| Author | Message | ||
| sstillwell
Junior Username: sstillwell Post Number: 28 Registered: 2-2003 |
Okay, so, here's a bunch of random factoids that are going to add up to a question or two... I have a 4-string Epic that is just woooonderful. I have a 6-string Epic that sounds even better, but is nearly painful for me to play because the neck is just too freakin' wide for my smallish hands. I don't play up on the C string to save my life. I have a cheapish Hofner B-Bass HI-Series that I always have sitting beside my desk when I'm wanting to learn new material...I just grab and play. The Hofner is a pain in the hind end to play live...intonation is NOT its strong point. HOWEVER... It is probably the most comfortable bass I've ever played, from a left-hand perspective (I'm a right-handed player). The Hofner is a 30" scale bass (or something approximating that), and has a very straight taper to the neck...1.5" at the nut and about 1.8-something" at the 12th fret. I do play stuff that requires low B. I would someday like to add East-Meets-West to my Epics to get the benefit of the filter-based EQ. I mostly get what I need out of the bass/treble EQ of the Epics, but additional options are good. I play pretty heavy, with a 2.0 mm heavy pick. Trying to break myself of that habit, but I've been doing it for a LONG time. So... What would work for a short-scale 5-string BEADG? Can that be done on a SC standard body style? Should I consider a 4-string tuned BEAD instead? I know this just opens up a can of worms, and I'm not married to that particular body style (considering I already have the Epics), but just wondering if I can get EVERYTHING I want in a single bass. | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Junior Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 45 Registered: 6-2012 |
You do not mention if weight is an issue for you. If not, I highly recommend a 5-string Europa. Not a short scale instrument, but mine is very comfortable and nicely balanced. If you avoid using dense woods like purple heart for the body, you could shave off some extra weight. I opted for the comfort taper neck, which is a little wider for slap, but you could easily go narrower without issue. IMO, the stock electronics are very performance-friendly and they allow you to make quick, effective adjustments on the fly. That having been said, I believe a 5-string version of the SC model is available - at least I recall seeing pix of one that was made for the man himself. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 826 Registered: 6-2014 |
You could experiment with the Epics by capo-ing two frets and retuning... that should get you closer to the 30.75" scale. (assuming your Epics are 34") I know of at least one Alembican who plays B-E-A-D all the time. I don't recall seeing a short-scale Epic before, but I bet it could be done. Might be an interesting build actually. A wise fella once told me if I could find 90% of what I wanted already made, go for it. If not, then a custom build is the ticket. And FWIW, when I finally did order that custom, we spec'd E-M-W electronics. | ||
| sstillwell
Junior Username: sstillwell Post Number: 29 Registered: 2-2003 |
In no particular order... My Epics are both standard mahogany bodies, and yes, I feel it by the end of the night compared to other basses like my Ray34 or fretless Jazz. Lighter would be nice, but not a first priority. If I were still gigging multiple nights/week I'd probably be more picky about it. While it isn't about the weight, it IS about the scale length. I dunno...maybe I should just suck it up and stay with 34" scale...but I feel I should at least investigate possibilities. Capo+retune...now THERE is an outside-the-box suggestion! It's worth trying to see how it feels, I guess. My 4-string Epic has what I feel is a really comfortable string spacing, top-to-bottom...very similar to the Hofner I spoke of, although a bit wider overall. The part that makes me more uncomfortable is the stretch between frets down near the nut, thus the shorter scale push. I think Stanley's five-string was built for EADGC if I remember right. My worry is getting a proper B out of a shorter scale instrument without flab. I have a cheap S.U.B. Ray5 that isn't the world's greatest player, but the B string is just SOLID - better than almost any other instrument I've ever played...it's even close to the Epic 6, although the rest of the instrument isn't anywhere close to being at the same standard. | ||
| pas
Advanced Member Username: pas Post Number: 321 Registered: 3-2003 |
Ever consider medium scale? |
