12 best short scale bass
A short scale bass, in the context of musical instruments, refers to a type of bass guitar with a shorter scale length than the standard or long scale bass guitar. Here are some key characteristics and information about short scale bass guitars:
Scale Length: Scale length refers to the distance between the nut (the top part of the neck, near the headstock) and the bridge of the bass guitar. Short scale basses typically have a scale length shorter than the standard 34 inches found in most bass guitars. Common short scale lengths range from 30 to 32 inches.
Playability: Short scale basses are often favored for their ease of playability, especially by musicians with smaller hands or those who find long scale basses uncomfortable. The shorter neck makes it easier to reach frets and perform techniques like bending and vibrato.
Tone: Short scale basses can have a slightly different tone compared to their long scale counterparts. They may produce a warmer, thumpier sound with less string tension due to the shorter scale length.This tonal variation can be appealing for certain musical genres.
Portability: Short scale basses are more compact and lightweight than long scale basses, making them more portable and suitable for musicians who need a more travel-friendly instrument.
Popularity: Short scale basses have been used in various musical genres, including rock, punk, jazz, and alternative music. They are often associated with specific bassists and bands that prefer their unique tone and playability.
String Tension: Due to the shorter scale length, short scale basses typically have lower string tension. This can affect the feel of the instrument and may require different string gauges to achieve optimal playability and tone.
Customization: Just like standard bass guitars, short scale basses can be customized with various pickups, strings, and hardware to achieve the desired sound and playability.
Manufacturers: Several guitar manufacturers produce short scale bass models, including Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, and many others. These models often come in a variety of styles and price ranges to cater to different players.
Short scale bass guitars are a great option for players who prefer a more compact instrument with a distinct tonal character and comfortable playability. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bassist, exploring different scale lengths can help you find the instrument that best suits your playing style and musical preferences.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best short scale bass on the market
Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II Electric Bass Guitar (Walnut)
Gretsch
Product description
The Electromatic Junior Jet Bass with classic Gretsch appointments is easily capable of filling a room with massive subsonic tones. That Great Gretsch Sound! rings true along with features including shorter scale (30.3 ), two Gretsch mini dual-coil pickups, rosewood fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets, four-saddle bridge, black pickguard with Gretsch logo, synthetic bone nut and die-cast tuners. Case not included.Features:Basswood body Maple neck Rosewood fingerboard 20 medium jumbo frets Dot Inlays 30.3 scale Synthetic bone nut Gretsch Mini Humbuckers Standard 4 saddle bridge Die-cast tuning machinesGet your Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II Electric Bass Guitar today at the guaranteed lowest price from Sam Ash Direct with our 45-day return and 60-day price protection policy.
- Body: Basswood
- Body Top: Basswood
- Neck: Maple
- Scale Length: 30" (762 mm)
- Fingerboard: Black Walnut
User questions & answers
| Question: | Looking into the short scale for the first time. Do you feel the strain more on your fingers (esp pinky) from fatter strings that it uses |
| Answer: | This bass doesn't come with an amp, instrument cable, or a case. |
| Question: | Is this a short scale bass |
| Answer: | Yes, the bridge has intonation adjustment screws for each string. |
| Question: | Can someone please measure the bass and provide the total length from the top of the headstock to the tailpiece? That would help in buying a case |
| Answer: | There's some compatible hardware you can install yourself or at a music store, but there's no option for it on this listing. |
| Question: | Are hard cases available for short scale |
| Answer: | Length id 39" and width is 12" bout the same size as a stratocaster but slightly smaller in the body.Will fit into a guitar gigbag.damnd good bass and NOT a toy,fun to play! |
Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Transparent Red (GSRM20TR)
Ibanez
Product description
Don't be fooled into thinking the Ibanez GSR micro is a toy. It’s made to the same high standards of the other GIO series guitars. The Gsrm20 features, small scale SR body, full sound pickups, the same construction, same materials, and same set-up and inspection as its full size counterparts. Its shorter 28. 6” scale makes it perfect for tour buses, space-restricted home studios, folks with smaller hands, as well as young rockers or beginners.
