The 9 Best Short-Scale Basses 2024 | Gear4music (2024)

Short-scale basses are game-changing instruments. They cut down the heft of the standard 34″ full-size bass to a much more manageable 31″ and under. It’s a seemingly small change, but it actually affects everything from the weight and feel of standard bass to their string tension and tone. Pick one up and you’re in for quite a different experience!

Whether you’re a complete novice player or a professional veteran, short-scale basses can serve up some unique benefits. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best short-scale basses you can find in 2024. We’ve chosen products that can fit into a vast array of styles and musical genres, some more affordable, some higher-end, and some which are just outright cool.

In a hurry?

Here are our top picks for short scales…

The best short-scale basses

1. Squier Sonic Bronco Bass

Key features

• Maple C-shaped neck
• Laurel fretboard
• Ceramic single-coil neck pickup

Pros

• Excellent for novice players due to its manageability
• Delivers a variety of great tones, making it suitable for practising different styles
• Affordable without compromising on quality

Cons

• Lack the volume and depth of larger models

The Squier Sonic Bronco Bass serves as an excellent starting point for aspiring bass musicians. It offers a lightweight and manageable design, complemented by the timeless Fender-style aesthetic.

Packed with features that enhance playability, its single Squier ceramic pickup stands out from the rest. This pickup delivers distinct, cutting-edge tones with bright clarity, making it ideal for hearing yourself when playing in an ensemble or mix.

On top of that, the Bronco boasts traditional open-gear tuners and a body shape that harks back to the venerable P-bass, giving it a vintage charm not often found on entry-level instruments. Its reduced body size ensures comfortable playability, whether you’re sitting or standing, making it a breeze to start practising your first basslines.

2. Chicago Short Scale Bass Guitar by Gear4music

Key features

• Linear humbucker and split coil pickups
• Maple C-shaped neck
• Oiled poplar laminate fretboard

Pros

• Highly affordable without compromising on style or sound quality
• Wide range of tones due to its linear humbucker and split coil pickups
• Ideal for novices due to its manageable size and simplicity

Cons

• Might not offer the depth and richness of tone desired by advanced players

The Chicago Short Scale Bass Guitar by Gear4music is an excellent choice for those seeking affordability without compromising on tonal range or style. Or coolness. A sleek double cutaway design matches with a slender neck profile to give you a bass that’s eye-catching as well as comfortable, while its linear humbucker and split-coil pickups give you plenty of tones to explore.

The linear humbucker voices a thick, punchy wallop of a sound that gives your basslines some oomph. Over on the split coil, you can expect traditional warmth that’s mellow enough for jazz and sharp enough for slap funk. This diversity makes it a great choice for a bassist who’s keen to experiment with their sound and venture into new genres.

3. Sterling by Music Man Short Scale StingRay

Key features

• Short-scale version of the iconic Music Man StingRay bass
• Sterling by Music Man-Designed neodymium pickup
• Hard maple neck

Pros

• Offers a high-end feel and appointments whilst keeping the size manageable
• Features the iconic StingRay tone from a neodynium magnet humbucker and passive boost circuit
• Suitable for professional players seeking a short-scale bass without compromising on quality

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than other short scales – may not be suitable for beginners

The Sterling by Music Man Short Scale StingRay is a pro-level bass that will satisfy just about any player out there.

Made to the extraordinarily high standards of Music Man, the Sterling Sting Ray features a single chunky bridge humbucker to give way to some serious growls. Made with high-tech neodymium magnets, you can expect a tremendous output to drive your amp hard – great for metal and heavy rock bassists looking to add some menacing distortion.

Not only that, but the StingRay’s passive boost circuit allows you to fatten the tone before FX pedals or amp settings have even entered the equation. On top of premium design elements like series, parallel, and true-single coil modes for the pickup, this is a bass for the versatile performer who loves a shorter-scale instrument.

4. LA Short Scale Bass Guitar by Gear4music

Key features

• Split-coil humbucking pickup
• Paulownia body
• Oiled poplar laminate fretboard

Pros

• A practical choice due to its compact size and reliable performance
• Highly affordable, offering excellent value for money
• Perfect for beginners or players on a budget due to its affordability

Cons

• Lacks the high-end features of more expensive models

The LA Short Scale Bass Guitar by Gear4music makes the list for its excellent beginner proposition. It’s made from select lightweight materials to make it much easier to hold for bassists who are just starting out – so they can focus on nailing those groovy riffs and lines. On top of that, it’s bundled with a gig bag and instrument cable, sorting out two vital accessories in one purchase.

And as for the bass itself, a vintage-inspired look and split coil pickup give you a vibe and tone that’s reminiscent of much-loved classic instruments. Alongside that is a silky-smooth oiled poplar laminate fretboard to help your fingers glide across the scales.

