A very IMPORTANT correction on your video,,, The Sire U5 can take regular long scale strings when strung thru the body.

"As a guitar player now trying to be a bassist I like short scales basses." -- exactly! The judgements about these being "toylike" or "for people with small hands" are tired cliches at this point. Ergonomically, the long-scale bass is a nightmare. No one has hands big enough to play in the first position. I'm 6'3" / 190cm tall and have large hands, and the short scale feels right and I can manage playing in first position. I think the only people who think of long-scale basses as a normal scale are the ones who always played them and weren't exposed to short-scale as a viable alternative.

I think this guys tutorials are the best! Unlike alot of bass tutorials, he doesn't do unnecessary talking. Everything he says is with purpose and doesn't waste your time. 👍🏾

I'm no beginner, but I have to say, short scale basses are absolutely my favourite, so much easier to play and therefore I play better, faster, longer and with more joy. It's absolutely worth trying one out if you haven't.

Mark, It is not just small hands - in my 60s I started to get arthritis.. My 34" scale G&L bass inflamed the arthritis in my left thumb - it was painful. I switched to a 31" scale Guild JSII - The pain and inflamation resided and stopped. I can play a 34" scale bass for a short time if it is all that is available, I cannot use one as my regular instrument.

I was playing regular bass for 12 years. Not long ago, i got short scale bass and that's all i want to play from now on. It's great

Top Tip on strings: if a shortie has full size tuning heads then long scale strings can be used - even flatwounds. But if the bass uses mini tuners then the tightness of the wrap around the post will cause strings to break - especially flatwounds. Just go up a gauge if the strings feel a bit loose. On a long scale I use 40-100 D'addario Prosteels. On my main shortie I use 45-65-85-110. The feel is very similar then. For roundwounds with a bass with full size tuners there is no need to be limited by string choice at all. Just use long scale strings. Also - Pit use. For anyone playing in a pit at a theatre show, the smaller size is absolutely brilliant in such a tight spaced environment. I take a shortie, a Tech21 Paradriver V2, and a compressor. Job done!

I think the main argument is that short scale are comfortable to play. Most of these basses will not go to kids or small hand persons.

Short scales are light weight, easier to transport and play and sound great! My favourite!

I play Short scale basses. I had a bad injury. Didn't know too much about short scales till my injury. Thank God they make shorty's. I actually have that same U5 bass, Great bass for the money. Thanks for the Video.

As a guitar player now trying to be a bassist I like short scales basses. I have the Squire Jaguar SS bass and love it.

I chose short scale as I have neck and back muscular issues and wanted a lighter instrument. I shall never play live but wanted to understand bass line construction for music production and felt I needed to learn the rudiments of the instrument to create realistic MIDI bass lines

I am an absolute beginner. I picked up a bass for the first time six weeks ago. After the first day of noodling about on a borrowed traditional bass, I had neck pain. That's not surprising - I have damaged vertebrae in my neck. I thought that would be my biggest challenge, but I've been able to work around it with a lighter weight bass. Slinging a heavy bass isn't going to be helpful. After the second day of noodling - for 45 minutes, I wanted to be very cautious - I woke up in the middle of the night in severe pain in my hands and forearms, having triggered tendonitis in my forearms and worsening the arthritis in my hands. After 45 minutes! I am extremely motivated to learn to play, but the reality is I have to work around arthritis in my hands, a history of tendonitis, and a run-in with carpal tunnel syndrome, and damaged cervical vertebrae. I'll still have to learn to stretch my hand, but at least I will have the opportunity to do that. An episode of severe tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome would mean my bass would sit in the corner with a dunce cap on for 6 to 8 weeks. It could easily my bass playing "career" before it could begin. I first tried a Squier mini pbase, which had extreme neck dive. I picked it up and the headstick immediately aimed for the floor. I tried playing it sitting. Same problem. It appears that most of the solutions for neck dive require adding weight to the body to counteract the neck dive, so that wasn't going to work. The Squier went back. It's hard for me to believe that anyone would want this thing. Now I have an Ibanez mikro. It cost less than $200. Great for a beginner. So far, no problems. A few short sessions a day seems to work, along with putting it down and listening to James Jamerson when I start feeling pain. I hope as I learn better hand technique I will be able to spend more hours practicing. I'm retired, and I'm stuck at home waiting for a covid vaccine. I would love to practice like a 14-year-old boy, although I would not sleep with my bass. I'd have to kick my cat out of bed to make room. As to how it looks, you're right, it looks kinda weird. I would love to look like John Paul Jones in drag. But if I can't play, that doesn't matter! Nothing is happening right now with COVID-19. And if I can put together a garage band of 50 to 80 year old friends once we are all vaccinated, tone isn't really going to matter. So there you go. Pick up the Squier mini sometime. I would love to know whether you have a problem with neck dive. Great channel. Thank you!

