Are Short Scale Basses DEAD?! | The SBL Podcast Ep. 149

[@jensbomholt4529]

The comments seem to indicate that short scale basses are not only alive and kicking, but well loved for their many advantages. Please, Scott, make another video with the title: "Are Long Scale Bass Players SNOBS?" And a blind-test comparisons, Scott, please: "Whas this played on a long scale bass or a short scale bass?" - complete with ratings from 1 to 10.

[@mehAudio]

Retract and repent 😂

[@tiltil9442]

The comments display a certain "culture" of being offended, too. I absolutely agree on the blind-test format - bring it, guys!

[@C0urne]

And not a solo bass track but in a mix with bass tracks played with different instruments. Nobody cares about solo bass other than a small number of bass players.

[@jensbomholt4529]

@@C0urne Right: and let the same player play the same short piece with his band, several times, switching basses. Or not switching basses and using the "Leland Sklar switch trick" to change the sound. Also - instead of switching instruments, switch from two fingers to one finger to thumb to pick. Or let several wellknown bass KZbinrs play both with their most hated and their most loved instruments to the same backing track. Would be highly entertaining to watch a bunch of "gear snobs" as they listen to such a blind test and try to find out what was what.

[@cacadordorio]

Only indie chicks plays short scale too look good

[@takoholic]

Yes I’m 5’2 ft (157cm) and I’m thankful we have short scale basses. I has made it so easier for me to play and better for my hands.

[@andrewgrant1982]

I’m a small guy in a wheelchair, so I prefer the size of short scale basses, particularly for the body size, I recently bought myself a Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II, and it’s the best bass I’ve ever played

[@rome8180]

They also just sound different. They have a cool tone you can't get out of a long scale.

[@jasonharris2291]

I picked up a Junior Jet at a pawn shop and pulled the frets to make a fretless. It's unique and very fast playing.

[@kristopher0815]

Have one too. bridge pickup only and plucking close to the neck you can really make it growl. 😎

[@jeg1972]

I've got a G2220 as well and I love them with flats on.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Of all my basses (various scales and manufacturers), that's the one I love and play the most. Awesome bass!

[@mikewayne9110]

Love you guys, and this was terrible. Did no one prepare for this topic?

[@rome8180]

Isn't it just the opposite? I've noticed that short scale basses have become MORE trendy in recent years, not LESS. And it's not for the ease of play. It's for the sound.

[@studiodsr]

Very true but mostly in the indie / alternative world. Less so apart from that

[@dragostego]

They've been trendy for like 8 years, they are likely going to be less in style in the coming years, they are approaching a decade of being hip.

[@rome8180]

@@studiodsr That's true. But A LOT of session players use them regularly now, and not just for indie tracks. They use them for a certain vintage vibe but with a little more character than your standard P bass.

[@PjRjHj]

The short scale trend has been around for over a decade

[@Bi_scotti_5]

they've gotta title it that to get views

[@lummond]

You guys should check out this band called The Rolling Stones. Their bass player played short scale exclusively for his 30 year stint

[@michaelhall9138]

Should also check out a very obscure group called the Beatles.

[@lummond]

@@michaelhall9138 What!?! That's not even how you spell Beetle!

[@johnbehan1526]

Is "played short scale" a euphemism for "dated under-agers"?

[@jarneskegge]

@@lummond When I began my music major it was as a vocalist. I had a Musicmaster short scale. When I switched from vocals to Jazz studies as a bassist, I assumed I wouldn't be taken seriously playing a short scale, so I traded in the Musicmaster on a Kawai full scale electric. My instructor was shocked that I had given up a 70s Fender and when I explained why, he laughed and called me a foolish boy and proceeded to list all the great short scale bassists beginning with Bill Wyman and Jack Bruce. The Kawai had a graphite neck and an even, balanced tone that studio engineers loved, but I have always missed the Musicmaster and years later bought a Squier Copy of the MM called a Bronco. I play it every day.

[@lundsweden]

​@@johnbehan1526 No, but in Bill Wyman's case, yes.

[@eerbrev]

I play upright bass as my main gig. When it comes to my electric bass, I have nothing to prove to anyone, and I have a blast playing my little short scale squier jaguar bass. Baby's got some THUMP.

[@BackToTheBlues]

The bass player in the band I'm in turned up at our most recent gig with his stand up string bass, his Epiphone acoustic bass (which is rather lovely - it looks like an acoustic guitar), his Gretsch short scale, and his Ashbory mega-short bass - the one with the rubber strings, and they all got a look-in. I'm the guitarist - I'm supposed to be the one with the rack of instruments!

[@WilDBeestMF]

​@@BackToTheBluesAs a fellow bass guy with all the gear (2-3 basses, 10 pedal board, rack all come to every gig), some of us are coming for ya. 😆

[@BackToTheBlues]

@@WilDBeestMF 😄😄😄

[@angelotro]

From a player's perspective, I think short-scale acoustic bass guitars sound better than full-scale. There's a little more pinpoint mid-range that sticks out, while full-scale loses some tone into the air. Not sure if this is the case to someone listening, or how they record, but just from the player's perspective.

[@jamesmelton7637]

yea it's all thump is the problem. :) But if you just want to thump then yes it's the right bass.

[@Justinl2391]

To truly understand and appreciate Jack Bruce, you cannot go by the studio recordings, live is where he truly shines. Listen to the live version of Spoonful off the Wheels of Fire album and listen to I'm So Glad off the Goodbye album. Jack Bruce was an absolute monster and, in my opinion, the greatest rock bass player of all time. He was also heavily schooled in jazz.

[@KeithCollyer]

Let's face it, hatred of short-scale basses is nothing other than snobbishness. A short-scale on me looks bigger than a standard scale Ricky on Chris Squire

[@tiltil9442]

Let's face it: No. And about your looks: not looking :)

[@mal2ksc]

If there was a "Don't recommend this channel for the next two weeks" button, I'd be using it right now.

