Short-Scale Basses

[funkStrat_97]

My oldest dauhter has expressed an interest in playing bass and I just recently heard about the [urlhttp://www.ibanez.com/BassGuitars/model-GSRM20=]Ibanez Mikro[/url] which has a 28" scale length.  Honestly, it looks like a fun to play bass regardless of your skill level or size; but what are your thoughts about "shorty" basses?

[CallowHill]

Since I started building them, I find they work really well.  The low-B is actually fatter in many ways than a longer scale.  They're easier to play, too.  I love the way MTD and Dingwall basses sound, but it's been fun to go the opposite direction and develop a rock-solid more portable alternative.  The shortscale Ibanez basses are really cool and a great value.

[phbrown]

great for kids or adults with small hands

[funkStrat_97]

I like short-scale basses. Someday I hope to get a U-Bass (although that has more to do with the "U" rather than the "Bass").

Yeah, the first bass I played on was short-scale. I would have no problem playing it for church. It doesn't really matter to me whether it's short or long.

That's all I have to say about it, due to my limited experience.

21" scale 5-string Uke Bass!

[malthumb]

Yes... That picture : GAS :: root beer : gas

Thanks a lot FunkStrat... you're not helping one bit, -_- haha.

The purist in me wants to say "that's not a uke, it has too many strings" but... I'll let it slide, cuz it's awesome.

Tell the truth.....you just like the rainbow colored strings.    

[floaded27]

Since I started building them, I find they work really well.  The low-B is actually fatter in many ways than a longer scale.  They're easier to play, too.  I love the way MTD and Dingwall basses sound, but it's been fun to go the opposite direction and develop a rock-solid more portable alternative.  The shortscale Ibanez basses are really cool and a great value.

So what design features (fret spacing, neck profile, etc) change when designing a shortscale bass? I mean, i'd imagine it isnt as simple as slapping a shorter neck on the body.

21" scale 5-string Uke Bass!

doesnt look very comfortable to play.

[funkStrat_97]

So what design features (fret spacing, neck profile, etc) change when designing a shortscale bass? I mean, i'd imagine it isnt as simple as slapping a shorter neck on the body.

Well.....it might be.  But also depends on the objectives of the builder.  Warmoth makes replacement Strat necks that feature a 24.75" (a.k.a. Gibson scale), but I don't know that these necks would have a different feel than a standard 25.5" guitar neck other than shorter scale guitars are easier to play.

doesnt look very comfortable to play.

It might not be a "slapper's" bass, but I would imagine that 21" scale instruments would be easier to play than a 34" or 35" scale bass.  Now this is probably more like an ultra-short scale bass; it seems to me that there are many short to medium length basses that use 30" to 33.5" scales.  FWIW, the 30" scale seems quite common with low tuned baritone guitars (which, BTW, are usually an octave lower than the high tuned piccolo bass).

Ibanez Mikro (with an actual working link)!

[berbie]

I can't recall seeing a 5 string short scale bass guitar, say 28'' or less.  Who makes them?  I would like to try one.