.
Buy/play what you like.

 

[58kites]

Fender Precision Bass...
it still seems to be the standard by which everything else is measured.

If I were to describe what sounds come from a 4 string 30" scale bass, the words would be more of this and less of that...compared to a Fender Precision Bass.
Same thing when we talk about a 4 string 35" scale bass and how the E string has a piano like quality as opposed to what we "normally" think a "standard" E string sounds like...on a 34" scale Precision bass.

 

[bassdude51]

4 and 34

 

[J Posega]

4 string 30" and 34" scale are the top options out there. Lots of really amazing basses for very little money with these basic specs nowadays.

5 string with a low B 34" scale is also very common, but I'm not a fan of 34" scale B strings. 35" or more makes it sound so much better.

Investigate what kind of music he'd want to play. Modern metal is almost all 5 string bass or downturned 4 string. I started on 5 and highly recommend it because the low B has more uses than just pounding out unison root notes on heavy metal songs.

 

[Geri O]

I don’t know what everyone else’s standard bass is.

Mine are 35” scale 5-strings with low B. That’s all I care about.

 

[EvoMan]

Very interesting. I always think of a 4 string bass as standard, but there seemed to be a shift towards five strings developing and I wasn't sure how far that had gone. I personally would prefer something shorter than 34 inch - probably 32" based on instruments I have owned (30 feels quite short to me).

 

[dave64o]

On Talkbass, you could debate what the current standard is here but, out in the real world, it still looks like 4 strings and 34”. At least that’s what I see around here.

I play 34” five-strings myself but, I seem to be an anomaly in my circles.

 

[Jeff Scott]

4 and 34

I hear a song possibility here.

Very interesting. I always think of a 4 string bass as standard, but there seemed to be a shift towards five strings developing and I wasn't sure how far that had gone. I personally would prefer something shorter than 34 inch - probably 32" based on instruments I have owned (30 feels quite short to me).

Reads like you are looking for what works best for you, not for your son.

Have you taken him to any shops to play around with a variety of basses, yet?

 

[BadSanta1281]

I thought everyone was automatically issued a P-bass with flats and tort when they joined TalkBass.

Just me?

 

[JMarkD]

Maybe talk it over with your son rather than this loony bin. If he has any interest in playing bass he may already know what he wants. But yes, the standard is still four string, 34" scale.

 

[ItsmeSantiago]

I thought everyone was automatically issued a P-bass with flats and tort when they joined TalkBass.

Just me?

Can I get a number pls?

 

[MrLenny1]

The standard is still 34" & 4 string although I
play 5 string Low B as my preference.

 

[Bruiser Stone]

A 34” Fender 4-string is likely the overall standard. But my 5-string StingRay is my most versatile bass, and has a fine B string for a 34” scale.

 

[bigjames]

As much as I love my 5 and 6 string basses (I do not own a 4 string at the moment) I am continually blown away by what a good player can do with 4 strings. Watching the Beatles doc on Disney+ and in awe of what McCartney is doing on a 4 string and not once thinking "he needs a 5".

 

[Bunk McNulty]

The poll answers the question. I'd add that while they are not "standard," there are an awful lot of Fender Shaped Objects in the world.

 

[RGerhart]

Either a 4-string P, or J. 34"

 

[LowEndThrasher]

I don’t think there’s any “standard” nowadays since different styles of modern music might have certain basses be more useful to them. Also, with the plethora of modern playing styles, tones, and genres, it’s only appropriate certain basses be more suited to a player’s taste. Either way, I see people in my age group (30’s and younger) playing all sorts of modern 5 and 6 string basses and equipment all the time. Most older players in my experience use what they’ve always used…jazz and p basses with the odd non fender bass here and there. But, those are also the ones playing older songs where those types of instruments were mostly used, so it makes sense in that respect.

Either way, the idea of a “standard” is kind of pointless nowadays. Use what you love and prefer. I think people shouldn’t worry or care so much about what others use. If anything, that’ll hinder your musical progress and journey more than anything.

 

[mambo4]

Whatever a P Bass's specs are.
PBass is the major scale of basses.
Everything else is measured in contrast to it.