Small basses for short people?

Gimmick · #1 10-28-2009, 07:26 AM

So I'm a 5'6" bassist (curse my Asian-ness!) and I've been looking around for some short scale basses or really anything with a small body. I'm currently using a J-bass, which sometimes gets a little unwieldy. Neck length isn't generally a problem for me, I just find large bodies to be rather cumbersome. Does anyone know any good basses that are comfortable for the vertically challenged?

I hear the the MM Sterling is essentially a shorter, slimmer version of the Stingray. Is this true?

CrispyDelicious · #2 10-28-2009, 07:28 AM

Spectors have wee little bodies.

**Eric Perry** · #3 10-28-2009, 07:31 AM

How about a Curbow (or the much cheaper Cort counterpart)? they are quite small, and even the Corts are great basses for the coin.

Kenny Allyn · #4 10-28-2009, 07:39 AM

I'm 5.7 and a J bass fan myself ...

If the size is the issue, maybe consider a Lakland Daryl Jones J bass vibe with a smaller body.

...

etoncrow · #5 10-28-2009, 07:44 AM

Check these out; they are made by a woods gnome:

http://www.birdsongguitars.com/

**kenstee** · #6 10-28-2009, 07:53 AM

Ibanez Mikro: http://www.ibanez.com/bass/guitar.aspx?m=GSRM20

cybersnyder · #7 10-28-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etoncrow

Check these out; they are made by a woods gnome:

http://www.birdsongguitars.com/

+1. I'm saving up for a Hy5. Oh! I just got the name "Hy5" == "High Five". Doh!

HogieWan · #8 10-28-2009, 08:01 AM

warmoth makes a "dinky j" body which is a bit smaller.

CapnSev · #9 10-28-2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gimmick

I hear the the MM Sterling is essentially a shorter, slimmer version of the Stingray. Is this true?

It has a smaller body and narrower neck, but the scale length is the same.

Chowowbus · #10 10-28-2009, 10:02 AM

Schecter Stilletos are small and comfy.

RavenBasslady · #11 10-28-2009, 11:29 AM

I play an Ibanez, and I'm 5' 1". I've also played Washburn Bantam Stick, and Eko holow body 1960's bass, and a Gibson SG.

RichardCranium · #12 10-28-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrispyDelicious

Spectors have wee little bodies.

LOL One of the main reasons I bought my Spector is the small body size. I also had an Ibanez Soundear that I really liked too. They're narrow at the nut like a Jazz and really helps if you have small hands.

maestrovert · #13 10-28-2009, 03:52 PM

How 'bout a Hofner Violin Bass (or a copy) ?

bassman1987 · #14 10-28-2009, 04:00 PM

Check out a Fender Mustang bass, they're short-scale and small bodied, and it would keep you in a similar tone neighborhood to your Jazz (although the Mustang does have a P-style split coil pickup).

And although I've never played one, the Fender P "Lytes" seem to get a lot of praise around here, IIRC they're basically medium-scale Precisions with slightly smaller bodies. Would have to find one used though...

rosanne · #15 10-28-2009, 04:00 PM

I'm 5'2" and my favorite bass is my G&L 2000.

LaklandBass · #16 10-28-2009, 04:02 PM

Im also 5'6. I currently play a modded Yamaha RBX170, 4 string fretless soundgear and a 6 string soundgear. I had a warwick thumb and that felt great with the small body..... I also owned some Ibanez ATK's and those were a bit large but played very well.

Armbruster · #17 10-28-2009, 04:03 PM

I'm 6"6 and I roll a normal bass. I don't need a bigger one.

mizmor · #18 10-28-2009, 04:42 PM

Ibanez Mikro?

VroomVroom · #19 10-28-2009, 05:03 PM

Roscoe LG definitely comes to mind. Terrific instrument as well.

Rudyboy98 · #20 10-28-2009, 10:52 PM

I'm 5'2" and I play just about anything I can get my hands on. I also play a Fernandes Gravity bass and it's comfortable for me.

My Ramirez bass is 35" scale and weighs about 11 lbs., but I enjoy playing the heck out of it. No issue with the comfort at all.

R...