Just bringing this topic here to see what do you think about it…
Lately, I was making quite a lot of research about multi-scale/fanned frets basses and wanted to know what do you think about it, and if you have or played a multi-scale instrument before.
For those that aren't familiar with the concept...
The theory behind the multi-scale instruments comes from the piano that, using longer strings for the lower notes and shorter ones in the upper range is part of a greater relationship; the fundamental frequency of a vibrating string is a function of the free vibrating length, the tension within the string and physical mass by length (“gauge”).
This means that the B string is a bit longer at 35" scale length. This is supposed to be enough to make that string sound “better.” Plenty of people say they don’t care about the difference if there is any. I’ll leave that up to your ears. Also, some people prefer short scale 30" basses to 34" basses for the same set of notes on each, so there’s a pretty wide range of possibility and preference there.
In actual practice the fanned frets aren’t that much harder to play. The ones in the center are straight. The low strings up by the head you can see. The only change is that you have to cheat the high (pitched) string fretting toward the bridge a bit due to the fanning. If you forget, you end up fretting in the middle of the fret anyway, so it isn’t such a disaster (if you were pressing hard enough for a middle fret position).
The bigger difference for me is the added scale length. The difference between a 34" scale and a 35" scale length for my hand size means I have to microshift a lot more on this bass compared to my other.
I like playing it because I think the concept is cool and I like the look of something unusual. If I didn’t have it, I don’t think I’d really miss the fanned fret part as far as tone goes.
Oh, yup missed that. Interesting. So it initially passes the logic/reasoning test when you see the explanation, but then my ears on pretty much every great bass player ever on a standard bass yells “gimmick” at me…I’m torn lol
Thanks for your input! Also, one thing about the multiscale is that there aren’t that many string options available, since the longer strings fall into the super-long-scale size (ie: finding nickel strings can be a challenge if you’re into those)
Theoretically, fanned frets are more ergonomic, and also the different string tension (based on string lengths and the bridge) helps to have the lower strings in place when you’re detuning and keep a better intonation.
Aside from those aspects, in terms of sound, there’s no much difference.
You’ll have same notes, same pitch with a slightly higher tension on the lower strings.
That does make it a little more challenging to fit. A regular set will have the windings taper down to a smaller size before getting to the nut on the B string. Oops.
I have D’Addario strings on mine. They make plenty of sizes.
Hey there Dave. Actually the B-string on your bass is 35.5”. You might’ve known this and just missed a decimal place, but I couldn’t see it corrected anywhere.
I’ve got the SRMS806 and I like it. The B is long enough that drop A is useable. I can hit that string a lot harder than I ever could on 34” 5 and 6 strings that I’ve owned in the past.
One thing that people overemphasize is getting a B string longer and longer. Fanned Fret or multi-scale is much more about equalizing string tension than it is just making a long B string. SHORTENING higher strings helps with that and also helps to fatten up those thinner strings. It’s like comparing the tone of a Les Paul to a Strat. Les Paul gets that fatter warmer sound at only 0.75” shorter. Of course some of that is the difference in body woods but scale length is a big factor. My C string is 33.6 which helps with the tone, especially when I’m slapping.
I’ve really been thinking about getting one of the Ibanez EHB 6 strings as it’s 32.5” to 35”. The B string isn’t as tight but the upper register is shortened so overall it’ll be a nice balance of tone and string tension. The multi scale design is actually a little more extreme than the SRMS Line. I really like the idea of the shortened the treble side as this will actually give more reach for cording and soloing.
I love the idea of a lighter weight headless bass but I don’t know if I can function without the tuners. I love having a hip shot for fast tuning changes. I actually use it quite a lot to drop down to the A and back up to the B. I suppose I could do without, I just have to find time to return my bass between very quick song changes. I tried playing a whole set in drop A, but then I had a song and the key of Eb and it made for a lot of extra hopping around.
I came here looking for information on more multi scale 6 strings. Not that many out there without having to get a custom build. Looks like a nice community here so I joined up.
Most of it is probably because a Les Paul is two humbuckers (including a neck one that is traditionally very mids-focused and rich) versus a strat which will usually have one or more single coils, but yeah, some is definitely due to the string tension and scale length too. One other factor there is pickup placement in relation to the bridge and neck as well.
