Multi-Scale vs Standard Scale

[@WillardTurner]

I've been waiting for a good direct comparison video for standard and multiscale basses, and this one is it! Thanks so much for putting this together.

[@TacticalHyena]

its literally the perfect side-by-side aint it

[@miguelfernandes333]

brother, they aren't even using the same strings.

[@reneebear3641]

@@miguelfernandes333 Different strings wouldn’t make that much difference

[@TacticalHyena]

which string brand offers the same set in both balanced tension and parallel tension sets@@miguelfernandes333

[@MichaelEMJAYARE]

That multi scale was SO much less muddy. Amazing.

[@LCA1985]

I wouldnt call that muddy but mid-rangey which imo sounds and cuts thru the mix better. I like the 5th string more on the multiscale tho.

[@chromakey84]

I agree

[@seppoinnanen5577]

35" scale Spectors sound anything but muddy.

[@GODenWord]

But maybe you want mudy sound. Personaly i do.

[@spongesurf]

@@GODenWord This. Besides the string tension factor. The sounds are totally different. You will never get a multiscale to sound like a regular scale bass and vice versa. The ideal case scenario is to have one of each just like guitarists have more than one depending on what sounds they want in their arsenal. Otherwise, if you can just get one...grab the one that fits the genre you will be playing the most. I currently have a Musicman Bongo 5 so I am aiming to get a multiscale bass for downtuned metal fun.

[@edenite]

This is without a doubt the best Multi vs standard scale comparison I've seen in a long time. Props for doing the non-conventional genres as well 👏👏

[@metalheads-golf]

Agreed 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@domboy666]

Creedence on a multiscale active spector with a darkglass preamp is the joyous internet event of the week I didn't know I needed. Love your work dude.

[@johnnymartini5434]

Am I wrong, or is it Josh playing? Nevertheless, great job with demo's and review!

[@TacticalHyena]

also to the spector social media manager reading this comment, make a 6 string dimension - i dare you

[@jonsidell3338]

Double dog dare ya.

[@ryangoodrow8829]

@@jonsidell3338triple dog dare

[@BoomstickNick88]

Quadruple dog dare

[@TheBassChannel]

I’m just gonna skip ahead and get right to it…sextuple dog dare

[@jordancrawford8010]

JUST DO IT ALREADY

[@DasherWilcox]

The pickup positions are different too, which definitely has an impact.

[@Malandro99]

Exactly! changing pickups positions can change the overall Bass tone,dynamics and modulation. this can "bring back to life" a muddy B string.

[@codyhansonbass]

​@@Malandro99modulation?

[@Malandro99]

@@codyhansonbass its a bit harder to explain but think about it like a wah pedal fixed at some point of the expression pedal. that happen when you change pickup position or make weird coil mixes.

[@Malandro99]

affecting the pressence of other strings. sometimes can "mute" or alter the ring of notes, giving a character that can be mid rangy, treble, deep or even "gutural" like those talk effect pedals

[@Malandro99]

adding a bit of Drive and then some EQ can reinforce and exalt that given character.

[@robertkerr9738]

You’re messing with my brain with your perfect video transitions making it look like the bass is morphing back and forth! Well played! 😂

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I know man! I thought I was on shrooms lmao

[@BoomstickNick88]

Chris does a killer job with these edits!

[@davedixon2167]

That's why Chris is a videographer for hire as his regular job, too, and not just for the channel!

[@jonfs2000]

with audio in perfect sync

[@OfficialSpector]

Really cool hearing these back to back, get video as always! 🤘

[@BoomstickNick88]

Thank you kindly! We were stoked to do this

[@petertrotman7708]

Mind blown. I thought the multi scale was just for aesthetics but it makes logical sense. You can immediately hear the weight and tone of the low B which means there's less to do EQ wise. I was always disappointed with 5 string bass reviews because they hardly ever play the low B. I will be trying a few before making a purchase. Thanks for this.

[@57precision]

The other benefit is the higher strings are warmer without being shrill. It's almost as if each string has a separate EQ, very striking to hear in person.

[@MitchAlltogether85]

The pickups are also further from the bridge on the lower strings which probably gives it more of that bass you’re hearing. I usually have a slight neck pickup bias with pickups in a jazz bass configuration, so having that essentially baked in is awesome for me.

