Is it OK to play a short scale bass?

With their shorter necks, less distance between frets, and more compact general dimensions, short-scale basses are an excellent choice for players with smaller hands.

Can you play metal on a short scale bass?

Whatever tone you need can usually be dialed in between the bass’s tone knob(s) and the tone controls on your amp. But, do avoid using a Short Scale Bass.

Can you use long scale bass strings on a short scale bass?

Yes, you can certainly make a set of long scale strings work on a shorter scale length bass but you definitely need to choose your strings wisely.

How much shorter is a short scale bass?

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.

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.

What are the benefits of a short scale bass?

Short Scale Bass Guitars With less tension than a conventional 34” scale length, a short scale bass offers a much looser feel for players as less strain is exerted on the strings; making them easier to fret and even bend.

Do short scale bass need special strings?

They also need to be a gauge that works for the scale length and tuning. So, short-scale basses need strings that fit and perhaps a heavier gauge, although most short-scale instruments are pretty close to standard. You’d notice the difference between short-scale and something extra-long, like a multiscale Dingwall.

What are piccolo strings?

A piccolo bass guitar is a standard or short-scale bass guitar pitched up an octave to be in the same tonal range as a standard guitar with its four strings tuned the exact same as a standard guitar: EADG. The word “piccolo” is Italian for “little.”

Who uses short scale basses?

Famous Short Scale Bass Players In fact, arguably the most famous living musician today uses them; Paul McCartney! Relying on a Hofner 500/1 “Violin” bass back in the ’60s when he was a part of The Beatles, McCartney is still often seen playing this distinctive 30” bass in his solo performances; over 50 years later.

What are short scale guitars good for?

Scale length can have a significant effect on playability. All factors being equal (string gauge, string length beyond the nut and saddle, break angles, and so on), shorter scales produce lower string tension, are more elastic, easier to fret, and require less arm extension.

How bad is a short scale on guitar?

Short scales tend to (but don’t necessarily) result in shorter sustain less pronounced treble frequencies somewhat “flappier” attack less well-defined pitch control. Most of this seems technically disadvantageous, but how good or bad it is musically depends on the context and playing style.

Would a short-scale bass be easier for me to play?

I already play guitar, and find that even though I’m an adult, stretching to a fifth is a struggle — so handling a bass with its more widely spaced frets is going to be a challenge. It occurred to me that a short-scale bass might be easier for me to play.

What is the best small scale bass guitar to buy?

Short scale basses are also great instruments for people will smaller statures to play on, especially if you are someone who has smaller arms or smaller hands. TL;DR: My overall top recommendation here is the Gretsch G2220 Junior available at GuitarCenter.com here.

What is the scale length of a bass guitar?

The scale length does not represent the length of the neck of the guitar! Generally, the average bass guitar will have a 34-inch scale length, while short scale bass guitars will have a 31-inch scale length.