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Why would anyone play a bass longer than 30" scale?

#142
MakoMan said:
I'm serious about this. I see lots of threads about is it OK to play a short scale but never any from the other perspective. Maybe it's because I only started playing bass 6 years ago in my mid-50s and started on a Squier Jag SS, maybe it's because I get tennis elbow if I play anything longer than a 30" scale on a regular basis, or maybe it's because I'm a lead singer and have to try to play everything without looking down (as best I can LOL!). But I don't get it... why would anyone handicap themselves by playing a bass that is longer than necessary.
Short scales are easier to play no question. I don't think that's even worth debating. The selection of shorties is better than ever (and there should be more...). String selection is no longer a problem and tension issues can be resolved with the right strings (again it could still be better and will be once everyone switches to short scale :)). Tone is pretty subjective and for God's sake, most personal preferences can be solved by string choices and amp settings.
So why do you guys play 34"s? Do you like clubbing your lead guitarist and/or singer in the head? Are you challenged by the longer scale? Is it an image thing? Is it tone? Is it Machisomo?
I used to think it was an image thing, but in the 200+ shows I've played with short scales not one person has ever said 'hey... your bass is too short'. In fact when I tell people I play a shorter scale than normal they are totally mystified by what I am saying.
So why are you still playing a 34" bass?
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I've always assumed longer scale means more bass but I'm not sure. I can solo on my Peavey Cirrus V, if I wanted to, and its 35" Fenders are usually 34" and they're the most popular basses.
 
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#143
35" scale is my preference- I have pretty long fingers & big hands, the longer scale length feels great to me. Plus I prefer active 5 strings with soapbar pickups, 18v preamps & brands like Modulus, Roscoe, Drozd basses... a 30" scale bass kinda reminds me of a ukulele
 
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#144
I've actually only ever played 34" scale bass guitar... 30" would probably suit me better as I play cello (28"), but there isn't a whole lot of short scale choice in unlined fretless which is what I prefer to play. Not sure I've ever seen a short scale unlined fretless 5 although they must exist.
 
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#146
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#148
MakoMan said:
I'm serious about this.

I see lots of threads about is it OK to play a short scale but never any from the other perspective.

Maybe it's because I only started playing bass 6 years ago in my mid-50s and started on a Squier Jag SS, maybe it's because I get tennis elbow if I play anything longer than a 30" scale on a regular basis, or maybe it's because I'm a lead singer and have to try to play everything without looking down (as best I can LOL!).

But I don't get it... why would anyone handicap themselves by playing a bass that is longer than necessary.

Short scales are easier to play no question.

I don't think that's even worth debating. The selection of shorties is better than ever (and there should be more...).

String selection is no longer a problem and tension issues can be resolved with the right strings (again it could still be better and will be once everyone switches to short scale :)).

Tone is pretty subjective and for God's sake, most personal preferences can be solved by string choices and amp settings.

So why do you guys play 34"s?

Do you like clubbing your lead guitarist and/or singer in the head?

Are you challenged by the longer scale?

Is it an image thing? Is it tone?

Is it Machisomo?

I used to think it was an image thing, but in the 200+ shows I've played with short scales not one person has ever said 'hey... your bass is too short'.

In fact when I tell people I play a shorter scale than normal they are totally mystified by what I am saying.

So why are you still playing a 34" bass?
Click to expand...
ease-of-reading-nah-zee edit of the op on page oh cho. Feeling pretty cool right now. Oh yeah.
 
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#150
el_Bajo_Verde said:
No company makes short-scale strings with enough tension, and there are no good short-scale 5-string string sets. There also aren't many good affordable 5 and 6-string short-scale basses.

Somehow, literally no string maker understands that short-scale sets need to be higher gauge to match the tension of their long-scale counterparts.
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1954s are a solid option, best I've encountered. The 0.049 works well as well. Anything lower just doesn't work for me. So, I agree that not enough manufacturers supply us with higher gauge strings.....GHS being highest on my list. I'd love to try those in a higher tension.
 
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#153
Different strokes for different folks. Some of us also play guitar and have no difficulty going from a 24 3/4" scale Les Paul to a 33 1/4" RIC to a 25 1/2" Strat to a 34" P or J and back again. The instruments you choose should be comfortable enough for you to play regardless of their specs. Every instrument you play should bring out your best musicianship. If that means you'd rather play a 30" Gibson EB-O than a 34 1/5" Gibson Ripper for comfort, do it. If you choose a 34" P bass rather than a SS Jag, do that. If you decide one of your half dozen nearly identical basses is the one for you at this exact moment, play it. Don't waste time worrying about what the next person in line is using for gear unless it's capturing the elusive sound you seek. Even then, it's in the hands.
 
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#154
MakoMan said:
Short scales are easier to play no question. I don't think that's even worth debating.
Click to expand...

tenor.gif
 
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#155
ficelles said:
That's a 4, but a nice-looking instrument for sure.

Having played 34" scale for decades my only interest in shorter scale is for fifths tuning on bass so I can play cello pieces with the same fingering, which one day I will get round to trying.
Click to expand...

Yes you're right, didn't notice that! But they make what ever you want, custom basses at normal prices.
 
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#156
I own one 30.5" scale bass, and it is indeed easier to play than my others. But I have 2 minor issues:

1. is it doesn't drop D very well(where my standard 34" basses are fine)

2.to keep the low notes pure and not buzzing outta control I need more relief than I want ( which makes the upper register a little more challenging).

In standard tuning it is great, but I do get why people avoid short scale for the same reasons I mentioned. Let's not forget that some people started on upright and simply can't get used to such a short scale (Stanley Clarke being the prime exception).

Here's mine :) speaking of Stanley, this bass can go from Alembic tone to a Rick tone with the flip of a switch
IMG_0688.PNG
IMG_0687.PNG
 
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