The Short Scale Bass Appreciation Society!

[fretmeister]

On 11/10/2025 at 16:08, BassApprentice said:

Not sure what or why, but I just wouldn't buy a Retrovibe. I guess I think they are quite expensive for what they are. Bitsa basses with a nice setup.

 

Every fender ever built is a bitsa.

[fretmeister]

On 31/10/2025 at 10:29, eude said:

 

Weird choice, but might be based on available string lengths, as I would guess the reverse headstock might let you have a full scale E string without any of the wound string on the tuner?
 

 

 

That feature really appeals to me - would massively increase the amount of strings that would fit - particularly flats.

 

The Ibanez Mezzo 4 string (32 scale) had the E string tuner relatively far from the nut so could take a wide variety of strings, but it was a small post so long scale flats would still break. Had to get specific medium scale ones. The 5 string mezzo was actually worse for string availability. I used Dunlop medium scale flats on that exclusively. Really lovely strings - but at about £90 they'd have to be!

 

Reverse headstock is a very easy solution to the problem. If I ever ordered a second Lionel I'd spec a reverse headstock for that reason.

[TheLowDown]

When using short scale strings, the E string always sounds somewhat dead and disconnected from the sound of the other 3 strings on my U5. Yesterday I used an old long scale E string strung-thru the body, and what a massive improvement! 

[Chienmortbb]

 

[MichaelDean]

I will second that video. I bought a pack of medium scale shorties strings off Merton (excellent seller BTW). They are just excellent. Stainless steel aren't normally my thing and I still think they're not, but these are less grabby than others I've tried. The E string on my Mustang has never sounded better. If you like rounds, give Newtone's shorty sets a go. They're a big step up in clarity from the D'Addarios I had on it.