6 strings bass : 32' scale ???

[dubalbal]

Hello Friends ,  
 
I consider seriousely to buy a 6 strings bass ...I already tried some in 34 and 35 inch scale..way to big for my fingers , so i was wondering if a 32 ' would sound also as nice as a 35 ' ? ...in other words : for a 6 strings bass guitar , does a longer neck provides ththe best ?  
 
Thank's for your comments folks !  
 
ALAIN

[dubalbal]

...oups...sorry for the end of the message , so here it is :  Is the longest neck the best for a 6 strings bass ?  
 
Thank's  
 
ALAIN

[dannobasso]

It doesn't have to be. I would suggest that a wider spacing gives more stability and power in the low B in a 32 scale bass. I currently have 3 32 scale 6's, a 7 32(spoiler) , a 5 in 32 (distillate) and a 5 in 31.5. (essesce).My wide 6 32 is extremely stable in the neck and produced a great low end tone. Many players feel that the longer the scale, the more defined the B will be. Alembic has done all types of scales and widths.

[the_8_string_king]

My experience -with my 35 inch 8-String Europa and my 34 inch 6-String Elan Plus- indicates that the longer scale DOES make a BIG difference with the low B.  For this reason, I decided to stick with standard 34 inch scale for my Custom-in-progress -although I seriously considered a 33 inch scale -which I think is the shortest I'd consider for any bass with a low B.
 
I could not find EVEN ONE maker of 6-string bass sets in medium scale (32 inch)... which means you'd have to use LONG SCALE strings on a medium scale 6-string... the B would surely be quite floppy and undefined.
 
The low B on my 35 inch scale 8-string Europa has incredible clarity which is far superior to any other B I've ever heard... but it also has a LOT of Ebony in the neck (see the nearby cool necks thread).
 
You should probably consider getting at least some Ebony neck laminates, PERIOD... but DEFINITELY if you're gonna get a bass with a low B and a shorter scale than standard 34 inch long scale.  Just in case you happen to not be aware of it, Ebony neck laminates work wonders on the sound in general -and on the low B (and E) string(s) in particular.
 
There are plenty of people here who can/have/will back me up on this with testimonials.

[to_81_0190]

Hi Alain,
 
Just for reference, there is sound clip called Bazaar of Kashgar on My Space which is played with 32' 6string spoiler.
 
Toshiaki

[mica]

It's more mechanical than anything. A short scale length will feel different for sure. Roberto (who started a thread about balance of 6-string Spoiler body basses, has both long and medium scale basses. I'm sure his thoughts would be valuable for your consideration, Alain.  
 
 
Scale length is a difficult decision if you don't have references. Try this out: put a B string on your Spoiler bass - don't worry about intonation or set up. What you want to determine is does the sound or feel of the string bother you? If is doesn't, you can be confident in your decision for a medium scale. If it does bother you, then you'll know to steer clear from an expensive mistake.  
 
Let me know what you find out.
 
Another big issue is the width of the neck. Just because there are 6 strings, doesn't mean you have to have a huge neck width, especially down at the nut.  
 
Strings are an issue, but regardless if you use medium or long scale strings, the mechanical action will be the same - the vibrating length of the string doesn't change. Also, many medium scale strings are too short for our medium scale basses because the bridge and tailpiece are separated. D'Addario Chromes come to mind, most Alembic players buy their extra-long scale for their 34 scale basses. Best is to specify the strings you want to use, then we can figure out if they can be used with yoru specifications before we build the bass.

[dubalbal]

Hello Friends ,  
 
Thank's for your comments ...one thing is quite certain , ebony lams have to be a part of the neck , whatever scale i choose !  
 
Hello Mica ,  
 
...thank's for your advices  , i'll put a B string on my bass to check how it feels !...on my series 2 ...i don't have a spoiler...  :-)))
 
Regarding the neck width , do you have anything to suggest ? ( I'll try to call you this week )  
 
Thank's for all friends !  
 
Alain

[mica]

Your profile said you had a Spoiler, but it's not in your collection anymore I take it.  
 
The classic taper fingerboard is 2.0 x 3.125 for a 6-string bass. This has rather narrow spacing at the bridge.  
 
Maybe see if Edwin knows of any 6-string Spoilers around the Benelux region. Maybe you'll get a chance to try one out that way.

[to_81_0190]

Hi Alain,
 
When you put B strings on your bass, I recommend to try both gauge 125 and 130. There is not a little difference in sound and feel.
 
Toshiaki

[jacko]

Hi Alain.
If you can get to Scotland, Mike Pisanek has a 6 string spoiler with a very narrow neck - feels more like a 4 string to me. I'm sure it wouldn't take more than a couple of beers to encourage him to let you try it out;-)
 
graeme

[dubalbal]

Hi Mica ,  
 
I just updated my profile , my actual bass is NN , cotm November .  
I'll try to get there but , i'll see if there's anyone around here with a 6 strings bass to check !  
 
Hi Toshiaki ,  
 
I'll do what you recommend , tkx !  
 
 
 
Hi Graeme ,  
 
I might seriousely get to Sctland very soon...and no problem for the beers...i'll convince him !!! :-)))
 
Tkx  
 
ALAIN

[roberto]

Dannobasso,is it correct that you own a 7 strings 32 Spoiler?could you please kindly mail me a photo ot it,with neck dimensions if you dont mind.I really need some infos,cause Im close to ordering a 7strings Essence.my add is
robert_hotwani@yahoo.com
For Alain,32  will give you good enough Low B.
Or just do a 33 if you could.
Regards.