Picking out a bass guitar?

Question

Hey this question is alittle long, but if can answer what you can that'd be great:

Short Scale vs. Long Scale bass:

1) whats the difference?

2) what are the pros and cons of each?

3) why does everyone speak so bad of short scales?

4) would you consider this a good short scale: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gretsch-Guitars-G2202-Electromatic-Junior-Jet-Bass-Guitar-100602747-i1320394.gc

5) can you become develop a good slap sound on a short scale bass? specifically the gretsch above.

6) i'm looking for a really funky sound, would a short scale work?

4, 5 and 6 string basses:

1) does the six string offer the best variation in sound?

2) would anyone ever get a 5 string considering you can just get a 6 string instead?

I just got a gretsch electromatic and i'm really enjoying it, but i've just read a whole bunch of slander about short scales and that there never as good as longer ones, i do have time to return the bass but is the extra length really that much better?

Answer 1

The smaller bass is made for children, or just those who are small and can't reach the end of a normal sized bass or have trouble stretching their fingers to reach the frets..

If you fall into that category then stick with the short scale.

Otherwise get the longer one.

Your Funk sound will come from your ability to play. The greatest Funk Bass player in the world would still sound Funky no matter what bass they play.

As for 5 and 6 strings, they offer advanced options for a real professional player. If you are not an intermediate player the extra strings will do you little good other than to show them off.

The 6 string has an extra string above, and below, while the 5 String has just a lower extra string.

Also bare in mind that the added strings will be physically inaccesable to those with hands that are too small.

Answer 2

Here is the scoop.

Long scale necks if not made for long arms and short scale for short arms.

The difference is obvious. Fender Jazz bass have a slimmer neck than their counterpart Fender Precision. The Jazz bass has a longer neck and thus, provide deeper bass as conmpared to the shorter neck.

Your bass should have a real bright punchy sound because the scale neck is shorter. That is the difference in getting a deep sound or a fat deep sound.

Nowadays, if you have the right amp, you can reach the boominess just like the Fender Jazz bass produces.

As for slapping, its irrelavant. You can slap anywhere on any instrument. It's just a matter of finding a correct wrist positioning and slap that bass around.