I’m fighting chronic tendinitis in my hands and elbows. I had to stop playing entirely for a few years. I recently got to play a short scale bass and was amazed at how much easier it was on my hands. I had bought a Stratocaster, thinking it would be easier, but I don’t like it as much as bass. I’m selling both my strat and my standard bass and switching to short scale. I am happy to see that manufacturers are no longer treating short scale as only beginner instruments and we have some high quality build options.

I started off with a Fender Mustang, it certainly was no toy and just as good as any PB or jazz bass i have owned

Probably the best commentary on the pros and cons of a short scale bass on the internet. I started with the Sterling Music Man short scale and as I built my hand strength and coordination, I soon went to a long scale four and then to five string Dingwall, even with small hands. And then I began to develop some arthritis in the hands and I bought a Sire U5 to give myself some rest and rehabilitation.

I have just ordered a short-scale bass after having an Aria long-scale for 35 years. I've got lazy but I want to do some playing again and I remembered the most addictive instrument I ever picked up was a Fender Mustang. This is a very informative video and that bass sounds lovely in the hands of someone who knows what's what. Respect.

Looking forward to this. As a lefty this is one of my few option for a short scale and it comes in some nice colours as well 😀

I have 4 basses, a regular scale, a short scale, a mikro scale and a ukele scale. Out of all of these the short scale is my main bass. It's not just for beginners or kids or small hands. It's just easier and funner to play. And super light too.

That binding gives it a nice Fender Aerodyne J-bass vibe.

2:28 opening note of wherever I lay my hat - nice fretless impersonation! 😊

loved your video and just bought a Sire U5, it arrived a couple of days ago and WOW what a beautiful bass guitar, and for $500 you won't find a better bass, the value for your money is amazing . . . . . I think it's the best short scale bass out there for the money

After years of playing long scale my ageing pinkies just couldn't hack it anymore so I changed to short scale. The Sterling Stingray with La Bella flats is a great substitute for my old precision, in fact I prefer it for that old soul/RnB feel. Spending quite a bit more I also bought a Mensinger Cazpar 4a. These are beautiful hand built instruments that look stunning and have a great sound and feel about them. If your able to raise money which I managed after selling of my long scales, I really recommend checking out both of these. The change over has been a blessing

Stanley Clarke / Tina Weymouth / Jack Casady / Jack Bruce / Bill Wyman / Bob Daisley / anyone who ever played an EB-0. All users of short scales. I swapped to short scales because of left shoulder issues. It was the arm stretch rather than finger stretch for me. I love it when people claim short scale are beginners or kids' instruments when Alembic are in the game! Not much change from £5000 for theirs. I went for a Sandberg Lionel Superlight and it's fantastic. Proper P bass tone and only 5.7 lb. Zero neck dive.

I also laboured away for years with a FJazz. I have small hands but good technique and can manage pretty good. I bought an Ibanez micro purely for a travel practice bass. I put on a set of flats and was gobsmacked at how good it sounds. Also I can play stuff I wouldn’t attempt on a 34”. Yup, it’s now short scale for me.

At 74 my fingers are shot playing my standard Fender basses. Not to mention the weight on my shoulders. I plan to change over to a short scale. Us old guys need a little help! Lol

Leo Fender decided to use 34' as he was trying to sell the Precision to upright bass players. Purely a marketing decision. Other manufacturers simply followed the competition. I've been playing bass for over 40 years, I tried short scale and I would never go back.

Thank you, Mark. Happy 2021.

