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Post subject: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 10:23 am
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Joined: Fri Sep 02, 2011 9:02 am
Posts: 18
Location: southern New Jersey
When I first went for a bass I learned very quickly that 30" and 32" scale models are not easily come by. I had hoped to find a good selection. Some brands do a better job than others. Gibson has three or four, as does Gretsch. But Fender comes up short with the one Mustang. And to top that, they have one color choice for that model. What's up with that?

Anyhow, I ended up choosing a regular size scale and will let you know how I make out with it.

But I have run across a lot of people looking for short scale basses. They have great potential appeal to anyone not in the tall category.

Just an observation.


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Post subject: Re: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 11:52 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 12:09 am
Posts: 358
Location: San Diego, California
My fingers aren’t particularly long either. However, now that I’ve been playing bass for a while, the stretches are easier. I started out on a 35” scale 5-string (Ibanez), and that was a beast for me. When I switched to my Fender (34” scale), after I played it religiously for a while (starting closer to the body and gradually moving closer to the headstock), I am able to play the “4-fret-stretch” up at the first fret without too much trouble.

I recently picked up my 5-string again and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was easier for me to play. Going for that 4-fret-stretch up by the headstock on that beast still isn’t happening. Perhaps if I played it religiously for a while, I could manage it. But it definitely took me some time and PRACTICE to stretch and strengthen my hands so that I could do that on my Fender.

What I’m trying to say in a long-winded, round-about way is: practice. Warm up your hands first, and go slowly. There are reasons for the longer scale, so see if you can embrace it.

There’s some info in this thread about bass scales:
http://www.fender.com/community/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=59100&p=713568&hilit=Leo#p713568

DISCLAIMER: I’m still a relative newbie bass player, so this is just my OPINION and MY experience, not something to take to the bank.

Welcome, and GOOD LUCK with your bass! You will find a wide range of experience and helpfulness here. As with all internet information, exercise skepticism. Except you can trust Brother Dave and the other NICP members to help a serious newbie.

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Post subject: Re: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2011 12:24 am
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:22 am
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Not to brag but I have a Steve Bailey Jazz Bass (6 String 34" Scale) and can get a 5-Fret Stretch on the B-String first position.

Combination of playing for 20 years, Good technique, and being a mutant. Actually my hands aren't that big its more a combination of options 1 and 2.

I'm not an NICP member and wouldn't join a club that would have me as a member.

Stay Brown,
Rev J


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Post subject: Re: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:02 pm
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Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:26 pm
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Location: Green Bay, WI
Rev J wrote:
Not to brag but I have a Steve Bailey Jazz Bass (6 String 34" Scale) and can get a 5-Fret Stretch on the B-String first position.

Combination of playing for 20 years, Good technique, and being a mutant. Actually my hands aren't that big its more a combination of options 1 and 2.

I'm not an NICP member and wouldn't join a club that would have me as a member.

Stay Brown,
Rev J


I've have small hands, reason for my Jazz basses. But thru out the years, I've played 35" basses, P basses, etc. It's the experience and learning good technique for sure got me to adapt and adjust to what ever neck that's attached to the bass body.

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Post subject: Re: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 9:13 pm
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Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 12:50 pm
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I'd like to see a 30.5" pbass from Fender.


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Post subject: Re: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 11:58 am
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NICE ! A picture says a...... :idea: AWwwwwwww...It's soooo cute :lol: !

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Post subject: Re: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 8:50 am
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For me it's not just about my hands not being big enough, it's about the fact that I'm only like 5'5"....and that might be generous. So a full scale Pbass is almost as tall as me, just not comfortable to wear and play.

So for me Short scales are the way to go. At least Squier has a modified Mustang out now so you don't have to take a $700 and up plunge for a Fender Mustang. And there's also the new Squier Jaquar for another option. I had an SX for awhile that was really nice, maple neck, but I sold it for $$ to get a Squier Musicmaster.

I had 3 Musicmasters for a short time, but sold the one I played the least. For me the "need" is certainly there for shorties.


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Post subject: Re: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 9:04 am
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Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:22 am
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WI KISSfan wrote:
For me it's not just about my hands not being big enough, it's about the fact that I'm only like 5'5"....and that might be generous. So a full scale Pbass is almost as tall as me, just not comfortable to wear and play.

So for me Short scales are the way to go. At least Squier has a modified Mustang out now so you don't have to take a $700 and up plunge for a Fender Mustang. And there's also the new Squier Jaquar for another option. I had an SX for awhile that was really nice, maple neck, but I sold it for $$ to get a Squier Musicmaster.

I had 3 Musicmasters for a short time, but sold the one I played the least. For me the "need" is certainly there for shorties.


It's funny. I read that both Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten are about 5'4" too. If you've seen the picture of me with my Jazz I look tiny and am about 5'9"

Stay Brown,
Rev J


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Post subject: Re: Need for short scale basses
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 9:07 am
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Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:07 am
Posts: 1747
Location: Central WI
Rev J wrote:
WI KISSfan wrote:
For me it's not just about my hands not being big enough, it's about the fact that I'm only like 5'5"....and that might be generous. So a full scale Pbass is almost as tall as me, just not comfortable to wear and play.

So for me Short scales are the way to go. At least Squier has a modified Mustang out now so you don't have to take a $700 and up plunge for a Fender Mustang. And there's also the new Squier Jaquar for another option. I had an SX for awhile that was really nice, maple neck, but I sold it for $$ to get a Squier Musicmaster.

I had 3 Musicmasters for a short time, but sold the one I played the least. For me the "need" is certainly there for shorties.


It's funny. I read that both Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten are about 5'4" too. If you've seen the picture of me with my Jazz I look tiny and am about 5'9"

Stay Brown,
Rev J



The first bass I ever owned was a full scale, lawsuit replica Rickenbacher 4001 made by Ibanez, it was a spot on copy. That thing was HUGE, played nice but I just felt ridiculous putting it on to play. It's like strapping on a sandwich board that says "look how short I am." :lol:


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