About Schecter Hellraiser IV (and other options?)

[Em_K]

I have been playing with many different basses during the recent years. I've had many basses on loan for different periods of time, for example the Stingray, Precision Bass etc. The reason for this has mostly been money (and the fact that I have always had a friend with many different basses to spare).

My biggest issue when choosing a bass is that I am very petite. For example Precision Bass or Jazz Bass are way too heavy-built for me to use. During the last eighteen months I've been playing with a cheap Ibanez Mikro shortscale bass. I play in a punk band so the gear has never been such a big deal for us anyway.

But now I have a new band, which I am really excited about. It is shoegaze/alternative rock influenced by My Bloody Valentine, the Smashing Pumpkins and Jesus and Mary Chain. The aim is to use lots of effects.

I have been looking for a new bass that is suitable for heavy use, that suits well for shoegaze and that I can play effortlessly. I have had my eye on Fender Mustang for a long time. That's quite obvious since it's probably the most legendary short scale bass there is.
I also really like Fender Jaguar - that is the shoegaze instrument, at least when it comes to the e-guitars. But that is also more on the heavier side in size.
I have been a bit frustrated, because it feels like the options for a someone small in size like me are very limited.

But now it seems like there is a dark horse on the run!

Few days ago I had a chance to play a gig with Schecter Hellraiser IV. I had never played with any Schecter gear before, but heard so many good things about them. You can't find them in stores here where I live, and the one I played was imported from Japan.

So I tried the bass and...wow! I have never played a full-scale bass that was so light and comfortable for me to play. I had no "new instrument" struggles with it and it played beautifully. I also really liked the firm, deep sound and its playability when playing with a pick or plucking.

Now I'm seriously thinking of getting one myself, since it hits my price category (although I have to order one from abroad.)

But I'd like to know about your experiences, since I could play that bass for such a short moment, and I won't be able to get one in my hands anytime soon.
Would you recommend this bass (in the long run) for a petite woman playing shoegaze with tons of effects?
Are there other basses I should check out considering that I liked the Hellraiser IV?

 

[villhelmromero]

check out u-bass. they make super short scale basses that are very easy to play.

 

[dStar]

You might want to consider a ESP LTD B-4. Mine weighs 4 kg. The string spacing is the same as a Jazz Bass, but the neck is narrower, less fretboard on the edges and it is a little thicker front to back than a Jazz. I got mine for $500 USD. I don't know about European availability or pricing.

Here's a pic so you can see the relative size. This is my NBD thread.

 

[autodidact]

Ibanez SR series are very light, nice deep sounds when you want them. Sort of like a jazz bass on steroids with a nice thin neck and close string spacing

Short scale wise check out Squier Short Scale Jaguars. You get the jag shape you like plus shoegaze and post rock lend themselves nicely to the P bass sound. Mine sounded good stock but even better after throwing in some DiMarzios.