- Fast, slim Maple neck
- Compact, light-weight Body
- Dynamic P pickup
- Short Scale 28. 6"
User questions & answers
| Question: | Hi! is it possible you will have it in stock in the near future? at least for 2021? if so. would it be possible to ship ro mexico city |
| Answer: | yes, but not if it's a string through the body Mustang-style bass. |
| Question: | Active or passive |
| Answer: | I put them own a short scale Irsu 2. 30”. Don’t remember how much I cut off. They added a lot of deep sound to that jazz bass. They should work on fender short scale even through the body. Hope this helps. |
| Question: | Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between fret spacing on this ibanez mikro bass and the squire ss jaguar |
| Answer: | Yes, I use them on my 30" Bullet bass, so 26" is no problem. |
| Question: | does this come with the cable |
| Answer: | I put them on a short scale ax bass and they fit fine. So I can’t say for your bass. Glenn |
Product features
Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Transparent Red (GSRM20TR)
- Neck type: GSRM4 / Maple neck
- Top/back/body: Poplar body
- Fretboard: Jatoba / White dot inlay
- Fret: Medium frets
- Neck pickup: Dynamix P neck pickup (Passive)
- Bridge pickup: Dynamix J bridge pickup (Passive)
Squier by Fender Bronco Bass, Black with Maple Fingerboard
Fender
Product description
- Slim and comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile
- Single-coil Bronco Bass pickup
- Short 30“ scale length
- Thin and lightweight body
- Satin finish neck
Product features
Squier by Fender
C" Shaped Neck Profile
The comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile of this instrument (the shape of the neck in cross section) is sculpted to impart a vintage-style playing feel. The most prevalent neck profile shape, it’s remarkably comfortable and is ideal for all playing styles.
Special Designed Single-Coil Pickup
The specially designed single-coil pickup on the Bronco Bass is full and rich-sounding.
Two-Color Headstock Logo
The elegant gold and black two-color headstock logo lends a touch of class to this instrument.
Get Started with Fender Play
Fender Play offers new and returning guitar, bass, and ukulele players an intimate, easy-to-use online platform to learn the skills necessary to really play. Lessons are song- and riff-based using popular and instantly recognizable songs, and the ever-expanding song library spans a variety of genres with even more being added in the coming months. Don’t just learn. Go Play.
Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Mustang Bass - Laurel - Surf Green
Fender
Product description
While small in stature, the Classic Vibe ‘60s Mustang Bass packs a punch of incredible tone courtesy of the Fender-Designed alnico split-coil pickup. Small hands will appreciate the short 30” scale length and slim, comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile with an easy-playing 9.5”-radius fingerboard and narrow-tall frets. This throwback Squier model also features 1960s-inspired headstock markings, rich-looking nickel-plated hardware and a slick vintage-tint gloss neck finish for an old-school vibe.
From the Manufacturer
While small in stature, the Classic Vibe ‘60s Mustang Bass packs a punch of incredible tone courtesy of the Fender-Designed alnico split-coil pickup. Small hands will appreciate the short 30” scale length and slim, comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile with an easy-playing 9.5”-radius fingerboard and narrow-tall frets. This throwback Squier model also features 1960s-inspired headstock markings, rich-looking nickel-plated hardware and a slick vintage-tint gloss neck finish for an old-school vibe.
- 100% designed by Fender
- Inspired by 1960s-era Mustang Bass models
- Fender-Designed alnico pickups
- Vintage-tint gloss neck finish
- 30" scale length
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is it really 11 pounds |
| Answer: | I do not know. I would check the string length that is required for an upright electric vs. an upright acoustic. Other than the length, it's a standard flat wound string. I wish I could help beyond that. |
Product features
Squier by Fender
The Squier Classic Vibe series captures the authenticity of original Fender designs in a “greatest hits” collection of models that are easy on the eyes and ears, easy to play, and impossible to put down. All Classic Vibe models are inspired by historical examples of Fender mainstays and feature Fender-Designed pickups, period-correct colors and headstock markings, a vintage-tinted gloss neck finish and nickel-plated hardware.
C"-Shaped Neck Profile & Vintage Gloss Finish
This instrument offers a slim “C”-shaped neck profile for a comfortable playing feel. The neck on this model sports a vintage-tint gloss finish for a highly desirable aged look.
Fender-Designed Alnico Pickup
This model features a Fender-Designed alnico split-coil pickup for authentic Fender tone.
Vintage-Style Bridge
This bass bridge features slotted barrel saddles for solid string stability and period-correct style.
Vintage-Style Tuning Machines & Nickel Hardware
Sporting classic looks, these vintage-style tuning machines provide rock-solid tuning stability and smooth action. The durable nickel-plated hardware adds a deep, rich throwback look to the instrument.
Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II Bass Guitar (Torino Green)
Gretsch
Product description
The Electromatic Junior Jet Bass with classic Gretsch appointments is easily capable of filling a room with massive subsonic tones. That Great Gretsch Sound! rings true along with features including shorter scale (30.3 ), two Gretsch mini dual-coil pickups, rosewood fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets, four-saddle bridge, black pickguard with Gretsch logo, synthetic bone nut and die-cast tuners. Case not included.Features:Basswood body Maple neck Rosewood fingerboard 20 medium jumbo frets Dot Inlays 30.3 scale Synthetic bone nut Gretsch Mini Humbuckers Standard 4 saddle bridge Die-cast tuning machinesGet your Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II Bass Guitar today at the guaranteed lowest price from Sam Ash with our 45-day return and 60-day price protection policy.
- 250-300, 4-string-bass-guitar, dropship, facebookguitar, financing-available, gretsch, reverbsync-shipping-profile:Standard Ground Shipping Over 39.99, starter-beginner
Sterling by Music Man 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Olympic White (RAYSS4-OWH-R1)
Sterling by Music Man
Product description
The Sterling by Music Man short-scale StingRay bass is the newest addition to the StingRay collection, offering the iconic design with a short-scale makeover for the first time. The new short-scale bass features a 30" scale for easier playability, passive boost, and a Sterling by Music Man humbucking pickup with higher output neodymium magnets and a 3-way rotary switch. The pickup configuration includes parallel, true single-coil, and series modes.
From the Manufacturer
The Sterling by Music Man short-scale StingRay bass is the newest addition to the StingRay collection, offering the iconic design with a short-scale makeover for the first time. The new short-scale bass features a 30" scale for easier playability, passive boost, and a Sterling by Music Man humbucking pickup with higher output neodymium magnets and a 3-way rotary switch. The pickup configuration includes parallel, true single-coil, and series modes. Available in Daphne Blue with Maple Fretboard and Olympic White with Rosewood Fretboard.
- StingRay Short Scale featuring a 30" scale for easier playability due to the narrower spacing between the frets
- Olympic White finish with Mahogany body with Maple neck and Rosewood fretboard
- Equipped with Sterling by Music Man humbucker with neodymium magnets for higher output, passive "Push-Push" boost, and rotary pickup selector. The pickup configuration includes parallel, true single-coil, and series modes
- All Sterling by Music Man instruments receive final set-up and inspection in California
- Equipped with Ernie Ball strings to provide durability and optimum performance
DIY Electric Bass Guitar Kit - Short Scale P Bass Build Your Own
TheFretWire
- Build Your Own Guitar
- All hardware included
- Add your finish
- Basic instructions available for download
Product features
Create A Guitar Like No One Else
Reject the assembly line by creating a guitar as unique as your playing. We take popular styles of guitars, and pair them with pre-fretted necks. You add a finish, assemble the components, and Install the included hardware and electronic parts. The result is something you created, unlike any other guitar out there.
Matched Bodies and Necks
Rather than just a collection of parts off the shelf, each body and neck are matched at the factory to include a good, snug fit.
Hardware Included
Each kit comes complete with the hardware you need to start playing. The hardware uses industry standard specs, easily upgraded with your favorite name-brand components down the road.
Pre-fretted Necks
Each neck features a pre-installed dual-action truss rod and fretboard. The frets are leveled and crowned and fret ends are filed to reduce the amount of setup you will need to perform while assembling the guitar.
What's In the Box?
- Pre-sanded, drilled and routed guitar body
- Prefretted Neck, matched to the body
- All hardware
- Pickups
- Electronic Components
- A link to our online library of instructional materials
Ibanez GSRM20L Mikro Left-Handed 4-String Short Scale Bass Guitar Black
Ibanez
Product description
Short in length but long on style and playability. The Ibanez GSRM20L Mikro Left-Handed bass is a short-scale instrument with wallet-friendly pricing. Boasting a basswood body and maple neck with rosewood fretboard, the GSRM20L Mikro is perfect for left-handed players and students on a budget who need a compact bass or the comfort of a shorter scale. The GSRM20L Mikro offers tonal versatility with its single- and split-coil STD pickups. Case sold separately.
