Tuning in fifths plus a long scale equals having to make long shifts. Some people don't want to play melody on their longer-scale instruments because playing rhythm makes it easier to avoid long shifts. That's not to say melody can't or shouldn't be done... violoncellists play melodies all the time and they have a scale around 27" to deal with. I don't mind playing melody on my 26 3/8" scale troll cittern, but I'm used to a bass with a 41" mensure, and I'm not too interested in playing fast.
Peter Klima (not the hockey player)
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