Acoustic bass scale length

[Ajoten]

Having a muse on getting another ABG. Would prefer a 5er but my recollection of a previous 4er was that due to the relative position of bridge to lower bout, the neck effectively gets pushed out a couple of inches... When not looking at fretboard kept finding self playing 2 frets higher than normal when sat down. Did have a short scale ABG even longer ago that I don't recall having this issue.

 

Any similar experiences? Does such a thing exist as a short scale 5 string ABG?

[Ajoten]

[tauzero]

Thomann have a couple of 32"/812mm scale 5-string acoustic basses, so they do exist.

[three]

Gillett, unfortunately long-since folded and disappeared, built 5s. They come-up for sale rarely but worth a look. Incredible design and world-class execution - I’m surprised that they weren’t more popular. There’s some detail here:

 

https://www.gillettguitars.co.uk/bass-guitars/c/3/

[MJJS]

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.

[bass_dinger]

 

On 14/05/2025 at 10:30, Ajoten said:

 

Any similar experiences? Does such a thing exist as a short scale 5 string ABG?

 

32" scale- Hobgoblin did a 5 string under their Ashbury range, with a Belcat preamp. It was in their catalogue for a while (but not now).  I had one of the first batch off of the production line, having asked Hobgoblin if they could start making them. 

The B string was a bit dull and thuddy, compared to the E to G strings. Body was the same size and shape as a Lowden O series guitar and easily manageable as a gigging instrument. 

 

I played both that 5 32" string, and a 34" Washburn 34" for years, before I even realised that the scale lengths differed!

 

34" scale - Boulder Creek.  My current acoustic bass.  Surprisingly manageable for something of that scale length. Much more control of the tone from the preamp, which includes a phase inverter and a tuner. A set of Thomastik Infeld (spelling?) strings gives a rich B string with sustain that matches the other strings, and the authority to "own" the low end.  I preferred this bass - it was all-round a better instrument.  Only the Covid19 lockdown stopped me playing it in my acoustic band (and it is now for sale on Basschat...).

 

 

 

[Russ]

Martin have a new short-scale acoustic bass, the 000C Junior. They're actually guitar scale (24.9"), but sound very full and play like an electric. No 5-string yet, although I am trying to persuade them.  

 

DISCLAIMER: I work for Martin. But I don't get anything extra for pimping their stuff on websites.  

[PTB]

Yes, me too. I have a 34” scale Sigma ABG and have the same issue of being 2 frets sharp if I’m not concentrating. 
The answer for me has just been practice and regular use at our weekly village guitar club where I back local singer - songwriters. I’m usually doing a mixture of playing by ear and watching their hands as I don’t know the songs so it takes my mind off focussing on myself and I’ve just got used to it over time. 
I doubt a short scale would give me the tone & volume I need acoustically.