Best Shortie

[MrBEAC]

Evening people.
I have had a few short scales over the years (my first was a Burns London in the late 1960s). I've played most make of long scale too. I have an excellent Sire U5, loaded with flats at the moment (a very underestimated make and model, in my opinion).
I want another shortie.. any experience/recommendations appreciated. Preferably UK based.

 

[who]

Not sure what kind of budget you're working with, but Wilcock is a UK-based maker of short scale basses who seems to be quite well liked.

Wilcock Basses/ Home

Each Wilcock custom bass is designed and hand-made in my workshop in east London. Inspired by over 40 years of collecting, playing and a passion for the instrument.

www.wilcocklondon.com

 

[MrBEAC]

Not sure what kind of budget you're working with, but Wilcock is a UK-based maker of short scale basses who seems to be quite well liked.

Wilcock Basses/ Home

Each Wilcock custom bass is designed and hand-made in my workshop in east London. Inspired by over 40 years of collecting, playing and a passion for the instrument.

www.wilcocklondon.com

Thanks. I'd probably like to keep the budget below £1000 (£1500 at an absolute stretch). I'm retired now, and I don't gig anymore, but still enjoy playing. I have the aforementioned U5 and a couple of long scales, but I'd like another decent shortie.

 

[BGroovy]

I love the Sterling stingray short scale with flats. The Reverend sentinel is fantastic. The jazz junior from Japan is great. The acinonyx is great.

 

[ahbass2500]

I have been happy with a Fender Vintera Mustang bass and a G&L Tribute Fallout bass.

Fallout feels big for a 30” short scale due to body size/bridge placement. Coil tap makes it flexible for a single pickup bass. G&L MFD pickups are hot and I like the sound.

Mustang bass is a classic sound. Labella flats sound excellent on it. Recently added an aftermarket bridge mute set (matches the original design). Bass has a solid P bass-ish thump to it now.

Next on my list for a short scale is probably a Lakland Skyline HB30. Who knows if I will ever buy one though. I am also curious about the Ibanez headless short scale basses. Reviews are mixed on the Ibanez so it is a try before buying for me. Have not found one to try yet.

 

[MrBEAC]

I love the Sterling stingray short scale with flats. The Reverend sentinel is fantastic. The jazz junior from Japan is great. The acinonyx is great.

Thanks.

 

[MrBEAC]

I have been happy with a Fender Vintera Mustang bass and a G&L Tribute Fallout bass.

Fallout feels big for a 30” short scale due to body size/bridge placement. Coil tap makes it flexible for a single pickup bass. G&L MFD pickups are hot and I like the sound.

Mustang bass is a classic sound. Labella flats sound excellent on it. Recently added an aftermarket bridge mute set (matches the original design). Bass has a solid P bass-ish thump to it now.

Next on my list for a short scale is probably a Lakland Skyline HB30. Who knows if I will ever buy one though. I am curious about the Ibanez headless short scale basses. Reviews are mixed on the Ibanez so it is a try before buying for me. Have not found one to try yet.

Thanks for that.
Yes, I have the LaBella flats on my U5. Y did toy with a Hofner higher-end Beatle basses. Never played one of those, and just curious. The Musicman Stingray shorties look interesting too.

 

[scuzzy]

Another vote for the Sterling stingray SS.

 

[turcmic]

Looking for a short scale too. Have you heard of Uk-based Retrovibe? I find their models very cool but not that many reviews.

 

[tidbits]

I just got a Schecter Banshee, and it’s a nice little player. I think they just quit making them, but there’s still a handful floating around.

Really nice neck, and I like the satin finish.

I had a U5 for a minute but I didn’t get on with it (didn’t like the glossy finish, and it was a little neck-divey).

I’ll have the banshee till I can save enough for a Sandberg Lionel.

 

[nonohmic]

Invalid Link RemovedThis one, or one like it.

 

[MrBEAC]

Another vote for the Sterling stingray SS.

Cheers.
Any particular model? Why does it get your vote?

 

[MrBEAC]

Looking for a short scale too. Have you heard of Uk-based Retrovibe? I find their models very cool but not that many reviews.

No... not heard of them. Do you have any more info?

 

[MrBEAC]

I just got a Schecter Banshee, and it’s a nice little player. I think they just quit making them, but there’s still a handful floating around.

Really nice neck, and I like the satin finish.

I had a U5 for a minute but I didn’t get on with it (didn’t like the glossy finish, and it was a little neck-divey).

I’ll have the banshee till I can save enough for a Sandberg Lionel.

I did look at the Schecters. A reasonable price too (600 quid from Guitar Guitar). I've had no experience of them though, and can't find much about them.

 

[MrBEAC]

This one, or one like it.

That's seriously smart... what is it?

 

[Krizz]

If you can find one used on your side of the pond, any Birdsong if it’s within the budget. Fantastic short scales. My other two favorites are my Reverend Wattplower 2 & SBMM SS Stingray.

 

[MrBEAC]

This one, or one like it.

That's seriously smart... what is it?

If you can find one used on your side of the pond, any Birdsong if it’s within the budget. Fantastic short scales. My other two favorites are my Reverend Wattplower 2 & SBMM SS Stingray.

I've heard of Birdsong, but they're only in US, as far as I know. Which model Stingray do you have?

 

[nonohmic]

That's seriously smart... what is it?

Mike Lull. Prolly only run you 5 or 6 grand. You should get one.

 

[tidbits]

I did look at the Schecters. A reasonable price too (600 quid from Guitar Guitar). I've had no experience of them though, and can't find much about them.

Yeah, there’s not much out there about them, but for the price they have a lot of nice appointments, even if the QC isn’t 100%. I got mine used for a steal. This week during the holiday I’m shielding the cavity and putting in a new pickup and harness.

I’ll be able to swap pickups with soldering, so it’ll be a nice little bed for testing

 

[tidbits]

Mike Lull. Prolly only run you 5 or 6 grand. You should get one.

I think there’s still a Lull short scale P in the classifieds for just $4500