How does bass scale length affect tone?
Fret for fret, notes resonate on a longer string length. Bass notes are firm, clear and bold. The harmonics on a 24¾ inch scale guitar are more densely packed than on guitars with a longer scale, which leads to a thicker, warmer tone overall.
Is longer scale length better?
A greater scale length means more tension in the strings, since they have to span a greater distance. Since short-scale guitars have less string tension, they have a little more wiggle room and punch.
How do I know if my bass is short scale?
Typically speaking, short scale basses have a string length of 30”, and long scale basses have a string length of 34” inches. To give some perspective, if you are a guitarist interested in playing bass, the scale length of a Fender Start is 25.5”, and the scale length of a Gibson Les Paul is 24.75”.
What scale length is a Les Paul?
24.75
What Are The Most Common Guitar Scale Lengths?
| Guitar Brand/Model | Scale Length (inches) |
|---|---|
| Gibson Les Paul / SG / Designer / ES | 24.75 |
| PRS Custom 22 / 24, D’Angelico (various models) | 25 |
| Fender Stratocaster / Telecaster / Jazzmaster / Lead | 25.5 |
| Schecter, Ibanez, ESP & Chapman (various 7-string guitars) | 26.5 |
How does scale length affect tone?
Where all of the overtones and harmonics sit on a string is determined by its scale length. With a longer scale, and more room for the harmonics to breath, you end up with a more clear, ringing tone. Think of the shimmer of a Strat here. That increase in tension brings more focus too.
What is scale length on a bass?
On a modern bass guitar, 30″ (76 cm) or less is considered short scale, standard (also called long) scale is 34″ (86 cm) for a 4-string and 35″ (89 cm) for a B-E-A-D-G 5-string, and extra-long scale basses of 36″ (91 cm) also exist.
What is the scale of a bass guitar?
The scale of a bass refers to how long the bass is from the bridge to the nut – the vibrating length of the strings. The length of the strings, or scale, is related to the quality of tone you get from the strings. The lower the pitch you need, the longer a string you want. That’s why guitars, which play higher pitches, are shorter than basses.
What is the length of a 5 string bass?
Some basses, especially 5-strings, are 35” scale. Extra long scale is longer than 34”. Other basses are ‘medium scale’ – 30″-33” – and others are ‘short scale’ – 30” or less. As the scale length increases, the notes are spread further apart along each string.
What is the length of an electric bass guitar?
The most common scale for an electric bass is 34”. This is called ‘long scale’. Some basses, especially 5-strings, are 35” scale. Extra long scale is longer than 34”. Other basses are ‘medium scale’ – 30″-33” – and others are ‘short scale’ – 30” or less.
What’s the difference between a long-scale and short-scale bass?
Long and Short-scale Bass Differences Explained! What’s the difference between a short-scale bass and a long-scale bass? In the context of guitars, bass guitars, and other string instruments, scale length refers to the distance between the bridge and the nut, not the length of the neck.