Short & Long Scale Bass?

[onemanband]

Hi,
Just wondering how many successfully play both long & short scale basses.
I played a short scale Gibson SG for some time, but recently moved to a Yamaha BB1024 (34") which I do prefer.
However, I love my little Gibson and took it for a "run out" the other day but it felt really strange and cramped after the long scale; so much so that I am reluctantly considering selling it and putting the funds towards a five string long scale.
So........ does anyone successfully play both, or is it a match made in hell?

Cheers.........Brian

[Kirky]

Similar experience. I played my Musicmaster exclusively until I got my Mex Precision deluxe a couple of years ago since I've barely picked up the Musicmaster. I've been thinking of digging it out again for at least a rehearsal but I suspect it will feel a bit strange.

[ikay]

I play 34" (occasionally 35") and 30", fretted and fretless, 4 and 5 string in different bands. It takes a few minutes to recalibrate but isn't a problem. Mind you I only play one or the other with each band. I'd probably get messed up a bit swapping between them in the same gig. I should stress that I'm not some sort of bass god - so anybody can do it. Different basses are good for different situations, don't let something like scale length put you off using a bass if it delivers the sound you need.

Edited January 27, 2013 by ikay

[EssentialTension]

The difference between short scale and long scale is small compared to the difference between long scale and upright. Just get used to it.

[Prime_BASS]

I guess it depends on the player largly.

I find it pretty easy to shift from 30'' to 32" and 34" pretty easy. Even found Shep's old Roscoe which was a 6 string with wide spacing and a 35" scale pretty comfortable.

[BigRedX]

I play basses with all sorts of scale length from 26" to 36" and have never had a problem moving from one to another.

I swap between 34" and 36" scale basses when I gig with my overs band. Don't even think about the difference.

Edited January 27, 2013 by BigRedX

[Dad3353]

At home, I swap between guitars, medium and long scale basses and drums with no real after effects. They're just slightly different, that's all. The more you swap, the less of a bug-bear, I would suggest. Remember Rutherford and his double-necks..?

[jazzyvee]

I have 30.75 short scale and 34 inch 5 and 4 string basses and changing between them is no problem as i use them for specific songs. Changing between basses having different string spacing on a gig is more awkward.

Jazzyvee

Edited January 27, 2013 by jazzyvee

[Ramirez]

I switch between a Jazz and an EB0 without trouble (though not often - I mainly play the J)

[BassTractor]

Hi Brian,


Stay with it, I'd say. You mention you got the Yammie "recently", and I think it's the keyword. Adapting is all about playing experience, so-called muscle memory and being used to having to adapt. Practise and don't limit yourself to one "feel" only. The latter IME is murderous for your ability to adapt.

This stuff is in fact my reason for collecting basses faster than 1 bass per chapter in Bass For Dummies. To me, a task is only mastered when it's mastered on every bass - including badly set-up ones.
As a teacher, I've always made sure my pupils had to change instruments and other conditions, just so they would become sturdy in their craft. Piano pupils for example would be asked to play the same tune on an electronic keyboard as well. Helped them a lot.


best,
bert

[gsgbass]

I played Gibson EB-SG basses on and off for going on 44 years, and recently went back to the long scale bass. No more short scale. I don't have a problem with either one, I just prefer the long scale. Short scale aren't as easy to find the variety of string types as long scale for one thing.

[onemanband]

Thanks all for your input; some interesting and useful comments and opinions; thanks for taking the time.
Truth is, I love the feel of the [I](new to me)[/I] long scale option and I can't see me going back to a short scale, despite the Gibson SG being a very fine instrument.
Onwards and upwards!!
Cheers..........Brian

PS. Gibson SG bass for sale...

[Donnyboy]

[i] my first "proper"( it had a name!) bass was a Fender Mustang shorty, bought cheap following a fire/flood at the local music shop. This was followed by an Aria SB 600 which is real big boy - quite a difference !![/i]

[i]a couple of years ago I tried a Mustang again - I reckon the are 30" scale , and the size of the body and neck felt almost toy- like - although it has to be said I've somewhat incresed in size over the years, so the comparative proportions have altered. [/i]

[i]I recently got the Squier VM Telecaster bass at 32" scale & that feels just fine to me , body has been sized to one for bass and neck doesn't feel much different to a standard scale and suits my wee fat fingers just fine.[/i]

[i]any thoughts on suitable string replacements?[/i]

[Roc]

I use a Jazz or a Guild for gigging and a short scale Samick active for recording. Never had a problem swapping between the two but I've done it for years.

[brensabre79]

[quote name='onemanband' timestamp='1359397266' post='1954175']
Thanks all for your input; some interesting and useful comments and opinions; thanks for taking the time.
Truth is, I love the feel of the [i](new to me)[/i] long scale option and I can't see me going back to a short scale, despite the Gibson SG being a very fine instrument.
Onwards and upwards!!
Cheers..........Brian

PS. Gibson SG bass for sale...
[/quote]

Don't Gibson do a long scale version of the SG Bass? Or is it just Epiphone?

[Adrenochrome]

Yes, I occasionally use my EB0 for dep gigs, it's a little toy in my hands and takes so little effort to play it makes things a lot easier if I'm reading charts or even following the guitarists hands on songs I don't know. I usually play 34" scale basses.

[casapete]

Use a Fender 34" scale for most of my stuff, and a Danelectro Longhorn 30" scale for a weekly pub gig.
No problems using both, (although wouldn't like to have to reverse their roles!)