Using a Capo

Can a capo be used to convert (approximate) a short scale bass if placed around the third fret ot so, retuned and intonated? I have a good 34" scale fretless Jazz neck that I wish was short scale.
At nearly 70 years old I do not have the ability to stretch my fretting hand beyond what I am able to do on my short scale. Thanks & take care. Bob

Give it a try.

Give it a try.

+1
Tell us how it works for you!

It may be tricky with the radius. Worth a try. I'm 36, but I still love the playability (and sound) of my EB-3 and HATE my Fender Jazz.

I`m sure there are capos for basses. I have even seen them for dobros. Someone told me this would work. I want a second opinion. The only bass i have to experiment is already short scale. Take care/ Bob

Check the radius. Other than that I'm sure it would work. FWIW, there are pics of McCartney in the studio with a capo on his bass.

I use one on one tune.

Sure you can use one. No different than using one on a guitar, no reason the radius should be a problem.

Putting it at the third fret position would give you a 28.6" scale, that's shorter than normal short scale (30-30.5" scale range). Putting it at the second fret position would be a 30.3" scale.

My hands are on the small side and I can't stretch my fingers nearly as much as most players. Nothing to do with my advancing age, it's always been that way. Yet I have no problem playing a long scale, I just move position more often. If you want long scale tone and punch, you might consider trying this approach. I've done it for so long now it's almost second nature.

Dave I keep telling myself I can do that. I see women & children with small hands playing bass with no problems. I should be able to do that. I did many years ago then never touched a bass for 46 yrs so naturally I felt that its age that prevents the ability to regain the stretch. Guess I just need to learn to move hand positions to compensate. Whats that they say about teaching old dogs new tricks? Thanks for contributing your experiences. Take care. Bob

My bass player sometimes tunes down and uses a capo so he can play open strings and have them match the guitar notes. Don't see any reason why you can't!

My bass player sometimes tunes down and uses a capo so he can play open strings and have them match the guitar notes. Don't see any reason why you can't!

This was my thought. It would seem that you would have to tune down first and then capo it since it doesn't seem that it would want to stay in tune with the capo on and then tuning it.

Tune down a whole step, capo on 2nd fret as Dave W suggested, would give you standard EADG tuning with a 'standard' short scale feel. You might need a minor truss rod tweak to compensate for the lower tension of down tuning and depending on feel, you might want to bump up a gauge on your strings.

Go for it if it'll make playing more enjoyable for you.

Can a capo be used to convert (approximate) a short scale bass if placed around the third fret ot so, retuned and intonated? I have a good 34" scale fretless Jazz neck that I wish was short scale.
At nearly 70 years old I do not have the ability to stretch my fretting hand beyond what I am able to do on my short scale. Thanks & take care. Bob


It will be just a matter if it plays comfortable for you, it will work, after doing so, being a blues purist I've played gigs and recorded w/capo on bass, just because. Good thinking. After having spinal injuries and most of us when we get older start looking for easier basses, I've gone from an assortment of T bids and old P Basses to Dan Electro's, half the wt. and a short scale that plays like butter. I applaud you for stayin' in the game! You go brother.

TD