The Short Scale Bass Appreciation Society!

[DanDoesBass]

Hey everyone!
 

I’ve followed Bass Chat for a number of years but only just joined the community properly. My name’s Dan, and I’ve been playing bass for around 20 years.

I’m lucky enough to work in the music industry through my own music studio and events company, and I also play in a few different bands. Earlier this year, I was fortunate to join the artist rosters for both Blackstar and Alpher Instruments, which has been a real highlight for me.
 

Over the years I’ve owned more basses than I can count, but lately I’ve found myself gravitating more and more toward short scales. My JMJ Mustang has actually stuck with me longer than most others, which says a lot! I’m a huge advocate for short scales—not just for their mojo and unique vibe, but also for how playable they are.

One thing worth mentioning is that I developed a tendon issue in my right hand about 3–4 years ago (likely from overplaying). Because of that, longer-scale instruments aren’t always an option for me, but the lower tension of short scales means I can still play comfortably for much longer.
 

So, I’m partly here to say hi, and partly to share my appreciation for short scales. Really looking forward to being part of the conversation!

Edited 9 hours ago by DanDoesBass

[Lozz196]

Welcome Dan, sounds like you`ve had a very interesting career in music, I`m in agreement, short-scale basses do make life so much easier, not just with the weight but the overall playability due to the scale length and string tension. 

[scrumpymike]

Hi Dan, when I started playing back in the '60s my first bass was a s-s Watkins Rapier that I bought without even knowing that different scale lengths were available. When I found out, I made the conscious decision to play Gibson basses and have been playing s-s basses ever since. Compared to those early days I'm thankfully spoiled for choice now with so many top-drawer s-s basses and string options out there.

 

Welcome to the best topic on the Basschat forum - for me anyway 🙂 

[msb]

Welcome , my first shortscale was a Longhorn , one of the first reissues in the late 90’s. And at first I really did not care for the shorter scale. Somehow the more I played it , the more I liked it. And for many years was my primary bass. My number 1 today is a medium scale. I prefer the shorter scale , but it’s a lovely bass.