Short Scale Basses and the Sire U5!
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- Over the past few years I’ve been asked time and time again about Short scale basses. The usual conversation involves an initial grievance of bass players with smaller hands struggling to get to grips with the wide frets of a traditional long scale bass.
My answer is most often along the lines of “Don’t worry about it, learn to make use of position shifts and work on adapting to the size by developing your technique” And I still stand by that. I know many bass players with small hands that play great regardless of the scale. However, there is always the option of a small scale bass. So today I’m going to take a look at one of the latest short scale offerings from Sire, the U5.
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A very IMPORTANT correction on your video,,, The Sire U5 can take regular long scale strings when strung thru the body.
I didn't know that. That's good to know. Gonna pin your comment. Thanks a lot!
Not true in most cases. I have only found a couple of sets that fit with a tapered tip.
@@Yeahboyeeeereally depends on the winding lengths of the strings, having the thick end on the string going around the post isn't the end of the world either though.
It can take long scale strings even when not strung through. The tuning head posts are big enough to not break the string at that end. Doesn't work with mini tuners like on some Ibanez models though.
I'm no beginner, but I have to say, short scale basses are absolutely my favourite, so much easier to play and therefore I play better, faster, longer and with more joy. It's absolutely worth trying one out if you haven't.
"As a guitar player now trying to be a bassist I like short scales basses." -- exactly! The judgements about these being "toylike" or "for people with small hands" are tired cliches at this point. Ergonomically, the long-scale bass is a nightmare. No one has hands big enough to play in the first position. I'm 6'3" / 190cm tall and have large hands, and the short scale feels right and I can manage playing in first position. I think the only people who think of long-scale basses as a normal scale are the ones who always played them and weren't exposed to short-scale as a viable alternative.
Thank you! You are 100% right.
I played a P bass for twenty years.
I now play a short scale EB-3, and an Eastwood Warren Ellis. I love that P bass. I'm never getting rid of it.
But it hasn't been played in a long time. My back, and wrists love me for it.
Oh, I'm 6'2".
Medium scale 32 inches, is the perfect combination, confort and tone
Upright bassists are used to only being able to span a whole step in first position. Lower-frequency instruments are physically bigger; it's just the way it is. That said, I'm all for short scale making the fretboard easier to navigate. Now if only someone would make a headless short scale bass in the sub-$500 range...
I'm with you. I'm now at the age where comfort is key. Hopefully they'll be back in stock soon so I can order one.
I think this guys tutorials are the best! Unlike alot of bass tutorials, he doesn't do unnecessary talking. Everything he says is with purpose and doesn't waste your time. 👍🏾
Mark, It is not just small hands - in my 60s I started to get arthritis.. My 34" scale G&L bass inflamed the arthritis in my left thumb - it was painful. I switched to a 31" scale Guild JSII - The pain and inflamation resided and stopped. I can play a 34" scale bass for a short time if it is all that is available, I cannot use one as my regular instrument.
It's good to hear that you don't have to give up on your bass playing! Keep on rocking.
STEPHEN IM 64 AND OVER THE LAST YEAR I HAVE NERVE DAMAGE IN MY PLUCKING FINGERS , I USE MY THUMB AND OR A PICK NOW DAYS
I advise medium scale basses 32" standard gauge strings pretty much feel like a standard bass... just easier to play.
@@doughstarstar4032 COOL I WISH I HAD ONE LIKE MARK'S
Same problems with arthritis, but I can't play a 34" at all. Too heavy for a person with damaged cervical vertebrae.
But I WILL learn to play!
I was playing regular bass for 12 years. Not long ago, i got short scale bass and that's all i want to play from now on. It's great
I brought the SBMM short scale stingray bass and fell in love with it!😌🎶❤️👍🏾
Same here… after 30 years with a Fender P-bass, I discovered short scale 3 years ago. Now they’re all I play, and have 3 of them: a Squier Jaguar, an Ibanez Mikro, and a Gretsch Electromatic.