[@DruEllz]

How about hatred of short-scale basses is just hatred of short-scale basses? Or are you saying that anyone who doesn't like exactly what you like is a snob? Bizarre choice of word, btw.

[@KeithCollyer]

@@DruEllz If Leo Fender's first bass had been 30" scale, you would have people saying 34" basses look wrong. It's OK not to like something, but have a reason other than it's not what I'm used to. I like 30" and 34", my 5-string is 35".

[@jamesmelton7637]

The dislike is based on the sound. They don't sound the same. All the short scale players say this "the sound is so cool". Well a lot of us full scale players are saying "nope that sound is not cool, but dude you do you."

[@roryhensen]

Thom Yorke has been rocking short scales with The Smile for the last few years.

[@jschaetz]

Thom Yorke is one of my idols, I got a PJ Mustang short scale this year and love it (I'm a 5'6" woman with small hands, it's been nice to learn on something I can maneuver more easily than my bf's full-scale bass I was learning on prior). This vid was such a bummer to hear from these dudes I look up to so much. They should definitely do a blind test, if they're gonna be snobby about it 😵‍💫

[@sullyb23511]

@@jschaetz Ian loves and plays short scale basses. And with Scott, it's just a personal preference. Don't take it so hard.

[@hamishanderson6738]

Alan Lancaster - Quo.

[@neakapla]

I wish I went short scale sooner. So much more comfortable to play. I have back issues and occasional pins and needles in my left hand due to a bad back. I won't let ego punish my body unnecessarily.

[@jonathanchaney6140]

Ibanez has a headless 4 string called ehb1000s. Its under 7 pounds a lot of the time

[@RainerH.-nz9ez]

Short scale basses are not crappy. I think scott doesn't know much about them cause he hates them really a lot. I began playing in the early seventies with a mustang. I loved it since the neck died and there was no replacement neck to get from fender. There are some boutique shotrs out there here in germany for really high price. And I own a sire u 5 short made active by myself and it sounds awsome. Just cool down and listen to it. And the look is not the important thing about a bass. So more objektive looking on the shorts and less prejudices and superficialities please.

[@TinoR626]

I just picked up a bass VI and it's been super fun sure it's a short scale at 30 but now I'm looking to add another short scale as they are neat.

[@scotteagles4864]

Long live the short scale! Reports of its death are highly exaggerated.

[@havespacesuitwilltravel9607]

I think you guys missed a MAJOR pro of short scale basses. Here it is. You can have the best gear in the world, but if your performance sucks then you sound bad. It isn't the gear, it's the performance that counts. If an instrument is easier to play, then your performance is better. Short scale for the win.

[@mattster693]

I find long scales easier to play sometimes because the extra tension on the strings makes them respond quicker for faster finger style playing, but not always

[@reelchef67]

@@mattster693 it is easy to put on higher tensions strings to get rid of floppy strings ie labella dtf's or ghs balanced nickels.

[@mattster693]

@@reelchef67 I could try that, but I don’t really find the long scale a hinderance of any sort playability or sound wise tbh, the moor tubby sound a short scale makes just doesn’t sound as good with my aggressive right hand technique making notes sharp at the transients, at least not thru a bass amp where the low end is more revealing, but if all I really needed was heaps of high bass and low mids to cut in a mellow context I’d try it

[@simaojoseph]

It definitely is THE reason I advocate for short scales. One can manage to get pretty much any sound he/she wants with all the string and pickup options available nowadays.

[@Jonathan_Camps]

I decided to go with a Fender Mustang short scale for my first real bass and I couldn’t be happier

[@StratsRUs]

They are great ! I have had a Japanese one for a long time

[@cake_9510]

Yeah my mustang is really nice! Not really enough tension to go below standard, but that just forces me to be more creative within my restraints

[@peterfawns1377]

Scott did a great job of kind of making fun of people that want to play a smaller bass because it's more comfortable for.them...duh! Maybe time to take a course on not potentially turning off a group of potential customers.

[@bubbletrashbarbie]

I’ve been thinking about adding online lessons to my practicing as I’m only self taught and honestly his intro monologue/rant kinda really turned me off to the notion of using SBL.

[@csh9853]

its all jokes bro

[@Muzikman127]

@@csh9853 Could this be like a transatlantic communication problem? I didn't for a second consider people would take all that banter seriously when I watched this video! The comments section is blowing my mind...

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

I'm 5' 11" and normal size hands. I play only a short scale. My Fender Squire Jaguar is affordable, playable, and sounds great!

[@18JR78]

👌🏽

[@Joe.Copalman]

Ha! Same height and hand size and I got a Squier Jaguar 32" bass last year. Haven't touched my P-Bass since.

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

@@Joe.Copalman awesome! I had a different one (same model) that the previous owner had customized and upgraded. The current one was a few lbs lighter so I swapped out all the customization and ended up with a silver bass that is just a hair under 8 lbs 😂

[@SO-ym3zs]

Tall with long arms and fingers here, and I spend way more time playing my short scales. 34" generally feels needlessly cumbersome and awkward by comparison.

[@Itsjustjess352]

I am a new bass player (less than 3yrs in - coming from guitar), & I wonder how my Ibanez Mikro compares to the Jaguar. I’ve never even played a full size bass yet (I’m 5’1…under 100lbs 😂) but I’m sure it will be an experience to play what these guys here call a “real bass” some day. 🤭😂 *I’m less than 10 mins in & wondering if this whole thing is just an hour long video of these dudes bashing short scale basses & players. 🥱🙃😂

[@ThePalestinians8myCat]

I’ve one huge issue with this video. They fixate on the retro short scale and at one point it is said that there’s no modern active short scales. Spector has the bantam, which is active. Warwick has an active short scale corvette and there’s the stingray short. Though the stingrays not active, it does sound close to a regular stingray. I feel that they have misled the viewer, maybe through bias but there is definitely a more modern option if you’re looking for a short scale.

