"I wish they made a short-scale version of this bass"

[Willie G. Moseley]

A while back I got to play a new Gibson SG Bass, the modern-day variant of their classic EB-3 (SG-shaped body, large and small pickups), and the new version slew the '60s-'70s version, sonically (IMO). I've heard that Gibson has some kind of new pickup for the large neck position, and I can confirm it don't have that "muddy grunt" sound like the earlier examples do. The original strings were probably a factor as well, but the '07 bass I tried out sounded amazing.

Still, it wasn't quite everything I was seeking ergonomics-wise (nor are/were the originals), and I found myself fantasizing about full-scale instruments that we appreciate, but wishing they came in a short-scale version for comfort's sake. The thing is, any resonance differences due to scale length seem to be less noticeable anymore due to various improvements in instruments, EQ gear, etc. and that's appreciated by someone like me---comfort has to come first these days; the heck w/ a bass that "makes you concentrate to get its best sound out of it".

Accordingly, I'd love to see a short-scale version of the following full-scale basses (some of which are discontinued), because they already "fit" me pretty well:

1. Fender Jazz Bass

2. Guild Pilot

3. Whatever the Hamer USA instrument was I bought about 15 years ago in a pawn shop (black w/ no okgd., P/J pickup configuration, dot markers, chrome hardware, 3 knobs)

4. Robin Machete

5. G & L L-1000 or SB-1 (original early '80s configuration w/ one straight pickup)

Others?

[Steve Haynie]

Fender makes a Mustang Bass that has a 30" scale, but it is an import model that has never felt quite right. It could give you an idea of what a short scale Jazz Bass should be like. The short scale thing just never really hit me like it has some people.

A Rickenbacker 4001 has a scale that is just under 34" and feels comfortable.

Hamer has done varying scale lengths. The short scale B 12S is kind of fun, but I would rather have a full scale 12'ver. Those medium scale basses that Hamer has made are the ones that feel like a good compromise on scale length.

[anotherfreak]

GET a MONACO Bass, with a 32" scale!!!!!

UN-FREAKIN' BELIEVABLE!!!!!!