So does Bobby Smith, bassist in @SmithfieldFairYou could get one fretless from the factory. I think @Nuuska has a fretless, sunburst B-30.
So does Bobby Smith, bassist in @SmithfieldFairYou could get one fretless from the factory. I think @Nuuska has a fretless, sunburst B-30.
I have seen the scale lengths for my non-Pilot Guilds described as 30.5". I have seen 30.75" and 31." also reported but assumed the discrepancies were errors and not a change in spec. As we know, not every reported scale length is measured the same way. On my own instruments I can get different measurements by depending upon whether I measure from the nut to the 12th fret and double the measurement (the "right way") or look at the distance between the nut and a saddle. On my basses with an intonation I like, the "scale length" varies by almost .5" between the E and G strings. Since I use a yardstick or a tape measure (and not a more refined tool) I can also get some variation based upon whether I strive for the center of the fret and the nut, the same sides or opposite sides.
The bottom line though is I can't feel any difference between the "short scale" instruments which vary in spec by .5" whereas the nominal 34" Pilot is a completely different beast.
Without consulting notes I think all B-50's had split saddles and some of the B-30's had split saddles. I think the earlier B30's had the split. The split was an attempt to provide better intonation but even then things were about 10 cents off which may be why the one piece bridge was restored. The split saddle didn't really make things better.
The speaking length of the strings on a split saddle certainly varies with the split saddle but then that is also true of a harp bridge or just about any other bass where the saddles are not in a straight line.
At this point all I really care about scale length is how to use it to get strings that fit and even that depends upon inconsistent measurements and definitions.
Don't hate me, but to me that thing is begging to be fretless. Best way to fix intonation issues on a bass is with pliers. zulu's tech tips
And he had the good taste to install Dunlop strap locks!!!
Yeah, my guess on the split saddle was to somehow counteract the ~90degree break angle on the heavier gauge strings, which would otherwise maybe not make enough solid contact with the saddle. Slight side-effect of this (at least with this set of EB Cobalt flats) is that the A intonation is a hair flat. Not significantly, but noticeable when doing an Emaj chord at the 12th fret for example. Not a big deal
I'm sure they are there for a reason!And he had the good taste to install Dunlop strap locks!!!
Methinks the idea of split saddle was simply to get the intonation right - for the strings that were designed for that instrument then .
A former bandmate played a B-50 for years in our band. He loved it, but he eventually had the frets pulled and the slots filled because he couldn't ever get used to playing on a neck with frets.It's so massively pretty. Makes me want to jam with you.
Don't hate me, but to me that thing is begging to be fretless. Best way to fix intonation issues on a bass is with pliers. zulu's tech tips
Upper Bout Width | 12 5/8" (321mm) |
Lower Bout Width | 17" (432mm) |
Body Depth Upper Bout | 3 7/8" (99mm) |
Body Depth Lower Bout | 5 1/4" (133mm) |
Body Length | 20 5/8" (524mm) |
Overall Length | 47 7/8" (1216mm) |
B30E 350-4406-...........................................................1999.99
Acoustic bass 18” wide, 6 ½” deep mahogany body, solid spruce top rosewood fretboard 30 ½” scale, deluxe case
Interesting that Cordoba made a fretless acoustic bass but no electric version.
How does it compare to the measurements of the NS B240EF?
They are basing the current acoustic bass offerings off of the B50. So I am wondering if it is any different than your B30e size.
Interesting that Cordoba made a fretless acoustic bass but no electric version.
Upper Bout Width 12 5/8" (321mm) Lower Bout Width 17" (432mm) Body Depth Upper Bout 3 7/8" (99mm) Body Depth Lower Bout 5 1/4" (133mm) Body Length 20 5/8" (524mm) Overall Length 47 7/8" (1216mm)