My short scale bass journey, collection and modifications (as of Feb, 2023)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- Unsponsored 'rundown' of my short scale bass collection and the modifications that I have made. (As of March, 2023)
00:00 Intro
01:14 Fender Mustang Pawn Shop series
02:11 Fender Mustang Offset PJ (MIM) 30" scale
05:38 Landing Custom Fretless 30.5" scale
09:45 Atelier Z Ken Ken signature 30.5"
13:00 Cort A5 Custom Z (not a short scale without the capo) 34"
16:13 F bass VF4 custom 30.75"
21:39 Outro
All basses run into a Line6 Pod Go, GK800RB model
No added EQ or compression on the basses
No volume/level correction - same patch and settings for all basses
Jonathan Wong is a physician and multi-instrumentalist based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Undeterred by an underlying autoimmune connective tissue disease that has severely impacted his life, Jonathan channels residual energy into producing music to raise money for various causes.
To learn more, please visit: jonathanwong.bandcamp.com - เพลง
![[TH] VCT Pacific Stage 2 - Week 4 Day 1 // PRX vs RRQ | GE vs GEN](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/iIi2_04jGr0/mqdefault.jpg)
Jonathan - thank you so much for focusing on short scale basses. You are the ONLY person I've ever heard say they have an autoimmune condition that affects their skin and joints - so do I!! It's difficult when people ask me why I play short scale, why I prefer certain strings, and so forth. I kinda don't like talking about the details to strangers (plus it sounds like I'm complaining) - but quite a few instruments that I used to play, no longer are an option for me. (eg: playing classical mandolin - the tension is not an option for me know, nor can my skin/fingertips manage the steel strings). Anyway, all that to say, THANK YOU for encouraging me to press on with my bass playing! Blessings to you!
Thanks for watching! I have a form of dermatomyositis (skin, muscle, joints). It sucks. Can’t walk properly, ventilated at night, can’t hold a pen properly. It’s forced me to reinvent many aspects of my life, professionally and musically. What’s the point in sulking, right?
Thanks for your encouragement! We soldier on!
I really don't get why people are so obsessed with Shorty vs Long-Scale. They have their tonal use-cases. So even without any condition preventing someone a long-scale bass, no one should care. This stigma of shorties is just outdated. Especially when looking at scales of the first few e-basses. xD
And to be honest, if you are uncomfortable to talk about why you play what setup...just say that it's what you like/prefer.
That f bass is awesome! Thanks for sharing your collection!!!
It is awesome! Will likely get even better with age. Still needs time to settle
I have discovered the wonders of short scale basses this past year after playing mostly P-basses. I do have a 32 inch (3/4 scale) Squier Jaguar that was my only bass for many years, but it was a little heavy for my back. Love your channel!
Thanks so much for watching and supporting my channel!
Congrats on that gorgeous F Bass! It's really well proportioned. Thanks for sharing your story. Hopefully it reaches people looking for a bit of encouragement.
Thanks for watching!
Another thank you for sharing your story. I have had a somewhat similar story with basses. I ran into a health issue not long after taking up the bass again after a long absence. I could not sit up comfortably in a chair for more than 15 minutes and using a strap would cause me shoulder and upper back pain. But I did not want to give up on something I really enjoyed. I bought a Taylor mini acoustic bass and was able to work myself up to an hour sitting. Bought a short scale bass with a high gloss finish and gave it away within a month. I spent more time fighting with the bass sliding over my lap than actually playing. Then a bought a u-bass, which some people may think of as a toy, but was amazed at the tone,when I put it through my amp. And, it was the perfect practice instrument. Now waiting for my dream bass from a custom builder 'LeCompte' and yes it will be a short scale 30" but like you we spent a lot of time talking over the build and while I have another six months to wait ....I'm excited. So, once again thanks for sharing your story it was especially meaningful for me. Take Care!
Thanks for watching! Good luck with the build!! Exciting!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been struggling with full size basses feeling that I need to work for it instead of it working for me. I have been trying to find a really awesome sounding and looking short scale p-bass. Definitely considering getting a mustang. That FBass is nice though 😲
Thanks for watching! With the right setup and fretwork, any of the mustang offerings have the potential to be a great workhorse of a bass.
Thanks Jonathan,,,great content!
Thanks for watching!
Thx for sharing your journey 😊
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
Great video, thanks for sharing your bass journey and wonderful collection of short scale bass guitars!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing!
Happy to. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed your commentary and playing. All the best!
Thanks so much for watching! Much appreciated!
