foq1978 Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Hello, For over 13 years I've been playing a regular scale bass (a jazz bass copy from washburn, if you really need the detail). I am thinking of getting myself a new instrument to replace my current one (I am not thinking about keeping both). A Fender or Squier Jazz Bass would be the natural choice. A Ric would be a distant dream. However, I've been thinking about getting a short scale bass. Why? I am thinking about confort. I am aware of some sound and style limitations (do think is possible to slap a bit on a short scale, at least?). However, my fear is that I will never be able to play ion regular scale again (for lack of exercise needed for walking such long distances). Do you think that could happen? Did anybody here made this transition? Any regrets? Thank you all very much! Chico ------------------------------------------ http://hearthebass.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davio Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 That's like saying that a guitar player could never play a bass because of the scale difference. You will certainly need to make some adjustments but I don't think you should have a problem. I think the biggest difference (and correct me if I'm wrong because I don't have any short-scale basses) will be the string tension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foq1978 Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 That's like saying that a guitar player could never play a bass because of the scale difference. Well, can they? Just kidding, I know there are some terrific guitar / bass players around. I suppose your argument makes sense, then. Thanks a lot! ------------------------------------------ http://hearthebass.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b5pilot Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 I started out with a short scale bass then transitioned to a long scale. It did take a little getting used to at first. Since then I've goofed around with some short scale basses and they did feel a little foreign to me but I don't think it would take all that long to get used to. In short, there may be a very brief period of getting used to going from short to long and vice-versa, but it shouldn't be a big deal. Especially if you keep up with both. Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzilla Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Tom Capasso switches from long scale (Ben Loy sig/custom ) to short scale (Gibson EB3) and seems to be very competent at it. I'm sure there's a little mental and physical adjustment that needs to be made, but nothing to lose your shirt over. And that's the long and short of it. "Am I enough of a freak to be worth paying to see?"- Separated Out (Marillion) NEW band Old band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butcherNburn Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 You'll be looking at the fretboard a bit more but it should be such a big deal. If you think my playing is bad, you should hear me sing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foq1978 Posted August 13, 2009 Author Share Posted August 13, 2009 Thanks a lot you all! I am practically sold! As for: Especially if you keep up with both. I won't... that's the problem. Anyway, I'll check the forum for some tips on models and brands. Do you have any recommendations? ------------------------------------------ http://hearthebass.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 I think if I wanted a short scale bass, I'd get a copy of a Beatle bass (or the real thing if I wanted to spend the money). I'd probably have to get a Beatle wig to go with it. It's not a big deal to switch scale. Every guitarist who has a Fender guitar (25 1/2) and a Gibson guitar (24 3/4) is switching scale. (I'm one of those people). There are a reasonable number of people on this forum who switch between upright bass and electric....that's a big switch in scale, 34" to 41". Sometimes I play my Ashbory bass...it's got an 18" scale. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picker Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 I don't like the sound of short scale basses, myself. Kramer Dukes, Hofners, even Danelectro Longhorns sound "plunky" to me. I'd love to try a Knuckle Quake, which is a 39.5" scale 5 string. That's GOTTA rock some low end... Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b5pilot Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Thanks a lot you all! I am practically sold! As for: Especially if you keep up with both. I won't... that's the problem. Anyway, I'll check the forum for some tips on models and brands. Do you have any recommendations? Fender has some cool short scale basses. The mustang or bronco come to mind. I used to have a musicmaster which I don't think they make anymore. Those Birdsong basses look cool but I hear they are expensive. Flea from the Chilipeppers now has a line of short scale versions of his long scale basses. Actually I would think just about everybody that makes basses has a short scale bass in their product line. Oh, and don't worry about going to a long scale after playing a short scale. It will only take a brief period of letting the muscle memory reprogram a little but it's really no big deal at all. Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Another cool short-scale bass is the Badtz-Maru bass by Fender. (well, I think it's cool) http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/9/4/8/313948.jpg Then your guitarist could get the matching Hello Kitty guitar. http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/5/6/4/307564.jpg Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b5pilot Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Oh yeah by the way you can definately slap on a short scale bass. Here's a guy slapping on a REALLY short bass. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcunoeIhPl0 Actually JC, that badtz bass is kinda cute! Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Oh yeah by the way you can definately slap on a short scale bass. Here's a guy slapping on a REALLY short bass. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcunoeIhPl0 Nice banjo playing! Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b5pilot Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Nice banjo playing! Yeah, it does kind of sound like banjo playing doesn't it? Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foq1978 Posted August 14, 2009 Author Share Posted August 14, 2009 I knew that one. Have you seen this: That bass is quite affordable, by the way. Do you reckon it's better than a SX? ------------------------------------------ http://hearthebass.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b5pilot Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 Looks like an Ibanez soudgear style bass. Ibanezes are usually pretty decent. I've not tried an SX bass so I don't know how they stack up. Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foq1978 Posted August 16, 2009 Author Share Posted August 16, 2009 Yes, it's a Ibanez Mikro. Anyway, it's hard to find short scale basses, specially where I live... Take care! ------------------------------------------ http://hearthebass.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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