So, because of their reduced scale length, short-scale basses are inherently darker and, arguably, richer in tone than long-scale basses. But, even with those strings, a short-scale bass retains its dark tone but with a more focused low-end thump.
Is a short scale bass easier to play?
This, combined with the frets being much closer together, means that short scale basses feel considerably easier to play than their full-length counterparts. These qualities make short scale basses apt for beginners, especially younger players with smaller hands that can’t stretch very far.
What is the difference between short and long scale bass?
Typically speaking, short scale basses have a string length of 30”, and long scale basses have a string length of 34” inches. To give some perspective, if you are a guitarist interested in playing bass, the scale length of a Fender Start is 25.5”, and the scale length of a Gibson Les Paul is 24.75”.
How much shorter is a short scale bass?
A short-scale bass generally has a scale length of 31” or less. Starting as early as the mid-1950s, various companies experimented with shorter scale lengths than the 34” favored by Fender.
Can I use long scale bass strings on a short scale bass?
Yes, you can certainly make a set of long scale strings work on a shorter scale length bass but you definitely need to choose your strings wisely.
What is the standard scale length of a bass guitar?
34″
On a modern bass guitar, 30″ (76 cm) or less is considered short scale, standard (also called long) scale is 34″ (86 cm) for a 4-string and 35″ (89 cm) for a B-E-A-D-G 5-string, and extra-long scale basses of 36″ (91 cm) also exist.
Can you slap a short scale bass Reddit?
Short scale basses are totally fine.
Can regular strings go on short scale bass?
As they said, you can use regular strings. They are just made longer for full size basses. So, clip them off as necessary and you should sound fine.
Can I play bass with small hands?
The easiest way to play bass if you have small hands is to simply use a short-scale bass. If you can’t invest in a short-scale bass, stretch your fingers out regularly and always warm-up before playing. Using your pinkie finger more often will also make playing bass easier over time.
What is the difference between long-scale and short-scale bass guitars?
For one thing, short-scale bass guitars sometimes use a slightly heavier string gauge than their long-scale brothers, which imparts a thicker tone. Furthermore, shorter strings require lower string tension for proper intonation, which gives both a looser, more “floppy” feel to the strings as well as fatter-sounding low notes.
What is the short scale on a Fender Bass?
Standards fell into place: the dominant long scale established by Fender (34”; rarely, other makers have offered longer scales), the less prevalent short scale (30” and slightly longer) and the much rarer medium scale (around 32”). Today, Fender’s widely varied bass guitar selection continues to feature several quality short-scale models.
Can You tune a short scale bass with regular strings?
If you tune a short scale bass with a ‘normal’ set of bass strings, the strings will have a lower tension than the same strings on a 34″ scale bass. This will give the strings a ‘looser’ feel, and also impacts the instrument’s attack, sustain, and dynamics.
What are some short-scale basses like Mustang basses?
Fender’s Bronco Bass, released in 1967, was another short-scale option, but it never quite achieved the same reputation as the Mustang Bass, and was also discontinued in 1981. However, the Bronco Bass has recently found its way back as a Squier-branded reissue. So, why didn’t short-scale basses catch on like their 34″ cousins?