@@RHINOSAUR Hey RHINOSAUR, if you were gonna recommend one of those as a first short scale for someone coming from 34”, which would it be? TIA.
@@PuckJones Sire U5 got FIVE CLAWS from Mr. Lobster ("low end lobster" channel), which almost never happens, that was all I needed - bought one this week. Also bought some LaBella dark talking flats, and Gotoh 528 tuners, which will make it more balanced and smoother tuning, flats will make it sound and play better. I'll try it as is first, but flats are usually my preference.
@@pharmerdavid1432 SWEET!
Top Tip on strings: if a shortie has full size tuning heads then long scale strings can be used - even flatwounds. But if the bass uses mini tuners then the tightness of the wrap around the post will cause strings to break - especially flatwounds. Just go up a gauge if the strings feel a bit loose. On a long scale I use 40-100 D'addario Prosteels. On my main shortie I use 45-65-85-110. The feel is very similar then. For roundwounds with a bass with full size tuners there is no need to be limited by string choice at all. Just use long scale strings.
Also - Pit use. For anyone playing in a pit at a theatre show, the smaller size is absolutely brilliant in such a tight spaced environment. I take a shortie, a Tech21 Paradriver V2, and a compressor. Job done!
I think the main argument is that short scale are comfortable to play. Most of these basses will not go to kids or small hand persons.
Good points. I'm a former guitarist and a short scale bass just feels more natural and comfortable to me. That's my main reason.
Short scales are light weight, easier to transport and play and sound great! My favourite!
As a guitar player now trying to be a bassist I like short scales basses. I have the Squire Jaguar SS bass and love it.
If you’re talking about the vintage modified SS Jaguar PJ bass, I have an Indonesian manufactured 2017 that I put flats on and it is wonderfully easy to play. Amazing for the $180 it cost me new. All the other basses I have are 34” scale 4-string basses, and that’s my main preferred bass setup in terms of number of strings and scale length of the strings on a bass.
I swapped out the bridge on mine for a Hipshot Kickass, and it made a big improvement in both the sustain and tone. Oh, and it dropped in with no drilling required.
@@patrickfitzgerald2861 Well that’s good to know. I’ll look into the Hipshot out of curiosity; Tbh, I didn’t have any problem with the bridge after the height and intonation adjustments. I typically don’t try to get an extended amount of natural sustain out of the bass anyway, as it isn’t a priority in the tone I seek.
@@shipsahoy1793 Yeah, don't fix what isn't broken, but it's a nice upgrade for around fifty bucks on eBay.
@@patrickfitzgerald2861 I was just looking at it on their website, and I was amazed that the bridge would cost half the cost of the whole bass rotFL .. Well anyway, the bridge is really nice, I like it, but I can’t justify it unless I needed a replacement. 😉
Ps) also, I didn’t mention this before, but with the Rotosound Monels, I can get the tones I use that bass for. Typically, when I use the J pickup only, the tone knob is all the way down or up just a little. I never have the tone way up using that pickup, 25% of the tone at most when I use it with the P pickup.
I play Short scale basses. I had a bad injury. Didn't know too much about short scales till my injury. Thank God they make shorty's. I actually have that same U5 bass, Great bass for the money. Thanks for the Video.
I started off with a Fender Mustang, it certainly was no toy and just as good as any PB or jazz bass i have owned
Yeah, but the Mustang looks kind of funny.
@@MrClassicmetal You know, I agree, but then I saw this, and suddenly they became cool. ua-cam.com/video/DFZobgLF5Vc/v-deo.html
I chose short scale as I have neck and back muscular issues and wanted a lighter instrument. I shall never play live but wanted to understand bass line construction for music production and felt I needed to learn the rudiments of the instrument to create realistic MIDI bass lines
You do you man. As long as you're having fun playing, nothing else matters.
I am an absolute beginner. I picked up a bass for the first time six weeks ago.