If you like it, use it. Screw what anyone else thinks. That applies to many aspects, like brand names and pickstyle/fingerstyle. One size doesn't always fit all

I learnt how to play on a shortscale Squier Bronco. I still like to practice on that and then move to a full scale.

Commenting to improve youtube's algorithm towards this beautiful channel

I own both long scale and short scale basses. Playing on the short scale is always fun!

I'm obsessed with the Hofner shorty bass, they're tiny and ugly and I love them!

standing next to the drummer and you look with this bass like a giant;-)

The mint-colored version of this with matching painted headstock looks damn groovy! 😎

Excellent review. Well presented and good sound. I appreciate it!

Having just taken up the Bass, coming from standard acoustic, I have tried both long and short, I have decided on Short. Nothing to do with size of hands but more on the size difference between standard guitar and bass. Also my Bass is very light, a Cort Action Jnr. My Short Scale also, in my opinion has a better low end then the full size.

I LOVE my '67 EB-3. They are far more versatile than their reputation.

My first bass was a short-scale. It took me a while to realize that if I needed to play, say, a note on the first fret and then a note on the fourth fret that I didn't *have* to use my index and pinky fingers to do so. When I realized that sliding my hand up to make it more comfortable wasn't actually cheating, I started looking for a full size bass. Mine's not the best in the world(Fender jazz bass) but it's better than what I had(a no-name brand AFAIK as I've never seen another like it in the 30+ years I've kept it)

I find sightreading a little easier on a shorty as well. Less shifting positions when reading, so my eye stays on the page more, and I'm more accurate. Just my two cents...

I have a birth injury with my fretting hand/arm and I'm struggling a little with my long scale's weight and the lower frets. An Epiphone EB0 is on order (I cannnot wait!) so only really having to adapt to less tension on the strings is probably another good thing for me as it will force me to focus on my fretting technique and help strengthen my hand.

I love my Ibanez Mikco short scale. 150 bucks!

full of useful information as usual.THANKS Mark

Great video as usual.......the detail you put into your video are just right.... thank you

I have average-sized hands, but I have switched to short-scale basses. Even though I can play a long-scale, short-scales are simply more comfortable, which is a prime consideration for me, whether it's the length, weight, or body contours. After playing both, I honestly can't see much advantage of the longs. If you have no intention of playing a long-scale again, why develop your technique for a 34" neck? Get used to the length you plan to use and stop considering 30" inferior. It may become the standard someday. I play a Squier Jaguar SS, and it feels better than any bass I've ever played, has a fantastically fluid neck shape, and it sounds great. That said, I agree that long scales are better for fat B strings. I have a bass tuned to BEAD, and it's a J-Bass, my only remaining long-scale. As far as tension for my Jag, I favor flat wound strings, which require greater tension, plus I do use heavier gauge, so I have no problem with floppy strings at all. To be honest, I really don't notice the looser strings when I play. Speaking of the Sire Marcus Miller U5, I love the look, especially the tobacco, and I have a feeling I'd love the bass. If not for the Jag, I would seriously consider getting one. I kinda wish it came with a (pseudo) rosewood fretboard, but it's not a big issue.

I don't understand the comments about the looks of a short-scale bass - they certainly don't look any more "toy-like" than guitars do, and they are even smaller. they only look small to bass players. No one else cares.

Size matters apparently ... Its a macho thing. It's like saying everyone should be able to fit into 34" inside leg trousers. "Can't be a man 'cos he doesn't play the same long scale as me". To miss quote err.. .. Someone. I had an Ibanez SR600, I much prefer my new U5.

You can also get a warmer tone on a shortscale bass

How about the Hoëfner short scale? I'm a beginner with the bass, and after 3 full scale bases, I love the closer frets, I added German electronics and bridge, flat sound strings, and with this being a hollow body (built with in small bridge support), I love it! Great reviews on You Tube. Next to no negative comments. I bought one after watching an upgrade video of a Chinese made , but with German control panel and adding 250 ohm variable resistors. The man then played it side by side to a German made model. He was very impressed with the results. The Höefner Weighs about 1/3 as much as a solid body. Check out the comment videos. I'm glad I did. I'd love to hear some feedback on this.