[@carpediemarts705]

Why on earth after 40 years of preamp in every bass did they go passive when they made their first 30"? They seriously dropped the ball on this one. Absolutely makes no sense.

[@rkharper]

9 shortscale basses here. No toys, for me, there's absolutely no reason to play longscales anymore, allthough I own some pretty good ones too.

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

9 for me too!

[@costasalivizatos9780]

John Entwistle recorded "my generation" with a shortscale to get right the bends on the solo. no shit

[@Bornie1977]

I got my left wrist broken 2 years ago and, while recovering from the injury, I bought a great Marcus Miller Sire U5 short scale bass because the pain when playing my old reliable Fender Jazz Bass was terrible, and with a short scale bass I could play almost perfectly. The sound was extremely good and, even today, I use it almost every day! :-D

[@guitfidle]

I did that with a u-bass after I had shoulder surgery

[@armbarre]

This is the only sbl video I’ve seen that I think is dumb. And I watch sbl ALL the time.

[@armbarre]

In case that seemed defensive, I don’t even play short scale basses. I’m a cheap p-bass knockoff lover. But come on; they have a sound, they look great, they’re on records you probably love.

[@michelleinwi6919]

Wow I’m surprised by the negative judgement at the beginning of this. For a bass informational and “appreciation” channel. Sorta bummed by it. I have and play short scale AND full scale. They have their pros and cons. I know they got to that, but just surprised Scott would be so down on them and the people that play them.

[@C0urne]

It's not a surprise. These are the guys that make endless videos on P- and J-basses as they were the only proper instruments. Plus the other guy not Scott likes a Thunderbird because of its design flaws.

[@holliefitzzz]

a long scale can also look ridic on the wrong person looks like someones picking fruit out the tree

[@holliefitzzz]

was just a bit sexist at times this video even if indirectly

[@C0urne]

@@holliefitzzz I'd say it's better to ignore the instrument to person proportions.

[@robertp457]

I don't know why people didn't get that Scott was just making fun of Ian, because Ian is very tall and has and plays many short scale basses. It had nothing to do with making fun of anyone else who plays short scale basses or short scale basses at all.

[@evanfriesen3160]

Honorable mention to bass KZbinr/pro Philip Conrad. He plays a mustang in Rhett Shull's band. He also has some really great short scale bass content.

[@krisbullock]

Music Man makes an amazing short scale Stingray with passive pickups that is as nice as any bass I've ever played.

[@garyjenkins9169]

My only bass, and I love it.

[@latonyahemingway3752]

I have the active Tim Cummerford and a passive ….. these basses are fabulous !!

[@bassistdc]

Those guys were so silly I stopped watching and went to the comments. I bought the Fiesta red ss stingray with the roasted maple neck and love it. I also bought a great 32" scale bass by Offbeat guitars and sold my 34" scale basses.

[@AlkanetEXE]

I'm not a fan of the Mustang design but I love a Stingray and hadn't heard of this! Thanks for mentioning!

[@dieg000n]

Do Music Man still offer this short scale Stingray? I only saw sterling version on Reverb, but not the EBMM

[@zedangerbarbie]

Another pro is lower string tension for people like me that might have pain from osteoarthritis and can no longer play flu scale ....

[@mynvision]

Without short scale basses, I would not being able to play bass at all. Short woman, small hands, short arms, first bass I ever tried was someone's Fender Precision back in the 90s, and I had such a hard time with it, I gave up, as my arm literally could not reach to play the furthest frets full stretched. Probably should have adjusted the strap, but didn't know to do it at the time. I had, at the time, already took a year of guitar classes, so I knew a bit of something, and was not a complete instrument newbie. My hubby, who is a bass player who is 5' 11" and not small, and has played in a few local bands, owns and plays a Gibson SG, as well as several other "normal" basses, but I started out on those baby basses, Ibanez Mikro, then Gretsch Duo Jet, then finally the Sterling Stingray short scale, and now I also play that Gibson. We used to have the Fender Mustang (this was before I played it), but hubby says he thinks the Sterling Stingray is better (he does own a EB Stingray 5-string himself). All told, the sound on many of those basses are quite nice, maybe not on par with the top regular scale basses, but good enough to be even better than some.

[@ClimbingStones]

I like that this comes out the day I get my get my first short scale

[@ArthurPerez-t2e]

The thump of a Mustang with flats and a pick is unfuckwithable. And the deep drone of an EB-O neck pickup produce vibrations that break down the contents of your bowels aiding in digestion.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Love it! That's ad copy that would actually get me to buy something!

[@jschaetz]

Got a PJ Mustang this year, been playing on flats and LOVE it. It's perfect for what I need. Surprisingly snobby takes from this channel I usually love

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@jschaetz This channel has its hits and misses like any, but for the most part has been steadily increasing in quality. But this episode was just a huge misstep from them. Any time you're going discuss or review something, it should be fair and take the subject on its own merits, and here it just felt like snobbery, mockery, lame attempts at humor, and lazy dismissivenes.

[@ArthurPerez-t2e]

@@jschaetz I think they were taking the good cop bad cop approach, I think Scott is very aware that the point of view he portrayed is shared by a percentage of bass players.

[@zenpharaohs]

That right there about the Mustang. You couldn't be more right. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3OUpplnZ5aIgtk

[@shaunw9270]

Video should be titled "Scott hates short scale basses and will ridicule anyone who enjoys playing them".

[@glynnsmith4560]

..including McCartney and Stanley Clarke...

