35" Bass Scale

[orgmorg]

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" ?

[bassman]

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.

[lovekraft]

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).

[skibum5545]

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.

[orgmorg]

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.

[bassman]

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.