MJJS

IMO this is how you should do a short scale. Design the neck so that the nut comes in at the second fret of the 34” model. This allows the same fret distance for the short neck as on the 34” from that point. Ideally lengthen the fret board a little bit to get extra frets on. Determine the Bridge position from the nut. In the attached image the pickups are closer together, but they are pretty much in the same relative position under the strings to the 34”, so the sound is very equivalent.

I think a lot of this type of discussion depends on what type of learner you are. I’m a visual learner, so for me the shape of the mode or scale on the fretboard ‘locks in’ more easily. It also means that you can overlay any other mode onto the one you’re looking to visualise how you would move from one to another. A useful exercise is to know which mode comes out of the 5th of the one you’re currently on. As a starter, if you just manage to pin down Ionian - Mixolydian - Ionian you’ll pin down a good useful range. I’ve also taken up keys in the last few years as well. I cannot emphasise how much you will improve as a bassist if you start learning keys. It’s transformative. Also, the piano shows modes (in C major) so simply. It also shows you in C maj why a key has the diatonic order of maj, min, min, maj, maj(dom7), min, min(dim)(half dim7) I’ve provided this link elsewhere, it also comes as an app. Well worth working through. Not bass specific. https://www.musictheory.net/lessons Hope that helps.

If you can use a 34” and would consider a semi, the Sire GB5 might be worth a look and they’re currently on sale under £400. Bridge is set well back on them.

This time a personal attachment, I now own this beauty. https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/product/jaydee-supernatural-mark-king-series-ii-cherry-red-1985-pre-owned/ I’ll do a NBD in due course…..

No personal attachment or interest, but if I were looking for a passive shortie …. https://bassbros.co.uk/product/atelier-z-baby-z-4j-vintage/

I saw this today, no personal association. https://reverb.com/uk/item/87791567-baldly-demolished-wal-bass-mk1-body

Alem.ACG352.mp3 Wal.ACG552.mp3 Two sound samples, an Alembic SC Sig bass playing a start of a track, then the Salace in the same position and then the Salace in the correct position that shows more of the Salace range. The Wal one has a noodle on a Wal Mk2 5 and an ACG Salace 6 in Bm. Both have flats on. Hope that helps.