[@JackieBillyTom]

He says they look stupid. This is the guy that wears that glove saying something looks stupid. Lack of self awareness or pitiful troll, you be the judge

[@sullyb23511]

He's just having a laugh. Relax.

[@ronc4500]

@@JackieBillyTomso you're making fun of a medical condition that he has?

[@seeker7774]

I started out on guitar. I picked up the bass because the church needed a bassist and the bassist for my brother’s trio moved out of state. After that I played the bass exclusively for about six or seven years. Time passes and needs change. For the past five years I’ve played mainly guitar. Several weeks ago I was asked to fill in on bass. While practicing, I found I was having issues fretting cleanly and my hand hurt. I knew that with time I would get used to “the stretch” again, but I didn’t have the time. I found a used short scale hollow body at a local shop that hits like a sledgehammer and plays like a dream. That short scale saved my bacon and reignited my love of playing bass.

[@willywayne5299]

Same here,guitar first,but the bands need a bassist so I switched to the world of bass,if U want to gig,do what is needed!

[@stevebowen2275]

I played a Jazz bass for decades but as I got older my hands started to hurt more, perhaps early arthritis, and my shoulders began to hurt more if I played long periods of time. Then I switched to short scale and that all went away & playing was fun again 🙂

[@khalilcruz5816]

Mannn thanks I’m dealing with the same thing. I saw this one bass player just flowing so easily on short scale bass on some really fast swing . It was like is was way easier for him he’s a big guy to like 6’5 can u send links to good short scale basses? I play for church black church at that lol so needa good one haha

[@jarneskegge]

@@stevebowen2275 me too!

[@darwinsaye]

Ugh. Judging by the first couple of minutes of the video, I’d say your take on this topic this isn’t going to be very well received. Shorter scale isn’t about “small people”. And it’s not about how cool you look on stage with a standard length bass (I’ve seen a couple of killer New Orleans bassists who happen to have huge hulking stature, and thus they absolutely dwarf the *full scale* basses in their hands - and ain’t nobody going to tell them they don’t look cool). Short scale has a different sound. The fundamental is more audibly pronounced. As bass players you should know about this. Anyway, I’ll continue the video now, but I’m telling ya, if this is the actual angle you’re going with, the comments section is going to be rough.

[@nickd.6365]

+1.... This video came across as ill informed, scant on background research & quite naive. It was also far from being objective. Maybe it was rushed out to get the clicks?

[@robertp457]

Scott was making fun of Ian who's a very tall man who loves playing short scale basses, Scott wasn't making fun of short scale basses or anyone, else, who plays them.

[@christophlucke5654]

Sorry but that was an entertaining Video. It was just FUN and you clearly see that. I got plenty of Infos and that a Short scale is small is a fact and they just joking around on this. Ian clearly is pro short scale and a good counterpart on Scotts jokes.

[@bbeneb]

I'm 6;2', 225#'s, and been playing short scale for years. I love my Mustang and the short scale bass I built on a Strat body. Hand damage took me Back from Jazz to short scale, but I love mine. Deal with it.

[@felixgrimm408]

How on earth can you talk about short scale basses and not name: Mike Watt, Tina Weymouth or Lonnie Marshall?

[@zippy8442]

kim gordon

[@thomas79marshall]

​@@zippy8442I've never seen Kim Gordon play a short scale bass.

[@zippy8442]

@@thomas79marshall musicmaster & ebo

[@thomas79marshall]

@@zippy8442 Kim Gordon is more associated with a Gibson Thunderbird definitely.

[@LCA1985]

Hello? Or Stanley Clarke? Or Evan Marien?

[@jakob1546]

My parents bought me a short scale bass when I was 11 years old. 10 years and tons of gigs later I still play it and love it.

[@GrayShadow13]

No way. A lot of bassists I know gig with short scales, and I have a short scale p bass, and a Guild Starfire II which is 31.5" I think.

[@samthebarber93]

I have an old starfire II also and the thing is an absolute low-down, dirty whore of a bass. It does soul, RnB and funk so good! My ears are salivating at thought of spanking the old girl Scrumptious!

[@TinoR626]

I've been looking for a pbass Jr.

[@ekrueger26]

The JMJ signature Fender is my dream bass right now

[@davida.v.wilson5629]

Scott's opening comment about big people playing a short scale bass could be considered highly insulting. I have sustained serious injuries in both shoulders. Reaching out to even tune a 34" (or more) bass is just not possible. Frankly, I have found it more possible to play a 32" headless bass because of damage limiting my reach. Reaching down to the butt of the bass to tune works well for me. Oh, I'm 5'10" and 220 pounds, definitely not small.

[@mattcheckleybass]

Offence is something you choose to create, it is not given to you.

[@tiltil9442]

Scott didn't make a statement about injuries, really. Listen like a musician. Closely.

[@flamingdog76]

@@mattcheckleybass absolute bullshit

[@chrispalmer9615]

You're digging a hole Scott and it seems to be getting deeper by the minute. Not good.

[@MrJesterfx]

I think it is kind of funny, that someone could think, that going with shorter scale you would loose "bass" from your sound. But it is actually opposite. You would loose clarity and high end definition. For me it turned out, that this is what I need. JMJ Mustang with flats is what I need for my music. And since I did not play a bass for 6 months before buying one, there is no weird feeling. Sure, if you play 34 scale every day for 15 years, it short scale could feel weird.

[@M2Mil7er]

Jack Bruce has chops, but I think the best thing about him is his ear, and composing skills. He made a huge impression on a lot of musos due to Cream being really heavy for the time, but his solo work is where he really shines. Some recommended tracks for Scott, or anyone who wants to check him out: Childsong, Jet Set Jewel, Mickey The Fiddler, The Best Is Still To Come, Never Tell Your Mother She's Out Of Tune, Morning Story, Folk Song, Pieces of Mind, Keep It Down, Without A Word, and How's Tricks. Some of my faves anyway. Hope you enjoy!