- Basswood body
- Maple neck
- Rosewood fretboard
- B10 bridge
- STD P neck pickup
User questions & answers
| Question: | What dia strings does it have |
| Answer: | The mikrobass has a 28.5" scale length, and I'm pretty sure the jaguar has a 30" scale length so the mikrobass will have frets a bit closer together. I've had mine for a good while now, and I gotta say, I really enjoy the mikrobass!! It's light, small, zippy as can be, and has great tonal versatility for so inexpensive an instrument! Hope this helps! |
| Question: | Does it come with the stand |
| Answer: | No. You need your own. |
Ibanez PNB14E Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar
Ibanez
Product description
Parlor body Shape; Mahogany top; Mahogany back & sides; Mahogany neck (satin finish); Laurel fretboard; Laurel bridge; Chrome Die-cast tuners; Black with white dot; D?Addario EXPPBB190GS Coated Phosphor Bronze Strings, Custom Light (.037 - .090 Gauge); Ibanez under saddle pickup; Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp w/onboard tuner; Balanced XLR & 1/4" outputs; case not included
- African Mahogany top,African Mahogany back & sides
- 24.8" scale mahogany neck w/18 fret laurel fingerboard
- Ibanez Under Saddle pickup w/ Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp w/Onboard tuner
- 1/4" output
- Case Not Included
User questions & answers
| Question: | I see that the description says no case included, but is the bag included |
| Answer: | There is no case, just the nice little bass.. |
| Question: | Could I actually string this with steel guitar strings to create something very similar to a baritone ukulele, but with steel strings? thank you |
| Answer: | The bridge uses larger bridge pins and holes meant for bass guitar strings, so I don't expect that thinner acoustic guitar strings would work on this, if that is what you're looking to do. |
| Question: | Does it have a built in tuner |
| Answer: | Yes, it has a built in tuner |
| Question: | Is this really 51' long? Doubt it. I am trying to purchase based on size and inaccurate measurement is most frustrating |
| Answer: | The bass is 39” long, however, I have noticed that when they put in a “product size” often reflects the size of shipping package. |
Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X Bass Guitar (Satin Silver)
Jackson
Product description
Ideal for little shredders, the new JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X Electric Bass Guitar features a shortened 28.6 scale length, poplar body, one-piece bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement rods, and a 12 radius amaranth fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays. Jackson neck and bridge pickups power this 4-string bass, which also features a tone and pair of volume knobs, hardtail bridge with black base plate, and Jackson-branded die-cast tuners.This is a perfect choice for guitarists that need to lay down a bass track in the studio or to inspire a young player to practice and work hard. This bass sounds and feels like basses 3 times the price - solid and steady just the way Jackson likes it.28.6 Scale LengthThe 28.6 scale is perfect for young players just learning as well as useful to the player on the road looking for a bass that travels easy...not to mention that guitarists love this scale length as well...it's not to long and not to short. Easily add bass lines to your songs right in your home studio.Jackson Neck and Brdige PickupsThis guitar features a Jackson P Style Neck Pickup and Jackson J Style Bridge Pickup. This pickup configuration is one of the most versatile combinations that you can get. Snappy, clear with a great growl when you need it.Hard Tail Bridge with Black Base PlateThe design of this bridge has been proven over time so, Jackson has equipped the JS1X with a solid sounding, fully adjustable bridge to keep you in tune and sustain for as long as you need it.Features:Poplar Body28.6 Scale 1-Piece Maple Neck12 Radius Amaranth Fingerboard with 22 Jumbo Frets and Pearloid Sharkfin InlaysJackson P Style Neck Pickup and Jackson J Style Bridge Pickup Tone Control, 2 Volume KnobsHardtail Bridge with Black Base PlateCase Not IncludedGet your Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X Bass Guitar today at the guaranteed lowest price from Sam Ash Direct with our 45-day return and 60-day price protection policy.
- Poplar Body and 28.6" Scale 1-Piece Maple Neck
- 12" Radius Amaranth Fingerboard with 22 Jumbo Frets and Pearloid Sharkfin Inlays
- Jackson P Style Neck Pickup, Jackson J Style Bridge Pickup, Tone Control, 2 Volume Knobs
- Hardtail Bridge with Black Base Plate
- Case Not Included
User questions & answers
| Question: | Anyone put on larger size strings and tune it b-e-a-d |
| Answer: | I think the upright scale is going to be to long for the size of these strings. |
| Question: | How do I adjust the truss rod on this guitar |
| Answer: | I never tried the D string broke while installing. |
Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Brown Sunburst (GSRM20BS)
Ibanez
Product description
Don't be fooled into thinking the Ibanez GSR micro is a toy. It’s made to the same high standards of the other GIO series guitars. The Gsrm20 features, small scale SR body, full sound pickups, the same construction, same materials, and same set-up and inspection as its full size counterparts. Its shorter 28. 6” scale makes it perfect for tour buses, space-restricted home studios, folks with smaller hands, as well as young rockers or beginners.
