orgmorg Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 I just ordered a fretting template for 25" scale, and it has 35" on the other side. This is new to me, I've only ever played 34" scale. Who makes 35" scale basses? I assume there is a precedent for this. How do they sound/play/feel compared to the 34" ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassman Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 most companys that make 5 string basses have them available as 35" scale. The length tightens up the low B string, thus giving a tighter tone for such a low note. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovekraft Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 The longer the scale length, the deeper the tone, especially in the lowest pitched strings. The trade-off for basses is playability - I love playing my 32" scale BC Rich, but it simply doesn't have the bottom end of mu 35" scale 6-strings. FWIW, most upright basses have a scale over 40" (full size concert scale is 44"/1100mm). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibum5545 Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 I played a Modulus 5 string with a 35" scale, and I have to say, I LOVED it! It had a much tighter feel, like heavy gauge strings, but with medium or light gauge strings on it-- the best of both worlds IMHO. Also, I have relatively large hands, so I really didn't mind the added fret size. It was a little disconcerting at first (things weren't quite where you expected them to be!) it felt completely normal after a while. Actually, the feel and look of that bass (a Genesis V) is the basic model for my next build: maple fb, gloss neck, and, oh, 35" scale! I say go for it. It tightens up the low end, feels really good to play on, and keeps low strings firm under your fingers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orgmorg Posted February 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 Cool, thanks! I figured since I'm gonna have it, I might as well use it. So, it seems the longer scale really helps out the 5 and 6 string basses ( with low strings ) but it wouldn't hurt a 4 string either, I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassman Posted February 9, 2005 Report Share Posted February 9, 2005 yep, even a 4 stringer could benefit from it. CArl Thompson builds some of his four string basses with a 36" scale. But they effects of a longer scale are not truly appreciated unless you are using notes lower than the Low E. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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