As always, a lot of good advice posted here already.
I will throw out the Ibanez BTB33 for your consideration.
I will throw out the Ibanez BTB33 for your consideration.
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Help! Searching for the perfect short scale bass.
- Thread starter TheIndieKid
- Start date
wintremute
mediocrity at its finest
- Oct 16, 2014
- 6,942
- 29,552
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Langstrom Carrot Farms
OP, I know you said that you're looking at Maruszczyk, but you should definitely take a look at Marko's K models. I've played some of the short scales that have been presented here, and some of them suffer from neck dive. The K is light, but because the top horn goes up far enough, there's no neck dive. I have a 33.25" scale on order, and I forgot they also come in short scale (until I saw Jebberz's post) or else I would have mentioned them.
Funny irony, that's a short scale K in my avatar!
I'll +1 on the Gretsch Electromatic Junior Jet. Awesome little bass that won't break the bank at $299 (new) most places. Of all the short scales I've played over the years, the Junior Jet comes in a very close second to mypick for all time best shortie. Top dog IMO is the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. But those are rare birds and long out of production.
I purchased the short scale bass from Gretsch and I freakin love its playability and sound. Its a pretty simplistic bass guitar however they added the pickup switch which gives it a little bit of versatility. The version prior did not have this capability. Oh and its only around 250 us dollars making it an ultimate steal if you ask me.
Anderton's has a good youtube review of the new Fender Mustang PJ. I picked one up two weeks ago and am really liking it. Versatile tones from a Pbass to a Jazz. Very playable.
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
I have had good luck with short scale Brice on rondomusic.com. They get 5's in there at times. Made in South Korea, the two band EQ models are very good sounding instruments. Playability is good, to me. And the prices reasonable for sure. They also have 6's and recently have had 4's. Lefty and righty. Avoid the 3 band models. They need more work in design.
I tried one a while back. It was amazing through a Rumble 200 in the shop. I want one really bad, but i'm all about a jazz bass and just can't bring myself to lay out the cash even the used ones are bringing. If a deal ever comes my way, it's mine. Try to demo one if you can before you decide.
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- Nov 18, 2008
- 29
- 10
- Disclosures
- I use exclusively Birdsong basses - my hands are tiny, but my fingers are nimble
Well well well! This is the thread for me! Like others have said, Scott Beckwith at Birdsong Guitars (www.birdsongguitars.com) is making the ULTIMATE short scale bases. Here's a picture of my signature model, The Talisman. But you don't need to get all blinged out like this. His line "The Short Bass" has all of the playability of his more fancy models, and my 2nd bass has the same configuration of a Short Bass and you should not overlook them. That Lace neck pickup is HUGE sounding.
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I forgot about that. I'll check them out! Thanks!
Your co-designed signature model? Or just a signature model you own?
in any case, Birdsong looks amazing. I'm just a bit weary of price. This whole idea is more of a wish that will likely come true around Christmas time 
I'm quite the mindless spender and if I see something I like, it goes down the drain. Doesn't help I'm a teenager. How much are the basic series? I'd like to upgrade any improvements to the tone, so that may drive the cost up.Edit: I've just looked. $1800+ (roughly £1600?) oh how I wish I had that money haha
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If you can find one, the old Guild JS-II basses are great. 30 & 5/8" scale length (and there was a 34" scale also offered - but they are very rare). They can rock. And they are comfortable/playable and lightweight. And they sound big. If you like The Stooges, appreciate that Ron Asheton played one.
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I stopped reading here. I was going to suggest a CIJ Mustang, if that doesn't do it for you then I don't know what will.I was looking at them
I stopped reading here. I was going to suggest a CIJ Mustang, if that doesn't do it for you then I don't know what will.[/QUOTE
Oh it cuts the cheese alright!
So leave the roundwounds on. I have TWO and both have rounds - I only mentioned flats cause you didn't mention the music you're into so I mentioned EVERYTHING including the ability to sound uprightish.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
Again, I don't think that John Engtwistle or Jack Bruce sounded in the least like upright players.
Honestly, give em a try. Like I said, people assume that since they're quirky in style and construction they're quirky as instruments - they are not, they are extremely versatile and fit into again pretty much anything except super aggressive rock (and even then, they work - lots of bottom and top.
I talked to Adrian. He said it'd be around £1050. I find that weird considering the instruments in stock are about £800. The only thing different I wanted was Haeussel single coils, as opposed to Maruszcyzk pickups. Does anyone know if this could drive the cost up that much?
- Nov 18, 2008
- 29
- 10
- Disclosures
- I use exclusively Birdsong basses - my hands are tiny, but my fingers are nimble
Your co-designed signature model? Or just a signature model you own?
Edit: I've just looked. $1800+ (roughly £1600?) oh how I wish I had that money haha
It's a new instrument line Scott is making available based on my specs, so yes, it's actually my signature instrument (technically, it's "TD Towers'" instrument- my alter ego!). It's currently the only one of its kind but I have a feeling there will be more!
The short basses (the more stripped down but totally rad and unbelievably high quality Birdsongs with unbeatable tone & playability) can be had for around $1000. There's a very special mahogany bass on reverb.com for $1200 I believe. You will not find any better bass for the money and it will last you a life time. For a serious short scale bass that sounds like a 34" for under $1.5k, you simply can't beat a Short Bass.
It was a jazz guitar that I bought on line. First time I ever bought on line and I was nervous about doing it but the guitar was set up well, no dings and the build quality was excellent.
I am thrilled to bits with it.
It was the AG95 and looks like this:
WHich Haussel model did you pick? I think that the JB set is around 150€ (125 pounds).
Did you request any specific finish or hardware?
