Long vs Short Scale Bass?
 

Why do basses come in super short scale and normal scale? Are the short basses like toys compared to the long ones? Kiddie basses?

No, they sound and feel different.

Shorties have a different feel, and a different tone. They also (typically) have a thinner gauge of string. Thinner necks, which feel faster to me.

I recently had to switch to short scales, and I can tell you there is a world of difference.

Check this post and you can hear my Mustang bass.
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/foru...432&postcount=4
Not great quality but you should still be able to hear the difference.

Different tones come out of shorter scale basses. They're generally easier to play for people with smaller hands, as well.

yes, but not a requirement if you have smaller hands. ;)

I own a dano short scale and I bought it for the tone.

coming from someone that plays five and six strings, I can be very biased and say that I prefer long scale to help with the lower tunings and on a slightly less important note, you get more bass for your money. And do not be put off big instruments if you have small hands, just look at Sarah Longfield.

WELCOME to the wonderful world of bass I started on a long scale bass went to short and back to long and have both right now.