5 String Bass

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

I'm gathering info, but haven't found much regarding a fiver w/a 30" short scale.

On one of the online forums, players suggest the low B wouldn't work on the shorter scale. Indeed, some mfgs. extend their scale to 35" for the 5. Why wouldn't the proper gauge low B resonate or articulate OK on the short scale?

The short scale is way more comfortable for my arms and hands.

I know I could install the Hipshot drop D on the four string, but was hoping to find a short 5 someday.

What has been your experience?

Reckon how feasible it would be to convert a baritone 6? Something that just came to mind.

[This message was edited by Jerry Overstreet on 24 December 2006 at 11:28 AM.]

Keith Cordell · From: San Diego

The Danelectro baritone and Bass 6 were nearly identical. A low B is very do-able on a short scale, you'll just have to experiment with gauges.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Thanks for the input Keith. I'm thinking the bari neck might be smaller than the 6 string bass neck?
I don't want to get into the wide neck thing nor interested in the high C on the 6.

I was thinking more of a traditional inline tuner P style or EB type, but I know my choices will be limited.

Looks like nut, tuners, bridge replacements on the bari might be my best route.

Hit me with more ideas if you please.

Rick Batey · Posted 24 Dec 2006 6:15 pm

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

I have a 7 string bass that I made in the late 80s that I use for a 6 string now. Somewhere around a 30 inch scale.

You will never get enough string tension on a low B on a short scale bass. You would have to jack the action up so far just to get the string to even play and then the intonation problems from the lack of good tension you will have will not even be worth it. There is a reason why you never see a low B on a short scale bass.

You would be best going with the short scale bass with low E with the heaviest guage E you can find and the drop it with some type of keyhead mechanics down to D.

A scale that you might get by with is a 33 or a 32" scale. I built a 33 inch scale and you would be surprised how much more comfortable that is than a 34 or 35".

Some far fetched suggestions for a cheap shorter scale. Take a standard 34" scale bass of any kind and put a capo on the first fret--heck try the 2nd fret also. You would have to change around/modify your fret markers, but this just might work. Put a heavy guage of strings on it and the tensions would be fine when you tune it down. You can also do your experimenting with the 30" scale by putting the capo on the 2nd fret. That ought to be close.

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