After the first day of noodling about on a borrowed traditional bass, I had neck pain. That's not surprising - I have damaged vertebrae in my neck. I thought that would be my biggest challenge, but I've been able to work around it with a lighter weight bass. Slinging a heavy bass isn't going to be helpful.
After the second day of noodling - for 45 minutes, I wanted to be very cautious - I woke up in the middle of the night in severe pain in my hands and forearms, having triggered tendonitis in my forearms and worsening the arthritis in my hands. After 45 minutes!
I am extremely motivated to learn to play, but the reality is I have to work around arthritis in my hands, a history of tendonitis, and a run-in with carpal tunnel syndrome, and damaged cervical vertebrae.
I'll still have to learn to stretch my hand, but at least I will have the opportunity to do that. An episode of severe tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome would mean my bass would sit in the corner with a dunce cap on for 6 to 8 weeks. It could easily my bass playing "career" before it could begin.
I first tried a Squier mini pbase, which had extreme neck dive. I picked it up and the headstick immediately aimed for the floor. I tried playing it sitting. Same problem. It appears that most of the solutions for neck dive require adding weight to the body to counteract the neck dive, so that wasn't going to work.
The Squier went back. It's hard for me to believe that anyone would want this thing.
Now I have an Ibanez mikro. It cost less than $200. Great for a beginner.
So far, no problems. A few short sessions a day seems to work, along with putting it down and listening to James Jamerson when I start feeling pain.
I hope as I learn better hand technique I will be able to spend more hours practicing. I'm retired, and I'm stuck at home waiting for a covid vaccine. I would love to practice like a 14-year-old boy, although I would not sleep with my bass. I'd have to kick my cat out of bed to make room.
As to how it looks, you're right, it looks kinda weird. I would love to look like John Paul Jones in drag. But if I can't play, that doesn't matter!
Nothing is happening right now with COVID-19. And if I can put together a garage band of 50 to 80 year old friends once we are all vaccinated, tone isn't really going to matter.
So there you go. Pick up the Squier mini sometime. I would love to know whether you have a problem with neck dive.
Great channel. Thank you!
You go girl. I love my MiKro bass, it’s my absolute favorite player out of nearly forty instruments. (My wife laughs when I buy another instrument. After the first dozen it’s gotten a bit hysterical. . .) I also have an old Epi Viola bass, an old Kay solid body, and an old Kawai-built National (probably, badge has long since left the building) from Japan that are cool short scales, but the MiKro’s the most fun. Unfortunately Rocksmith hates short scales (I’m also a 60 year old beginner with no desire to be on stage) so I mostly play long scale basses.
Another rock and roll woman! I broke my left wrist and no longer have the flexibility I had. It would get sore fast too. Go slow, rest and do some flex exercises. It will get easier. I have a very light Hofner Viola style bass that is short scale and Yamaha solid body long scale. I actually love both. I'm relatively new to bass.
And this is how I met your mother.
I’m fighting chronic tendinitis in my hands and elbows. I had to stop playing entirely for a few years. I recently got to play a short scale bass and was amazed at how much easier it was on my hands. I had bought a Stratocaster, thinking it would be easier, but I don’t like it as much as bass. I’m selling both my strat and my standard bass and switching to short scale. I am happy to see that manufacturers are no longer treating short scale as only beginner instruments and we have some high quality build options.
I have 4 basses, a regular scale, a short scale, a mikro scale and a ukele scale. Out of all of these the short scale is my main bass. It's not just for beginners or kids or small hands. It's just easier and funner to play. And super light too.
What is considered regular scale? I feel like 34inch ? I have a 35" and I think that's considered full/long scale and I see 34" basses as the usual
@@danj8038 yep, correct.