[@carpediemarts705]

Dang. Now I need to listen to each of these songs. Best comment in this whole thread.

[@kenkooty4889]

Learned on a bronco and always stuck with short scale. The dads love telling me to get a proper bass but rock is rock.

[@Muzikman127]

Those squire broncos are incredible value. Very playable and a lot of fun!

[@christopherbond4786]

That godamn hofner sounds like actual magic every time Ian pulls it out. It might not be versatile, but that is still my favorite bass sound period.

[@joycerichardson1810]

I have a Hofner 1962 reissue (German built) and the woody tone is magical. Strung eith Pyramid flats.

[@EliezerMercado1975]

Love the sound of the Hofner.

[@LukeMaynard]

Also, there are SO MANY "tone adjustment points" between your brain and the audience that I just do not understand people who blame any one component of that chain for their crappy sound. "Waaaah, this single coil Strat sounds like an ice pick, it's WAY too twangy." Here's a hack that will change your life: there are TWO tone knobs on a Strat for every Volume knob. You don't actually HAVE to keep them on 10 the whole time. "My Les Paul humbuckers sound too muddy." If the tone controls on a Strat were a nice surprise, you're going to FLIP when I tell you there are tone controls on a Les Paul, AND on that compressor you plug straight into, AND the overdrive pedal behind that compressor, AND distinct low, mid and high knobs on the amplifier that sits behind them on the chain. I've seen people spend $300 replacing the pickups on their guitar rather than spending 5 seconds to dial in the tone they want with a tone knob, a tiny mid adjustment on the amp, and moving their pick attack a half-inch closer to the bridge, or a half-inch farther away from it. People who want to play an electric guitar should really learn to play the whole electric guitar apparatus, not just the part of their insturment where the fretboard is. That's not just the thing in your hand that converts string vibrations into bass sound; it's every point of tonal articulation that exists along your signal path.

[@timccphoto]

I've been battling carpal tunnel issues for years and I find that I can play longer without pain on a short scale. I think the lower string tension makes a big difference. I've even tried the ukulele basses, but find the nylon strings annoying. My Mustang with P/J pickups is my go-to.

[@SO-ym3zs]

I can't count the number of people I've heard who find relief from physical problems by switching to a short scale: shoulder/neck issues, arthritis, etc. It's hardly the only thing short scales have going, but if they help alleviate/prevent/or avoid physical problems while playing, that's definitely a huge plus.

[@KhalilImani]

Stanley Clarke is 6' 3" a damn big guy and he's playing - smashing his Alembic, active 4-string short scale. How dare you guys forgot him firsthanded 😢

[@alexanderednie1205]

Jack Bruce played with Tony Williams. Get with the program Scott !

[@MonkeyKidd]

Before this video I thought these guys knew a lot about basses.. Now not so much. Primary difference between an EB0 and EB3 is the pickups. They left out Wyman, Weymouth, Steve from the Faces, and opted to include two or three no name players in their top five instead. Ernie ball music man makes an active sterling short scale.

[@levonsstuff]

So are we just gonna forget about Stanley Clark?

[@d3lt452]

They would have needed to buy an Alembic. Not gonna happen

[@guzzialfa]

They have sucked the F out of Leo for so long they can't afford (Scott's words) an Alembic. Stanley plays short scale. The Brown Bass was his when his was stolen. His signature model is based on its size and shape.

[@callingchristiano]

Is he really an important player ?!?? Don't think so ...

[@WheatMeat]

@@callingchristiano are u joking??

[@callingchristiano]

@@WheatMeat yes !! I love his work on Romantic Warrior

[@AntoshaGorelov]

What about Kubicki Ex Factor? It's 32" scale with closed clasp. You said 32 is a medium scale, and you also love Kubicki. I'm asking just to figure out if I'm a small person in your terms. Are you a small person since you love it? Or maybe we both are medium persons? 😂 I played 34" for decades until I tried my Ex Factor for the first time. It's so much more comfortable than any 34" basses, that this has become a problem. Now my body is resisting every time I took a P or J or MM. Can't help myself. I'm 178 cm tall.

[@kuramobay2445]

I don't know of any records Scott has played on 😝😝😝 but I bet almost evrybody knows a record made by short scalers such as Paul McCartney, Bill Wyman and Jack Bruce.

[@geraldfriend256]

Yep and Tina Weymouth and Stanley Clarke,Allen Woody, Mike Kerr, Mike Watt, Death From Above. Et Cetera

[@Aande40]

@@geraldfriend256 Mike Watt!

[@BayouMaccabee]

​@andreedipo6356 Yes, the spiel-meister himself. I listened to tbe entire fIREHOSE catalog again a few days ago...fantastic!

[@caesarflickerman9880]

Apparently they’re “losers”….pffft time to find another bass channel.

[@AnnaKissed36]

I'm a 53 year old 6'3" person who has physical disabilities and mobility issues. I'm trying to learn bass through SBL acadamy. I have a very cheap 34" jazz style bass and it's k1lling me. It's too heavy to set up by myself and exhausting to use, even though I'm always seated, so I've been thinking that perhaps if I win lotto, something like a fender kingman might be better. Please don't boot me from the academy Scott for considering the double whammy, short scale AND acoustic haha.

[@westleywalsh8188]

My dad moved to a Squier Mustang after 40+ years playing long scale basses professionally. That change bought him another 10 years of playing before post-polio syndrome finally drove him to retirement.

[@jeffreyskiffle5053]

I had to switch to a lightweight short scale for mobility issues and am so happy I did. Headless short scales are even easier to play.

[@BeardedDrums]

Kind of surprised at Scott for this one, not so much having a different opinion which is always welcome But I’m not sure alienating part of the base of your channel is right move. Especially the obvious contempt on his face about the topic.