[@charlesmwolf]

yeah, its mostly aesthetics for 'guitars' but its got a very practical purpose for 'basses'

[@transcendkira]

The multiscale was clearer in tone across notes, especially in a mix, but there's also still a lot appealing (and perhaps nostalgic) about the tones of the standard. It is what we've been playing music off of for decades so it works because it is. Great comparison, I think I've gleaned some interesting insights from this. Been wanting multiscale for a long time, but I don't think I'll ever abandon either and instead consider them situationally. Both variants are great.

[@BFelix1776]

Excellent demo. I'm actually really shocked how different they sound.

[@Durkhead]

I wonder if it's finger placement that's making a difference, cause on the short scale his fingers are closer to the bridge which would make it sound brighter

[@nejmsornejm2973]

@@Durkhead that, and the fact that the pickups on a multiscale aren't as slanted as they should be (it's like if on a parallel-fret bass the bass side of the pickups was closer to the fretboard, like a telecaster bridge pickup). Also, aside from the slant, bridge pickup on a multiscale seems to be relatively closer to the fretboard

[@57precision]

no, the fanned frets really do make that big of a difference. Once you play one in person you'll understand. @@Durkhead

[@Durkhead]

@57precision fan frets make a bass sound deeper with less high end?

[@57precision]

@@Durkhead the best way I can describe it is each string has an identical timbre as compared to a traditional bass. The B has defined overtones while the G is warmer and not shrill. The E also sounds phenomenal on these basses as it has more overtones than what we are used to hearing.

[@ianboylan1981]

I'm a lefty myself and I've wanted a multiscale bass for the last few years. I finally pulled the trigger on getting a custom made one from a local luthier. This comparison video proves I made the correct choice. The difference is night and day. I will probably turn my other 5 string into a High C strung bass.

[@Daihyama]

Dingwall have most of their model for lefty :) (even the Combustion series)

[@rainbowslushy223]

doing the high c 5 string is so much fun i used to play in drop b with a 5 it was kind of the best of both worlds having the low notes but still having a xtra high string B F# B E A

[@CPurdiePlays]

Ok, I'm sold on multi scale now. Thought it was a gimmick but never had any one explain it's purpose. Makes total sense now. Thanks for the great video.

[@M.Holland]

Just got my first MS few months ago. Recorded and gigged the hell out of it. Metal, pop, HipHop… the later two FoH guys were like: “eww, dude… that’s a metal thing only…” After the gigs they loved it so much. Same goes for the recording. Btw…it’s a Dingwall NG3 In gold. Never go back, unless it’s like a blues gig or something…

[@rl-ub9hx]

Great demonstration bro! I've had a few Dingwalls, my first MS was an EHB which I still play all the time, and I had the LTD1004ms and a kiesel 35-33ms. The 37" B is so far ahead for clarity than a 35" and I love it for clean tones. With some overdrive or fuzz I can pretty well replicate tones regardless of the bass in my hands. I do still prefer playing the EHB or even Kiesels MS for speed and comfort. My main fiver is actually a parallel fret 35" with an amazing B with all the bell like tone. I completely agree with you as far as playing 37"Ms in a live setting, they just carve out their place and present better in the mix.

[@johalareewi]

I always thought the lower strings on a multiscale bass would sound more bassy and clearer vs a normal bass. Thank you for your video. Multiscale 5 string on my wishlist.

[@lltoolbox]

What a great video. So well done. If I hadn't already gone multi-scale, this video would have pushed me there. I've owned tons of different 5 string makes and I was never truly happy with the B string. I had one Modulus that came the closest to being okay. The day that my first Dingwall arrived was a revelation. I don't even use the B string on my other 5's now. It's just too disappointing. It's not just the open B, but all the way up to about the 7th fret is so great sounding. The E string is also much better than any bass I've owned. Once I yanked the Tone Capsule out, I was even happier.

[@tonycarel1785]

I love the multiscale I own an Ibanez BTB 806 MS getting used to the angled frets was not difficult at all. I do have a suggestion I have challenged myself to learn to play with tight latex gloves and my string's new sound lasts forever. Simply because the oils from my hands do not get on the strings therefore keeps them fresh you should try it

[@martinfay7274]

It would take some serious heavy duty machinery to prise my Dingwall from my cold dead fingers. Love the transitions on the video man!