@@itsratso. Ty
Probably the best commentary on the pros and cons of a short scale bass on the internet. I started with the Sterling Music Man short scale and as I built my hand strength and coordination, I soon went to a long scale four and then to five string Dingwall, even with small hands. And then I began to develop some arthritis in the hands and I bought a Sire U5 to give myself some rest and rehabilitation.
That binding gives it a nice Fender Aerodyne J-bass vibe.
I have just ordered a short-scale bass after having an Aria long-scale for 35 years. I've got lazy but I want to do some playing again and I remembered the most addictive instrument I ever picked up was a Fender Mustang. This is a very informative video and that bass sounds lovely in the hands of someone who knows what's what. Respect.
2:28 opening note of wherever I lay my hat - nice fretless impersonation! 😊
Looking forward to this. As a lefty this is one of my few option for a short scale and it comes in some nice colours as well 😀
At 74 my fingers are shot playing my standard Fender basses. Not to mention the weight on my shoulders. I plan to change over to a short scale. Us old guys need a little help! Lol
Amen to that Brother.
I am 74 too, I now have arthritis in my wrists, left thumb where the thumb joins the wrist and metacarpal joints of my fingers-I will be playing short scalers a lot more often now...
I learnt how to play on a shortscale Squier Bronco. I still like to practice on that and then move to a full scale.
Commenting to improve youtube's algorithm towards this beautiful channel
Stanley Clarke / Tina Weymouth / Jack Casady / Jack Bruce / Bill Wyman / Bob Daisley / anyone who ever played an EB-0. All users of short scales.
I swapped to short scales because of left shoulder issues. It was the arm stretch rather than finger stretch for me.
I love it when people claim short scale are beginners or kids' instruments when Alembic are in the game! Not much change from £5000 for theirs. I went for a Sandberg Lionel Superlight and it's fantastic. Proper P bass tone and only 5.7 lb. Zero neck dive.
If you like it, use it. Screw what anyone else thinks. That applies to many aspects, like brand names and pickstyle/fingerstyle. One size doesn't always fit all
Leo Fender decided to use 34' as he was trying to sell the Precision to upright bass players. Purely a marketing decision. Other manufacturers simply followed the competition. I've been playing bass for over 40 years, I tried short scale and I would never go back.
After years of playing long scale my ageing pinkies just couldn't hack it anymore so I changed to short scale. The Sterling Stingray with La Bella flats is a great substitute for my old precision, in fact I prefer it for that old soul/RnB feel. Spending quite a bit more I also bought a Mensinger Cazpar 4a. These are beautiful hand built instruments that look stunning and have a great sound and feel about them. If your able to raise money which I managed after selling of my long scales, I really recommend checking out both of these. The change over has been a blessing
Yes to the Labella flats!
I'm obsessed with the Hofner shorty bass, they're tiny and ugly and I love them!
I love mine. Not ugly at all.
Love mine too... it was modded by an expert ex-pro and plays & sits perfectly as a couch or main practice bass...
loved your video and just bought a Sire U5, it arrived a couple of days ago and WOW what a beautiful bass guitar, and for $500 you won't find a better bass, the value for your money is amazing . . . . . I think it's the best short scale bass out there for the money
standing next to the drummer and you look with this bass like a giant;-)
I own both long scale and short scale basses. Playing on the short scale is always fun!
The mint-colored version of this with matching painted headstock looks damn groovy! 😎
I LOVE my '67 EB-3. They are far more versatile than their reputation.
I also laboured away for years with a FJazz. I have small hands but good technique and can manage pretty good. I bought an Ibanez micro purely for a travel practice bass. I put on a set of flats and was gobsmacked at how good it sounds. Also I can play stuff I wouldn’t attempt on a 34”. Yup, it’s now short scale for me.
Having just taken up the Bass, coming from standard acoustic, I have tried both long and short, I have decided on Short. Nothing to do with size of hands but more on the size difference between standard guitar and bass. Also my Bass is very light, a Cort Action Jnr. My Short Scale also, in my opinion has a better low end then the full size.