[@mountbeckworth1]

He has lost me. Will unsubscribe.

[@rufusgillespie9940]

I'm a large person and I play a mustang bass, this video broke my little heart

[@jsiminski]

EB-0 has a Mudbucker pickup in neck position alone. EB-3 has the bridge mini humbucker as well.

[@juanjreyes4230]

Also, the eb0 is a short scale, eb3 is a full scale

[@ChristopheArribat]

@@juanjreyes4230 No ; there was a long-scale version of the EB-3 called the EB-3L but they didn't sell well and are very rare.

[@heinzelgruen]

Yes, this is true. I owned a EB0 once as my second bass of all (first one was a Framus J-Bass replica - and that one really sucked!). Must have been in the mid-70s and even then folks alreary made fun of short-scale bass-players: real bass-players play long-scale. So after a year or so I traded it in for an Aria Pro II Rickenbacker 4001 replica (which was not a real long-scale, either). Until today I deeply regret having gotten rid of the Gibson then.

[@64_Commuter]

Mike Watt plays a short scale. Pretty big dude. The Wattplower.

[@thefieldgeneral17]

Really surprised by Scott's take on this, almost kind of disappointing. Been waiting for a really awesome short scale video being as I just got back into bass playing again partly because of the smaller scale, and I'm not a smaller sized person.

[@DjCzubaka]

a lot of big guys play electric guitars as well, and they're as big as a short scale basses. I don't think anyone ridicules guitar players for playing 'smaller' instruments

[@SO-ym3zs]

Yeah, he definitely loses a lot of points here.

[@MC-qe5qb]

@@SO-ym3zs agreed. As a owner of two, I am disappointed

[@FromTheMosh]

It was a great vid on short scales on my opinion....at least Scott is honest about his opinion, he does like to tease but that's just how British people are haha. Gotta remember everyone has different taste.

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@FromTheMosh I think it would have been a lot more helpful and interesting if he had tried to be less humorous/jokey/mean and more objective for those who seeking useful info. You can dislike something and still make an effort to discuss it intelligently, factually, and objectively. And if you can't, recuse yourself and let the other guy handle the video solo.

[@jeffreyskiffle5053]

It felt like he was making “fun” of people whose only options are short scale or not playing at all - people with disabilities like myself. I know he was joking, but I couldn’t not feel offended and it rubbed me the wrong way. This was done in poor taste and I’m less of a SBL fan now.

[@TehDFC]

I'm more of a fan so I'm cancelling you out. He's not doing that-he also has a disability. Hope this helps.

[@jschaetz]

I'm a PJ Mustang player and 100% agree with you. Usually love their vids. No need for snobbery 😭

[@brianmeader6242]

@@TehDFCwell then you’d think at least 1 of them would have identified that as hardly an insignificant “pro”.

[@TheMahaffeymg]

I just got a JMJ and it's quickly becoming my go-to bass.

[@GogOtHeCaT15]

Same, got a JMJ as I'm coming from a guitar back ground and it's been a really fun bass to play with. It just needed a set up because out of the box the intonation and string hight was off

[@mehAudio]

It‘s on my shortlist. Just has more oomph than the more precise 34“.

[@jschaetz]

Just got a PJ Mustang, I love it so far!

[@sergiofahrer8051]

Stanley Clarke has been playing Alembic short scale basses since 1973. I guess it shouldn't be that bad, you think? 😂

[@sergiofahrer8051]

Stanley Clarke, it’s not a small guy? Is he? 😂

[@sergiofahrer8051]

Stanley Clarke is not a small guy right ? He is playing an Alembic short scale base since 1973. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ArleyMcBlain]

Lots of Vulfpeck recorded on a super-shortscale 28" mini Pbass (eg. Birds of a Feather, Running Away, My First Car, a lot of Sauna). My son has the Squier version and it's truly incredible, sounds and feels better than a lot of much more expensive instruments, go figure.

[@CynaYoingco-yn3wh]

I’m a beginner bass player only been playing for a year and a half. I am only 5’1” tall my arms are proportionate to my height I have short scale bass due to my physical stature and small hands. I have a Hofner bass and Squire Bronco bass. I also have a full size p-bass which I also love because of the variety of tones which are so different from my short scale basses. Please don’t discount the short scales they have their place for people like me.

[@sambedingfield784]

Jmj (for me and my generation) taught me that if you just own it, own your thing whatever it is, you can MAKE it cool.

[@rbranhamjrify]

This was great. Being a person of small stature, I am grateful that they make short scale basses. The one I am learning on is 28.5 scale length, and fits my tiny hands. Big shoutout to SBL helping me along my journey!

[@carpediemarts705]

Ibanez Mikro rules!

[@charleskilo4383]

A fun hack, if you detune a standard scale length bass a whole step and then capo at the 2nd fret, you end up back at standard tuning and are very close to a 30" scale length for the more compact fret spacing but you can use whatever bass you want. I've been using a Mustang as my main bass for about a year now and while I love the shorter spacing between frets and the comfortable reach everywhere on the neck, what's actually been a real annoyance is finding strings that fit right for the short scale length. I've tried several different brands who offer specific short scale string sets and it's really hit or miss if the taper at the end of the strings will actually line up properly and I usually end up having to unwind it myself to get the strings to work, mostly the low E. That tends to result in less than ideal tuning stability which I wasn't expecting before the purchase.

[@joycerichardson1810]

Try LaBella Deep-Talking flats specifically for Mustang short scales.

[@roughpuppies1690]

This is an awesome trick I just discovered the other day! It's a great way to see what a short scale would sound like with no other variables changed. When I did it to my bass, it sounded great and played way easier, slapped easier too because the strings were more slack. It made me really want to get a short scale bass. Personally I think my slap bass sounded way better when I made the scale shorter, at least on my bass.