Great video, Jonathan! I still cannot understand why a lot of of bass players settle for a great sounding, but uncomfortable playing 34/35 inch bass. A found two good short scale basses: first a Hofner shorty, low output, but nice vintage sound (needs some work to get better set-up, but for Eur 135,- excellent value for money) and later my Chowny SWB1 alder body with EMG preamp stacked bass/treble control. Delivery took a while, but to me it feels and sounds perfectly and that straight out of the box. Soundwise a mix between your custom jazzbass and f-bas (i.e. modern sounding, great for all pop/jazz/rock/metal sounds) and only about Eur 600,-.
Thanks for watching!
Really appreciate this video. Physical limitations have had me reaching for short scales too at times. Turns out the tone is wonderful. Love the Landing Bass I've always been interested in them.
Thanks for watching!!
Big fan of short scale basses . . . thanks for this, Man!
Thanks for watching!
Great video 👍👍
Thanks!
Glad to hear that you were able to adapt.
Thanks!!
nice studio...
cool basses....
interesting topic....
Thanks for watching!
Diggin your custom F bass, too. Wow monster tone!.
Thanks so much! The F bass is getting even better with a few more months of playing in! I’m quite pleased with how it turned out!
Thanks for watching!
I, to, have two auto-immune conditions that causes me to stop playing when it's triggered. The pain and discomfort lasts days or long enough to losing my calluses, and then, to start again. Play on, my friend! We learn so much from you!
We are here to support each other!!
I haven’t been able to really play cello in months. Can sorta fake it on keys and bass. Thx for watching!
Nice basses with nice tones. I prefer the P pickup also. Take care.
Thanks for watching!
Nice Atelier! I have a JLG Governor Short Scale Bass (made in Finland). After trying for many years with long scales, I finally swapped over. You have a really nice collection. :)
Very cool! Thanks for watching!
Jonathan, I just came across your video and channel in my feed . I am intrigued and interested in your thoughts musings and experimentation on bass and short scales . I thumbs up and new sub to your channel. Thank you for your original approach to music and TH-cam.
Thanks so much!
I really enjoyed this video. I have also switched to shortscale basses for medical reasons, but I need ultra low weight instruments. My first experiment was a SX/Jim Deacon precision, a very cheap brand that I bought to see if I liked the short scale.
Then a year before my 50th birthday I ordered a Sandberg California ii Lionel shortscale. I ordered with their “Superlight” specification with a paulownia body, Norwegian maple neck, ultralight tuners and bridge. It arrived a year later and it only weighs 5.7lb (2.6kg). It’s a passive P type and like you I put Ti flats on it.
It sounds fantastic. It balances perfectly (really important for my issues) and it is so easy to play. I use it for pretty much everything now.
I think people are realising that shortscales are not just beginner instruments anymore, and it’s great that more companies are making high quality shortscale basses.
Thank you for your video.
I’ve been wanting to try the sandberg! Not readily available around here unfortunately. Thanks for watching!!
Wow my path to short scale basses was similar in the physical aspect. In one year I had carpal tunnel surgery both hands as well as multiple trigger finger releases both hands. I couldn't play my long scale basses so I started acquiring shorties,(8 to date) and now I don't see myself going back and they're all passive ......I love them. : )
Yeah man! I’ve sold off all of my standard scales. Should have gone to shorties earlier. Unfortunately I was dissuaded by the ‘it’s for beginners’ and ‘you can’t gig that!’. Should have known better!!
Thx for watching!!
@@jonathanwong458music Stay healthy !
You too!
Bought a Sire U5 30”, which I loved. Quality was great, but the body wasn’t contoured so was uncomfortable to rest my right arm on. Recently purchased an Ibanez EHB 1005SMS headless 5-string fanned fret 32-30” neck, passive/active. Replaced the Bartolini soap bars with Aguilar pickups - now have the perfect bass. Very light and comfortable and great range of great sounding tones
Awesome! I had the same comfort issue with the sire shorty. Thanks for watching!
When I was 19, I traded a short-scale Hofner "Beatle" bass straight-across for a short-scale Gibson EB2D (similar in construction to the ES-335, with a semi-hollow body). It has the giant humbucker as well as a little bridge humbucker, and I cannot say I've ever been unhappy with it over these last 55 years. I agree that if it suits you and your ranges, stick with it. Plus, if you have stubby fingers, you won't have to make them "do the splits."
Thanks for watching! Tone is such a subjective thing.
I developed an autoimmune condition six years ago. I sold my heavy Basses and Guitars, and bought lighter weight versions.
I have a Short-scale Classic Vibe Mustang Bass, and Gretsch G2220.