I don't understand the comments about the looks of a short-scale bass - they certainly don't look any more "toy-like" than guitars do, and they are even smaller. they only look small to bass players. No one else cares.
The 28" scale basses like the Ibanez Mikro can look a bit funny perhaps, if the person playing it near 6' tall. Those 30" scale basses certainly don't look like toys.
My first bass was a short-scale. It took me a while to realize that if I needed to play, say, a note on the first fret and then a note on the fourth fret that I didn't *have* to use my index and pinky fingers to do so. When I realized that sliding my hand up to make it more comfortable wasn't actually cheating, I started looking for a full size bass. Mine's not the best in the world(Fender jazz bass) but it's better than what I had(a no-name brand AFAIK as I've never seen another like it in the 30+ years I've kept it)
Fender Jazz not a great instrument? Or is there something bad about yours in particular
I find sightreading a little easier on a shorty as well. Less shifting positions when reading, so my eye stays on the page more, and I'm more accurate. Just my two cents...
Size matters apparently ... Its a macho thing.
It's like saying everyone should be able to fit into 34" inside leg trousers.
"Can't be a man 'cos he doesn't play the same long scale as me".
To miss quote err.. .. Someone.
I had an Ibanez SR600, I much prefer my new U5.
I'm getting satisfaction with an Ibanez mikro. 😁
No prejudice against short scales! I LOVE my Dan Electro Longhorn
Such a unique instrument!
I have a birth injury with my fretting hand/arm and I'm struggling a little with my long scale's weight and the lower frets. An Epiphone EB0 is on order (I cannnot wait!) so only really having to adapt to less tension on the strings is probably another good thing for me as it will force me to focus on my fretting technique and help strengthen my hand.
Just received a used mint condition EB-0 for my first bass. It had to be short scale for me. Single mudbucker' fine for learning, even sounds good through my Fender 'guitar' amp (low level). Might get an Ampeg BA108 V2 later. Waiting for a wide rough leather strap to arrive (to help with neck dive). Having an Epi SG, I was surprised how narrow the nut is on the EB-0 and how delicate looking the neck/headstock wood is - need to take care not to damage that. BTW my EB-0 weighs 7lb 8oz. Happy playing!
How about the Hoëfner short scale? I'm a beginner with the bass, and after 3 full scale bases, I love the closer frets, I added German electronics and bridge, flat sound strings, and with this being a hollow body (built with in small bridge support), I love it! Great reviews on You Tube. Next to no negative comments. I bought one after watching an upgrade video of a Chinese made , but with German control panel and adding 250 ohm variable resistors. The man then played it side by side to a German made model. He was very impressed with the results. The Höefner Weighs about 1/3 as much as a solid body. Check out the comment videos. I'm glad I did. I'd love to hear some feedback on this.
I have one also in addition to my Yamaha long scale. Its much lighter and provides a nice counterpoint to my heavier bass. I did restring with Labelle stainless steel flats made for the Hofner. So far so good. I will consider new P/U`s later. I saw that video too. Great channel.
@@judih.8754
Yeah, after watching the video, that's why I bought mine. There was so much positive remarks on it through the videos, I did all that was done in the upgrade video. I still have about $400 in it, not including the case that I bought from Reverb for $99. Fabulous case and great quality. The picture made it look tacky, but it's really awesome. Best of life to you ! It's all about the bass!!!
I have small hands, and for the past 15 years I've played a ESP LTD D-6 six-string bass and I've never had a problem with it. So personally I wouldn't have a need for a short scale bass.
How long your hand length? I find 6 string bass looks terrifying (I'm still beginner 😅)
@@TheBlazegt I'm sure to a lot of beginners a six string bass looks somewhat intimidating. But I love being able to play across the neck instead of moving up and down the neck to find the notes. I also do a lot of two hand tapping, left hand doing the bass notes and the right tapping out melodies. As to the size of my hands, surface it to say a baseball in my hand looks like a softball in an average man's hand. Hand size makes little difference. Also, I don't have a low B string on my bass. I have it strung E A D G C F as the two higher strings comes in handy for my playing style. I can get some cool almost guitar like sounds out of my instrument. Cheers.
