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Help! Searching for the perfect short scale bass.
- Thread starter TheIndieKid
- Start date
Don't say that, you'll get @Bunk McNulty all nervous!
I was just thinking the exact same thing.
Not the best answer to a post saying "I have one on order"!!
SORRY @Bunk McNulty! He may have just had a bad experience though or chose a one of the CHB variants! Many people rave over them. Hope that redeems myself :***:
He may have just had a bad experience though or chose a one of the CHB variants! Many people rave over them. Hope that redeems myself :***:SORRY @Bunk McNulty!
LOL...
That cracked me up hardLOL...
if there was one short scale I wish was still around being produced, it would be the Rickenbacker 3001
I was thinking that! But I didn't know how hard it is to replace pickups and wouldn't want to damage anything.
Don't worry about swapping pickups. Just put new strings. D'Addario Chromes have figured out the tension differences in short scale. I get a stunning variety of tones from my Squier Jaguar SS. Easy on the back and hands as well.
In my search for my perfect short scale, the only one I considered from that list was the Warwick. There are some pretty nice instruments on there, but none of which I think could become my only bass (which, to me, would be my perfect short scale).
I recently bought an Ibanez hollow body guitar and I was blown way with it.
How about considering something different, also would it fit in with an indie image?
The below is an Ibanez Artcore and I find it quite appealing...
Over to you.
How about considering something different, also would it fit in with an indie image?
The below is an Ibanez Artcore and I find it quite appealing...
Over to you.
What are the Birdsong's like, by the way? Are they comparable to another bass, or are they their own animal?
They are solidly built, ergonomic, perfectly balanced and light weight.
Tonally, they have fairly wide range. Big sound whether aggressive or soft. I would say you can make them sound similar to a number of basses as well as having their own personality.
I own two, a Cortobass and a Fretless Embrace. Love them both and would never consider parting with them.
How about?
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(Full disclosure- I got one from Lakland and played it in 146 theater shows and it performed flawlessly.)
Mustangs are nice too, if you can get past the looks. No offense to anyone, just not my cuppa'.
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(Full disclosure- I got one from Lakland and played it in 146 theater shows and it performed flawlessly.)
Mustangs are nice too, if you can get past the looks. No offense to anyone, just not my cuppa'.
Don't say that, you'll get @Bunk McNulty all nervous!
If it's no good, I can always send it back. No sweat here.
The Fender P/J Mustang has a nice neck, but the slab body isn't that comfortable. The pickups sound good, though.
Here is an unbelievable value for a short scale Jazz bass:
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The only knock is that the fretboard radius is a very flat 14 degrees. The pickups are ok, but for only $150 bucks you can spring for a set of nice pups and still be ahead compared to having a custom short Jazz bass built.
Here is an unbelievable value for a short scale Jazz bass:
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The only knock is that the fretboard radius is a very flat 14 degrees. The pickups are ok, but for only $150 bucks you can spring for a set of nice pups and still be ahead compared to having a custom short Jazz bass built.
I've been looking for reviews on the Artcore series. What one did you buy? And what do you think of it?
@edencab , just avoid the cheapish looking sunburst altogether. On the G2220 (imo), black is where it's at!
I'm searching for an awesome short scale instrument. There really isn't much in the way of instantly available short scale bass reviews online. I'm looking for something which has massive emphasis on sound and playability/ease of use. At this point I'm really considering something like a Sire V7 Vintage because of its rave reviews and reputation, but I'm not sure whether I could do well with a long scale, even if it was extremely comfortable. Any ideas? I'm kinda looking for the equivalent of the V7 in a short scale-it doesn't have to be active and a jazz bass thoughjust have amazing sound and playability. Many thanks
Custom bass will give you exactly what you want with your desired specs. Thus, a perfect bass would be a custom made bass. Check out some custom builders like Kiesl (Carvin), and Ed Roman. I'm sure the custom basses are more expensive than a Sire, but you get everything you want and no compromises.
You want a shortscale that is easyto play AND has great upper register access?I was looking at them
Danelectro longhorn - one of the best sounding and playing basses around in any category and has full access to all 24 frets.
The only thing with these is:
First - you have to get over yourself to play them (this is not directed at you personally, just people have preconceptions) These are not conventionally materials so people judge them on the fact that they are VERY light (they inevitably get described as "cheap" feeling because people are used to playing long scale fenders in th 8-14 lb range and these are hollow, small and short and come in at around 5 lbs.) They are also reproducing what was a VERY cheap guitar in originally so the features can seem Spartan. BUT they didn't get reissues 30 years after being cancelled because people hated them so much - they were and are among the most recorded and owned basses among famous players who can an do own the most expensive instruments in the world. BECAUSE the formula Nat Daniels cam up with worked REALLY well.
Back to construction - they are HOLLOW as mentioned before, with a body which is essentially a plywood frame with Masonite (compressed fibre board) for the front and back. Again - this SEEMS like a really bad idea, but it works they sound good and are extremely easy on the back.
Second - they are somewhat unusual looking -
This naturally comes from being short scale, full access and retro (if you don't care for the copper burst they do come in black).
Third - if you're looking for something for Metal - this is NOT the bet bas for metal (despite the pointy horns). But will work for most popular musics (with flats they do a pretty good upright impression, with rounds they can do anything from old-school thump to reasonably aggressive modern rock).
YES, I am a fanboy, but I got to be one because these are so great - and unlike most SX fanboys - I don't love them because they're cheap (though they are, which certainly adds to their charm) I liked them when they were only available as reasonably expensive beaten up vintage instruments which cost as much as the proletarian Fender models - those SAME vintage ones are now quite expensive.
@edencab , just avoid the cheapish looking sunburst altogether. On the G2220 (imo), black is where it's at!
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yeah that one looks good too, but I have a black bass so I would want something different
I like my Squier SS Jag with SD QPs and a maple replacement neck.
Lakland looks amazing, but again, they are quite expensive. Hopefully some day. Danelectro's are quite quirk and I like the idea of them, but I already have a bass with flatwounds on, so now I'm looking for a more versatile short scale. I'm talking to Adrian from Maruszcyzk. He said they have many pickups on offer-Aguilar, Bartolini, Delano, Bass Culture, Haeussul, Nordstrand. So another question guys...what pickups are the best in your opinion/which are the most widely regarded? I'm sorry if it sounds like I've been dismissive of comments. All your help has been greatly appreciated. I just kinda have an idea of what I want, and I have done a bit of searching but was wondering if there were any obscure brands out there that I hadn't found that were great. I'm sure all your basses are awesome. It looks like I'll be going custom, but now I'm struggling with pickup choice 
