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Why aren't medium scale basses (32") more popular?
- Thread starter Boneless
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- medium scale
Please expound more on this subject. I'm really interested to hear more of your experience with the 32" scale as I want to get one.
They seem to be getting more popular. Here's a pretty comprehensive list of what's out there:
Master List Of Medium 32" Scale Basses Only - Not For Short Scale 30"
However, there is really only one must-have 32" bass. Behold the Fender Japan Hama Okamoto Katana Bass:
Fender Katana Bass is Back!
Master List Of Medium 32" Scale Basses Only - Not For Short Scale 30"
However, there is really only one must-have 32" bass. Behold the Fender Japan Hama Okamoto Katana Bass:
Fender Katana Bass is Back!
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Lately, there’s been more 33” coming out, which I prefer over 32”. But I must say, like some have said, that it lacks the tightness and sound but that just may be how my Ibanez BTB845V is.
Medium scale basses aren't more popular because most musicians refuse to play any instrument that didn't exist in 1958. 
To me, there's very little reason to play 34" scale unless you're tuning below Eb1. 30" scale definitely starts to feel and sound different (not worse, just different), but 32" scale keeps most of the sustain and string tension of 34" while being noticeably easier to play.
I own zero 34" basses that are not 5-string or tuned BEAD.
As a bonus, you can usually use regular long-scale strings -- if you have the cloverleaf tuners with the big posts, or install a spacer behind the bridge. (Fender Jaguar medium-scale basses come from the factory with long-scale strings.)
Where are the conversion necks? It's easy to buy guitar conversion necks that turn 25.5" (Fender scale) into 24.75" (Gibson scale), but 34" to 32" bass necks basically don't exist. They would reduce neck dive substantially, too!
To me, there's very little reason to play 34" scale unless you're tuning below Eb1. 30" scale definitely starts to feel and sound different (not worse, just different), but 32" scale keeps most of the sustain and string tension of 34" while being noticeably easier to play.
I own zero 34" basses that are not 5-string or tuned BEAD.
As a bonus, you can usually use regular long-scale strings -- if you have the cloverleaf tuners with the big posts, or install a spacer behind the bridge. (Fender Jaguar medium-scale basses come from the factory with long-scale strings.)
Where are the conversion necks? It's easy to buy guitar conversion necks that turn 25.5" (Fender scale) into 24.75" (Gibson scale), but 34" to 32" bass necks basically don't exist. They would reduce neck dive substantially, too!
The bridge itself is a Hipshot D-style, but the tuning system was salvaged from a second hand NS Design CR4 that the previous owner had tried to “improve” and wound up destroying. Threw a Graphtech ghost pickup system into the D-style for piezo and synth-bass goodness.
A person sitting at a bar won't notice the difference between a 30" and 34". They will hear a bass being played. These differences are only important for the player.
So what options are there for 24 fret 32" basses? The only production bass that I know is the Fender The Urge 1. Are there any others?
Anyway, when I said that there aren't many, I wasn't referring to luthier-made basses (of course a luthier will try to accomodate your requirements). In the mass-produced section of the industry, there aren't that many 32" basses around. It looks like there are some Japan-made instruments (that are not so easy to purchase), the Warwick Star Bass, something from Ibanez and that's it.
ACG in Scotland will build you a 24 fret 32" as will Maruszczyk (the frog, paddock and sputnik) - both are custom made but not as expensive as many other custom builders.
For what it's worth I'm a total convert to 32". I prefer it to 34" for comfort, weight and playability and both mine sound amazing (Serek MW2 and Mensinger Cazpar fretless). I've tried 30" too but 32" is the sweet spot for me; I'm selling all my 34" basses now...
Medium scale basses aren't more popular because most musicians refuse to play any instrument that didn't exist in 1958.
To me, there's very little reason to play 34" scale unless you're tuning below Eb1. 30" scale definitely starts to feel and sound different (not worse, just different), but 32" scale keeps most of the sustain and string tension of 34" while being noticeably easier to play.
I own zero 34" basses that are not 5-string or tuned BEAD.
As a bonus, you can usually use regular long-scale strings -- if you have the cloverleaf tuners with the big posts, or install a spacer behind the bridge. (Fender Jaguar medium-scale basses come from the factory with long-scale strings.)
Where are the conversion necks? It's easy to buy guitar conversion necks that turn 25.5" (Fender scale) into 24.75" (Gibson scale), but 34" to 32" bass necks basically don't exist. They would reduce neck dive substantially, too!
I believe Brad Lowe AKA @BeeTL on here builds conversion necks. That’s what’s on the green headless SG I posted earlier. Very nice.
Some,like me,have never walked into a store and knowingly picked up a 32"scale bass.
Some have no problem with 34" and 35"scale.
Some have no problem with 34" and 35"scale.
Not 32"scale,but the D'Angelico basses,are 32.25"scale. Have a nice Cherry Burst chambered body,for sale but not listed here on TB
Apparently an extra 2" makes a big difference.
Wait... are we talking about bass scale?
Wait... are we talking about bass scale?
It might be a production issue in that there were more youth playing 30s and that might be the consumer group they're targeting primarily with a 30 is the youth Market.
It's kind of like when the beginning school band director tells the tall kid "Your going to be playing trombone" it's because his arms are long.
I know, I was tall kid, and I asked and that's what he told me.
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
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5-string Sisters, in 32" scale... (yeah, it works just fine)
4-string Sisters in 32" scale...
A pair of Old Dragons in 32" scale...
Then there's the Prodigal Son, also a 32" scale.
4-string Sisters in 32" scale...
A pair of Old Dragons in 32" scale...
Then there's the Prodigal Son, also a 32" scale.
The problem with medium scale basses is string selection and availability for that scale length. Most of the short scale string brands have windings that are too short, and long scale strings are too long. There just aren't that many medium scale strings being made. Chicken and egg thing, I suppose. Finding your choice of type and weight in stock is an exercise in frustration, in my experience. I had a medium scale bass and don't have it any more.
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I have a bass shaped kinda like that and I will not be going that direction againThey seem to be getting more popular. Here's a pretty comprehensive list of what's out there:
Master List Of Medium 32" Scale Basses Only - Not For Short Scale 30"
However, there is really only one must-have 32" bass. Behold the Fender Japan Hama Okamoto Katana Bass:
Fender Katana Bass is Back!
.I picked up a 32" scale '51p from a local guy recently and I definitely endorse the scale. Feels good under the right and left hand and sounds big and full. What's not to like?
