You may wonder why there is such a big difference between the two kinds of bass guitars. It’s true that they look similar but their scales and construction differ from each other significantly.
Short scale bass guitars are built with a 12-string neck while long scale ones feature 14 strings. They also come in various styles and designs. But, it’s not only the design aspect of a particular model that makes them different; the material is another key factor. For instance, wood bass guitars tend to be heavier than plastic ones.
Long scale bass guitars also have advantages over short ones. Their necks can take higher tension. In fact, they can withstand higher force because of this. As well, their necks are longer than those found on short scale models which allow musicians to play chords effortlessly without having to worry about bending notes.
The bottom line is that long scale bass guitars give you a better sound quality compared to their counterparts. You will notice the difference when listening to songs played with either one.
What Is Short Bass in Guitar?
It’s very important for musicians to know how to play their instruments correctly. If you’re trying to learn how to play the bass guitar, then you should read this article. This guide explains all of the different parts that make up the instrument.
If you want to be able to play your bass well, you need to understand the difference between long and short notes. Long notes are played by pressing down on a string with the fretboard. On the other hand, short notes are played when you press down on the strings without using the frets.
There are two main reasons why you might use a pick when playing the bass. One is so that you can hold the note longer. The second reason is to produce a tone that is more powerful than a finger pluck would.
When you’re learning how to play the bass, you’ll also need to practice your scales and chords. You shouldn’t worry about these things until you’ve mastered the basics.
A good way to get started is to play along to some songs. Then, you can start working on creating your own music. After you have a few years of experience under your belt, you may decide to take up teaching.
What Is Long Bass in Guitar?
A long-necked acoustic instrument, such as the guitar, can be played by holding it upright on your lap while strumming the strings. This allows you to use both hands to pluck the strings, rather than just one hand.
You can also hold the neck of a guitar at an angle, so that you can move the frets with your fingers instead of using your thumb.
This type of guitar is commonly used when playing blues and rock music. If you want to learn how to play the blues on a long-necked electric guitar, you should check out this article.
What Is The Difference Between A Fretboard And An Action?
As well as the difference between a fretboard and an action, you might wonder what makes these two different. Here are some answers to your questions.
The first thing to know about an action is that it’s where the strings attach to the body of the guitar. It’s the part of the guitar that holds all of the tuning pegs.
If you take away an action from a guitar, then you won’t be able to tune it. In fact, if you don’t have any action, then your guitar will need to be professionally adjusted before you start playing.
What Are the Different Types of Scales?
If you want to learn how to play bass guitar, then you need to know all about the various types of instruments that are available. This is especially true when you’re learning how to play the instrument yourself. There are several things that you should consider before buying your first instrument. Here are three examples.
First, you’ll have to decide whether you’d prefer a full-sized or compact model. Compact models tend to be smaller than their larger counterparts, so you won’t have to worry about carrying them around everywhere. However, they may not offer as much versatility. On the other hand, a full size bass will give you more options when it comes to where you can use it.
Second, you’ll also need to make sure that you buy an acoustic or electric bass guitar. Acoustic guitars don’t produce any sound by themselves. Instead, you’ll have to plug your guitar into an amplifier to create the sounds that you want. Electric guitars do the same thing, but they require a battery instead of an amp.
Finally, you might find that there are different types of strings for each type of instrument. For example, a string is made up of two pieces of wire. One piece is the core, while the other piece is the wrapping material. Each type of string has its own unique characteristics.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHORT AND LONG SCALE BASS GUITAR ARE:
#1 Scale Length
Let’s start off with the most obvious difference between a short and long scale bass: the scale length. Keep in mind, scale length is the length of the string measured from the nut to the bridge. Typically speaking, short scale basses have a string length of 30”, and long scale basses have a string length of 34” inches.
To give some perspective, if you are a guitarist interested in playing bass, the scale length of a Fender Start is 25.5”, and the scale length of a Gibson Les Paul is 24.75”. If you are a guitarist looking to transition into bass playing, a short-scale bass will be an easier transition based on scale length.
#2 String Tension
Scale length directly affects string tension and string tension has a primary role in affecting playability and tone. The principle of string tension is as follows: the shorter the string, the looser the tension on the string. The strings on the short scale bass will be looser than those on a long scale bass. Let’s see how that affects tone and playability.
Guitars have two sets of strings. One set is made up of the high E and G strings. The other consists of the low D, A, and B strings. If you don’t pay attention to these different kinds of strings, you could end up tuning the wrong notes.
In order to properly tune a guitar, you’ll first need to determine the correct pitch. You can do this by using a tuner. Once you’ve found the right note, you’ll then be able to move onto the next step. That involves adjusting the tension on each string.