[@sv7017]

Love the sound of the multiscale. Its almost like the strings are tonal more together.

[@Upsetkiller456]

crazy how much of a sound difference they actually have, I think Multiscale is something I will have to go with next.

[@OrganicFaithFactory]

Thanks to your comparisons, I can hear clearly the fanned bass sound much better

[@bassislife-trh]

I have a Dingwall Combustion 5/3 that I absolutely love. One thing I've never seen addressed in multi scale review videos is right hand technique. When you play in one spot on the low B and move toward the G string without moving you hand toward the neck, you end up playing much closer to the bridge on the G string, giving it a thinner tonality. Fortunately for me, I use floating thumb technique, so I'm able to move my right hand toward the neck easily as I move to the higher pitched strings. I try to follow the angle of the pickups so I keep some evenness in my plucking hand. Great comparison video.

[@LeoMilani7]

I would never imagine the difference was so clear!

[@ShredAimlessly92]

I’ve tried a couple but they’re few and far between at my local shops. They feel great though, and remind me of those “balanced tension” string sets like D’Addario makes. The even response is amazing. I wish companies would be less afraid to make multi scale five strings in the $400-$800 range and make them popular enough to dedicated support from string manufacturers.

[@unboundaura8770]

I play a multiscale 6 string tunes F#, B, E, A, D, G, and I love it. Honestly feels weird playing regular scale basses now, and even with a more as low as F# I still get clarity. For low tunings, multiscale is the way

[@RavencoreLZR]

Best comparison video I've seen in a while.. and educational too.

[@ruslanshalintsev4793]

Multiscale: Sold! I really do like "hear" the tension and the harmonics of the B string.

[@francescomatteovalerio5598]

Wow what a detailed comparison, i love the multiscale and for me look also better than standard 34 scale

[@seppoinnanen5577]

That "standard" Spector is 35"

[@henryeowens]

The standard scale is muddy enough that a few times it was hard for me to pick out the note. The multi-scale was clear every time. It was easier to hear the fundamental. The difference isn’t huge, but enough that it would noticeably affect a recording.

[@bm3410]

To me, the difference is ASTRONOMICAL.

[@RadityoPramAdi]

man that multiscale Spector is killer ! sounds amazing !!

[@klaymeister]

Nick! This is the best color finish for these basses

[@BoomstickNick88]

The purple is cool and phonky but I LOVE that silver color

[@klaymeister]

@BoomstickNick88 definitely not a bad color option

[@basshero148]

Skibidi

[@darlyngton_nyc]

Stringjoy makes custom gauge sets for bass and guitar, and I like how the basses morphed into each other.

[@barondavis5692]

Nice comparison. I can really hear the difference.

[@jeremyhancock203]

Thanks so much for taking the time to do such a comprehensive vid on these basses 👍

[@xix1x]

this is perfect comparison. thank you.

[@ogloc6308]

Upgrading from an ibanez sr506 (standard scale) to an ibanez btb806ms (multiscale 37” low end) next week. Super hyped to hear/feel the difference after watching this video.

[@Akirecek]

The tone is clearer on the multiscale, but the standard is so much more musical. It bubbles and vibrates differently on each string, the multiscale is just a consistent tone, sounds more like a bass synth than a warm bass tone

[@rodhutchinson205]

This is a great video. This exactly the kind of comparison I was looking for. I had incorrectly equated multi scale with modern metal. You did an great job demonstrating the instruments in other styles.

[@starthislez143]

The editing is very funny makes it look it that the bass is transforming lol

[@Lowtone76]

Excellent comparison between the two models. Well done! I’ve got a black Dimension HP on order and cannot wait to get it! Spector has ruled since the early ‘80’s!

[@erikpeterson778]

This really seals the deal for me. I'm getting one of these before the end of the year if they manage to show up in Europe. That Spector growl is even growlier with multiscale 🤤 Regarding strings I find that stainless steel has the most options. DR XL-scale, for example, are 40" long.

