Best Shortie

[bassman10096]

Lots of good ones. I’ve played many but my current favorite shorties are:

—CIJ Fender Junior Collection Jazz - Nothing “junior” about the sound or feel Body is scaled about 85% of the full scale.
—Stingray short scale (Sterling) - nice playing, slightly downsized, clever coil taps with no preamp.
—Lakland Hb30 is a great player. There’s a YouTube shootout between the Lakland and Hofner. Lakland clearly delivers the same goods and won’t bust just because you look at it crossways.
—Rev Sentinel and Dub King - Both nice players with different vibes: Sentinel is more of a P sound and the DK has some interesting solid semi hollow sounds.

 

[monsterthompson]

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

That was going to be my suggestion though it’s a bit pricey and I see the OP already mentioned they want a lower price point.

 

[tidbits]

The Sandberg shorties are a treat too, and I think they’re a fair bit cheaper on that side of the pond.

 

[pineweasel]

The Sandberg shorties are a treat too, and I think they’re a fair bit cheaper on that side of the pond.

Agree with this. The Florence looks and sounds pretty good

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

I moved to short/medium scale due to elbow issues. I haven’t played a lot of them, but here’s what i’ve come to find:
Reverend makes a couple shorties that are excellent: the Dub King/Linh Li Signature, and the Sentinel.
I didn’t agree with the smaller body size of the Sentinel, but the larger body of the Dub King make it hard to even notice that it’s 30” scale!
And the Dub King’s neck pickup soloed sounds like a ballsier and dubbier Pbass! It scratched my Pbass itch while i waited for my custom 32” P to be finished.

Spector makes the Bantam series, of which i have the 5 string. I love it. It’s 32”, however, while the 4 string is 30”.

 

[rcmbass]

I love love love my Fender Mustang JMJ. Easy to play, fits right in just about any mix, records well, and looks amazing (and hold their value!).

 

[alembicbones]

The bass in my avatar is the best short scale I've ever played. Alembic Brown Bass. Shear perfection.

Bones

 

[MrBEAC]

Agree with this. The Florence looks and sounds pretty good

They're nice, but still very pricey (£1500+).

 

[Bassinthemudd]

I don't have a ton of experience with different ss basses, but I have a Guild Starfire I, and really like it. Build quality is great. It's easy to play, and has a nice P sound with a bit of semi-hollow thump.

 

[scuzzy]

There is only one model of the short scale sterling stingray.

[This invalid link has been removed]

More traditional colors on older generations if you can find used.

 

[manchego_eggo]

There’s the new Cort GB short scale which is pretty cheap in the UK.

 

[psychoeyore]

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.

I bought a banshee about a year ago. I have three short scales. The banshee is the nicest by far.

 

[MrBEAC]

I don't have a ton of experience with different ss basses, but I have a Guild Starfire I, and really like it. Build quality is great. It's easy to play, and has a nice P sound with a bit of semi-hollow thump.

Thanks

 

[Wyrdlow]

I'll second checking out Retrovibe. I tried a tele shaped one somebody had at an open mic night and it was a nice bit of kit. Certainly got to be worth a look - especially at the price point. See if anything whets your appetite!

Basses – Retrovibe

 

[Sharko]

Used Gibson Les Paul Tribute DC

 

[ELG60]

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

I think Stanley Clarke used a 30" scale Alembic back in the day. He still may.

 

[Larryfales]

The Squire Vintage Modified Jaguar Short Scale Special is an excellent budget platform to build on.

 

[Jens Telemark]

You looking for a daily player workhorse or a more unique voice as an alternative to a main player?

 

[RicheyLather]

Agree with this. The Florence looks and sounds pretty good

That sounds amazing! Surely out of mt budget. The player is no slouch either. Same with the Wilcox video.

 

[basslust]

I've played the majority of the short scale options and I think the Acinonyx v1 is probably the coolest. The tone is good and unique, though it feels a bit more toy-like than the other options. Other than that, the Mustang Bass is a classic and solid choice. Either the JMJ or a custom build with Nordstrand pickups would be my choice. The Spector Bantam is another good option that doesn't get much mention. The 5-string medium scale (32") version is more popular, but it comes in a 30" 4-string version as well that is totally solid.