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I Want A Short Scale Bass......

Don M

Don M

Oct 24, 2014
586
313
53
Suburbs of Cincinnati
#1
I already have two long scale P/J basses (Ibanez GSR200 and a Yamaha BB1000MA). I want something small and light with a different tonal range then my current basses. I'm also pretty cheap so I don't want to spend a whole lot and these are the three that I keep looking at: Allen Woody Signature, Mikey Way Signature and the Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI. I know they are all different, but they are the ones that I've taking liking to. I also kinda like the Dean Evo XM and the Gretsch 2220, but they don't have as much draw as the others.

I'm looking for others experiences with these particular basses, pros and cons and modification potentials (particularly pickups/electronics).

Thanks,

Don
 
#2
Hi Don,

The Squier Bass VI is a lovely instrument and has a lot of followers, but it's more of a baritone guitar. Sounds great as a bass, though :) If there's an issue, it's that non locking floating tremolo bridge which can make intonation an issue.

The Mustangs are all much of a muchness depending on which quality level you want. As long as you can hand pick your bass at this price level from stock, you're good. Personally, if I was going for a Mustang I'd go for the more expensive Fender Pawn Shop model with the big humbucker. It has a lovely sound & the special series from Mexico (Pawn Shop, Classic Player, etc.) are all excellent quality these days

I've heard and read that the Rumblecat is a good bass, but it's very rare and very Epiphone. If you've ever had to replace parts on an EB3 or EB0, you'll know what I mean.

At a similar level to the Pawn Shop Mustang is the new Classic Player Rascal. I have one and it's a lovely bass with a plethora of different sounds available.

So there are a couple of extra options - From your list, I'd be going to stores to find a Mikey Way Mustang, which will fit most Fender and non Fender upgrade parts like pickups and bridges, or alternatively think about spending a little more for something really nice.

Good luck with it.
 
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#3
OutToPlayJazz said:
Hi Don,

The Squier Bass VI is a lovely instrument and has a lot of followers, but it's more of a baritone guitar. Sounds great as a bass, though :) If there's an issue, it's that non locking floating tremolo bridge which can make intonation an issue.

The Mustangs are all much of a muchness depending on which quality level you want. As long as you can hand pick your bass at this price level from stock, you're good. Personally, if I was going for a Mustang I'd go for the more expensive Fender Pawn Shop model with the big humbucker. It has a lovely sound & the special series from Mexico (Pawn Shop, Classic Player, etc.) are all excellent quality these days

I've heard and read that the Rumblecat is a good bass, but it's very rare and very Epiphone. If you've ever had to replace parts on an EB3 or EB0, you'll know what I mean.

At a similar level to the Pawn Shop Mustang is the new Classic Player Rascal. I have one and it's a lovely bass with a plethora of different sounds available.

So there are a couple of extra options - From your list, I'd be going to stores to find a Mikey Way Mustang, which will fit most Fender and non Fender upgrade parts like pickups and bridges, or alternatively think about spending a little more for something really nice.

Good luck with it.
Click to expand...


Thanks.....I have also looked at the "Rascal" and watched some "Tube" on it. The range of sounds is really cool. It is a touch out of the price range that I was thinking, and I'm not so keen on the color. One of the upgrades I'd if I got the Bass VI, would be putting a locking tremolo bridge from the Pawn Shop version and some LaBella Flats. What do you (or anyone) know/think about the Squier Jag Bass SS? Seems like it has a pretty good following also!
 
#5
Don M said:
Thanks.....I have also looked at the "Rascal" and watched some "Tube" on it. The range of sounds is really cool. It is a touch out of the price range that I was thinking, and I'm not so keen on the color. One of the upgrades I'd if I got the Bass VI, would be putting a locking tremolo bridge from the Pawn Shop version and some LaBella Flats. What do you (or anyone) know/think about the Squier Jag Bass SS? Seems like it has a pretty good following also!
Click to expand...
Recently purchased the PS mustang, very much enjoy this bass.
You might want to read the short scale thread for more testimony on all brands of these scale basses
 
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#7
I'm more of a natural wood lover of I'm honest, but the Rascal's Ocean Turquoise is even better in the metal, as it were. Here's mine...

image.jpg
 
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#8
OutToPlayJazz said:
I like your idea of the upgraded Bass VI, Don. That sounds like an interesting bass. You can also play chords and blues solos when you get bored too :)

I don't know how it'd sound on flats, though. Has anyone seen a Bass VI flat wound set? I'll have to have a look on StringsDirect...
Click to expand...