[@icecold337]

They are both gorgeous basses and they both sound awesome 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@adamrushka8096]

Love the dimension basses. Wish they came with EMGs when i bought mine.

[@MarcRocka]

Wow .. what a difference in the sound!

[@Hansreinaaa]

Very good comparison! I think, they both have great B-strings and this means something.

[@basementstudio7574]

The B string on my Spector Euro 5LX leaves nothing to be desired IMO but the multi scale in this video was better than the standard. Also an Elixir user here. Love those strings.

[@quickwashtheraccoon7601]

Thank you for the review. Sometimes fanned fret is better. Sometimes normal frets. It depends on the Situation. Thank you ! Best

[@user-ff3zk6oc2u]

I purchased my Spector Dimension 5 in March of 23. I've been playing 4-string standard for 30+ years and I wanted a 5 to get those low notes. I played several brands before deciding on the Spector. It just felt good, sounds great, and multiscale provides more clarity. A multiscale is probably not for everyone as the instrument needs to fit comfortably. Everything he says in this video, both pros and cons I absolutely agree with after playing mine for several months. One thing he did not mention is that my bass stays in tune much better than a standard. I sure it has everything to do with the string tension. I hit my strings hard, but it stays in tune. I have a little bit smaller hands than average and the multiscale ergonomics work very well for me. It took me about 10 minutes to get used to the angled frets. If you're thinking about a multiscale, find a couple to play before you purchase.

[@Kcducttaper1]

I've got a 35" Schecter Stiletto and also a 34" - 36" Schecter Stiletto. Tonal wise, they sound identical, but the 36" low B does, in fact, sound tighter and fuller than the 35" B. However, this video also shows a tonality change that I don't have on my Schecters. The 35" model's tone overall just sounds more "burpy" and the multi-scale sounds more well-rounded, but clear. I think there's more going on than just scale length in this vid, but I'm not sure what other than perhaps strings or maybe the EQ knobs got bumped on one of them...? Edit: I bet it's the pickup location relative to the string. The 35" pickups are just overall closer to the bridge than the multi-scale. On the 35", you can see there's about an inch or an inch and a half from the bridge contact point to the beginning of the pickup on all 5 strings. On the multi-scale, there looks to be a solid 2 or even 3 inches between the bridge contact point and the bridge pickup.

[@osXcanada]

I purchased the Dimension 5 String 10 months ago, and although the Fishman electonics is good, it has nothing on my regular 5 String Spector Euro with the tone pump. I find that I have to turn up my amp to almost twice the volume when using the Dimension to reach the same sound level as my Euro. In my world, good is the enemy of great! So I am in the process of changing out the pickups for some EMG’s. For the first 3 or 4 months when playing the Dimension, the low B,C, and D notes would really surprise me with their clarity and character. Unfortunately, I am getting used to it. Now when I play my Euro 5 string and hitting those same low notes, it almost feels like the notes are not in tune. When the day comes that I have Spector build me an instrument, I will request that it be a multi-scale. Oh, by the way, the quality of the Dimension instrument, is excellent. The neck is also thinner than my Euro. One small caveat, the tuning pegs could of been better. They feel really cheap. Perhaps I should make a KZbin video.

[@alyxgonzales]

amazing comparison, did not think it would make such a massive difference

[@avalerionbass]

Mutliscale is the CLEAR winner in tone! Love to see another company other than Dingwall hit the 37" scale for the low B

[@CellarStudioProductions]

I own two five-string-basses. the first one was a cheap standard scale model. the multi-scale bass cost 5 times as much - so that's gonna factor into my perception of my instruments. nonetheless: the ergonomics and acoustic properties of the multi-scale 5-string are a joy to have at your disposal. 100% satisfied with making that purchase.

[@mertthebass]

Amazing comparison! Thanks a lot, now i have to change my bass to a multiscale😅

[@edstubranton]

I personally think that most of the tonal difference between the multiscale and the regular version is due to Josh hitting the strings further away from the bridge compared to where he hits the string on the regular version since a bigger part of the string is in the back while the pickups stay in the same position relative to the neck. The difference, at least what I could hear, wasn't all that pronounced on the more gentle playing that Nick did...so while I think that there probably is a difference I really think that the benefit of an even string tension across all strings is in my opinion the main reason to buy a multiscale bass. But as Nick mentioned, buying or rather finding strings that actually are long enough, limits your choices to what brands you can use...also they tend to be more expensive than regular strings. So you have higher regular expenses and you have to (maybe) play a brand of strings that you don't want to use. But I really like the look of theses basses, so they got that going for them.

