21 Fret Short Scale

[Outshined91]

So this is my first post in a long time, and it is because one of the guitarists in my band planted in my head the idea of buying a new bass...

I have always been frustrated that, on my 20 fret Fender Mustang, I cannot play some of my favorite songs that use the 21st fret, such as "Scar Tissue" or "The Perfect Kiss." But I love the short scale for how it enables my chord-heavy playing style so what good 21 fret short scale basses exist out there? Hard budget is $1500, but I am fine with buying used and also waiting and scouring around for a good deal here on TB or elsewhere.

Thanks!

 

[Killing Floor]

A - Duesenberg Starplayer is short (30.7) and has 22 frets.

B - Nordstrand Acinonyx has 21 and it’s short scale (30.7) and well under your budget.

C - I’ve never had a bass that didn’t come with all 12 notes. No such thing as “can’t play a song” because of the number of frets.

 

[Naviiin]

Ibanez EHB1000S, comes with 24 frets and is easily available.

 

[ajkula66]

If you would consider an older used bass...

1) Guild JS-2

2) Gibson EB-0/EB-3 1973 or newer, where the Sidewinder pickup was moved to the middle of the body.

Sonically, I prefer the JS-2 but the EBs have a better balance. Try before you buy - if you have any interest in these to begin with - since we're talking about pieces that are over 40 years old.

My $.02 only...

 

[SoniaMara]

Let me know if you have any questions about the Acinonyx.
There are two versions:
Acinonyx Short Scale Bass
V2 Acinonyx Short Scale Bass

 

[mrperkolator]

So this is my first post in a long time, and it is because one of the guitarists in my band planted in my head the idea of buying a new bass...

I have always been frustrated that, on my 20 fret Fender Mustang, I cannot play some of my favorite songs that use the 21st fret, such as "Scar Tissue" or "The Perfect Kiss." But I love the short scale for how it enables my chord-heavy playing style so what good 21 fret short scale basses exist out there? Hard budget is $1500, but I am fine with buying used and also waiting and scouring around for a good deal here on TB or elsewhere.

Thanks!

Klos Apollo has 24 frets, and I've heard they're working on a short scale, possibly to be released this year (maybe?).

Other good choices already mentioned like the EHB. There's also Bootlegger Ace shortscale (24 fret) from Bootlegger guitars. Smaller company out of Cali, Korean made iirc. Lobster reviewed the regular 34" one. I might have gas for the Ace if I could try one.

 

[SunByrne]

Short scale StingRays (both SBMM and EBMM) have 22 frets.

If you're really lucky you might be able to find a used EBMM for $1500, but the SBMM is like $600 new. I have a short scale SBMM and my only complaint is the tuners are a little chintzy, but otherwise it's great.

 

[Outshined91]

Let me know if you have any questions about the Acinonyx.
There are two versions:
Acinonyx Short Scale Bass
V2 Acinonyx Short Scale Bass

I did have a question actually: is it possible to order an Acinonyx with a Hipshot Xtender installed on it?

 

[gln1955]

A short scale Maruszczyk Jake (22 frets) can be had within your budget if you can resist adding many options.

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[Fat and fat]

I love my shortscale Sterling Stringray. 22 frets. Lightweight, comfortable. They list at $599, but I’ve seen them on sale often on Musicians Friend.

 

[fnp5150]

Just today I was looking on The Bass Place website. They have a Sandberg short-scale 22 fret for just a couple hundred over your budget.

 

[TerribleTim68]

Ibanez Mikro is 22 frets, and clocks in at 28.6" scale length. You can find them for less than $200 used and at that price it's a good budget investment to try out.

 

[GoesThump]

19 frets on a Mustang, no?

For 21, try a Rickenbacker 3000, if you can find one. Brilliant bass, but a bit heavy if that's an issue for you.

GT

 

[PotsdamBass8]

A short scale Maruszczyk Jake (22 frets) can be had within your budget if you can resist adding many options.

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Maruszczyk Elwood as well. My 5 string has pretty good upper fret access too.

 

[B-Mac]

So this is my first post in a long time, and it is because one of the guitarists in my band planted in my head the idea of buying a new bass...

I have always been frustrated that, on my 20 fret Fender Mustang, I cannot play some of my favorite songs that use the 21st fret, such as "Scar Tissue" or "The Perfect Kiss." But I love the short scale for how it enables my chord-heavy playing style so what good 21 fret short scale basses exist out there? Hard budget is $1500, but I am fine with buying used and also waiting and scouring around for a good deal here on TB or elsewhere.

Thanks!

Dean has been making the very affordable 30” short scale Evo XM Bass for at least 13 years with 24 frets.

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[Sjobi 1]

The Reverend Sentinel is a cool short scale with 21 frets that retails for $1200.

 

[farace]

Don’t know what the price range is now, but the Dan Armstrong/Ampeg See Through has 24 frets. Clearly superior.

 

[ericplaysbass]

Can't believe I had to scroll this far down to see Reverend brought up...

I've been rocking a Reverend Sentinel for months now and it's game-changing for the short scale market imo. An ergonomic modern-voiced p bass that's easy on the shoulders and looks amazing w/ pro level appointments for a moderate price tag.

Here's me playing mine:


You can also check out the Dub King and the Wattplower, both from Reverend as well, for different flavors of 21-fret short scales.