short scale Rickenbacker basses

[partime]

I probably should research this myself, but to save time I am asking the forum to answer a question. Can someone take a moment and list any shortscale Rick basses, (besides the 3000) any year,style or price? Thanks again.

[nov_1981]

The only other short scale bass that I know of besides the 3000 was this 4003
http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o188 ... ic%204003/
discussed here viewtopic.php?f=2&t=387484&hilit=short+scale+4003

[jps]

Paul, are you the same PW that was a member a long time ago?

[partime]

Hi Jeffrey, no I only joined recently. I do enjoy reading about Ricks and music.

[jps]

Never mind! I realized his name was Paul Young!

Welcome to the RRF!

[hieronymous]

I would love a short-scale 4001! Or how about a 4001/6? (just thinking/wishing out loud!)

[cjj]

I would love a short-scale 4001! Or how about a 4001/6? (just thinking/wishing out loud!)

4001/6? Cool!

OK, I know what a short scale bass is, but what's the interest in them? I mean, other than people with short arms who can't really reach everything on a full scale, is there any other reason for them?

[teb]

Are there really people who can't reach the notes on a long scale bass? I own four short-scale basses (two fretless, two fretted) and two long-scale ones (one fretless, one fretted) and I don't really see much difference in sound or playability. The scale length is certainly not something that would make or break the deal if I liked the bass. I might be slightly faster on a short scale, but not by much. I will admit though, that being 6'4 tall, I don't really have any sort of reach problems to deal with. I think you just tend to get used to playing the basses that you like for other reasons and I wouldn't expect anything magical to happen if one is either long or short scale.

[aceonbass]

At 5'7" tall, I DO notice the difference between short and long scale basses. When I got back into Ricks 10 years ago, I did so with the 3000 bass. I eventually decided the slight tone difference between the two was worth making myself work a little harder for the 10% longer reach of a long scale bass. This has been a mixed bag. Some Long scale basses are not too stressful on my left hand, such as Fender Jag's, Epiphone Mockingbirds, Tune 4-strings, my '88 4003 and custom 4008CS with the thinner fretboard. Newer 4003's and 4004's are just too wide (although the 4004 makes an excellent 5-string once converted). Any time a riff requires a lot of repetition within the first 5 frets of a long scale bass, it can be very painful after 3 or 4 minutes. The width of the nut can be crucial here. I would like to see RIC narrow their nut width on 4003's. It wouldn't hurt if they narrowed the neck width at the body on 4003's either to the older specs.

[partime]

CJ, this is a legitimate question. I imagine their is a personel reason for long vs short scale. A great bass player can usually play both, and other instruments too. In my case,I started playing a little later than my partners, I used a Gibson EB3 and got used to it. My guitar man played alot of echo-plex and the drummer had high energy issues unless he was tired or full of Jim Beam. I was a step behind them musically and needed an edge to keep up. I found that the short scale was much faster and less tiring (I tried lots of long scale-Fender p, my Rick, Thunderbirds),loved the sound of all but I guess my mind and fingers were locked in to the short fretboard. I think that if I was more dedicated to practicing I could wean off. Of course I might go broke if I played both. I am a medium build guy and size has nothing to do with my choice. I love my Rickenbacker 3000 and asked the question to maybe look forward to another Rickenbacker short scale if one was to be had. Thanks

[fatcat]

Broke the right leg, and first few gigs during recoup, I found it easier to play a shorty while "sitting in".An EKO 991 did fine.

I have a 2030,which is a bit neck heavy,I'll guess that a 3000 wouldn't be that way.I'll know if/when I get one.

[harley]

Like Dane, I'm 5'7" (or 5'8" depending on whether I'm being ground down or pulled apart at work). I have two regular scale basses and one short scale. I do find it a little bit easier to get around complicated parts on the short scale and there are times where it is a little easier learning new stuff on it, as well. That being said, I've gotten to the point that the little bit I can play can be played on all three and there's no scale that was going to lead me into Chris Squire territory, anyway.

I would like to be able to find another good short-scale for that extra ease of use that comes from the smaller fretboard. If that bass was also a Rickenbacker, so much the better. 3000s are getting scarcer and scarcer and a new line of short-scale basses from them may be my only option at getting one.

On the other hand, if you can find a painless way to make me suddenly 6'4", I'll find a way deal with the new wardrobe issues.

[johnallg]

That being said, I've gotten to the point that the little bit I can play can be played on all three and there's no scale that was going to lead me into Chris Squire territory, anyway.

I love it.

[marc61]

Just to note, I tried getting my son to use short scale, and he never liked them. I think it's all personal preference.

[fatcat]

depending on whether I'm being ground down or pulled apart at work

Illigitimi non carborundum