Frankly, even if you're a big man, it's much easier to hold a small bass.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
When did "Short Scale Shaming" become 'a thing'???
- Thread starter diegom
- Start date
I think it is definitely ok to discard anyone’s opinion about whether you “need” a 5-string - or a 4-string. Or a long scale or a short scale. Or a tube or a solid state amp. Or 15” speakers “for that low end”. Or any of a number of silly superstitions about bass playing. Especially if the person espousing said opinion isn’t even a bassist themselves.
Really, just smile, nod, and utterly ignore.
Really, just smile, nod, and utterly ignore.
that bass has very short scales
It isn’t a thing. It’s never been a thing. It will never be a thing. The fact that a person starts a thread asking about it doesn’t make it a thing.
As someone else said, nobody cares what you play.
As someone else said, nobody cares what you play.
I think the traditional marketing tactic manufacturers use of “good for players with small hands, women, and children” might have something to do with it.
Feel no shame playing women and children’s instruments with your little hands.
Jk, I love shorties.
Feel no shame playing women and children’s instruments with your little hands.
Jk, I love shorties.
Some people might be too concerned about comparing length, gotta wonder
Putting ketchup on a hot dog is wrong though
Over the past few years I have seen a number of disparaging remarks about short scale basses and the people who play them. People calling them toys or insisting that whoever plays one should man up and play a real bass. There's always a few who have to drag people down to make themselves feel better. In other words pathetic idiots.
There's no shaming, simply inherent insecurities are on display.
I adore my Mustang bass. Ended up selling all my others because we bond so well.
I adore my Mustang bass. Ended up selling all my others because we bond so well.
Nothing wrong with short scales....but ketchup on a hot-dog?!?!?
I put ketchup on hot dogs. I also put relish, onions, kraut, mustard and pineapple on hot dogs, not all at the same time but sometimes in combination.
So don't gimme any of your guff Harry, or are you feeling lucky?
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
There did seem to be a period where these comments popped up in literally every thread regarding a short scale.
Hopefully people have grown up now.
Sheesh, isn't there so many other important things to shame?
Edit: the grammar police say it's aren't not isn't.
Edit: the grammar police say it's aren't not isn't.
Last edited:
Um, it’s aren’t there other important things? Like grammar?
Idk about shaming, the most I could plausibly see happening is someone saying that learning only on a short scale may hinder your ability to adapt to 34" scale basses later on if you aren't used to them. However just like people who pick up 5'ers, 6-strings, and older Warwick basses after playing decades on 4-string Fenders, you can adapt perfectly fine as long as you maintain good technique and practice.
I wouldn't sweat it though...I prefer thin-necked basses (Ibanez SR, Fender Jazz, etc.) and it's not keeping me up at night. Anyone else who says something derogatory to say has some kind of insecurity ax to grind, those people are best ignored regardless of the topic at hand.
I wouldn't sweat it though...I prefer thin-necked basses (Ibanez SR, Fender Jazz, etc.) and it's not keeping me up at night. Anyone else who says something derogatory to say has some kind of insecurity ax to grind, those people are best ignored regardless of the topic at hand.
