When Ibanez want to make a short or medium scale bass, they send an email to Cort. When Yamaha want to make a short or medium scale bass, they have to start a new production line in their factory.
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Why doesn't Yamaha make a short scale bass?
- Thread starter MakoMan
- Start date
Actually they did with the TRB series.
That would remind me of the Reverend Wattplower and I'd be down for that from Yammy.
I would agree with what's been noted above: A shorty wouldn't pay off in Yamaha's business model. (But then, isn't the Attitude a total niche bass?)
I stand corrected – thank you. Didn't realize there are 34"-scale and 35"-scale TRBs. I was only considering the BBs.
Even the 4-string, the TRB1004J, is 35". I've been eyeing it for years since Ibanez stopped making 4-string BTBs.
If every short-scale aficionado here on TalkBass would send a polite and respectful email to the acting head of Yamaha's guitar products marketing department, they might get a 30 inch scale bass built before 3000 CE
Dave Miner is currently the one to contact, in this regard! ( [email protected] )
I just sent a similar email to Jackson, enquiring about the very same thing (asking for a 30 inch bass). Jackson makes the little 'sub-short-scale' Minion basses, which are very cool, but I specifically asked for a lightweight, well-balanced professional bass with "4 strings, 30 inches, 24 frets, two EMG35-sized soapbars, lightweight tuners"...
Dave Miner is currently the one to contact, in this regard! ( [email protected] )
I just sent a similar email to Jackson, enquiring about the very same thing (asking for a 30 inch bass). Jackson makes the little 'sub-short-scale' Minion basses, which are very cool, but I specifically asked for a lightweight, well-balanced professional bass with "4 strings, 30 inches, 24 frets, two EMG35-sized soapbars, lightweight tuners"...
If every short-scale aficionado here on TalkBass would send a polite and respectful email to the acting head of Yamaha's guitar products marketing department, they might get a 30 inch scale bass built before 3000 CE
Dave Miner is currently the one to contact, in this regard! ( [email protected] )
I just sent a similar email to Jackson, enquiring about the very same thing (asking for a 30 inch bass). Jackson makes the little 'sub-short-scale' Minion basses, which are very cool, but I specifically asked for a lightweight, well-balanced professional bass with "4 strings, 30 inches, 24 frets, two EMG35-sized soapbars, lightweight tuners"...
Very good point. I will send an email
There probably is a market, but does it justify the expense of design, tooling and production? I personally would like to think it does, but Yamaha would likely not think so else I'm sure they would.
As aforementioned, they're in business to coin a profit. I expect that ultimately they could make a profit with a short scale range, but they seem to be happy as they are. Could it be that they can make more profit for the same expenditure and effort off a better selling 34 inch range? I don't know, but it may be possible.
We can only speculate, and unless some big nob from Yamaha chooses to enlighten us then I guess we will never know for sure. Im still a little bit cool on short scale basses, but do own 2 and would give such a Yamaha a serious look.
As aforementioned, they're in business to coin a profit. I expect that ultimately they could make a profit with a short scale range, but they seem to be happy as they are. Could it be that they can make more profit for the same expenditure and effort off a better selling 34 inch range? I don't know, but it may be possible.
We can only speculate, and unless some big nob from Yamaha chooses to enlighten us then I guess we will never know for sure. Im still a little bit cool on short scale basses, but do own 2 and would give such a Yamaha a serious look.
My new theory is a long scale with an .085 E will sound similar to a short scale with a .100 E (similar tension). But I don't have a short scale electric so I'm probably wrong. I've been using extra light rounds on a long scale lately and am impressed by the apparent fundamental.
It’s possible. It’s why I use light gauge strings like 120 on my 5. I just wonder where the point diminishing returns kicks in.
You're not that far off IMO. I'd say that it would more likely be comparable to a 095 on a SS, if we're talking about rounds.
My hat's off to anyone who can play such a thin gauge, though.
Interesting. Yeah I notice on my short scale acoustic the light tension doesn't "flop" as much as the same tension would on a long scale. There is less string available for excursion so it makes sense.
My "extra light" strings are actually 105-45, but tuned to D-standard. It comes out to about the same tension as a 90 E.
I thought I might be done with rounds since I've been digging the strong "fundamental" (or second harmonic, or whatever) of flats lately, but I'm digging these low tension rounds right now.
I don't mind the lower tension as long as the string itself is thick, which is one of the reasons I like the feel of La Bella White Nylon Tapewounds.
Most of my basses nowadays are short scale, but I can't do less than 105 for E. It just doesn't feel right under my fingers. 110 would be my preference, but no one makes rounds of that gauge in the U.S. anymore. On a long scale bass I can do 100, although 105 is still my preference.
It's all about what one gets used to, IMO.
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I know this is an old thread, but man would I love a short scale version of the BB734a. With it being active/passive with a passive tone control, 5 piece neck, that 45 degree string through and six bolt miter joint it would truly be unique in the short scale world.
