When I first started out as a guitarist, I just wanted to start with the first guitar that I saw. I can’t recall the make and model, but it was something off the shelf. After getting comfortable with the guitar, I started to venture into bass guitars. Of course, I was, and still is, a novice. So, I went around to ask and check on good bass guitars that I can purchase. At the very first shop that I went to, I was asked if I wanted a short scale bass guitar or the long scale bass guitar. I stumbled. I did not know there were two different variants to the guitar! Of course, I went back and researched more on what is the difference between short scale and long scale bass guitar.
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What Is The Difference Between Short Scale And Long Scale Bass Guitar
Bass guitars are popular amongst players recently. Indeed, in recent years, data showed that there were more bass guitar sold than usual. Is this a new trend? Probably. But that is not the crux of this article, The main crux is that not many people know there are two different types of bass guitar out there. There is the short scale bass guitar as well as the long scale bass guitar. What is the difference between short scale bass and long scale bass guitar?
Physically Different
In terms of design, the main difference is the scale length. The scale length is actually the distance from the bridge to the nut. Many people assumed that scale length means the difference in the length of the neck. If anyone tells you that, it means that they simply do not know their stuff! For short scale bass guitar, they have shorter necks and they have string length that is less than 32″.
With a shorter neck, it means that the distance between frets is shorter. As such, it is much suitable for players who have problems reaching for the ends of the usual long scale bass guitar. In line with that, then perhaps the short scale bass guitars might be more suitable for players with shorter fingers or hands.
Different Sound
Of course, since there is a difference in the length of the neck, then the sound produced will be different. Actually, this is more because of the different tensions in the lower string. You see, since the neck of the short scale bass guitar is shorter, then the string will need to have further tension in order for better tuning. This ensures that the sound produced by the short scale basses are usually fuller and rounder when at the lower spectrum of the music. Short scale bass guitars usually produce a sound that is not as loud as the long scale basses. However, while it is lacking in volume, it has a denser and thicker tone!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many differences between both sets of bass guitars. It is really up to you to decide which of these suits your needs. Having said that, in most situations, a good pair of short scale bass guitars, as well as the amps, will be good enough for most bands.