As someone who 5'6" (Tina Weymouth, one of my favorites, is the same height). She and I can play long scale, but the short scale is much more comfortable for me. I still love traditional basses, but short scales are becoming more common and better in quality. And I'm all for it. The thing about the short scale as Mark said, scale tension is something to get used to. I can't play as hard (I'm heavy handed). But you can get used to it quickly.

Thought I'd throw out other reasons for short scale basses: I have sound-triggered migraines (rather than light-triggered), and harmonics can be a trigger. So, for me, the emphasis a short scale puts on the fundamental tone vs. the harmonics makes it far easier for me to play. Add to that I have *flaps penguin fins* short arms, and also have chronic "coat hanger" (neck and upper back) pain, so the contortions of long scale just means I would play less. So those are some reasons apart from hand size. So yeah, I'll never be a metal lead guitarist, but I enjoy being a short-scale bassist.

In the seventies there were only two that I knew of: the Hagstrom Swede and the Guild M85. Both were 30 inch and came with gorgeous hard cases. This Sire I just learned of today and I'm impressed!

Great advice...thanks. You really explain things well.

No prejudice against short scales! I LOVE my Dan Electro Longhorn

I use to play a Lakeland 55 02, but by getting older I got some pain in my left shoulder. I was looking for a shorter scale and found one 32 scale 5 string custom made light weight from MARUSZCZYK nearby in Germany. It was a relief to play this one and the low B is sounding the same as my Lakeland. I am happy.. So not only small fingers can do it, getting older also.

I have small hands, and for the past 15 years I've played a ESP LTD D-6 six-string bass and I've never had a problem with it. So personally I wouldn't have a need for a short scale bass.

I’ve 10 basses... my Chowny SWB has 24 frets on 30” scale... it’s the best bass I’ve ever played... period

I'm good on the guitar, but - after a couple years of practice - not so good on bass. So I decided to try a short scale bass. I bought a Squire Bronco (the cheapest of cheap), replaced the rubbish bridge, replaced the stock strings with Rotosound RS88S nylon flatwound strings, and voila! I have the bass of my dreams, and my trusty 5-string is now gathering dust on the wall.

From the "noot" to the bridge? LOL. Thanks for the vid. New subscriber.

I am 62 and learning bass again, my Pbass has done my wrist already after 2 days! I think I will look for a Sire U5, not common in Australia though.

Man that one doesn't sound like a toy.

I use both; long scale fender P and J and short scale Gibsons (which I started on) and Hofners, but I tried the sire U5 and the one I was sent was not a very good instrument so I sent it back.

I received mine just 2 days ago; it's an amazing bass. I do miss a couple of inches more, but I'm hoping is just matter of getting used to it.

Funny I just ordered that exact bass and hear u are jamming on it ! My plan is to put picalo strings on it and hand it to my guitar player for a 2 bass original!

I prefer to play mostly "extra" long scale (fretless). But what a HUGE sound esp. 6:36 love it!

I've been playing long scale basses since 1966. You left out one necessity for using short scale. Arthritis. So I found out this. They are real basses, and they work just fine.

This is the only short-scale bass that is available left-handed. Except for a Hofner of course, that's definitely a buy

Bought my first bass for Xmas, a Fender PJ Mustang short scale.. have been enjoying it, but now I will look it as a toy for a small child 😅😫

I have big hands and big fingers and i prefer short scale bass guitars over all others, for speed and comfort as far as im concerned you just can't beat them, they force you to be a much more accurate player and that's a good thing, great video 👍.

shirt scale basses also have a different sound , and that sound is very useful

Thank you Mark ❤️ I really appreciate your opinion 😊

I am Torn between: these 3 Short Scale"s: Stingray from Sterling by Music Man, Fender Mustang PJ or the G & L Fallout? Any Input would really Help this guitar player in need of it?

DR-HiBeams for short scale are really nice. Round wounds but don’t feel quite as rough as others, and they are very brite sounding. I play an Ibanez micro (my first bass) and a Yamaha TRBX504 full scale with a full two octave neck. Love both!

The D and G strings typically sound warmer and fuller on short-scale basses.

Once you get used to a short scale, YOU WILL be a short scale consumer. It's not just for small hands or beginners. If you get used to it, you'll play better.

