| Author | Message | ||
| somatic
Junior Username: somatic Post Number: 32 Registered: 11-2003 |
Howdy all, Does anyone have a bass with this setup, either with a 4 banger BEAD, or a 5 or 6? Being blessed with small hands means I'd be curious if this is a good sounding option, so I could maybe get a 5er strung BEADG with tight spacing at the bridge. With good electronics, strings and a sound design to the instrument, my gut hunch is it won't be a problem. After all my 30.75's sound fantastic (EADG) no matter what the 34" mafia say. I find they're also so much easier on my hands/wrists and much more fun to play than 34" instruments. Very interested to hear of experiences with basses strung like this, and/or opinions on the potential of the project. I'm predominantly a fingerstyle player, with some flatpick, and play with a soft touch. (Message edited by somatic on May 23, 2005) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 1779 Registered: 5-2002 |
As I recall, there are a number of owners in the group with 32" 5 and 6 strings; and in previous discussions those owners reported no problems with the B string on a 32" scale Alembic. | ||
| exploiterplayer
Member Username: exploiterplayer Post Number: 75 Registered: 12-2002 |
I use drop "D" tuning a lot on my 32" scale Exploiter with no problems at all. I was a firm believer in the 34" myth until I found this instrument. I think if you have the proper set up and high quality strings with decent tension..... a 32" is just as good as a 34". | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 923 Registered: 3-2004 |
I have one. I heartily recommend that you go with a high-sustain configuration if you order one up. That is, don't skimp on the neck woods. I have purpleheart in the neck of mine and it is very full and smooth. I don't think an all-maple neck would work as well. Strings will matter a lot in this configuration as well. I think many of the complaints about performance on shorter scales come from using too light strings. I got mine on the used market, and have considered having another made. I was thinking I might go 33", but I doubt there is too much difference in feel or tone, especially for a light-touch fingerstyle player. There are two reasons for going to the shorter scale, reach to the first fret, and fret-to-fret spacing. Reach to the first fret can be greatly affected by the body style. If you look at the Balance K or Rogue shapes, the long upper horn brings the nut closer to your body. This will get you the more comfortable reach without shortening the scale. If you need the fret-to-fret spacing, then only the scale change will do that. Best of luck in making your decision! -Bob | ||
| apdavis
Junior Username: apdavis Post Number: 37 Registered: 5-2004 |
I own two 32" fiver's that I am very happy with, if I was having another built, the only change I might look into is reversing the order of the peg head allowing the B and the E on the top and A,D& G. on the bottom. Many artists think that this allows for better overall string performance for the B due to the peg being further from the nut. Never having played one I can't tell you for certain. | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 503 Registered: 4-2004 |
will let ya know in two weeks the wolf is 32 scale 5 string and its almost ready | ||
| dannobasso
Advanced Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 259 Registered: 3-2004 |
I have in Alembic one 7 in 32", three 6's in 32, one 5 in 32, and one 4 in 32, 1 short scale 4, two 5's in 34, one 4 in 34 Non Alembic one 4 in 32 and three 4's in 34. That said, I find the B to be more substantial with a wider neck at the nut. (jazz spacing as ordered) Set up is crucial as well as your technique. I use 34's live with my band but I prefer 32's for ease of playing. When I switch up at home I can fly quite a bit faster. Then switch to the SC forgeddaboudit! I love the Distillate 5 in 32 and my Spoiler 6 in 32 wide spacing. The B's are quite pronounced. I usually use a 128. Danno | ||
| hardy
New Username: hardy Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2005 |
I have played 32" scale basses for the past 15 years because of medical issues with my hands (ie: Tendonitis)... I ordered a Warwick 5 string Corvette FNA bass and HATED it! the feel of it anyway! The neck felt like I was playing a tree trunk. Sustain was borderline good. I sold it a month later. I had a custom bass made to my spec from dpcustom.com (I was trying to get an Alembic without paying for an Alembic, but it wasn't an Alembic if you know what I mean) I agree with one of the other listings that its better to have a few cherry or ebony laminations in the neck as this will really increase sustain. The B cuts thru just fine to the point where I can slap it hard just like the other strings. (the Lane Poor pickups help too on that)I see no real difference between the 2 scales 32 & 34. except the 32's more comfortable to play. I also have small hand and stubby fingers... thats my 2 cents. - Hardy Ca$h | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2463 Registered: 6-2000 |
You could try throwing a set od BEAD strings on your current short scale for testing purposes. Even though the slots won't be perfect, you will get an idea if the feel of a short scale B string works for you. Some players cannot adjust to the lower tension, find it too distracting. The only problem I can forsee is finding short scale B strings. Ebony is a great choice for sustain, but I'm not sure I concur about Cherry. Dense as it is, it seems to suck some highs and lows even as a body wood. This is from my personal experience on my bass, which has a Cherry body and rather "thunky" sounding, even with a Kingwood top and Maple/Purpleheart neck. Rory, you'll be glad to know I finally put new string on it! | ||
| trekster
Junior Username: trekster Post Number: 32 Registered: 7-2004 |
ok, totally off subject...Mica, got any pics of your personal bass, or any that sport kingwood? --J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 1842 Registered: 5-2002 |
Here it is! | ||
| somatic
Junior Username: somatic Post Number: 34 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hi Guys, Thanks for all the feedback. Looks like a 32" 5 string may be in the works in the near future. I tried Mica's suggestion of stringing BEAD on a shorter scale by throwing a B on a cheapo 32" I have laying about. Felt fine. |