Thank you, Mark. Happy 2021.
In the seventies there were only two that I knew of: the Hagstrom Swede and the Guild M85. Both were 30 inch and came with gorgeous hard cases. This Sire I just learned of today and I'm impressed!
I love my Ibanez Mikco short scale. 150 bucks!
I use both; long scale fender P and J and short scale Gibsons (which I started on) and Hofners, but I tried the sire U5 and the one I was sent was not a very good instrument so I sent it back.
As someone who 5'6" (Tina Weymouth, one of my favorites, is the same height). She and I can play long scale, but the short scale is much more comfortable for me. I still love traditional basses, but short scales are becoming more common and better in quality. And I'm all for it.
The thing about the short scale as Mark said, scale tension is something to get used to. I can't play as hard (I'm heavy handed). But you can get used to it quickly.
I use to play a Lakeland 55 02, but by getting older I got some pain in my left shoulder.
I was looking for a shorter scale and found one 32 scale 5 string custom made light weight from MARUSZCZYK nearby in Germany.
It was a relief to play this one and the low B is sounding the same as my Lakeland. I am happy..
So not only small fingers can do it, getting older also.
I have average-sized hands, but I have switched to short-scale basses. Even though I can play a long-scale, short-scales are simply more comfortable, which is a prime consideration for me, whether it's the length, weight, or body contours. After playing both, I honestly can't see much advantage of the longs. If you have no intention of playing a long-scale again, why develop your technique for a 34" neck? Get used to the length you plan to use and stop considering 30" inferior. It may become the standard someday. I play a Squier Jaguar SS, and it feels better than any bass I've ever played, has a fantastically fluid neck shape, and it sounds great.
That said, I agree that long scales are better for fat B strings. I have a bass tuned to BEAD, and it's a J-Bass, my only remaining long-scale.
As far as tension for my Jag, I favor flat wound strings, which require greater tension, plus I do use heavier gauge, so I have no problem with floppy strings at all. To be honest, I really don't notice the looser strings when I play.
Speaking of the Sire Marcus Miller U5, I love the look, especially the tobacco, and I have a feeling I'd love the bass. If not for the Jag, I would seriously consider getting one. I kinda wish it came with a (pseudo) rosewood fretboard, but it's not a big issue.
Funny I just ordered that exact bass and hear u are jamming on it ! My plan is to put picalo strings on it and hand it to my guitar player for a 2 bass original!
I’ve 10 basses... my Chowny SWB has 24 frets on 30” scale... it’s the best bass I’ve ever played... period
@@Borderman47 superb, when mine was delayed he rang me personally to explain... top man.
I agree - I have an SWB and love it as I have short hands. Good quality bass.
You can also get a warmer tone on a shortscale bass
Excellent review. Well presented and good sound. I appreciate it!
I am 62 and learning bass again, my Pbass has done my wrist already after 2 days! I think I will look for a Sire U5, not common in Australia though.
Thought I'd throw out other reasons for short scale basses: I have sound-triggered migraines (rather than light-triggered), and harmonics can be a trigger. So, for me, the emphasis a short scale puts on the fundamental tone vs. the harmonics makes it far easier for me to play. Add to that I have *flaps penguin fins* short arms, and also have chronic "coat hanger" (neck and upper back) pain, so the contortions of long scale just means I would play less. So those are some reasons apart from hand size. So yeah, I'll never be a metal lead guitarist, but I enjoy being a short-scale bassist.
It’s funny. “Short scales look like toys” Unless its Paul MaCartney, Andy Fraser or Jack Bruce playing one of course!
I received mine just 2 days ago; it's an amazing bass.
I do miss a couple of inches more, but I'm hoping is just matter of getting used to it.
