Several great short scale bass guitar alternatives may accommodate various playing styles and player preferences. For guitarists with small hands or those seeking a different feel and tone, short scale basses are more comfortable to play due to their compact size and shorter neck length or you can check out the guitars for small hands.
The Fender Mustang Bass, Gibson SG Bass, Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II, Ibanez Mikro Bass, and Epiphone EB-0 are some of the top short scale bass guitars available today. These instruments are well-liked options among bass players because each has distinct features, sound qualities, and general quality.
What is a Short Scale Bass?
The short scale bass is undervalued, misunderstood, and dang entertaining to play! We can all agree that the Fender Precision Bass, the instrument’s founding father, is entirely responsible for the bass guitar as we know it today. With its 34-inch scale length, possibly the most imitated feature of its iconic design, this innovative instrument, introduced in 1951 and permanently altered the face of popular music, is still imitated today. But as this list of the best short scale basses demonstrates, not all are modeled after the P-Bass.
Long Scale vs. Short Scale Bass
The neck length and overall size distinguish long scale bass guitars from short scale bass guitars. Short scale bass guitars have a neck length that is normally around 30 inches, while long scale bass guitars typically have a neck length of 34 inches. Its reduced length for musicians with little hands creates a more compact instrument that may be more pleasant to play. On the other hand, some players prefer long scale bass guitars for their versatile sound and broader, richer tone.
Also Read: Best Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitars
Best Short Scale Bass
There are several excellent choices for short scale bass guitars. These instruments’ smaller size and shorter neck length are well-recognized for making them more pleasant to play. Popular picks for the best short scale bass guitars are the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II, Gibson SG Bass, and Fender Mustang Bass.
1. Fender Player Mustang Bass
Since it was first introduced in 1964, the Mustang Bass has had quite an influence, ending up in the hands of celebrities like Tina Weymouth of the Talking Heads, Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, and even Mikey Way of My Chemical Romance.
This Mustang produces a tonne of tone by fusing the original’s classic appearance with the incredibly versatile PJ pickup setup. The 9.5′′ radius fingerboard of the well-liked C profile neck fits most hands. The Satin Urethane coating also imparts a silky smooth feel to the instrument.
So, you should try the Fender Player Mustang if you’re searching for a versatile, attractive bass that can deliver a punch.
Pros:
- Authentic Fender Sound
- Sleek Design
Cons:
- Narrow String Spacing
- Limited Low-End Response
2. Ibanez MiKro GSRM20 Bass Guitar
One of the least expensive short scale bass guitars is the Ibanez MiKro GSRM20, which provides excellent value.
The Mikro GSRM20 costs roughly $200, has a beautiful light and curvy poplar body, and lets you choose between Jazz-style and P-style pickup settings. This bass guitar could be used by people of all ages, unlike the Ibanez miKro line, which was developed for young pupils with smaller hands.
The scale length of this bass, at 28.6 inches, is the lowest of all the basses on this list, but it has a great number of frets, reaching up to 22. The Mikro GSRM20 is incredibly comfortable for beginners because of its thin neck profile.
Pros:
- Compact and Lightweight
- Solid Construction
Cons:
- Limited Finish Options
- Limited Low-End Response
3. Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet II Bass
Even professional bassists like Mike Kerr of Royal Blood utilize the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet II Bass on stage because it is a straightforward and lightweight electric bass guitar that is well worth its low price.
The Junior Jet II sports a basswood body, a maple neck, a unique 30.3″ scale length, and a classic Jet design. Compared to a bass guitar with a lengthy scale, this bass is far more comfortable to play, and even new bass players can easily play the Junior Jet II.
The bass has two basic single-coil pickups, a 3-way toggle pickup switch, and just one volume and tone control. Although the bass is light, its tones are powerful and warm. Rock, blues, pop, metal, and R&B are among the genres for which Junior Jet II’s tones are appropriate.
Pros:
- Classic Gretsch design
- Versatile tone
Cons:
- Limited tonal variety
- Limited finish options
4. Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass
Another fantastic short scale bass guitar you can get at a great price is the Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass, based on the Fender Jaguar Bass of the 1970s.
Two single-coil pickups and two straightforward volume and tone knobs are the only features of the Squier Jaguar, which has the renowned Fender Jaguar body. Additionally, this bass has access to both the P and J bass tones, just like the Fender Mustang PJ bass.
The Squier Jaguar Bass has a slightly different tone from other short scale bass guitars in the midrange, but it still has a lot of tonal diversity.
Pros:
- Comfortable Playability
- Versatile Tone Options
Cons:
- Weight and Balance
- Lack of Active Electronics
5. Ibanez TMB35 Bass Guitar
The Ibanez TMB35 bass guitar is an excellent option for those looking for a top-notch short scale bass. This bass provides a pleasant playing experience, especially for musicians with little hands, because of its 30-inch scale length.
With a poplar body and a maple neck that offer outstanding resonance and sustain, it has a sleek and fashionable style. The Dynamix pickups provide various tones, from loud and aggressive to warm and soft.
Its looks are enhanced while maintaining stable tuning with the help of retro-style tuning machinery and vintage-style bridge. Overall, bassists searching for a small-scale bass with great playability and tone should consider the Ibanez TMB35 bass guitar a dependable and economical option.
Pros:
- Comfortable Short Scale:
- Solid Construction
Cons:
- Stock Pickups
- Limited Access to Higher Frets
Also Read: 5 Best Electric Upright Bass for Beginners
Conclusion
The greatest short scale bass guitar options from manufacturers, including Fender, Hofner, Gibson, Epiphone, Squier, Gretsch, Ibanez, and G&L, were thoroughly examined in this article.
The Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ was our top pick, a flexible and excellent-sounding short scale bass that can fit practically any genre. Ibanez miKro GSRM20, Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet II, and Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass are all fantastic choices with various features if you’re seeking the most economical bass.