Sliding on to less sticky subjects, gentlemen, Gibson has now made it official:
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/Thunderbird-Short-Scale-Bass.aspx#They do advertise it a little as if it were primarily for the physically and otherwise (guitarists) handicapped though:
"New from Gibson USA, this bass blends iconic styling with legendary Gibson tone, in a package that is perfect for players looking for something different than the same old long-scale basses out there. The Thunderbird Short Scale Bass (which at 30 1/2" is still somewhat larger than a full-sized guitar) is
perfect for players with shorter arms and smaller hands, beginners and students, or those who are more familiar with 6-string guitar scale lengths. But the short-scale bass isn't merely an "alternative" or a "student" instrument by any means. Two of the world's most famous bassists, Paul McCartney and Jack Bruce, played short-scale basses at the most influential points their careers, and countless others have used them to make legendary rock, pop and blues recordings. The Thunderbird Short Scale Bass brings weighty tones and easy playability to a package styled for the 21st century, and suitable for every variety of music."
