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Has anyone seen or had experience with a short-scale 5 string? And how short? Anything as short as 30"? Seems like a 32" would still have some balls on the B-string, but I'm wondering how short could I really go. Lately I've been playing everything from my upright at 42", my custom at 36", my SB5000 at 34", and my Kala U-Bass at tiny inches! It's been a challenge to get used to the small scale of the Kala, but I'm really enjoying the fingering possibilities it presents.

My hands aren't large, just average size, so not having to stretch so much, especially on the Kala, has made me think about smaller scales. I really do prefer 5-strings, and know that short scale is going to be a challenge to get the deep sound I'm used to hearing.

I did PM rod briefly on this subject, and intend on doing a lot of research before buying, or having one built. Am interested in what ya'll have to say/insights on this subject. Thanks.

Wouldn't you have note definition issues with the B string?

That would certainly be one of the issues to contend with.

I had asked the same question about a 32" 5 strings and in the past yes floppy B string with no definition was the case. What I am told today is that there are many string manufacturers producing strings for drop tuning with a bigger round steel core and being a little bit bigger are giving much more tension so at 440 standard on a 32" scale bass the "drop tuning" strings added metal and tension so they could at least remedy most of the problems if you don't mind dealing with a slightly larger B...

I was also told some of the high line builders including Joe Zon that they have been commissioned by some long time veterans of the music scene to have 32” and even shorter scale 4, 5, and 6 string basses made mainly because of the aging players having so many hands, wrist problems.

The whole 35” scale thing is still huge for 5 and up sting basses but more and more builders are offering 5 and 6 strings back in 34” because of the new strings you don’t really need the extended range as much anymore.

Sorry for the rant it was on my mind too.

Appreciate the "rant"... I agree that strings are going to be the deciding factor, just as better tire compounds have allowed dragsters to to put 3000hp to the strip... Birdsong bass guitars is the only bass building company that pops out on g
Google. They have piqued my interest, but I'm going to take my time, and research as much material as I can. I'm also thinking of buying 30" four-string SX bass from Rondo just to get a taste of a short-scale.

Though I don't own one, Scott at Birdsong really seems to have a great concept with his 5-string through-body routing.

I have experience with a very high end 32" scale 5 and also own an old 35" scale Modulus Q5. The 32" ended up being sold. Such a nice bass but the B was both floppy and had definition issues. I really think 34" and 35" do quite well with the B string in addition to exceptions such as Birdsong's Hy5.

My 35" scale Modulus Q5 can handle a .120 round core DR Sunbeam no sweat ! That's a small B but sounds excellent with great note definition.

I have played a prototype short scale 6 string Regenerate bass that had one of the tightest, most focused B strings I've ever played.

Rod is definitely the guy to talk to about a short scale 5 string.

The last option if you want the best of the both worlds, the B definition and the short scale feel on the higher strings, a fanned fret 5 string. It must be tough to get used to it.

there's no need to go exotic to get a great sounding B-string on a sub-34" scale neck. I've noted it many times before, but my 33" scale 6-string is continually getting raves as being the most comfortable 35" scale bass that the person playing it has ever played. when I break out the measuring tape as proof to dispelling the 35"+-scale B-string myth, there is usually a little disbelief until they take a second look at the measurement

it's all about construction methods, materials, and string choice. get it right and you have a winner ... get it wrong, and even a 35"-scale B-string can be a total dud

all the best,

R

Does anyone make lefty fanned fret necks?

Not sure, I have never considered getting one of those

I've never seen a lefty with fanned frets in the flesh, but you can purchase the license for $75.00 and have someone build you one.

http://www.novaxguitars.com/licensing.html

What's the purpose of fanned frets anyway?

It artificially extends the low-register strings while shortening the high-register strings. Instead of physically lengthening the string, it places the frets so that the same feeling is achieved.....


I think.

That makes sense.

It allows one instrument to have multiple scale lengths, thereby giving all strings an even feel and sound across the entire range of the fingerboard. If you look inside a piano, not only are the strings different guages, but they're also at different lengths... this was done so each string has similar tension and rings with similar volume, sustain, and clarity up and down the keyboard.

People also argue that the fanned frets are more ergonomic to play, but that's probably just a taste thing.

There's dissenting opinions as to how much difference it makes... I think it would make less difference on a 4-string than it would a 6 or 7 string. I've always wanted to try one, but have never seen a lefty anywhere.

Here's more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-scale_fingerboard