Maybe, a Fender Japan Junior Collection Jazz Bass at a later date... 👍❤️🎸
Yeah, it's been a bit of a whirlwind here re disease! I released a classical piano album in 2014 and 2 years later, 2 fingers in my RH stopped working, lost all dexterity! Started having more trouble walking, getting more breathless - told I might have early ALS before I turned 40....been BiPAP ventilated at night for 4 years now....it's been crazy! Turned out it's a form or variation of inflammatory joint, skin and muscle disease (dermatomyositis). I too, sold off most of the full scale and heavier instruments. Here's the bonus though: I actually found my sound, a sound I prefer and better resonate with, in short scales!! So it's strange how you discover things...
Thanks for sharing. I too have physical limitations mostly nerve damage in my left arm and hand. Is the glove your wearing help with your pain? Is it specifically for fretting?
Thanks for watching the video! I typically have multiple sore spots on my finger tips where chronic vasculitis has chewed up my skin. I have ischemic spots too (from poor blood flow from bad blood vessels). Kinda gross. I use a 'musician's practice glove' on my fretting hand so the strings don't further shred apart my finger tips. It also helps with the chronic pain. I have a video on these gloves on my channel where I discuss it more. I don't like the sound I get if I also wear a glove on my plucking hand, so if things flare really badly, I just have to stop playing for a while. Best of luck with your nerve issues too. jw
I play an Ibanez Mikro and love it. PU's sound great, no hum and it weighs 5 lbs 9 ozs- YEAH
awesome! Thanks for watching!
That Fbass sounds great. Clear, a little warm, not flubby!
Thanks for watching! I recently uploaded a deep dive video on that F Bass shorty. Check it out if you get a chance!
Hey! Great video. on those TI flats... how is the tension on the E string? thanks
Thanks for watching. The string tension on the TI flats is definitely loose. If you come from DR high beams like me, it’ll feel sloppy (but in a good way). It’s forced me to pizz/pluck much softer, which actually creates a bigger and warmer bass tone/sound. Smaller initial transient. I love the TIs. I prefer them over all other flats. Tension seem well balanced across. Probably why the gauges are atypical! 100-70-56-43
@@jonathanwong458music thanks, Jonathan. yeah, same here with my Deep Talking bass Flats from La Bella. If it look at the E string the wrong way it clicks and klacks all over the fretboard. have you found any short scale flats that do not do this?
thanks,
tyler
I’ll admit that even the TI flat low E does sound a little different. Slightly lower in volume, slightly duller. I’ve fiddled with pickup heights but then it changes the A string output. In the end I’ve needed to adjust plucking dynamics and pluck the E a little harder. I don’t know why someone hasn’t fixed this, don’t think I’m the only one with the issue.
thanks for all your videos man, really informative. curious to see if youve ever played the JMJ mustang? i have one and love it
Thanks for watching! Yes! I had a chance to try the JMJ when they first came out. The neck was a tad chunkier in my hands, but had vibe for days!
sweet man, glad to hear you liked it
It’s a good relic job, not too overdone.
Yeah man the relic job has grown on me, didn’t like it at first but the bass was too good so I had to overlook it haha
Daphne blue or black?
I have the residual effect of an autoimmune disorder gave up playing yeaars ago but am trying to get back into it the best I can What do you think of the squire jaguar vm ss? Enjoy your videos. Thanks joe
Thanks for watching! The Squier jag you mentioned has been discontinued and the used prices in Canada are surprisingly higher than what they originally sold for! These were made when the quality of Squiers were less consistent. Of the examples of this model I've tried, some were ok, and some were less so. The newer offerings from Squier have been more consistent in terms of QC. Glad you're getting back into bass!
Ever tried out the Stingray short scale basses? I ask as a fan of Stingrays.
Hi thanks for watching! Yes, I have tried the sterling version of the short stingrays. The samples I tried seemed heavier than my current line up. I was ready to buy the white on white model but when compared to a mustang, it had considerably less bottom end and way more mids and high, as you’d expect from that pickup placement. In the end I passed on it as it wasn’t the sound I was seeking
Greetings from Indonesia! You should look for Compact Bass CPB-60s. It's a p-bass that sold domestically in Japan. Unfortunately it's only available in used market because it is n/ow discontinued. Cheers for fellow shortscaler..
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Great video and shared story of your short scale collection!
I have just picked up my first bass guitar which is a Sire U5 short scale model. I'm hoping you might be able to share some of your experience on string sets? Can I put sets of full scale strings (cut down to fit) on a short scale bass and is there anything that needs to be explained if the process is at all possible?
