Short scale vs. long scale - going back and forth

actually I hear tons of people say they find long scale easier and short scale too cramped. to each there own blah blah :+1::grin:

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True, but I have the hands of a child. :slightly_smiling_face:

My hands work well on a violin, so I don’t think the short scale would be too small for me. But as you say, for some I can see that being the case. Even from Jazz to P necks.

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Are the parents of the child aware?

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Ouch :sweat_smile:

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:rofl: :rofl:

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Howdy all, Adding my two cents…

As I posted in the GAS forum the other day (link below), I just got a new Fender Mustang Short scale with the P/J configuration with the switch to toggle between pickups. Other than needing to put the “LaBella Deep Talkin’ Bass” flat wounds on it, (which arrived yesterday but I’ve yet to do - as like @PamPurrs I am putting Flats on everything) I am enjoying the short scale Bass so far.

https://forum.bassbuzz.com/t/gas-gear-acquisition-syndrome/4836/1195

Similar to @JT (though not as “childlike” LoL) my fingers are on the shorter side, so I wanted a short scale for that reason. I ended up convincing myself that millions of players with normal to shorter fingers learned on a 34" scale Bass so I could too, even though I had considered a short scale since day 1 of my Bass journey. I think like @JerryP and others who said they have both short and long scale basses, I will bounce between both depending on my mood that day.

Although it has only been a few days with it, I don’t think she is going to give me tones that my J or P can’t give me, but I love that it is in my collection, if for nothing more than it is another bass in my arsenal.

In closing, there is a quote I read a while back which I have quoted before that said, “Everyone should have 12 Basses, and MORE if you actually play the Bass!” LoL So, we are all sane in our quest for more horses in our stable, tools in our shed, family members in our house, or however you justify it.

As @Lanny would say, “Keep Thumpin!”

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I have a short scale Mustang PJ bass and I love playing it as I have really small hands but lately I’ve been wondering if i could manage a long scale ? :thinking:
I like the look of the Yamaha TRBX304. I just don’t want to spend money on a bass that could be too big for me. I’m only 5ft 1 and I have a muscle weakness disorder which means I cant manage heavy stuff. Unfortunately, I don’t live near any guitar shops to try one out. :frowning_face:

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Short scale does not necessarily mean lighter. It often does, maybe even usually, but there’s a lot of other factors that go in to it. Basically you need to take care when it comes to weight. It’s also often difficult to tell as weights are sometimes not posted for instruments (especially the heavy ones).

For a full scale bass, the TRBX304 is not particularly heavy - it’s under 4kg. However you can definitely get lighter. If you like the 304 I would recommend checking out the TRBX604 or most of the Ibanez SR line - both are generally lighter than the TRBX304 (and 504).

Another good choice for light full scale basses is the Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX4. Mine was only 3.4kg and they are fine instruments, well made and not terribly expensive.

I would recommend trying as many as you can in person (both long and short scale) to see which fit you for weight. It can be tough.

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Short scale bass offer unique perspectives aside of playing. I do prefer the slightly relaxed string tension and a bit deeper slower bass. It’s a great refreshment after playing a 35” scale bass.

Like every thing else, when you have other options sometimes you get inspiration.

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I wouldn’t rule out medium scale either. Ibanez and Yamaha have made some fantastic 32” scale basses over the years. Talmans, Motion Basses, etc. Very light, sound and play great.

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Ironically my Les Paul scale guitar is heavier than all my basses :slight_smile:

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My 32” medium scale Yamaha motion bass ii project will be an epic project next year.

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Gretsch hollow bodies are medium scale and fabulous.

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I’ve got a couple of medium scale basses in my eBay watch list but I’ve been pondering on how they would play.
I’ve had a couple of short scales and never gelled with them so I was reluctant to commit to another “mistake “ as it were

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To me, Medium Scale feels about the same as long scale except “more fun”.

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holy shit that was funny

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mediym scale is just long scale with less work for me. on my SS…i need to ‘flip the switch’ so to dpesk

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I may have to pull the plug and buy a cheapie if the stars align and the price of hay drops

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I have two short 30” scale basses and two long 34” scale basses, as well as a 32” scale Squier CV Jaguar. I agree it feels and plays much closer to long scale than short scale, just a little easier to stretch in the lowest fret range.

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Yeah! They are neat. I like them.

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