I've got a 25.5" - 27" multiscale twelver. What would that be?I've got a 28.6" scale fiver. What would that be?
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Why isn't 33" scale more popular?
- Thread starter tleebassist11
- Start date
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
- Jan 21, 2006
- 16,223
- 7,613
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- Disclosures
- fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
IMHO, scale length, as an issue is over-rated. Yes, I understand if you love a short scale length. However, as I have stated elsewhere on TB, I have personally taught double bass (aka upright) to many kids, aged 9 to 12. The instruments we used had scales that varied between 36" and 38". Can you imagine small kids, boys and girls managing those instruments?
The secret was fairly simple. We used standardized fingerings that were not "one finger per fret," but rather based on the Simandl system used by many bass methods. We learned to shift our hands to reach notes, not to stretch.
But that is not so say those who like short scales should change their technique. I just want anyone reading to know that if they desire to use a longer scale instrument, but have small hands, it is not only possible, it is well understood and can yield great results.
The secret was fairly simple. We used standardized fingerings that were not "one finger per fret," but rather based on the Simandl system used by many bass methods. We learned to shift our hands to reach notes, not to stretch.
But that is not so say those who like short scales should change their technique. I just want anyone reading to know that if they desire to use a longer scale instrument, but have small hands, it is not only possible, it is well understood and can yield great results.
So you don't have a bass now?? (trying to match your font!)
Short-Medium scale basses are not more popular, because despite the "shorty" owners that may post up here, the vast majority of bassists feel more comfortable and are more adept with a traditional 34" long-scale bass. That's why it's the standard; it's not a fluke. That's why they're built to that scale in production of almost all builders.
Wish you had another one??? what is stopping you? MANY on the market, I could have sold you a number of mine!
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Fortunately for me, I don't buy silk wrapped strings.I find the strings to be a bit looser on my 33" scale vs. my 34". Not a bad thing necessarily... just different. Also if you are OCD, and you have silk-wrapped strings, they won't look right on a 33" scale.. All that said, my 33" is actually my most favorite bass.
But yeah, two of my basses are 33.25" scale. And they're my favorites. One is even tuned down to BEAD.
So you don't have a bass now?? (trying to match your font!)
Short-Medium scale basses are not more popular, because despite the "shorty" owners that may post up here, the vast majority of bassists feel more comfortable and are more adept with a traditional 34" long-scale bass. That's why it's the standard; it's not a fluke. That's why they're built to that scale in production of almost all builders.
Wish you had another one??? what is stopping you? MANY on the market, I could have sold you a number of mine!
1. So you don't have a bass now?? No, I have 11 solid body electric basses (9-34" scale, 1-30" scale, 1-35" scale), two acoustic bass guitars (1-34" scale 1-23" scale), a 3/4 traditional upright, a solid body electric upright (both 40.5" scale)
2. Wish you had another one??? Yes I do. I had an original '83 Gibson Explorer with a 32" scale. I really liked the playability, but the body shape & headstock shape weren't conducive to graceful stage movement.... Foolishly traded it in on a new Am Standard Jazz in 1995. Wish I had it back. It's the bass I was talking about when I posted. It started me thinking about why there weren't more mid-scale basses. It's slightly easier to play, but doesn't lose the depth of harmonics a 34" scale has and a 30" scale doesn't seem to have, or at least the 30" scale basses I've owned didn't have. I haven't been down the high-end short scale road (yet).
3. What's stopping you? Wife, storage area, $$, & "sense", along with age & available playing time.
It's not likely you could have sold me one of yours, at least not in recent years, but perhaps a little further back. Do you happen to have an original Explorer?
Font difference was due to copy and paste of the op subject line & my attempt to get all text to the same size. Sorry if it negatively affected your TalkBass experience this evening.
NO NEGATIVE EFFECT AT ALL
(PS: DIDN'T SAY I DID SELL YOU ONE; MEANT I COULD HAVE 'CAUSE I GOT RID OF ALL MY SHORT-SCALE BASSES
Alembic and Rickenbacker has made 33.25 and 33 and shorter basses for quite a while now, been around too for quite a while, and they are still popular, at least Rickenbackers. I don't see your point really. I don't think anyone claimed anything about Alembic regarding "lacking tone" in the lower registers, or even Rickenbackers. I doubt that you'll detect difference between the 33.25 and 33 regarding those problems you've described. If one has long fingers and is a tall person I'll bet 34" and above is no problems. If you're short and has not that long fingers, well then, 33 and below is what you have to do with. You can do as Dingwall does with multiscale (fanned fret) basses that goes from 32" on the same bass to 35" (low B) string. The low E is 34.25 then.
There's no "one size fits all" in bass scales length. I know several tall people that can't stand 32" basses just for the narrow and tiny "space". Same when they play regular guitars. 6 strings and have to play chords..jeez. I find it extremely peculiar that just because one size bass, or scale, suits me better than other scales, I would force someone else upon my findings. And that that one should be the apex and perfect scale for everyone else out there. Or be the more popular and "standard" for every bass. What's ergonomic for me, sure ain't ergonomic for you or someone else. It's all about anatomy of a person. Why isn't shoe size 9 1/2 more popular? Because most males have 8. Same thing.
I am not even into the one notion (I've seen some thread topic a while back) like "Why aren't all basses fanned frets?" and even that one I can't agree of. It isn't about the fan frets, it's about what actual the scale is when fanning occurs, 32" to 35"? 30" to 33"? Or 34" to 37" as they have on their large full scale basses. Or all the other ones "Why aren't all basses short scale?" or "Why aren't 32" scale basses more popular?" it's because they aren't. If they would've been more sought after they would've automatically been more popular of course. They're still out there for you to catch, albeit not showing up on any kind of regularity on your average GC. They are even people "complaining" about that a really true and full scale bass is nothing but a 40" scale just like an upright bass. Who am I to blame them for purism?
There's been 2 30's that ive really enjoyed, one was a fender pawn shop mustang and the other was a Ephiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat, there's something about the tone of the 30" I really like along with the feel maybe there a bit brighter, having said that the basses I own are both 34" and I guess the difference between 33 and 34 is much lesser, I certainly wouldn't want less then a 34 for my 5 string though.
I play mainly 34" scale basses, but I do have basses in other scales:30.5, 32, 33, 35, 34-37. Why do I play mainly 34" scale basses? Because I am very comfortable with them. And why is that? Because that is what dominates the market and therefore is what I have played the most. Why? Because Fender. Thanks, @Snaxster. You pretty much summed it up in two words.
Having said that, I think 33" scale is great! I've been thinking for a while about having a 33" P bass built for me. I have selected a builder, but I haven't decided to commit the money.
Having said that, I think 33" scale is great! I've been thinking for a while about having a 33" P bass built for me. I have selected a builder, but I haven't decided to commit the money.
33" Valenti 5 P/J...best of all worlds. FWIW, the 33" was not a compelling factor when purchasing...I like the color, balance, and weight.
Ergonomics is key, imho. If a bass is well constructed a higher scale length is percieved as normal.
The scale sweet spot for me when balancing tone and comfort is 31-33. My plan is to someday build myself a fanned fret using those lengths.
my preferred scale length is 32 inches, althugh i've never encountered a 33 inch to try. if i ever do the full custom route (which feels like more of a possibility now) i'm going 32, unless i try a 33 and fall in love. 30 and less are okay, but i haven't played very many. they feel a but tight for my hands but i can play them.
