Why do I resist?!

[Evil Undead]

A while ago I decided to go short scale due to issues with my hands - main issue being that I'm losing the feeling in my left hand pinky, which is worsened by playing 34" scale bass, even my Ibby. But playing shorties doesn't worsen it.

But I keep resisting the short scales and don't know why. It's got to be one or more of these reasons - but I can't decide if they're valid reasons or just my lame excuses.

Not feeling/looking like a "real" bassist - besides, other girls play long scale so I should too!
My Ibanez sounds freaking amazing and I love it soooo much - don't want to part with it but I can't afford to keep it and get the Mustang I'm craving
Short scales aren't so easy to find so narrowing my choice of instruments - the end of GAS?

I recently took a shortie to a jam with some people I used to be in a band with, and got no end of compliments on my playing (I was kinda embarrassed haha), which I can only attribute to being able to get around the bass more easily, as I admittedly don't practice often enough.

What to do, what to do...

Anyone care to chime in? Anyone occasionally or even exclusively play the short scale basses? Ever felt this way?

[BigAlonBass]

It was good enough for Andy Fraser, and apparently, he's a "real" Bassist!

[White Cloud]

Why are you resisting? Give in and enjoy the experience.

[Dad3353]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1387914344' post='2317227']...Anyone care to chime in? Anyone occasionally or even exclusively play the short scale basses? Ever felt this way?[/quote]

I'll offer my tuppence-worth, but, be warned, you might not like it.

Personally, I play medium scale (Hofner Verithin...), mostly; although I have others, she's the bass I'm the most comfortable with by far. Does it 'suit' me..? I've no idea, and the notion is foreign to me. If you have an instrument that you like to play, and doesn't affect your health, that's it. Be it a Thunderbird or a ukulele, an EBO or a mandolin. What do 'girls' (or 'boys'...) play..? Any and all of these, and all in between. You find your best fit; end of story. Does it 'suit' you..? You, and you alone are judge of that. No-one else (of any worth, imo...) gives a toss.
Hope this helps; no malice intended.

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='BigAlonBass' timestamp='1387914621' post='2317234']
It was good enough for Andy Fraser, and apparently, he's a "real" Bassist!
[/quote]

Is it really bad that I have no idea who he is?!

I know they're real basses etc, but I guess I don't relish the thought of being judged. I know I shouldn't give a cack what anyone thinks of me, but I do...

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1387914918' post='2317237']
Why are you resisting? Give in and enjoy the experience.
[/quote]

You just asked me my own question haha! I don't know why I'm resisting so much.

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1387914952' post='2317238']


I'll offer my tuppence-worth, but, be warned, you might not like it.

Personally, I play medium scale (Hofner Verithin...), mostly; although I have others, she's the bass I'm the most comfortable with by far. Does it 'suit' me..? I've no idea, and the notion is foreign to me. If you have an instrument that you like to play, and doesn't affect your health, that's it. Be it a Thunderbird or a ukulele, an EBO or a mandolin. What do 'girls' (or 'boys'...) play..? Any and all of these, and all in between. You find your best fit; end of story. Does it 'suit' you..? You, and you alone are judge of that. No-one else (of any worth, imo...) gives a toss.
Hope this helps; no malice intended.
[/quote]

None taken! I am happy to consider all views offered

[Horizontalste]

Have you looked into why you're hand goes numb? I'd be more worried about circulation issues me thinks.

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='Horizontalste' timestamp='1387917422' post='2317261']
Have you looked into why you're hand goes numb? I'd be more worried about circulation issues me thinks.
[/quote]

My GP says it's an ulnar nerve issue but doesn't seem willing to offer a solution

[Lowender]

I do too, for several reasons. I feel as if it's not "legit." (Using a P or a J as the standard).

Plus, playing a short scale will lessen your stretch and , if it matters, it make it harder to play upright.

And shorties tend to play a little out of tune in the upper register.

But all in all, these factors are so slight they're barely noticeable.

[Damonjames]

"Who's Andy Fraser?" Ouch! You may remember him from such songs as "all right now" by Free.

Ask yourself this one simple question, can you continue to play at your best with numb fingers? I'm tipping the answer is no! Your problem (at least as I see it) is you are too concerned about how everyone else will see you, instead of just finding something that works and rocking out. Trust me, if you have decent chops (and by your saying about receiving complement after playing a shorty, it sounds like you do), just rock out, be confident and have fun, I bet no one will even notice. Especially if you are an average to smaller height and build woman ( I'm treading carefully here), a shorty will look less out of place, it worked for Paul McCartney for years!!!

Take what I say with a grain if salt thought, I'm still living in hope that you will one day sell me that Aria Pro ii B&G you beat me to!

Merry Chrimbo!

[Damonjames]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1387917809' post='2317262']


My GP says it's an ulnar nerve issue but doesn't seem willing to offer a solution
[/quote]

Sorry matey, just saw this... My advice would be find another GP and get a referral to see a specialist. I've only been in the UK for a couple of years and have been amazed at how easily you can slip through the cracks in the NHS. Kick and scream until you get some help, life is too short to be in pain. I know you Brits like to pride yourselves on being stoic, but no one give out medals for suffering!

[White Cloud]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1387916632' post='2317256']
You just asked me my own question haha! I don't know why I'm resisting so much.
[/quote]
Well, you are the one who is currently choosing to resist...there must be a reason. Resistance isn't a good sign - perhaps short scale isn't for you?

Put it this way, you have options and choices to make....always the best position to be in. Happy Xmas and good luck!