[@siliconcarne2598]

It really depends what kind of Mustang you're playing. If it's a string-thru-body like the JMJ, MIJs or vintage models you should pick medium scale strings - personally I like flats and use LaBella 760F-MUS and Thomastik-Infeld JF-324 on my Mustangs. With non-string-thru-body models you should be good to go with short scale strings.

[@m.stewart8094]

Ian needs his own channel.

[@jeffmuck7970]

I’ll never get over Mike Kerr playing a $300 bass in front of huge crowds. (I mean this positively. It’s awesome.)

[@thierry18]

I bought one because I saw him playing it, I picked mine up for just under $200. It's an amazing instrument, and not just for the price. It has a very unique sound but it works great in many contexts

[@jeffmuck7970]

@@thierry18 Same and I like it a lot. Would only change some of the hardware. I’d like to upgrade the bridge first because that gives me some problems.

[@WilDBeestMF]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with playing an inexpensive instrument. People need to get over the price of things, and use their ears and their sense of musicianship. That's why he plays it. It looks cool, it feels good, and it sounds really good. Its cost is unimportant - to everyone but you guys.

[@jeffmuck7970]

@@WilDBeestMF I think it’s awesome he does it. Didn’t mean it in a negative way. Most players would act too good for it.

[@YTPartyTonight]

If it’s a good one then it is. A $3,000 basses can be dogs too. $30K basses-same.

[@ckelly5141]

Scott is so self conscious that he can’t even bring himself to wear a short scale bass for this video.😝🎸

[@clcortelyou]

I started on a used 1963 EB-0 in 1978 as a high school freshman. It had a beautiful neck, typical of the Gibsons of its day. I turned it into my own version of Lee Sklar's Frankenstein - hacking in a DiMarzio Model-P, adding a Badass II bridge and replacing the nylon wrapped flats with Rotosounds, all to get some treble and mid into that thing. I am probably guilty of desecration in all of that. The day I bought my first long-scale bass, in 2001, was a day of pure joy.

[@sharancogzell2228]

This video is very disappointing, narrow-minded and quite frankly disrespectful coming from you Scott... not your normal balanced view. If the esteemed, super tall, Stanley Clarke chose to play an Alembic short scale bass as his main bass, speaks for itself.

[@jesserobinson20]

I started playing short scale when my shoulders began to really fail me. I play a Sire U5. I also use a Boss OC-5 to add just a touch of up octave. I really enjoy the tone.

[@virgilrytaar9083]

This is the 1st of your videos that I've disagreed about almost everything. 2 men that share a face and know very little about the Beatles. I'll continue to search for the upper 'horn' on my violin bass so I can attach the sticker that came with my Fender Bassman

[@rkharper]

Scott couldn't be any wronger with his cons. Seriously.... They don't feel crap, they don't sound only tubby, there are modern active shorties (Alembic, Ibanez, etc).... And they fucking don't look stupid. Get of your high horse, will ya?

[@jasondorsey7110]

The P-bass Mafia

[@anthonyf4439]

30” scale basses do indeed “feel crap” and “sound tubby”. Lol

[@oskareriksson9150]

Listen to "Crossroads" live at Winterland 1968 or Frank Zappa's "Apostrophe' and tell me that Jack Bruce can't play. I DARE you Scott!

[@B0BHW]

Stanley Clarke. He plays a short scale bass. An Alembic short scale. And I don't think he looks stupid. As for the sheer tone and style of playing he gets out of that thing...

[@vinceasmith]

I feel disheartened by this conversation. As a mere covers band player in UK pubs, I got a short scale for the sheer physical reasons of having so little space, and not want to either "tap" my headstock on a wall, or smack the singer, etc. The 30" scale made it much more appropriate for those gigs where space was a premium. I went with a Vox Airstream Artist which comes with a Gotoh bridge and machine heads and a Aguilar active EQ and (musicman-style) humbucker pickup. It's been great to play. I did consider the Sterling short-scale, the Nordstrand "cat", Gretsch basses. But the Vox was a great price. I also know someone with the Sandberg Lionel - they are happy with that. On a negative that you didn't mention, was strings - there are much fewer choices of strings.

[@MrLouisianaHayride]

A shoulder issue is what got me into short scales. Btw they don't all sound tubby. A reverse P pickup will do wonders when it comes to a tighter sound more like a normal P bass.

[@nickvigneaux6868]

You guys lost me as a fan. I played a stingray in the 80’s, a Rick in the 90’s, a T-40 in the 2000’s, and in 2024 with my 61 year old arthritic hands I play an American performer Mustang bass and it’s absolutely amazing. Scott’s constant jabs at short scales is so deflating. Why go there? So sad.

[@daynmitchell7543]

I’ve been playing bass for like 20 years. I’m decent but nothing special I just enjoy playing. I’ve recently fell in love with short scale basses! I have a squire rascal now I’m getting a sire u5 next. I may switch my entire setup to short scale. And I’m 6’3 300 pound gentleman. Do I look a little funny…yes lol. But it feels good and that’s all that matters!

[@Davey-Boyd]

I have a Squire Rascal, it's my current fave bass. And size wise it's huge for a short scale!

[@daynmitchell7543]

@@Davey-Boyd the fedax guys walked across my box so I did need to setup my rascal a little bit. But after that a great bass with a super fat sound! And yes I’m shock by the size, it won’t even fit into most of my cases

[@lealoop]

One more thing: the Gibson Les Paul was designed by a 5'5 tall man and it suits people of that height. But has that ever stopped taller guys playing them?

