The Hat Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 Genuine question and not meant as a knock at all. I'm a beginner and would like to know why go short scale ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 Some have a distinct tone, also some players find them more comfortable to play. I tried a Guild Starfire recently and didn't really notice any major difference in how it played. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyJohnson Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 For me, I always liked the Mustang/Musicmaster shape, so I got a cheapie Squier Badtz-Maru. It weighs nothing, it was easily customisable following a headstock accident, plays easier and sounds a bit more whumpy than an equivalent 34" scale bass and it's fun. Let's also not forget these are serious instruments too. Short isn't the remotest bit silly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hat Posted February 15, 2016 Author Share Posted February 15, 2016 [quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1455573975' post='2980441'] For me, I always liked the Mustang/Musicmaster shape, so I got a cheapie Squier Badtz-Maru. It weighs nothing, it was easily customisable following a headstock accident, plays easier and sounds a bit more whumpy than an equivalent 34" scale bass and it's fun. Let's also not forget these are serious instruments too. Short isn't the remotest bit silly. [/quote] Amen to that, coz I is a short arse ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 There's been quite the upsurge in shorties last few years, I like 35" scale and 12lb basses but I've got one of the Harley Benton HB-60 VW semi hollow's. Look for threads about the Chowny bass or Scott Whitley's SWB-1,Scott's website is great. No way short scales are toys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted February 16, 2016 Share Posted February 16, 2016 I've had a few and really like them. I currently have two - a Squier Musicmaster Vista Series, which is totally awesome, and a Danelectro Longhorn, which is also totally awesome but in a different way. I find the shorter scale length really comfortable - I guess a lot depends upon your fretting hand technique but nothing seems to be as much of a stretch as full scale. As has been said, some (but not all) have a different thuddy kind of tone to them. Another big thing for me is that they are often (but not always) quite lightweight - the Dano in particular is in danger of floating away. I am not small and don't have small hands, so it is nothing do do with size - you often see short scale basses listed as 'great starter basses' 'woman or men with small hands' and other such nonsense. You also often see it mentioned as being 'great if you have just migrated from guitar' but I also think that is nonsense. You either like shortscale or don't, as far as I can see. Definitely worth trying to see if it 'fits'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hat Posted February 16, 2016 Author Share Posted February 16, 2016 I'm having a lesson with Scott on Thursday and hopefully will get to try one of his Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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