[@rodshop5897]

Until I saw this video, I didn't realize how much I was missing it. I thought that the multi-scale instrument was clearly different sounding, and your wide range of music styles showed how it can really shine with the right music. In the piece you played starting at about 7:20, I thought that the standard scale instrument actually sounded better in that A/B comparison. I have 2 different standard scale 5 strings, and now I may need to add a multi-scale to the mix. Next, maybe try out a super long scale? I see some videos of a 39" scale 4 string...

[@DangableQ]

I’ve been playing a multi scale bass regularly for about a year. I love the even response across all strings and registers. I especially love what it does for the clarity of the low-B. To me, multi scale makes cleaner and smoother overall tone great for more modern styles.

[@blix666]

Great comparison. I only recently just played my first multi-scale and it's great. Very noticeable sound difference. Sidenote, I'm pretty certain that scale length is measured from the fingerboard side of the nut to the center of the 12th fret and then multiplying that value by 2 and not from nut to bridge. edit: added the note of multiplying by 2, figured it was obvious...

[@BassUnderCover]

Then youre certainly wrong

[@totefrosh]

Yes, 12th x 2 == fretboard edge of nut to bridge saddle position. 34 scale measures 17 to 12th fret and same to the nominal bridge location. I've made a few and that's how it's done.

[@robjgolde3221]

Right off the bat in that intro, my first thought was “damn, that low B on the multi-scale sounds fantastic”

[@psychotikpaisano]

Thanks for the deep dive brother 😎

[@bagasbangsawan3863]

the multiscale really amazing. you can hear that tone really smoother than the regular scale and the sustain more consisten.

[@johndavy3073]

That was great dude!

[@fernandoalonso9867]

Such an educational video! great job guys!

[@connorfitzgerald7063]

Wow, I always knew that this made sense on a conceptual level, but hearing the difference on the low b is crazy

[@mauricemusician7636]

Pickups are not in the same location, also. Look at how close the bridge pickup is to the B saddle between them.

[@telecasterbear]

My fulltime basses are a 68 and a 73-telecaster bass. I use Labella 45-105 flats, strung through body. I love the tension and sound of the A string. The open E is sometimes lost in the mix. Never have I played a multi scale. I do like a single pickup passive bass.

[@nischalofchrist]

Kudos to you for this Comparison. I have Searched many times for fan fretted bass vs normal bass. But Couldn't find a proper one. Thanks

[@Crispy_Music_2024]

I could definitely hear a significant difference on that low string between the two scale lengths.

[@rhysbooth4842]

Love my ibanez btb805ms got it a couple months back and its my go to every time i want to play

[@atquinn1975]

Didn't expect to hear Pagans Mind this morning. Nice!

[@TexturaI]

Useful video. I've had a 5-string bass, but I got rid of it because it just felt like sometimes the B string wasn't there. Hearing a multiscale makes it sound audible. I am going to be building a bass because I can't afford a good multiscale lol. Wish me luck 👍

[@SeenAsTheAlpha]

It's hard to capture how good multiscale feels to play in video, the slight angle of the frets fits the natural position of the wrist way better, and the tension feels perfect string to string

[@mtczrnk]

Aside from audible, yet not shocking differences in tone and clarity - additional tension on the lower string slightly increases the relief on the bass side of the neck and encourages droptuning. Can affect the ease of playing chords in both directions, depending on chord shape and neck region. Still, should be a new standard for basses

[@drewsmithbass]

Pretty much completely agree. Worst apart about fanned fret life is having to pay £44 for a set of strings! I also agree about the frets up high being more difficult but I also don't spend much time up there. For B I feel like a 35 inch does the trick, comparing this to a 34 inch would have been night and day (I know Spector don't do many 34 inch basses so this comparison if fair enough). When going to A and below though, 37 is the absolute way! Good to see Nick back too xxx

[@fynn7972]

I didn't expect itto make such a big difference. Tjhnks for the education.

