I was just wondering What is your preferred scale length for a 5 String Bass? I see that most "Larger" Companies are also torn between 34 and 35. What are your thoughts and why do you like the length that you choose?
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5 String Scale Length
- Thread starter Seamoon FX
- Start date
I have one of each and I’ll be honest, I really don’t think about the difference.
We’re all made differently and I have no reach limitations if it matters. But as long as the strings aren’t sloppy at B tuning I don’t have real preference.
We’re all made differently and I have no reach limitations if it matters. But as long as the strings aren’t sloppy at B tuning I don’t have real preference.
I think the B is really what matters, If the tension is there I don't mind either.
34.5, hardly any builders use and don’t know why, my Fbass BN5 has it and I love it, just enough extra tension to tighten the B string but not enough to change the over all feel of the other strings, for me it’s ideal.
Personally, I don't prefer either of those scale lengths, I prefer a shorter scale bass. I've had the chance to play a 33" scale Fodera and a 32" scale MTD and both of them were excellent and comfortable. Perhaps for some people style and playing preferences those shorter scales don't give them what they want, but for me, the improvement in the higher strings and the reduced reach for the lower frets is well worth what for me is a very small trade off in B string performance.
The other thing that to me is a really big deal is string selection. I have come to prefer balanced tension sets with heavier low strings and lighter high strings that the "normal" offerings have and find they work much better (for me).
I'll also add that I've been happy to see something of a trend for manufacturers to offer more shorter scale instruments. 20 years ago when I was way more into bass (before a bit of a hiatus) everything was pushing to 35" and I honestly wasn't always a fan of the change.
The other thing that to me is a really big deal is string selection. I have come to prefer balanced tension sets with heavier low strings and lighter high strings that the "normal" offerings have and find they work much better (for me).
I'll also add that I've been happy to see something of a trend for manufacturers to offer more shorter scale instruments. 20 years ago when I was way more into bass (before a bit of a hiatus) everything was pushing to 35" and I honestly wasn't always a fan of the change.
35" scale is a good way for off the shelf brands to have a good B.
Plenty of small builders can match that in 34-32" scale.
Plenty of small builders can match that in 34-32" scale.
For B-string response IME length can help. But a bunch of other things factor in & could tilt the scales either way.
For ergonomics, I don't really care; my stringed instruments span from 13" to 44".
For ergonomics, I don't really care; my stringed instruments span from 13" to 44".
I prefer 37", and not just being a smart a$$ contrarian. The extra scale length on a Dinwall makes a difference. If not a 37", I prefer 34" over 35" because the D and G strings get weird.
Doesn't matter a whole lot to me as long as the tension is serviceable. Generally a longer scale length if possible though.
35" makes every note on the B + E string sound better and makes the G and sometimes D string sound worse. I hate to advocate for multiscale but in terms of physics, it's better (look at a piano).
My thought is that most playing is in the middle of the bass, and that sounds better at 34" so that's what I play.
My thought is that most playing is in the middle of the bass, and that sounds better at 34" so that's what I play.
I had a Yamaha BBN 5 for years (34'') and was very happy with it, but when I got a 35'' Spector Legend I was amazed at how much better the B string felt and sounded. I've no doubt there are many other factors at play, but with the same strings (RS66s) and set up I much preferred the 35'', and I'm not usually one to notice 'subtle' differences! 
Depends on genre of song really.
Going longer scale adds harmonic content and therefore sounds brighter. So do you want a brighter sound? go with 35" or a warmer sound? 34... or shorter even.
Going longer scale adds harmonic content and therefore sounds brighter. So do you want a brighter sound? go with 35" or a warmer sound? 34... or shorter even.
35" feels and sounds right to me. But, I came upon a 35" not because I wanted one but because I saw a good bass player in some band who was playing a modulus and it sounded great. I bought one a few days later. At that point in time I didn't know anything about scale length. That was maybe 27 years ago. My playing technique and personal tastes have evolved on that instrument. 34" feels too sloppy to me. B strings don't sound as good to my ears. I can play them and have, but my preference is 35", and so far, carbon necked basses.
I have both 34" and 35". For years and years, I played my 35" as my main gigging bass. But in the last year or so, I find that the extra reach for the first few frets on the 35" is a bit of a pain. I'm 5'7" and don't have the longest reach. I guess it was always a bit of a reach, but when I bought the bass over 20 years ago I was willing to overlook the reach because it's a great player and sounds so dang good (and looks great too). But now I prefer a 34" as it's just more comfortable for me.
bigjames
Player of Smooth Lines
My Sadowsky is 34 and my Fbass is 34.5". Based on playing a few, I am flexible, but I do feel the difference between that .5" when I switch back and forth. I am tempted to grab a multiscale / fanned fret bass next with a 37" B string.
If you B string doesn't have enough tension, it's not a bass problem, it's a string problem. We've gone over this again and again and again....
34 inch scale is just fine with the right string.
34 inch scale is just fine with the right string.
I prefer a 35 but a 34 doesn’t hurt my feelings.
That’s true to the extent that any bass can be optimized with the right set of strings. I have found B strings that I’m perfectly happy with on my 34” 5-ers but I’ve also found that my 35” 5-ers were easier to please - that is to say I found a wider selection of B strings worked well on s 35 than did on a 34. Other factors play into it as well; setups, break angles, bridge design, etc…
I’ve played different scale lengths, different multiscale lengths. It doesn’t make a difference to me, I’ll adapt.
My Sadowskys are 34" scale and have an amazing B string. My Dingwall is 37" and has the most absurd B-string ever that even tuned down to A still feels incredible.
But what I hate is the sound of a 35" G-string (or even worse, C-string). So if I'm going to go with something bigger than 34", it has to be multi-scale now that I've discovered the joys of that world.
But what I hate is the sound of a 35" G-string (or even worse, C-string). So if I'm going to go with something bigger than 34", it has to be multi-scale now that I've discovered the joys of that world.