5. Ibanez TMB30 Talman Bass

Key features

• Maple neck and jatoba fretboard
• Dual Dynamix P/J pickups
• Poplar body

Pros

• Comfortable playability due to its short-scale design
• Versatile tonal options with the Dynamix P/J pickups
• Attractive and unique aesthetic with its retro-style design

Cons

• Some more advanced players may want a richer bass tone

Ibanez produce a massive catalogue of basses. From entry-level to the downright bizarre – so why have we picked the Talman out?

Three main reasons: one, you get a whole lot of bass for your money; two, its Dynamix P/J pickups can suit a wide variety of genres with a rich, vintage sound; and three, its eye-catching offset style packs plenty of mojo in addition to being ergonomic and easy to play.

Speaking of its playability, that short 30″ scale length and Ibanez’s impeccable fretwork give you a bass that’s highly responsive and totally addictive to jam on. Suitable as a budget option for a pro and or a quality first instrument for a beginner, the Talman is not one to be ignored!

6. Epiphone Viola Bass

Key features

• Classic vintage design reminiscent of famous British rock bands
• NYT mini humbuckers
• Maple neck and Pau Ferro fretboard

Pros

• Unique design aesthetic with a vintage sunburst finish
• Comfortable playability due to its short-scale design
• Distinct tone options with the dual mini humbucker pickups

Cons

• Might not be suitable for players who prefer a modern aesthetic

It’s impossible to recommend a violin-shaped bass without acknowledging the man who made their slender style iconic – Paul McCartney. Was this the bass he played? No… was it the brand he played? No. But the Epiphone Viola owes its roots to the Gibson EB-1, the first ever violin-shaped bass that likely encouraged similar designs like those played by Paul.

Originally conceived to convince double-bass players to make the transition to electrics, the EB-1-style viola adopts a classic orchestral shape that actually makes it super light and nimble when compared to other solid-bodied guitars. Paired with dual mini humbuckers, you’ll get a surprising amount of thump from this sophisticated riff machine.

And with its sunburst finish paired with vintage appointments, the Viola brings a high-quality retro experience to the entry-level market. A top pick for anyone seeking a refined aesthetic!

7. Fender Mustang PJ Bass

Key features

• Jazz and Precision pickups
• Alder body with gloss finish
• Maple C-shaped neck

Pros

• Offers classic Fender tone and style
• Comfortable for players with smaller hands
• High versatility due to PJ pickup configuration

Cons

• Fans of more modern and heavy styles might not appreciate its vintage look

The Mustang was far from Fender’s first electric bass (all hail the mighty Precision Bass), but even then it still boasts a history that stretches back to 1964. In that time, the Mustang has been played by some of the biggest names around, including Bill Wyman of the Stones, Colin Greenwood of Radiohead, and Mike Dirnt of Green Day.

Today’s Player bass embraces that heritage with its large ’70s-style headstock and lettering but includes modern updates like P/J pickup configuration for a huge range of tones. On top of that, Fender’s ever-popular C-shaped neck and 9.5″ radius fingerboard are a joy to play and allow for swift hand positioning thanks to the slick gloss urethane finish.

We’d recommend this for anyone who desires true Fender quality and a blend of classic and current.

8. Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X

Key features

• Jackson J-style and P-style pickups
• Poplar body
• 12”-radius amaranth fingerboard and smaller 28.6″ scale length

Pros

• Modern, standout design with its sharp body and satin silver finish
• Powerful and versatile tone due to its J-style and P-style pickups
• Ideal for players with smaller hands or those looking for comfortable playability due to its compact scale length

Cons

• Lacks the rich, deep tone of larger models

Shaped like a mean shredder guitar, the Jackson JS Concert is all about swift playability, cutting tones and aesthetics’ that’d make any hair metal enthusiast proud. It features all the hallmarks of cool Jackson instruments: a tilt-back headstock, sharkfin inlays, and a dinky-style small body.

The JS Concert’s focus on speedy riffing is served by its remarkably short 28.6″ scale length and slinky neck shape. The neck is also reinforced with graphite rods (like other heavy genre-oriented instruments) so you know it’s ready for the heat of battle and energetic playing.

A slightly different spin on the usual P/J pickup configs, this Jackson is ideal for anyone who wants to tack on a distortion pedal and raise their rock hands. – a true compact powerhouse.

9. Gibson SG Standard Bass

Key features

• Iconic design, inspired by the classic 1960s Gibson SG bass
• Dual SG Bass pickups
• Mahogany body and neck

Pros

• A timeless aesthetic with its classic design and heritage cherry finish
• Ranges from a smooth, warm tone to a powerful punch due to its SG Bass pickups
• Suitable for professional players seeking a short-scale bass with a vintage vibe

Cons

• Quite expensive for beginners

Utterly classic. Utterly distinctive. The Gibson SG Standard sports a shape that needs no introduction. Usually known as the EB-3, Gibson likely changed the name to follow suit with the hugely popular guitar of the same name.

Whether bass or guitar, the SG’s slim body and attractive twin-horned silhouette is loved by countless players for its lightweight feel and all-access availability of the upper frets. Today’s Gibson SG Standard is about as high-end as basses can be! Made in the USA with a mixture of traditional techniques and modern CNC machines, the SG sports premium materials and components befitting any musical scenario.