You will use a tool known as a truss rod. This is a small metal piece that you attach to the bridge of your instrument. By moving the truss rod up and down, you can change the amount of pressure applied to all of the strings. When you’re done, the result will be that they sound more in tune.
#3 Tone
Generally speaking, the shorter string tone will be less defined, rounder, “fatter”, “boomier”, etc. Conversely, the longer string will have a more “focused” tone and a more defined high end. Of course, these are subjective terms to describe the difference in tone. However, there is science to also explain the difference.
We won’t go into details here, but suffice it to say, it has to do with how overtones of the fundamental tone are different relative to different string lengths. If you have a guitar or bass, try this practical experiment. Play the E note on the twelfth fret, string six (string four for bass), and compare the difference in tone to the E played on the seventh fret, fifth string (string three for bass), you will clearly hear the tonal difference due to string length.
#4 Playability
As a result of the shorter scale length, the frets on the short scale bass will be closer together. This has some big implications in terms of the difference in how the instruments can be played. Because the frets are closer together, chords, fast melodic riffs, string bending, and finger stretches are more easily accomplished on a short scale bass.
Also, due to the lighter string tension and closer fret proximity, if you have hand or wrist issues, or are simply prone to hand fatigue, a short-scale bass will be easier to play. This begs the question: If a short scale bass has all of these positive attributes, why is it that the long scale bass seems to be more popular?. This has a lot to do with history. Arguably, the most popular bass of all time is the Fender Precision bass or “P” Bass. The name precision was given to the bass because it used frets as opposed to the fretless upright bass. Therefore, notes could be played with “precision”. This bass became “the” go-to bass for all of the classic recordings, and record producers wanted this sound.
Also, the simple design of the electronics produced a consistent sound that musicians and producers were wanting to hear and reproduce on their records. This led to the P-Bass becoming the industry standard. There were short scale basses produced during the time of the P-Bass, but they tended to be looked upon as a type of beginner or student bass by the musical community. However, over time that changed with more and more prominent bassists using the short scale bass.
#5 Weight
Another principal difference is the weight between a short and long scale bass. The long scale bass is on average four inches longer. Because the neck is longer, and therefore, uses more material, the weight of the instrument generally will increase. This can be important if you are standing for long periods of time while playing. It also is a factor when you are carrying the bass in its case.
When it comes to choosing your first electric bass, you should consider the size of the instrument. You don’t necessarily need to get the largest one available, but you should look for an instrument that fits comfortably into your hands. If you’re planning on playing in front of a crowd, you’ll also want to purchase a larger model.
You shouldn’t buy the most expensive bass you can afford. Instead, you should focus on getting the right type of sound. That means finding a bass that produces clear notes. For example, you might want to check out the Fender Jazz Bass.
Finally, you will want to ensure that you pick up a good set of strings. The easiest way to do this is to go to your local music store and ask them to recommend you some brands.
In order to keep your bass from slipping out of tune, it’s important to practice regularly. This is why you should invest in an amplifier.
#6 Portability
Portable bass guitars are becoming more popular than ever before. Portable bass guitar can be used on stage, in your home, or anywhere else that you need to practice. There are many different kinds of portable bass guitars available, so you will have no trouble finding one that suits you.
The short scale bass is more portable than the long scale bass. Due to its smaller size, the short scale bass can be transported more easily, and will more easily be played in spaces that are small. There is less of a tendency of knocking over the priceless vase as you move in your playing studio with a short scale bass!
You can use a portable bass guitar in several ways. You can take it with you when you travel, you can bring it to the park, or you can even set it up at your own house. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll find that you can easily transport it from place to place.
There are a number of advantages to using a portable bass guitar. For example, you won’t have to worry about damaging your regular instrument when you’re traveling. Also, you don’t have to spend money on expensive equipment when you want to practice. Finally, you can keep your music collection in one place instead of having to carry it around everywhere that you go.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get a portable bass guitar today.
#7 String Gauge
Yes, there are different strings available for short and long scale basses. Of course, you can use long scale bass strings on a short scale bass; however, some specialized short scale bass strings have a thicker core to offset the lower tension of the short scale. Also, to offset the lower tension, short scale bass players many times use a higher gauge string than they would for a long scale bass. You can also experiment with flatwound or roundwound strings to really “dial in” the sound you are looking for. Generally speaking, flatwound strings will emphasize the mid and low frequencies, and roundwound strings will be brighter and more focused in the higher frequency range. If you are looking for that classic vintage bass tone of the past, try roundwound strings.