Thanks so much for watching!! The Sire is a great value! Strings are a bit of a controversial topic- the manufacturers will all tell you to buy short scale specific strings. The main reason being so the windings do not unravel over and around the tuning peg. Especially with flat wounds. That being said, I have used TI flats and Dunlop rounds (long scale) on my short scales for years without issue. I think one must never cut down past the silk and wind very slowly to avoid over creasing and stressing the windings. And also to not expect to re-use strings if you take them off, cause then they might unravel. I also would avoid having silk over the saddles. I have installed TI flats on the sire U5 I setup for a friend and it sounded great.
*But I don’t represent any of the string makers and it’ll probably void whatever warranty it comes with! Hope that’s helpful.
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks for replying to my question, much appreciated! I want to try a set of stainless steel Elixir nano coated 45-105 and they only come in long scale. I have ordered a set now I know its possible and will use them to start my bass learning adventure on. By not cutting down past the silk I assume that equates to not cutting below the taper at the top of the string. Looking at the strings that came on the guitar they have a wound steel wire taper at the top. Being a beginner I am not yet up to speed with bass guitar jargon :)
If we are talking about the same thing, at the tuner (non ball) end, cut as far as possible. Some strings have steps in the winding, so avoid those areas. Elixirs don’t have silk ends if I recall, so you’re good there. Good luck!
@@jonathanwong458music Yep we are in agreement. The bass strings are taper wound it seems to fit into the tuner after the full thickness of the string passes over the nut. I like the coated elixirs on my electric guitars so want to try and use them on my bass as well. Thanks again!
Right on!
Much thanks for your short scale bass videos.
(Silly?) Question: What's the process for tuning a 34" scale bass to short scale with a capo?
How do you tune/make it short scale EADG ? I saw you put the capo on the 2nd fret...
but do I detune the 34 scale first or what? If you have time please can you explain.
I apologize if my question has an obvious answer but I've never seen that idea before - converting long scale to short scale.
Also, what brand capo do you use? TIA
Hi! Thanks for watching! Here's a link to a video I made on the exact topic: th-cam.com/video/fYtzrSbnk1s/w-d-xo.html
Briefly, I tuned the 5 string a full tone down (A-D-G-C-F). Putting a capo on the 2nd fret makes it standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G). I added extra relief to the neck to avoid it fretting out. Intonate as required. I use a Paige capo because I find it puts even pressure straight down, rather than pulling from the side (eg kyser). Hope that helps!
@@jonathanwong458music Wow! Thanks that was really quick! :) Thanks!
Hope it’s helpful!
Have you ever tried tape wound strings? These might be more comfortable to you
Thanks for watching! Yes, I have tried Daddario and Fender branded tapes. I’ve made a few vids on those. The tone is ok, but I found that friction from them while playing heat up my fingertips. The hot and gummy sensation felt foreign. Maybe I’m dreaming that up! Thanks for the suggestion, though!
They're all gorgeous! Cort makes incredibly nice instruments at super reasonable prices. If you ever can, I would highly encourage you to try out a Serek as well. And if you want to get really silly, try out a shortscale Kiesel Vader. Headless aren't for everyone but I'd sooner die than give mine up lol.
Thanks!! Yeah, sereks on the radar! Had a headless zon, almost had it slide out of my hand on a gig (so used to having a headstock!)
@@jonathanwong458music I have a cort-made '97 DeArmond jet star deluxe, one of the best basses I've ever played...I have gibsons/fenders/ric/blahblahblah and that DeArmond I paid 250 for holds its own against all of them, cort rocks
yeah man! the cort factory cranks out quality stuff! glad you found 'the one'!
@@jonathanwong458music Both Cort and Samick have been producing world class instruments since the 90s when they got away from that plywood crap, alot of players don't realize it though because they were built for other brands, like the higher teir DeArmonds, Epiphones, Squier Pro-Tone series, etc...
man do I hear this, I'm is the same canoe.
Thanks for watching my videos!
What would you suggest for someone on a limited budget?
For 30”, best bang for your buck is probably the squier bronco. It’s under $300 cdn. For a little more, the squier classic vibe mustang is pretty cool. For 28.6” scale, the Mikro and mini P are both under or around 300 cdn. The Harley Bentons are really inexpensive but quality is sometimes inconsistent.
Thanks for watching! Lots of short scale videos found on my channel!
Nice playing but bypassing the eq knobs and bridge pickup is something I just don't agree with! That last bass is amazing!
Hi! Fair enough! I put together my rig to accomplish my tonal goals and to meet my stage needs. Of course, my needs will be different than everybody else's!