A rhythm SG bass neck pickup provides fat and syrupy tones with a rounded warmth, while the smaller lead bridge pickup cuts through with bright clarity. The perfect mixture for tackling a variety of genres and playing styles.

What to consider when buying a short-scale bass

Once you’ve identified a short-scale bass as your preferred size, what else is there to consider? Well – pretty much the same things you’d look at with a full-size bass!

While many shorter-scale instruments are aimed at beginners, there are plenty that cater to advanced players and other musical niches. So consider the type of music you’d like to play and whether you’d be gigging regularly with it.

Tonally, many entry-level basses you’ll see feature a P/J style pickup configuration as it gives a wide frequency range and can suit various genres. They’re a great choice for beginners and students because of this, but if you’re looking to delve into more specific genres then you may want to consider other models.

Humbucker-equipped basses offer a gut-punching sound, while single coils can capture the sharp high-end slap with extra pop. If you’re in need of both, basses like the StingRay have variable electronics that let you switch between many modes!

And lastly, there’s aesthetics and price. Certain brands are associated with certain styles of music and price categories. Fender and Gibson generally occupy top spots for their history and prestige, and consequently, their instruments are usually pricier too. As a consequence, their sub-brands Squier and Epiphone respectively offer their popular designs at a more accessible price point.

Brands like MusicMan (and their sub-brand Sterling) are typically aimed at pro-players seeking high-performance instruments with little compromise, while Ibanez produce everything from starter basses to wacky workshop creations that push the boundaries of technical playing.

What is a short-scale bass?

A short-scale bass is a variant of the standard bass guitar that features a shorter scale length. This typically hovers around 30 inches as opposed to the usual 34-inch scale length found on full-size bass guitars.

In essence, the scale length refers to the distance between the nut and the bridge of the instrument, which impacts both the tonal character and the playability of the guitar. This instrument originated in the 1960s when guitar manufacturers began to experiment with smaller models to cater to younger players or those seeking a more compact instrument.

The shorter size pushes frets closer together and makes the overall size much more manageable, particularly for younger or smaller players. These closer fret gaps can make complex basslines easier to execute, and cut down the overall weight of the instrument to make it easier to play while standing up.

And of course, with a shorter scale length, you’ll get a lighter string tension when compared to a full-size bass. Technically this should make them easier to fret and play, and arguably their looser nature gives a warmer and punchier tone – but these are fine details!

By far the most important distinction is their compact size and easier playing feel.

Who is the short-scale bass for?

Typically the short-scale bass is aimed at beginners and younger players, an audience that might find full-size basses a little too unwieldy. That said, there are plenty of professionals who have smaller hands or just prefer the quicker manoeuvrability offered by a smaller scale length. As such, there are enough short-scale models to suit virtually any kind of player out there!

Famous players of the short-scale bass

To prove the point that short-scale basses aren’t just for beginners or students, here are some prominent players who love to use a smaller scale length.

Paul McCartney’s Hofner 500/1 showed the world that short-scale basses can compete, while Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones is often pointed to as a champion of the short-scale Fender Mustang. Joining the list of oldie-but-goldies are Jack Bruce of Cream and his Gibson EB-3 and Tina Weymoth of Talking Heads and her Fender Mustang (as well as other short-scale basses).

More contemporary players include Mike Kerr of Royal Blood and his Gretsch G22220 Junior Jet, Mike Dirnt of Green Day and his Fender Mustang, and even Colin Greenwood of Radiohead with his trusty old Fender Musicmaster.

FAQs

Do short-scale basses sound better?

The sound of a short-scale bass is subjective and depends on the player’s preference. These basses typically produce a warm and punchy tone due to their reduced scale length and looser strings. However, whether this sound is “better” is entirely up to the individual player and the musical context.

Who makes the best short-scale bass guitar?

When it comes to short-scale bass guitars, several renowned brands stand out:

• Gibson: Known for classic designs and warm tones
• Epiphone: Blending tradition with modernity
• Ibanez: Offering stylish and comfortable short-scale basses
• Jackson: Recognised for a modern aesthetic and powerful tones

Is a short-scale bass easier to play?

A short-scale bass is generally easier to play, particularly for beginners or players with smaller hands. The reduced scale length results in closer frets and less strenuous stretches between them, enhancing playability. However, it’s essential to remember that what feels comfortable in terms of playability varies among bassists.

Final thoughts

So, short-scale basses aren’t just for beginners!We’ve seen that there’s plenty of diversity within the short-scale range, from the vintage charm of Epiphone’s Viola Bass to the super-modern aesthetics of the Jackson JS Series, proving that these instruments can suit a wide range of abilities and musical genres.

If you’re on the hunt for one, we hope our list of the best short-scale basses has presented the perfect match for you!

To deepen your understanding, consider reading our guide on 3/4 vs full-size guitars and our collection of the best bass riffs to inspire your musical journey!