The most common scale for an electric bass is 34”. This is called ‘long scale’. Some basses, especially 5-strings, are 35” scale. Extra long scale is longer than 34”. Other basses are ‘medium scale’ – 30″-33” – and others are ‘short scale’ – 30” or less.
In respect to this, are short scale basses easier?
This, combined with the frets being much closer together, means that short scale basses feel considerably easier to play than their full-length counterparts. These qualities make short scale basses apt for beginners, especially younger players with smaller hands that can’t stretch very far.
Likewise, people ask, do short scale bass need special strings? Bass strings on a short-scale are under less tension that on a long scale so if you’re used to using say 40-95 on a long scale, you may need to go up a gauge to 45-100 to get the tension back to where you like it.
Accordingly, do short scale basses 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.
Do short scale guitars sound different?
Guitars with short scale lengths tend to sound warmer and a tad fuller than guitars with longer scales, as the lower amount of tension allows their strings to vibrate more freely.
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.
How many frets does a long scale bass have?
For those who follow Fender as the standard for what a bass guitar should be, the number of frets they use is 20. The number of frets is easy to spot on necks that have fret markers. After the 12th fret, there are 3 single-dot markers that mark where the 15th, 17th and 19th frets are.
How many frets does a short scale bass have?
Is 32 inch bass short scale?
In the years since, manufacturers have released bass guitars of varying scale lengths, and players tend to group their instruments into one of three categories: short scale for 30 to 30.5 inches, medium for 32 inches, and long for 34 inches and, occasionally, 35 inches.
Is 34 a short scale bass?
Probably at least 90% of all-electric basses on the market today feature a 34” scale. A short-scale bass generally has a scale length of 31” or less. Starting as early as the mid-1950s, various companies experimented with shorter scale lengths than the 34” favored by Fender.
Is bass easier than guitar?
For this reason, the bass is an easier choice. Although not always the case, a large number of basslines in rock songs consist of single notes played at varying rates and rhythms. Whereas many guitar songs feature more complex arrangements or more advanced techniques such as chords.
Should I get a 3/4 bass guitar?
A Standard (Full-size) 34” Long Scale Bass guitar will suit most people 5’5” to 6’6”. A 36”Extra-Long Scale Bass for Taller People. The 30” Short Scale Bass may be better for adults and teenagers under 5’5”. And (3/4 size) 28.5” for kids or 25.5” Scale Bass for small kids.
What is considered a short scale bass?
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 (standard scale length is 34″) profoundly impacts timbre and feel.
What is the normal scale length for a bass?
Who makes a 32 medium scale bass guitar?
Ibanez SR Mezzo 32″ Medium Scale Electric Bass Guitar.