Why aren't medium scale basses (32") more popular?

[steelbed45]

OP, why are you asking the general forum, which consists mainly of 34" scale users who are going to tell you the same things every time - 1. Because Leo didn't do it, 2. 32" sucks and 3. Lack of strings.

Just go the the medium scale club.

 

[Astronaut]

You’re either, a very dissimulated troll, or

The reason why 32” basses haven’t become more popular is that the 34” instruments and the 30” instruments have unique & desirable tones to them.

Where as the 32” sounds like a mix of both worlds; which is not a good thing.

A 32” bass sounds like a weak 34” or a tighter 30”.

A person sitting at a bar having a beer will be able to hear the difference between a 34” and a 30” bass.

If one wants a tight tone that swells a bit they’re going to play a 34”.

If one wants a darker tone that hits instantly, that person will play a 30” instrument.

A 32” bass does neither

You’re just trolling yourself.

 

[smart51]

What does a low B sound like on a 32" bass? I've played several short scale 5ers and the low B never sounds quite right. All the 34" 5ers I've played are fine. Is 32" OK for a low B or does it not quite make it?

 

[InhumanResource]

I'd like to have some choice when it comes to medium scale. There isn't any. And it does make a difference: half a step down in string tension (approximately) is a good middle way between long scale (taut, rings out clearly) and short scale (thumpy, full-sounding treble strings), and the slightly shorter neck, while not as noticeable as on a short scale, still makes it more comfortable to play. (I say this after having done some experiments with a capo on the 1st fret of a long scale bass). There was only one offering (that I know of) on the market, the Eastwood Black Widow, a bass that was also really poorly marketed (just a one-minute video of somebody playing a palm muted part).

Just a guess but sales (as in not enough to make sense to add more sku’s in this category). If it did, somebody would be doing it.

 

[MrLenny1]

I got a 32” scale Traveler P bass just to try a medium scale. Really nice axe & sounds like a P bass. I did 8 gigs with it and then sold it. Reason, string tension. I’m hooked on 34” scale.I do recommend the Traveler to anyone wanting a good sounding med. scale,6.5 lb bass.

 

[Naviiin]

What I don't get, is releasing a 32 inch scale bass as a budget bass but having nothing in a higher range with the same scale.

Looking at you, Ibanez and Fender. What if I want to upgrade from my Mezzo or Squier Affinity Jag within your brand? Maybe something with some nicer pickups or higher grade hardware, MIM or in the Premium range. But nothing.

 

[KenD]

I love 32" and 30" basses; they work perfectly for what and how I like to play. However, they are not for everyone in every situation. For example: they simply cannot do a low B like the 37" on a Dingwall Leland Sklar model.

 

[bassfran]

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!

Be careful with those things- someone's liable to lose an eye!

 

[Wfrance3]

As a bonus, you can usually use regular long-scale strings --

I have string thru the body on my 32 just to be sure there would likely never be a circumstance where the regular long scale strings wouldn’t work. I think it might help with sustain a bit too, but who really knows…

 

[zubrycky]

One word answers the OP's question: Availability.

 

[Relsom]

I'll gladly take all of those undesirable Kubicki ExFactors you can send my way @MartialDylan.

 

[cheapimitation]

Any 34" scale bass can be made into a (very close to) 32" scale 23 fret by putting a capo on the first fret.

 

[micahwc]

Because bass and guitar players are hopelessly attached to tradition regardless of how well an innovation works.

 

[micahwc]

What I don't get, is releasing a 32 inch scale bass as a budget bass but having nothing in a higher range with the same scale.

Looking at you, Ibanez and Fender. What if I want to upgrade from my Mezzo or Squier Affinity Jag within your brand? Maybe something with some nicer pickups or higher grade hardware, MIM or in the Premium range. But nothing.

Or a Mikro prestige please.

 

[Mannyinnewyork]

My favorite bass ever. Medium scale MIJ Jbass.
Link Removed

 

[Watchootognbout]

Because bass and guitar players are hopelessly attached to tradition regardless of how well an innovation works.

Some traditions.
Not all.

One 35"scale.Two 34"
All with more that four strings.

 

[badinage]

I pulled a Squier Affinity Jaguar in Charcoal Frost off the wall in a GC and was very pleased with the feel, sound, and cosmetics and would have taken it home but the upper fret access was poor. Since I knew it would probably end up as primarily a couch bass where my brainless noodling always includes lots of chording (where 32" scale may have been pretty handy) poor access on upper frets made it a deal killer.

If anyone influential in Squier's design department is reading this, that was my problem. Everyone who wants to psychoanalyze my "irrational bias" may do as you will.

 

[Danny C]

My 32 inch scale sounds great.

 

[BobKos]

The reason why 32” basses haven’t become more popular is that the 34” instruments and the 30” instruments have unique & desirable tones to them.

Where as the 32” sounds like a mix of both worlds; which is not a good thing.

A 32” bass sounds like a weak 34” or a tighter 30”.

A person sitting at a bar having a beer will be able to hear the difference between a 34” and a 30” bass.

If one wants a tight tone that swells a bit they’re going to play a 34”.

If one wants a darker tone that hits instantly, that person will play a 30” instrument.

A 32” bass does neither

I think there is alot of truth to this post. I believe the barfly reference was mis-typed and the OP missed a 'NOT' in the sentence. Otherwise this has been my personal experience with different scales. I own an abundance of each example and I concur with these observations for the most part. I like the playability of 32" which keeps me coming back. I am trying to get a 32" to sound like a good 34" and it really is a difficult task. Maybe the next build...

 

[Crispus]

What I don't get, is releasing a 32 inch scale bass as a budget bass but having nothing in a higher range with the same scale.

Looking at you, Ibanez and Fender. What if I want to upgrade from my Mezzo or Squier Affinity Jag within your brand? Maybe something with some nicer pickups or higher grade hardware, MIM or in the Premium range. But nothing.

I agree. Would also add that some passive options might be nice. Again, looking at you ibanez… how about a passive single split p mezzo or a fiver with a passive bucker?