Switching to a smaller scale bass?

Question

So I've been playing about ten months and I learned on a 35 inch scale with jumbo frets. The big frets have never bothered me but the fact that the frets are so far apart makes for alot of stretching since I'm a girl and my hands aren't that big. Its hard to play well in first and second position.

I was thinking of getting one of those 30 in. scale jazz basses, but since I'm already used to an extended one maybe that's too small? A standard scale is only one inch smaller though. Do they make 32 in. scale basses?

I'm not sure which size do go with can someone give me advice?

Also which sizes am I likely to find at the average music store?

Answer 1

I suggest instead of getting a smaller scale bass, because the frets will be the same space apart, is getting a bass with a thinner neck.  The fender jazz basses and the special P basses all have a thinner neck. This way, you still get the range of a full scale bass, and you don't have to stretch your fingers as far to get to your needed frets.  You can also get a bass with medium frets.