...
That's what she said.
I've been playing long scale basses since 1966. You left out one necessity for using short scale. Arthritis. So I found out this. They are real basses, and they work just fine.
Man that one doesn't sound like a toy.
From the "noot" to the bridge? LOL. Thanks for the vid. New subscriber.
I'm good on the guitar, but - after a couple years of practice - not so good on bass. So I decided to try a short scale bass. I bought a Squire Bronco (the cheapest of cheap), replaced the rubbish bridge, replaced the stock strings with Rotosound RS88S nylon flatwound strings, and voila! I have the bass of my dreams, and my trusty 5-string is now gathering dust on the wall.
shirt scale basses also have a different sound , and that sound is very useful
Bought my first bass for Xmas, a Fender PJ Mustang short scale.. have been enjoying it, but now I will look it as a toy for a small child 😅😫
Great video as usual.......the detail you put into your video are just right.... thank you
This is the only short-scale bass that is available left-handed. Except for a Hofner of course, that's definitely a buy
DR-HiBeams for short scale are really nice. Round wounds but don’t feel quite as rough as others, and they are very brite sounding. I play an Ibanez micro (my first bass) and a Yamaha TRBX504 full scale with a full two octave neck. Love both!
I prefer to play mostly "extra" long scale (fretless). But what a HUGE sound esp. 6:36 love it!
Once you get used to a short scale, YOU WILL be a short scale consumer. It's not just for small hands or beginners. If you get used to it, you'll play better.
Thank you Mark for your clear statement and your very comprehensive viedeos. Maybe you'll find the time to test a Chowny SWB-1 shortscale from Scott Whitley too. You can find a demo of his signature bass on UA-cam. He recommends GHL strings (bass boomers) or Rotosound longscale strings (and cut them to size). Greetings from Vienna!
full of useful information as usual.THANKS Mark
Great advice...thanks. You really explain things well.
Thank you Mark ❤️
I really appreciate your opinion 😊
The D and G strings typically sound warmer and fuller on short-scale basses.
The Sire is a beautiful, great sounding bass! I find them comfortable to play. Also, Squier P-Bass Mini, it's a great instrument, and Hofner Shorty, very nice to play. Fits into a standard guitar case. Maybe not the choice of the pros, but for the home musician, they are wonderful.
I have a Fender Mustang bass and it’s not at all toy-like, it’s super-cool looking. I think Justin Meldal-Johnson would agree.
I have big hands and big fingers and i prefer short scale bass guitars over all others, for speed and comfort as far as im concerned you just can't beat them, they force you to be a much more accurate player and that's a good thing, great video 👍.
EB3 - SG best short scale EVER!
Tri-fecta, here; Small hands, small feet and a very .... large pickup truck.
A Spector Bantam 4 fits me like a pistol and makes me look taller. 😉
It's similar to the Aerodyne in weight and plays like a Spector. Still play the long scales, too.
Love my Gretsch Short Scale.
Same here... I have 1 long and 2 short scale basses and it’s still my favourite.
Got a SS Gretch too, great to play. My vintage Ibanez sounds better, but its much harder to play...
One has to buy strings for the short-scale bass too when the time comes. Do Not cut the longer strings made for a 34" scale bass, they will unravel. . . .
Got to love any of the Sires:) As it turned out, I bought an Olympic White Sterling by Musicman short scale Stingray about 5 months ago. Really like it. I'd still love to have this Sire short scale, in fact I wish Sire would come up with a 5 string short scale:) That would be fun:). All my basses are 34 scale. I've really been enjoying it for sure.
The short scale Is not good for Low B
my sire u5 came completly set up....perfect \(●●)/
the only thing bothers me is the round output jack, may be difficult to replace. it would have been better if it was placed on top of the body with a regular socket....
Good video Mark! You really nailed the short scale vibe.. 😉 🥳
Looks forward to this video.
