Bass scale length pros and cons
For the last two years I’ve been seriously learning the guitar as my second instrument. I also bought a used low quality bass that I have been playing for the last 6 months or so. I am really enjoying playing the bass and want to upgrade to a nicer quality bass that plays better.
I went to the local shop and played a bunch of basses to see what feels good and I played a used 63 Hofner that was well out of my price range. I really like the way it feels but it has a short scale length (30” I think).
This led me to look at other 30” basses and before I purchase one I want to know what the pros and cons are.
I know it will have a different tone and obviously it will play easier in some respects. I also read that the strings will be a little looser.
Before I buy one based on how I, a rather new bassist, thinks it plays, I want to know if there are cons to having a shorter scale length that will make me regret it as I get better.
Also what benefits might a shorter neck provide.
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Very briefly: I reckon a shorty is way easier to play for those without huge hands, often lighter which is a bonus if you have long sets, and a well-chosen one can sound absolutely fine in most styles of music (if a tiny bit rubbery compared to most 34" instruments).
Full-length (34/35") instruments usually sound a little more satisfying / versatile, and tend to be better for slap/pop IMO. You also have a lot more choice of instruments. Re-stringing to BEAD is a more realistic option too.
I probably sound better playing on a short-scale, to be honest. I tend to play through an effect like a bass driver which evens out some of the differences anyway.
I guess the only real drawback is that you might get so used to 30" that moving to a longer-scale instrument - should you wish to do so - may entail an degree of re-learning.
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