https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:36:52 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349118 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:59:48 +0000 Bass Players Discussion jwmartin https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349118 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349095 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:58:54 +0000
(Minotaur, you have a PM.)]]> Bass Players Discussion Crow https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349095 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349093 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:28:01 +0000 Bass Players Discussion Minotaur https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349093 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349085 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:19:36 +0000
Scale length is an important part of the feel. Hand size and strength are the biggest factors. 34" is pretty much the standard, and I would stick with that unless you have a need to change.]]> Bass Players Discussion Dan Lasley https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349085 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349066 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:21:57 +0000
For down-tuning, you'll lose a lot of string tension. A longer neck will help make up for that; shorter scale necks will have less tension (all else being equal.)

Also your string choice will be a factor, as different makes have different tension. Downtuning with Ernie Ball Slinkies might give you a case of fret buzz if you don't raise the action or go up a gauge or so. You might find higher-tension Rotosounds better for what you're doing.]]> Bass Players Discussion slejhamer https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349066 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349062 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:10:22 +0000
It is almost the standard (by considering there are many JB and Precision). 5 strings can use longer scales (basically it is due to the 5 string). And there are many good shorter scales, for example, the "Beatle bass".

The bass is always fun :wink:]]> Bass Players Discussion Nuno https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-349062 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-38637 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:37:09 +0000
My hands are medium/small, but a long scale 34" seems to fit fine. I'll be tuning down to C standard, so am even wondering if a longer scale could be fun...

Thoughts? As mentioned on another thread, I'm looking for an instrument that holds its own in a melodic metal sort of sound...


Best,
Ande]]> Bass Players Discussion Ande https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/scale-length-4/#post-38637