How long is the fretboard on a short scale bass?
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.
What length is a short scale bass?
31″
Over the years, ‘short scale’ has come to mean any bass with a scale length 31″ and under, with the average being 30″ or thereabouts. While it may seem insignificant, subtracting four inches from a bass string’s vibrating length has a profound impact on timbre and feel.
How is bass scale length measured?
WHAT IS SCALE LENGTH? A guitar’s scale length is calculated by measuring the distance from the front edge of the nut, where it butts against the end of the fingerboard, to the center of the 12th (octave) fret, then doubling that measurement.
Is short scale bass better for beginners?
Contrary to what others have said there is nothing wrong with using a short scale bass as your main bass. They are great for beginners and experts alike. They sound a little different than long scale basses but every bass sounds a little different from each other so that’s not a big deal.
How do I know if my bass is short scale?
On a short-scale bass the strings are under less tension, so they have a looser, slightly “floppy” feel, which also impacts the instrument’s attack, sustain, and dynamics.
Does a short scale bass sound different?
So, while there’s an obvious visual difference between long- and short-scale basses, many players wonder: Do they sound different? Yes, definitely. For one thing, short-scale bass guitars sometimes use a slightly heavier string gauge than their long-scale brothers, which imparts a thicker tone.
Did paul McCartney play a short scale bass?
Famous Short Scale Bass Players Relying on a Hofner 500/1 “Violin” bass back in the ’60s when he was a part of The Beatles, McCartney is still often seen playing this distinctive 30” bass in his solo performances; over 50 years later. Jack Bruce was another keen advocate of the short scale bass.
Is my bass long scale?
Are short scale basses worse?
The E played on the 12th fret of the low E string is darker than the E played on the A string, which is due to the shorter length of string resonating in that position. So, because of their reduced scale length, short-scale basses are inherently darker and, arguably, richer in tone than long-scale basses.
How big is a short scale bass guitar?
Beyond their ergonomic advantages, short-scale basses are known for their juicy lows and warm, resonant highs which make them a common choice for studio work. Typically these instruments carry a scale length of 30- or 32-inches compared to a 34-inch scale length found on most electric bass guitars.
What’s the length of a standard electric bass?
Typically these instruments carry a scale length of 30- or 32-inches compared to a 34-inch scale length found on most electric bass guitars. Popular models include classics like the Fender Mustang Bass and Gibson EB-0, along with a myriad of modern options from Warwick, Kala, Squier and many others.
Which is an example of a multi scale bass guitar?
An example of a multi-scale bass guitar with fanned frets. The instrument is a “Dingwall Prima Artist”, made in Saskatoon (Canada) by Sheldon Dingwall.
Which is the best bass for a small player?
Short scale basses are ideal for young or small players, as their size and weight is easier to handle. The main side effect of these basses is…since the strings are shorter, they are also floppier and have a somewhat darker sound.