Author Topic: Scale length of Mark Kings bass in Live at Isle of Wight 2000 (Read 119 times)

willie · « **on:** September 19, 2011, 02:16:27 PM »

Does anyone know the scale lenght of the Series 2 quilted Maple bass Mark King is playing in the DVD called Grupo Mark King Live at the Isle of Wight 2000? Is it a medium or long scale?
Thanks
Will

tubeperson · « **Reply #1 on:** September 19, 2011, 02:19:35 PM »

He prefers a medium 32 inch scale.

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2011, 01:14:54 AM »

medium scale with 90 guage strings so he can bend them as far as he can

willie · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2011, 08:57:12 AM »

OK , Thanks, I knew he had both long and medium scale standard point basses. Just wanted to know what he is playing in that video. I'm having one built and was trying to decide on which scale length to get. I've heard the long scale standard point body basses are a long reach to 1st position and that medium are much easier to play.
Willie

terryc · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2011, 10:18:57 AM »

well 12 years ago I walked into Manny's in NYC and played a standard 34 scale MK but I found reaching for the first fret rather awkward, the next day I went to Rudy Penshur's and he had the one I now own hanging there, a 32 for a mere $1800..it is much easier to play the 32 (unless you have long arms that is then go for the 34) but tension wise I can hardly tell the difference

Glynn · « **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2011, 03:06:59 PM »

I only have 4 basses and two not very long arms and even smaller fingers. My basses are:-
1) Fender BG29 Acoustic-Electric. 20 frets = 30
2) Fender Victor Bailey Acoustic-Electric. 22 frets = 34
3) Jaydee Custom Supernatural. 24 frets = 34
4) Alembic Orion 4. 24 frets = 34

They each have their own characteristics and uses. I can thankfully span them all and get different sounds depending on the part of the fret board and proximity to the bridge and pick-ups that I play. My input to the thread is use whatever you like and if you don't want to reach down to the first bottom fret on a long scale all the time, then don't worry - play it somewhere else. As Mr. Clarke said basically (no pun intended) on a recent thread - it is your fingers that are the end effects. On a logistical point, more people crash into you if you have a longer scale guitar neck- especially melodian players who are a bit sniffy about non-traditional bass instruments!