＜What is the neck scale of your bass? > > What is the neck scale of your bass?
In a word, neck "scale", there are various lengths of necks. And what kind of scales are there for basses? We often hear the question, "What is the scale of a bass? Here, we would like to focus on 4 typical bass scales + α.♪
◎Long scale (approx. 864mm / 34 inches)
When it comes to bass scales, this is the one! This is the standard scale for basses.
Most basses, including jazz basses and precision basses, are made based on the long scale. There are some aspects that can only be achieved with a long scale, such as the tension of the strings and the distinct sound, which gives the sound a bounciness. Incidentally, there are some differences in the length of "long scale" between manufacturers, such as Rickenbacker's 845mm (33 1/4"), Gibson's 870mm (34 1/4"), and so on.
◎Short Scale (762mm / 30")
＜Main models/brands
Fender Mustang, Gibson EB, ALEMBIC, Hofner Violin Bass, FERNANDES PIE-ZO, Pignose...etc.
The short scale makes the tension a little weaker, resulting in a weak and blurred bass sound and unstable tuning, but the shorter scale also means that the fret spacing is narrower, which makes fingering (fret movement) easier and improves playability. The short scale also has its own charms! Recommended for bass/vocal players, guitarists for home recording, women and children!♪
Jack Bruce(Cream), Andy Fraser(Free), Stanley Clarke, Bill Wyman(Rolling Stones), Gene Simmons(KISS), TAIJI(X JAPAN), ROY(THE BAWDIES), Seiichi Iida, Seiji Kameda... etc etc.
◎Medium Scale (814mm / 32 inches)
YAMAHA MOTION B, Fender Japan JB62M, ALEMBIC...etc.
This scale is located between long scale and short scale. Many technical bassists prefer this scale because of its narrower frets and ease of movement compared to the long scale. It can produce a thicker bass note, and the negative points of the short scale are somewhat improved, but it may still be lacking compared to the long scale. It also has some advantages! This scale is now being used in basses for beginners, and is gaining popularity as a starting scale. As with the short, this scale is recommended for women, children, and guitarists who record at home.♪
Stanley Clarke, TAIJI(X JAPAN), Yuko Oshima(AKB48)...etc.
◎Super long scale (889mm / 35 inches, 914mm / 36 inches)
Fodera, Elrick, Lakland, MTD, Tune, ESP AP/SL, YAMAHA TRB...etc.
It is also called "extra long scale" because it is longer than the common 34-inch long scale. Especially in recent years, it has been adopted for 5-string basses, 6-string basses, and basses based on down-tuning, etc.
Anthony Jackson, Ikuo, tetsuya,
Fund Fletcher
Dingwall, Strandberg, Ibanez, etc.
The frets on the fretboard are struck diagonally in the shape of a fan, and are scaled according to the thickness of the 1st, 2nd, and 4th strings. This ensures proper tension and a clear, even tone for each individual string. The length varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it is about 35.5" on the bass string side and about 34.0" to 33.6" on the treble string side.
Lee Sklar (Lee Sklar), Adam Getgood (Periphery)
33 inches
STR, TUNE, Phoenix, Bacchus, etc.
Set at 33 inches, one inch shorter than the common 34-inch long scale. Longer than medium scale, this scale can be played with a light touch!♪
34.5 inches
F-bass, dragonfly, Wyn...etc.
Slightly longer than 34" long scale, 34.5" scale. This scale is mainly used for 5-string basses, etc. It has both tension and playability on the bass string side, a clear tone, and good overall balance.
＜Artist
Marcus Miller, Alan Caron, KING(ex.SHAKALABBITS)...etc.
Baritone Scale
Fender BASS VI, Danelectro Longhorn Baritone, Musician Silhouette Bass...etc.
The baritone guitar/bass is positioned between the guitar and the bass. There seems to be no clear definition, but it generally has a scale of about 27-8 to 30 inches. It is used by bassists/guitarists in various genres such as rock, surf, heavy metal, etc. It is an essential instrument in the history of music/instruments.
tetsuya(L'Arc en Ciel), John Lennon(The Beatles), Joe Perry(Aerosmith)...etc.
Lastly...]
Depending on the scale, the sound, string tension, bass design, etc. will vary... but the bottom line is that if you like the way it feels and feels when you play it, that's all that matters!
If each player is different, so is the instrument. We recommend the scale that you play and compare and like!