- Fast, slim Maple neck
- Compact, light-weight Body
- Dynamic P pickup
- Short Scale 28. 6"
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this come with an amp cord and case |
| Answer: | it’s certainly not PROFESSIONAL grade, but it’s a good bass for beginners. it’s obviously mass produced with low attention to detail - the pickups are on mine crooked and the screws on them are sticking out different amounts. beyond that, there’s a LOT of fretboard clatter. and there’s obviously tone to worry about, but i’m still a beginner so i can’t really tell the difference yet. if you want something high quality you’re gonna have to shill out quite a bit more. again, it’s a good beginner bass, but it is NOT for professionals by any means |
| Question: | Is it able to have the intonation set |
| Answer: | I have seen Basses from 46 inches to 53 inches marked as "Full Size" as to the size or the Sawtooth™ Bass it is full size but on the smaller scale of full size |
| Question: | Can i get all black instead of chrome hardware |
| Answer: | 8.5lb |
| Question: | Hello - what is the overall dimensions of the actual guitar |
| Answer: | It is an electric bass so it will need an amp. You can still play it without the amp but it will be quieter and you wont be able to use pedals. |
Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X Bass Guitar (Satin Black)
Jackson
Product description
Ideal for little shredders, the new JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X Electric Bass Guitar features a shortened 28.6 scale length, poplar body, one-piece bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement rods, and a 12 radius amaranth fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays. Jackson neck and bridge pickups power this 4-string bass, which also features a tone and pair of volume knobs, hardtail bridge with black base plate, and Jackson-branded die-cast tuners.This is a perfect choice for guitarists that need to lay down a bass track in the studio or to inspire a young player to practice and work hard. This bass sounds and feels like basses 3 times the price - solid and steady just the way Jackson likes it.28.6 Scale LengthThe 28.6 scale is perfect for young players just learning as well as useful to the player on the road looking for a bass that travels easy...not to mention that guitarists love this scale length as well...it's not to long and not to short. Easily add bass lines to your songs right in your home studio.Jackson Neck and Brdige PickupsThis guitar features a Jackson P Style Neck Pickup and Jackson J Style Bridge Pickup. This pickup configuration is one of the most versatile combinations that you can get. Snappy, clear with a great growl when you need it.Hard Tail Bridge with Black Base PlateThe design of this bridge has been proven over time so, Jackson has equipped the JS1X with a solid sounding, fully adjustable bridge to keep you in tune and sustain for as long as you need it.Features:Poplar Body28.6 Scale 1-Piece Maple Neck12 Radius Amaranth Fingerboard with 22 Jumbo Frets and Pearloid Sharkfin InlaysJackson P Style Neck Pickup and Jackson J Style Bridge Pickup Tone Control, 2 Volume KnobsHardtail Bridge with Black Base PlateCase Not IncludedGet your Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X Bass Guitar today at the guaranteed lowest price from Sam Ash Direct with our 45-day return and 60-day price protection policy.
- Poplar Body and 28.6" Scale 1-Piece Maple Neck
- 12" Radius Amaranth Fingerboard with 22 Jumbo Frets and Pearloid Sharkfin Inlays
- Jackson P Style Neck Pickup, Jackson J Style Bridge Pickup, Tone Control, 2 Volume Knobs
- Hardtail Bridge with Black Base Plate
- Case Not Included
User questions & answers
| Question: | What gig bag would you recommend for this size bass guitar |
| Answer: | remove cover at bottom of head stock under the strings |
| Question: | Anyone ever put thicker gauge strings on and tune it b-e-a-d |
| Answer: | Haven’t weighed it. Who weighs a bass? But it’s short scale and lighter than a P bass or most any full scale bass. It was designed to be accessible. Small hands. Women. Tired dudes. Functions on all levels. |
| Question: | Is the bass good for small hands |
| Answer: | Yes . They should. |
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