[@lehardeu]

that jam around 10 min sounds like " like a tattoo - sade " love that vibe

[@pdornai]

Damn it now I need a multi scale

[@ianantunez5104]

i don't think that this is a 100% fair comparison because the pickup placement between both basses are different. overall you get the point, great video

[@terrygrady8413]

I have a Court A5 Beyond multiscale. I love it, sounds and feels great.

[@evil-um4yi]

Great comparison video!

[@juanjan__]

the Bad Moon Rising moment at 2:48 was VERY unexpected 😂😂

[@skylerrizzi]

They both sounded good but I preferred the sound of the non multiscale. The bridge pickup being a little further away from the bridge on the multiscale made it sound not as good in my opinion, especially on the metal tracks

[@rcb_matt]

I looked at the Spector multi-scale for months. I loved the look and all the reviews seemed spot on to what I was looking for. One thing that always got me, whether it was a jazz V, stingray 5, Ibanez 5.. just about any 5 string I have tried... the B just never sounded clear. So to me, unless I was at the 5th fret or up, the B just didn't work. A buddy sold me a Dingwall ABZ 5. I love the B string now, from open string all the way up. Now I just have to work on getting used to the fanned frets.

[@paramourcat]

I have an Ibanez SRMS805 that I love and use all the time. I haven't had any trouble finding strings, but it's only a 34-35.5" scale so I guess it's less of an issue. I have never really tried to buy flats or tapes before either, until I got a fretless recently, but it's a standard length 4 string. The comparison was cool. Sounds so much better to me, I'm not sure I would ever buy a non-multiscale 5 string honestly.

[@dernicolas6281]

Great comparison. You can obviously hear string change on the fanned fret bass far better. Same problem as with the dingwalls.. Both of them sound nice though.

[@W7RSON]

Multi scale is way crispier! Thank you for the amazing demonstration!

[@EddieOtool]

OK. That is usefull information. If ever I get that 7 string guit I fancy, I will make sure it's fanned.

[@kaedeschulz5422]

Also the strings are different. The difference is INSANE wow!

[@JoshuaLTRyan]

Nice! Great demo. this drives home my desire for my next bass to be a multi scale bass.

[@abouc]

I'd like a 4-string multiscale that works well with BEAD tuning.

[@Facu_Roldan]

Dingwall used to offer their 4 strings d-roc bass tuned like that, and they even gave you a capo so you could have a standard EADG tuning by putting it on the 5th fret.

[@comadivine18]

Spector makes this same bass (as well as the non-HP model with Fishman Fluence pickups instead of EMG's) as a 4-string MS that I'm sure you could setup for B-E-A-D.

[@FollowerofBodom]

The multiscale's bridge pickup is further away from the bridge/higher up the scale than the standard bass, resulting in a more bottom heavy, scooped midrange, combined with higher tension just results in a more tight low end.

[@John-mu4py]

I like these flat-wounds best, they sound great on my both of my fretless 5 Stringers. Ernie Ball 2816 Regular Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Guitar Strings - .045-.130 5-string

[@Amateurreviews]

Casually plays the breakdown of in waves by trivium and plays bad moon rising right afterwards. Got me good

[@nealeystudios1917]

Love the video. I have a multiscale 9 string guitar; Legator ninja. It took me no time to get used to the feel of the frets and the tension on each string is awesome. My 8 string isn't a multiscale and the low string gets muddy, however my 9 string doesn't get that way because of the multiscale scale

[@ppal9963]

I really dig the multi-scale bass for the lower register of the instrument, but trying to solo in the upper register can be quite confusing and disorienting

[@christianpaulroldan4010]

That bass sounds so good multi scale

[@georgyj111111]

Wow, huge difference!

[@tiptopflipflop7991]

Multiscale definitely cuts through the mix more with that extra clarity.

[@fretnation]

Great video! When hit comes to strings, the strings you may use on a parallel fret instrument are not going to be the same on a Mutli-Scale. I can't tell you how many times people get a multi-scale and want the same gauge set they use on their 5-string parallel fret on their mutli-scale. It just doesn't work that way. Regarding tapes. I have some for you :D Shoot me a message.