The last bass (the F Bass) really is amazing. I'm quite happy with it!
Thanks for watching!
Did you check out the Serek short scales?
Haven’t yet. Really want to, they look great! Spend most of my time with the F bass. Hopefully soon. Thx for watching!
Man! I really that F Bass. Wish George would make more or @ least offer it as an option.😕🎶❤️👍🏾
Give Marcel (George's son) a call!! It's a fine instrument. Thanks for watching! I'm not an FBass artist, but I'm really hoping they continue to do well.
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks. I will keep that in mind.😌🎶👍🏾
hi .. what’s your speaker monitor?
Those are IK multimedia MTM monitors. I like them, mixes translate pretty well across other systems
Awesome basses dude. I want some shortscales
Thanks for watching!
I must have been mistaken about what a compound radius meant, I thought it was the fret board that had the compound radius yet you point at the back of the neck when you say it. I also thought it really wouldn't make any difference on a bass as the more rounded lower radius made playing bar chord easier and the flatter higher radius was for making it so bending notes didn't fret out, neither of which are techniques traditionally used on bass. Am I just flat out wrong about what a compound radius is?
Hi, thanks for writing! I see the confusion. I was referring to the neck carve. You are right in the sense that bass players do not typically bend as much as guitar players (some do!!), so the fretboard radius is less of an issue. Re neck carve, older Fenders are rounder, more modern basses are flatter, profile-wise. Some bass players like grabbing the "money notes" (AKA the lower frets, haha) like a baseball bat but employ more curved fingers (so called "proper technique") when soloing on the higher frets. Therefore, rounder at the bottom, flatter at the top. Think chunky P bass down low and slinky flat MTD at the top. In the end, player preference. Sorry for the confusion.
I’ve included a clarification in my latest more detailed video on the F Bass shorty. Thanks for the comment!
you mention you play shortscale now because of the weight but then you play a regular bass with a capo??
Weight is one issue, but the biggest advantage to short scales is smaller fret distances, making notes easier to reach with less finger span. With short scales, I spend less energy and strain stretching my fingers, Painful finger joints, unfortunately. Lower string tension is another reason
I use 35 scale mutliscale headless bass 6 string and woah the weight is actually soo light at sometimes i forget i have it on me
That’s awesome! Glad you found a great instrument!
these are bass guitars ,not electric bass with precession frets. so 30" is standard & anything longer than that is long scale & anything shorter than that is short scale ( the word precession bass has a meaning )
I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand your comment.
The generally accepted scale names are: long scale (standard) = 34 -35", medium scale = 31-33" and short scale = less than 31". There has been a recent trend towards mini basses, which are shorter than 30". eg the Squier Mini P which is 28.6", but would still fall under the short scale naming.
Can you please clarify what you mean?
@@jonathanwong458music to my understanding leo fender did not make a bass guitar, he made a precission electric bass ( an electric version of a double bass, but with frets placed at precise spots, so he called it precession bass)
gibson made bass guitars & the scale length was 30
leo never said 34 is the standard scale for electric bass or bass guitar.
now this "short scale" use is also subjective...if what he made was a bass guitar ,why did he use the word " precession " a guitar always have frets
Ok! Thanks for clarifying!
👍👍🦸♀
Thanks!
@@jonathanwong458music U know, it baby. BTW diggin the Fender Mustang.!
Love the pickguard and color. Very cool! wink wink. ; )
#136_NO_headph_blueteeth_computer_justCheapTablet_OK_ImNotHearingAnyAMP_No_DI_justBarleyAudibleRoomSound🥀
I’m sorry, I don’t understand your message
“I played that for decades “…. You look like 21 y/o bro what the what?
In my 40s! Thx, haha. Started music pretty young
Thank you for sharing your story. I too wear a glove when playing bass, in my case due to tremors, they help with that a lot. I gave up bass for many years because I felt unable to progress. It took me a lot of research to figure out why some choose to wear gloves, Scott Devine for example. I am sure many people mis-conceive the idea of wearing a glove while playing bass, such as avoiding callous pain or cold hands. It would be great if you could make a short video about your use of the glove, which you prefer and it might help others to continue playing bass rather than laying it down. Thanks.
Thanks so much for watching! I use the Musician's practice glove. The small size fits pretty well without extra fabric in weird places. I've made a video about why I wear a glove and whether it affects the tone of my basses. Here's a link:
th-cam.com/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/w-d-xo.html
Thank you! It's a great video. I've just ordered an Ibanez MiKro bass, thank you for your review which I found most helpful.@@jonathanwong458music
Thanks for watching that one too! The Mikro is a fun bass!