I think I'm gonna have to get me a short scale bass. My slap technique really needs some cleaning up. When I pop, it's not smooth on my 34 inch Squier 1960's Classic Vibe Jazz Bass. Got it set up but it's still a struggle getting a smooth pop. I've only been playing bass a year and about 5 months now so, I know nothing. Been playing guitar 13 years and still in the "intermediate limbo" if you will. Bass is better in my opinion. Maybe a short scale will clean up my slap? I'm also a chord/ triad and diad/power chord player and some bass chord shapes are a stretch. I'm 6'6" with "miniature doll hands" to put it in perspective
I am Torn between: these 3 Short Scale"s: Stingray from Sterling by Music Man, Fender Mustang PJ or the G & L Fallout? Any Input would really Help this guitar player in need of it?
Go for the Sterling Stingray short scale bass, I own 2 of them and love them.
I’ve owned several Mustangs and they are definitely not a nice as my Sterling Stingray short scales I currently own.
The Mustang bass’s do not have a contoured back either which makes them a bit uncomfortable compared to the Sterling Stingray short scale.
The G&L fallout is not really any smaller than a long scale bass, see the reviews and videos.
I’m a lifelong pro player and have recently changed over to all short scale bass’s and sold off all my long scale bass’s.
Hope that was of some help.
Cheers, Davyo
@@BassedInVegas Thanks, appreciate your input. I ordered a White Stingray from Sterling by Music Man. oNe LovE from NYC
Eastwood Warren Ellis short scale is my go to. I highly recommend that.
I'm regards to your options: Mustang.
I've been wondering. Would you mind making a video about types of wood in basses and special features of each type of wood?
So many of these UA-cam reviewers sound like amateurs when they say short sale basses are for kids and people with small hands. I guess they have never heard of iconic bass players like Carol Kaye, Stanley Clarke, Jack Bruce and many more who have used short scale basses. Clarke's signature basses are short scale. Lots of short scale basses out now, you know, because of all those little kids running out and buying basses lol. So condescending This is a fantastic bass for ANY sized player.
Very good review! I wonder the same bass but HEADLESS, would be even leighter and practical when you play. Apart from optical taste, are there any Cons about this bass headless? Thank you.
I'm a small hand dude with arthritis so I really need a short scale. I ordered one of these ages ago and am still waiting. I've emailed Sweetwater (where I bought it) and the Sire company itself and can't get an answer from either of them as to when the new ones will be out. It's been months and months with no reply or ship date. I've given them plenty of leeway due to the pandemic and shortages and all that. But my patience is wearing thin and I'm thinking of just going with a Mustang. Plenty of them lying around.
One thing omitted from the review is that the bridge pickup is noise-canceling (that I heard, anyway)
I own a U5 and the bridge pickup is noiseless.
Im only 5’ and fyi I seriously doubt anybody would think that a short scale bass is going to look odd or too busy.
Man, I love this bass.
I've heard that if you use the through body stringing you can use regular scale strings.
Yes
I get that traditionalists who've always played 34'-scale basses may consider short scale basses 'toy-like'.
However, all other factors being equal, short scale basses will have a stronger fundamental, more 'bass-y' sound quality and superior ergonomics.
I'm of average size and have normal sized hands but I absolutely love short scale basses!
I don't agree with the string tension issue at all. I have been playing for 30+ years and for the last 5-6 I only play short scale. Now I have 6 shorties. I still have some long scales. I think it all comes down to string brand, gauge and the bass quality construction. Some of my shorties in fact have HIGHER string tension than a 34" bass
What strings you use for your short scale bass that gives you such a high tension ? I'm considering buying a schort scale but I'm concerned about the tension because I play quite hard on the strings
Short scale basses have a deeper presence. Leo Fender knew this, and the Mustang was his original idea, but he got sued over the scale length.
Litigation is why we have long scales. The P bass is still iconic, but short scale is, to me, what it should always be.
Great video appreciate your expertise