Multiscale: A great development or a solution to a problem that doesn't exist?

[SumOne]

15 hours ago, MichaelDean said:

Sheldon has been on record saying that they're working on a headless, but it's taking time to get a design that they're happy with. Also sounded like they were designing their own hardware. 

I've been hearing that for years. They've dropped the ball on that one.

 

Dingwall were the most famous multiscale brand and to me it seems obvious that if your market is people looking for innovation then lots of them would also be keen on headless, particularly as what I'd consider the biggest issue with Dingwalls is their size and weight (my combustion was 4.6kg), both things headless would really help with. Not only would it move the weight of the headstock and tuners away from that far end of the long neck, it also means the body can be lighter and still maintain a good balance. But no. Biggest new announcement over the last couple of years = A go faster stripe!

 

Strandberg were already doing headless multiscale - but are quite a small brand. Ibanez spotted that gap in the mass production market and now have lightweight, compact EHB MS range with high end ones edging towards Dingwall sort of prices. Now also Sire are getting onto it, Hils are doing it, and Cort realised the headless market and I wouldn't be surprised if they add multiscale. Spector are doing multiscale.

 

What is the unique selling point of a mass production Dingwall nowadays?

Edited March 27 by SumOne

[chris_b]

IMO multiscale isn't a solution to anything, but, like jazz basses, roundwound strings, active, 5 and 6 strings, humbuckers etc it's a good evolution.

[SumOne]

2 hours ago, chris_b said:

IMO multiscale isn't a solution to anything, but, like jazz basses, roundwound strings, active, 5 and 6 strings, humbuckers etc it's a good evolution.

I think it does solve the 'issue' of a 5 string B sounding best when it is longer and a G being better shorter, and giving more of an even tone and tension across all strings, and possibly helps ergonomics.....But I'm not sure they really are much of an issue that can't be solved with good strings and a decent well set up Bass. And it isn't just a win-win, there are some downsides to multiscale.

 

People always mention a Piano as multiscale example, but they are a whole different sound and playing style and more than 7 octaves, just about every stringed instrument from Violins through to Cellos does fine without multiscale.

 

I have owned three multiscale basses so am sort of in favour of them, but then again - I've sold them all so haven't been completely convinced. Things like pickups, preamp, ergonomics, weight, strings etc. are much higher up my priorities as issues to make improvements to.

Edited March 27 by SumOne

[bnt]

There's obvious variation between basses, and we're not going to tell pros like John Myung, Will Lee or Tony Levin that they're wrong for sticking to 34" scales on their basses.  In my case, I have been thinking about multiscale in some form for literally decades, mentally chasing a "piano string" low B that has eluded me. I've owned only one 5-string, and was never happy with its low B. The fundamental B just didn't "speak" and I knew I was hearing more overtones than fundamental. I even went High C, eventually, before getting rid of it and using 4-strings for over a decade now.

 

I'm not a professional musician, however, and can't justify the expense of a Dingwall even if I liked they way they look, which I don't. Spector's recent NS Dimension MS 5 is more my style, and I may end up geting one. (Neck-through is another selling point for me.) I do want that 36" or 37" low B, but on a budget, and none of the current lower cost mutiscales offer that. I'm not in a rush to buy anything, but that's where my head is at. There are Steinway concert grand pianos where I work, and when I go to one and hit a low B ... that's what I want!

[SumOne]

1 hour ago, bnt said:

There's obvious variation between basses, and we're not going to tell pros like John Myung, Will Lee or Tony Levin that they're wrong for sticking to 34" scales on their basses.  In my case, I have been thinking about multiscale in some form for literally decades, mentally chasing a "piano string" low B that has eluded me. I've owned only one 5-string, and was never happy with its low B. The fundamental B just didn't "speak" and I knew I was hearing more overtones than fundamental. I even went High C, eventually, before getting rid of it and using 4-strings for over a decade now.

 

I'm not a professional musician, however, and can't justify the expense of a Dingwall even if I liked they way they look, which I don't. Spector's recent NS Dimension MS 5 is more my style, and I may end up geting one. (Neck-through is another selling point for me.) I do want that 36" or 37" low B, but on a budget, and none of the current lower cost mutiscales offer that. I'm not in a rush to buy anything, but that's where my head is at. There are Steinway concert grand pianos where I work, and when I go to one and hit a low B ... that's what I want!

Have you considered the catchily named Ibanez BTB605MS? 35-37" multiscale, neck-through, £1,059. https://www.ibanez.com/eu/products/detail/btb605ms_1p_02.html

Edited March 27 by SumOne

[bnt]

I have looked at the BTB before - but I forgot to mention that I’m also keeping an eye on weight! (Picky, I know.)

[visog]

On 27/03/2025 at 17:30, bnt said:

I forgot to mention that I’m also keeping an eye on weight! (Picky, I know.)

 

The EHB's are light as a feather - well worth a try.

[RogsR35Uk]

I have one of those Ibanez BTB 5 string multiscales and also a Fender Dimension Deluxe (MIM) 5 string, so I am on the fence as I like both basses.

[Jolltax]

I love that this thread is 3 years old and the vote is basically 50/50, which as it happens I think is the correct answer .  I switched to a 5 string headless Ibanez EH1505 which has multiscale neck bought about a year ago, really like the bass.  I think one tries to weigh up the pro and cons of any innovation to conclude whether they are a net improvement.

 

My conclusion / opinion :

• Headless is the way to go, better balance, lighter bass, same playable string length with shorter neck, good tuning, no obvious downside I have found yet
• Multiscale is of marginal benefit (if any) and for me has downsides, I'll probably prioritise other things in future purchases. I do like the way it looks though. For me, its a wash - I am 50/50 on it

To elaborate - the downside of multiscale for me is subtle : the fan frets mean I feel like I am having to stretch / adjust my hand more at the extremities of the fret board particularly at the low end of the neck where I am already least comfortable and perhaps making it a bit more difficult to accurately position fingers at the fret.  If you have huge hands, I guess this might not be an issue !

 

Worth bearing in mind I am an intermediate level player only, not super experienced. As other mentioned I would like to try the new Sire M6 as in my experience the necks on Sires are nice... my Ibanez will be hard to beat mind you