[discreet]

[quote name='BigAlonBass' timestamp='1387914621' post='2317234']
It was good enough for Andy Fraser...
[/quote]

And Jack Bruce. Go for it.

[uncle psychosis]

my frank and honest opinion is that you need to get a specialist to look at your wrist/hand before you even think about buying more basses.

Have you had any bass lessons? might also be worth getting a couple to have your posture and technique checked out.

[Billy Apple]

I love my Coronado which feels far from short scale to me, plus I'm tall-ish (6') and well upholstered, it handles large in my hands. I'm used to TBirds and P's and no small issues with the Coronado.

But, you might want to get some specialist help with your wrist

[icastle]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1387917809' post='2317262']
My GP says it's an ulnar nerve issue but doesn't seem willing to offer a solution
[/quote]

I had that.

I managed to chip a little piece of bone off of my elbow and it settled and 'fused' against my ulnar nerve.
As I broke both my little fingers at the same time, I didn't notice it.

It required quite an operation to put right, but I has private healthcare at the time so it got sorted.

Playing a short scale bass isn't going to resolve the issue.

[Lozz196]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1387923530' post='2317356']
And Jack Bruce. Go for it.
[/quote]

And Trevor Bolder.

Really Mel, I can see where you`re coming from, we get so entrenched in the old "this is the real bass size" that anything not conforming we`re conditioned to believe is a toy, or just not real. But of you play them better, and they sound good, that`s the main thing. I`d echo Damons point though, any GP that tells me what a problem is but doesn`t offer a solution get`s no more visits, I`d want treatment/solution, so I`d be seeing another one,

[Big_Stu]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1387914344' post='2317227']
A while ago I decided to go short scale due to issues with my hands - main issue being that I'm losing the feeling in my left hand pinky[/quote]

From another forum, my answer..........

Quote:
Originally Posted by [b]sacizob[/b] [url="http://www.tdpri.com/forum/bad-dog-cafe/449253-numb-little-finger.html#post5458412"][/url]
[i]My fretting hand's little finger has been numb for two months. Feels like it went to sleep. I've been to the Dr. ....... but it didn't help. ................Has anyone ever had something like this?[/i]


Yeah, I've had exactly the same thing; actually little finger and ring finger next to it. Same story from the Dr too. I had a regular physio to see due to back problems I had so went to see him, he was an awesome expert in his field.
He grabbed my wrist, "So if I press here that's sore right?"
"YAAAAAAAA-HAAAAAAA!!"
"Same here?" (at my elbow)
"Same here?" (at my shoulder)

"Hmm", he prodded the back of my neck, "you've got mis-aligned C5 and C6, causing a trapped nerve".
I had to lie down and he twisted and turned my neck, then a couple of presses and pops.
"You should feel a tingle in your fingers in about 30 seconds and then start to get feeling back in your fingers about a minute after that".
I could have set my watch to what he said. No problems since, the guy's a genius AFAIC.

If you know or can get recommended a good sports physio then see them. maybe your local sports team has an open clinic night for the public, many do.

[Evil Undead]

Big_Stu that's really interesting. I might print your reply off and take it to a chiropractor, with your permission.

[BobVbass]

[quote][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]And Jack Bruce. Go for it. [/font][/color] [/quote]

and Alan Lancaster, but go and get it checked

[Prime_BASS]

Yes first priority is get the issue sorted.

Regards to the bass. I think anyone who is going to judge you on how short or long your bass is are going to come from the same kind of people who judge musos on strap length, or if that jazz is by 'squier' or 'fender'.
And as such not worth the time or effort.

Edited December 25, 2013 by Prime_BASS

[Kirky]

[quote name='BobVbass' timestamp='1387952467' post='2317462']
and Alan Lancaster, but go and get it checked
[/quote] And Mike Watt. I've got an old Musicmaster which is a joy to play, albeit a little limited sound-wise. Its the one that gets picked up most often at home though.

[moonbass]

Just a thought with the tingly finger: do you wear your bass slung too low? Doing this makes you flex your elbow and/or wrist more which can cause nerve entrapments. A long scale bass will of course exacerbate this (or short arms). If not definitely see a Physio. Merry Christmas!

[bigd1]

I'm having my Ulnar nerve released on the 9th January. From what the specialist explained it's a bit like Carpol tunnel (I've had both of those done) but the pressure is in your elbow, or some times at the wrist although not very often the wrist is the problem.
I would go back a get it looked into, if left you could get un reversible nerve damage (not great if your a musician).

[chriswareham]

I play a short scale semi-acoustic bass and have gigged with it on rare occasions. The only reason I don't gig it more is that it's very fragile and I can't find a case to fit it properly. I used to own a Gretsch Electromatic, which is a beautiful short scale bass for not a lot of money. It had a great "boingy" tone, and I still regret selling it. So in summary, I'd thoroughly recommend you enjoy being a little bit different, and if a six foot four bloke who looks like Lurch from the Munsters can get appreciative comments for how he looks with a short scale then I'm damn sure you can!

[flyfisher]

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1387953166' post='2317464']
Yes first priority is get the issue sorted.

Regards to the bass. I think anyone who is going to judge you on how short or long your bass is are going to come from the same kind of people who judge musos on strap length, or if that jazz is by 'squier' or 'fender'.
And as such not worth the time or effort.
[/quote]

Spot on. There will always be people who will judge you for your choice of bass, or amp, or cab, or haircut, or shoes or whatever. Ignore them. You're a bass player so choose the gear YOU prefer and do it YOUR way. Best of luck with getting the fingers sorted!