[@xiancode3682]

Rumored for the next NAMM - Fander Monster Mega King Kömpenzætör Gigantor Bass. Body: old growth redwood stump cross sections, lightly rasped, not sanded. Neck: reclaimed telephone poles, half sawn, unfinished, with original, relic, creosote still present. Low E string: actual reworked suspension bridge cable. Frets: 30d nails. 84" scale. 154lbs (without strings). Tuners: Repurposed Nautical Winches. 12 HammerBucker pickups. 44 strings play subsonically.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Guaranteed to help anyone's shaky self esteem, provided they can lift it!

[@carpediemarts705]

Puff puff pass bro

[@chrischiarcos3175]

Damn dudes, came out swingin on the short scale bass players. I really love your channel, but damn, thats some listening with your eyes shit right there!

[@simonpetersonmusic]

BTW! Tim Lefebvre has a signature active 5-string (30") short scale with Maurizio Über! Fodera are 30.75" or 31" depending on the number of strings.

[@NVaughan81]

Late to the party but Scott's just taking the piss, short scales are amazing and he knows it.

[@YTPartyTonight]

Holger Czukay, Richard Hell, Wyman, Weymouth-Mustang players. I see a lot of fellow Watt fans here.

[@shanechasse2687]

You guys are usually spot on and I enjoy your videos… have to say you missed this one by not including the great Stanley Clarke and his Alembic short scale. I also have a short scale EBMM Stingray which is awesome.

[@kurtohnehelm6589]

I think it's important to find an instrument the player feels comfortable with. And if that's a shortscale with a big fat mudbucker or a 6 string fanfret with active electronics then that's totally fine. Since Ian became part of the channel I started watching some stuff from time to time as I think that Ian has great charisma and is an even better teacher that will prob help you become the player you want to be and play in a way that feels right for you. That said, I am a huge guy. Tall and heavy. I love shortscales.

[@MrBasso69]

I was never interested in short scales. Until I saw JMJ and Thom Yorke with a Mustang. Great sound and i love the looks. After 2 wrist surguries the Mustang is certainly my go-to bass now. I have seen better SBL-vids guys...the first part was lame. Macho crap. And i love Jack Bruce, especially his writing and singing. On the fretless, however,he was often out of tune. His first solo albums are classics.

[@Seanwins]

Pfffft... I'm 6'5" and I love my short-scale. Some people care more about appearances though, like an idiot who would pay a ton of $$$ to have something reliced.

[@ArthurPerez-t2e]

Look how Scott rocks out to Wichita Lineman but he doesn’t get Cream

[@killurtv319]

Mike Watt’s Wattplower2 is an amazing bass!

[@randallsmith7885]

I am a 70 year old beginning guitar player who just got turned on to the idea of trying bass. Something about it just speaks to my soul. Soaking up knowledge - shopping soon. Thank you so much gentlemen!

[@BarefacedAudio]

Shortscale basses are really misunderstood! They don’t work for what I need 99% of the time but they definitely have a place - they sound different and play different. You can get a good idea of what a shortscale is like by tuning your 34” bass down by a whole step (2 semitones), putting a capo on the 2nd fret and playing everything two frets higher. That pushes the pickups a bit more neckwards (so even bassier / less bright) but it’s still a really good way to hear how the scale length changes the envelope of all the harmonics within the note.

[@wetzles]

I agree with everyone else chiming in. You should have taken a more serious approach to short scale. These instruments are just as legitimate the 34. Forget the big hands or looks like a toy. Wind players play sopranino to contrabass instruments with no problem. Take a more mature approach to your future subjects.

[@johngpendleton]

You missed the Danelectro Longhorn -- unique, classic sound from those lipstick tubes.

[@harrybrooks8514]

The EB3 had 2 pickups and a multi-position dial switch. Neck p/u was the same old “mud bucker”, and the bridge p/u was a “mini” humbucker much like the current SG Bass. It also had an adjustable bridge, unlike the EB0. I rebuilt one in 1982, rewound the p/us and found a better bridge. Got rid of that selector switch too; it was way too noisy. Mini toggles were quieter. I kick myself for having sold it.

[@Ugh_Ew]

It’s wild to me that neither of them knew the difference between the EB-0 and EB-3. Maybe it’s because I put a lot of research into the instrument I want 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@SO-ym3zs]

Pros: * Generally smaller and lighter, so easier on the shoulder/thigh, and well suited to anyone with a smaller stature, though perfectly playable by larger folks. I've heard lots of players with arthritis or other physical setbacks say that short-scales are easier for them, too. * Different sound: more thump, less chime * Easier for guitarists doubling on bass or switching to bass * Easier/more comfortable to play because of the narrower fret spacing and reduced string tension (easier to bend strings, too) Cons: * Harder to detune without string flop or intonation issues * Fewer options to choose from in a world (sadly) dominated by 34"s * If you build muscle memory on a 30", switching to a 34" and back again can be weird, but that has nothing to do with the short scale per se Not a con: how it looks. Unless you have some weird self-esteem hangup, where you have to play a huge instrument, playing a slightly smaller bass won't look strange--certainly no stranger than the millions playing electric guitars, which are even smaller--let alone mandolins, ukuleles, violins, etc.

[@JoshMorrisey]

I’m 6’1”, 200lbs and I’m a short scale convert. My ‘76 Musicmaster with a swapped McNelly pickup and my ‘70 Ampeg Dan Armstrong are my current favorites. I agree the stigma is silly snobbishness. Reminds me of the picking Vs finger style stupidness. It’s just another way to play bass.

[@TheMahaffeymg]

I'm surprised that Nick Campbell isn't on the list. He's the reason I started looking at short scale basses and he's and absolute MONSTER player.

[@michabigulak19]

At the start of the video I was looking in chapters on timeline if Nick is mentioned :D First thing I did.

[@rmorris8544]

Is this in addition to his Radio 5 duties 🤣

[@emdiar6588]

Well Scott, everyone is entitled to their opinions. That doesn't mean those opinions aren't total shite, as you so perfectly demonstrate, time after time after time..