which custom-makers build short-scale well?

[Wilbyman]

Ray does 33" with a vengeance.

 

[Munjibunga]

Fodera have done 33" B's before that I hear have sounded thick and fat...

Also, a local luthier (with whichI have talked about building a 32" scale 6 before) has let me play a 32" scale 5 string he built, and the low B was full and rich in tone.

But floppier than a ... uh, something floppy.

 

[lyle]

Hi,
A recent thread turned me on to [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], and I'm likely to get one. But someone in that thread thought the Cortobass was overpriced and that one could do better going to a different custom builder.

So, among custom makers, who does short-scale or medium-scale basses with a better bang per buck than Birdsong?

P.S. I am not asking what you think of short-scale basses, and I am not asking about production basses like Epiphone, Kubicki, etc. however nice they may be.

Thanks!

since when are kubicki's as produced as epiphones

 

[Unchain]

Alembic.

You stole my post.

 

[bongomania]

FBB Custom regularly builds shorter scale basses.

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! FBB has some beautiful-looking basses, very sharp, at reasonable prices, and they specify on the website the range of scales they will build. I really want to support Birdsong because the guy seems like an awesome person, but... FBB's stuff looks so sweet. I guess the question is which one do I buy FIRST?

 

[A9X]

I have two 30.75 Alembics that I love. Expensive new, but secondhand are much cheaper if you're patient.
Status also do the Kingbass in 32".

Another luthier to look at is Link Removed. Never played one but they look nice. They have a nice 30" 4 string on their site that a TBer owns
Link Removed

I'd also not discount a secondhand Kubicki if you can get your hands on one to try.

 

[lousybassist]

Fury basses have 31" scale necks, and seem to be highly regarded.

http://www.furyguitar.com/

 

[tonequixote]

Rob Allen builds an outstanding short scale bass. If I'm not mistaken his "Mouse" model ranks as one of the lightest basses made.

 

[Ed Goode]

Hey pointbass, thats my bass you posted there, however, it doesnt look that way anymore I've had Matt do some naaasty little things to it. should be done soon.

Man, I've been loving the look of that bass ever since I first saw it on Matt's page. Please be sure to post up once the changes are finished .....

 

[Ed Goode]

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! FBB has some beautiful-looking basses, very sharp, at reasonable prices, and they specify on the website the range of scales they will build. I really want to support Birdsong because the guy seems like an awesome person, but... FBB's stuff looks so sweet. I guess the question is which one do I buy FIRST?

I know very little about Birdsong, but FBB makes some amazing stuff. The players here on TB that use Matt's basses are generally thrilled with the instruments ..... I can only vaguely remember one player that wasn't happy. For me, my fretless 6 (FBB #020) is the finest bass I have ever had the privledge to own .....

You have probably already seen this on his page, but here is a 32" scale ...

 

[michele]

Our own Cliff Bordwell makes 32" scales at no extra-charge.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[dunamis]

Bongomania,

I own this 32" scale bass:

Link Removed

Jimmy Wilson (Landing) is a great guy to work with and the bass turned out very nice. I wanted a vintage vibe color-wise and he worked on the color extensively. He shipped me many color samples and when we got close he prepared a fully finished block of swamp ash so I could see what it would like before he painted the body.

I could go on telling you other examples of Jimmy going the extra mile (there were many such examples as we worked on the project) but suffice it to say he's a top notch guy who cares about his product and his customer.

Another key for me was weight. I had back surgery in 2001 and prefer a very light bass. The body is "featherweight" swamp ash, and the finaished bass weighs in at 7lbs 5 oz. He used a beautiful piece of birdseye maple for the neck and selected a really nicely figured piece of rosewood for the fingerboard. Topped off with Hipshot hardware-- no neck dive; balance is perfect.

I really like the 32" scale (my favorite length) and I've used this bass in 80 or 90 live performances.

I did change the preamp out from the EMG it came with to an Aguilar OBP-1. I have the Aggie on another bass and really prefer it's tone and simplicity. I believe Jimmy offers the OBP now.

IMO, if you're in the market for a top quality short scale for under $2000, Landing is the place to go.

Peace,

Matt

 

[lowly4]

Another luthier to look at is Link Removed. Never played one but they look nice. They have a nice 30" 4 string on their site that a TBer owns
Link Removed

Hi all... new here. Great forum. Regarding James Basses, you may want to check out the review (one and only) at harmony-central:

Invalid Link Removed

This is from a 30" scale customer. Seems pretty darn pleased with it. might be worth checking out.