The Sire is a beautiful, great sounding bass! I find them comfortable to play. Also, Squier P-Bass Mini, it's a great instrument, and Hofner Shorty, very nice to play. Fits into a standard guitar case. Maybe not the choice of the pros, but for the home musician, they are wonderful.

Great video appreciate your expertise

It’s funny. “Short scales look like toys” Unless its Paul MaCartney, Andy Fraser or Jack Bruce playing one of course!

EB3 - SG best short scale EVER!

Good video Mark! You really nailed the short scale vibe.. 😉 🥳

I have a Fender Mustang bass and it’s not at all toy-like, it’s super-cool looking. I think Justin Meldal-Johnson would agree.

Looks forward to this video.

Love my Gretsch Short Scale.

Tri-fecta, here; Small hands, small feet and a very .... large pickup truck. A Spector Bantam 4 fits me like a pistol and makes me look taller. 😉 It's similar to the Aerodyne in weight and plays like a Spector. Still play the long scales, too.

Thank you Mark for your clear statement and your very comprehensive viedeos. Maybe you'll find the time to test a Chowny SWB-1 shortscale from Scott Whitley too. You can find a demo of his signature bass on KZfaq. He recommends GHL strings (bass boomers) or Rotosound longscale strings (and cut them to size). Greetings from Vienna!

Very good indeed and thank you

I'm a small hand dude with arthritis so I really need a short scale. I ordered one of these ages ago and am still waiting. I've emailed Sweetwater (where I bought it) and the Sire company itself and can't get an answer from either of them as to when the new ones will be out. It's been months and months with no reply or ship date. I've given them plenty of leeway due to the pandemic and shortages and all that. But my patience is wearing thin and I'm thinking of just going with a Mustang. Plenty of them lying around.

Im only 5’ and fyi I seriously doubt anybody would think that a short scale bass is going to look odd or too busy.

One has to buy strings for the short-scale bass too when the time comes. Do Not cut the longer strings made for a 34" scale bass, they will unravel. . . .

great video !

So many of these KZfaq reviewers sound like amateurs when they say short sale basses are for kids and people with small hands. I guess they have never heard of iconic bass players like Carol Kaye, Stanley Clarke, Jack Bruce and many more who have used short scale basses. Clarke's signature basses are short scale. Lots of short scale basses out now, you know, because of all those little kids running out and buying basses lol. So condescending This is a fantastic bass for ANY sized player.

I've been wondering. Would you mind making a video about types of wood in basses and special features of each type of wood?

I think I'm gonna have to get me a short scale bass. My slap technique really needs some cleaning up. When I pop, it's not smooth on my 34 inch Squier 1960's Classic Vibe Jazz Bass. Got it set up but it's still a struggle getting a smooth pop. I've only been playing bass a year and about 5 months now so, I know nothing. Been playing guitar 13 years and still in the "intermediate limbo" if you will. Bass is better in my opinion. Maybe a short scale will clean up my slap? I'm also a chord/ triad and diad/power chord player and some bass chord shapes are a stretch. I'm 6'6" with "miniature doll hands" to put it in perspective

Man, I love this bass.

I don't agree with the string tension issue at all. I have been playing for 30+ years and for the last 5-6 I only play short scale. Now I have 6 shorties. I still have some long scales. I think it all comes down to string brand, gauge and the bass quality construction. Some of my shorties in fact have HIGHER string tension than a 34" bass

I get that traditionalists who've always played 34'-scale basses may consider short scale basses 'toy-like'. However, all other factors being equal, short scale basses will have a stronger fundamental, more 'bass-y' sound quality and superior ergonomics. I'm of average size and have normal sized hands but I absolutely love short scale basses!

One thing omitted from the review is that the bridge pickup is noise-canceling (that I heard, anyway)

my sire u5 came completly set up....perfect \(●●)/ the only thing bothers me is the round output jack, may be difficult to replace. it would have been better if it was placed on top of the body with a regular socket....

Got to love any of the Sires:) As it turned out, I bought an Olympic White Sterling by Musicman short scale Stingray about 5 months ago. Really like it. I'd still love to have this Sire short scale, in fact I wish Sire would come up with a 5 string short scale:) That would be fun:). All my basses are 34 scale. I've really been enjoying it for sure.

I've heard that if you use the through body stringing you can use regular scale strings.