LaBella Strings has a set of flats, think a couple of other brands are working on them. I could get rounds, but have flats on my other two and I like the feel.
 
#10
Don M said:
Thanks.....I have also looked at the "Rascal" and watched some "Tube" on it. The range of sounds is really cool. It is a touch out of the price range that I was thinking, and I'm not so keen on the color. One of the upgrades I'd if I got the Bass VI, would be putting a locking tremolo bridge from the Pawn Shop version and some LaBella Flats. What do you (or anyone) know/think about the Squier Jag Bass SS? Seems like it has a pretty good following also!
Click to expand...

I have the SS Jag. Great bass and excellent value for money.
 
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#11
I guess I really need to figure out a style of music that I want to play the most and craft around that. I like to many different styles to really pick just one or two. Too much to think of for a newbie (been playing less than a year). I think out of the list at the beginning, I'm most interested in the Allen Woody and the Bass VI. They are both the close to the same price and everything I've read makes me think that they would be adaptable for a range of styles. If I wanted to spend a little more I think the Ibanez SRC6 Crossover and the Schecter Ultra VI would also make the list, along with the Pawn Shop Mustang. The whole idea of the Bass VI is just soo intriguing.
 
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#14
I just picked up a Mikey Way. I liked the features and got it as a blem from MF for under $200. The issues with it were a couple neck pocket finish cracks. The only real issue right now is some sharp fret ends. I'm trying to humidify it to see if they'll subside--so far no luck. I like the bass and it works well for my kids. Definitely comfortable to play with my smaller hands as well. I ordered some LaBella flats for it and am waiting for those to come in. It will also be a good platform for modding.

I would caution the finish is either a love or hate kind of thing. I like the racing stripes, but the sparkle is not growing on me. I would also offer the Squier fit and finish (beyond the blem issues) isn't going to compare to a MIM or MIJ. Just my $.02. If you're interested, I started a thread on TDPRI. Invalid Link Removed

Here's a pic with my MIA Tele:
8934C014-385B-43D8-8B87-E215EB4FF642_zpsu2bvyhvy.jpg
 
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#16
Have lots of shorties.
You can't go wrong with the Squier Jag SS, arguably one of the best values out there.
Heartily agree about the Rascal. It's a very good bass, plays well, has a variety of tones, looks better in person than in photos. I put GHS 3060 tapes on mine. The way it's set up you need either medium or long scale strings.
The Gretch's are also good buy. Sound good, play well.
Do like the Mikey Way, but don't have one as the color is atrocious and I'd have to do a refinish on it immediately.
Might give a look see to the Ibanez Mikro. 28 1/2 scale.
Have played the Squier Bass VI and liked it. From everything I've read on here the bridge needs changing, but just from the short time I demoed it didn't see a problem. Then again 10 or 15 minutes in a store doesn't really tell you much.
Have others but most probably out of your price range.

First recommendation would be the Jag SS. It'll be everything you're looking for.
 
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#17
fjadams said:
Have lots of shorties.
You can't go wrong with the Squier Jag SS, arguably one of the best values out there.
Heartily agree about the Rascal. It's a very good bass, plays well, has a variety of tones, looks better in person than in photos. I put GHS 3060 tapes on mine. The way it's set up you need either medium or long scale strings.
The Gretch's are also good buy. Sound good, play well.
Do like the Mikey Way, but don't have one as the color is atrocious and I'd have to do a refinish on it immediately.
Might give a look see to the Ibanez Mikro. 28 1/2 scale.
Have played the Squier Bass VI and liked it. From everything I've read on here the bridge needs changing, but just from the short time I demoed it didn't see a problem. Then again 10 or 15 minutes in a store doesn't really tell you much.
Have others but most probably out of your price range.

First recommendation would be the Jag SS. It'll be everything you're looking for.
Click to expand...

Would the Jag SS be a good replacement for either of my other basses? I'm assuming it would be a good replacement for the Ibanez, but not sure on the Yamaha BB. Do you have much time playing the Mikey Way?
 
#18
Can't beat one of these babies for bang for the buck:

ursa2jrmnwt7.jpg


Got one a couple months ago and like it a lot. Came set up ok, but tweaked it a little to reduce fret rattle, and it plays nice. Definitely gotta replace the strings though. $115.00 new!

Link Removed
 
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#19
Derp to all these posters. Go out get a VM Squier Mustang. Replace the pots with 500k. Buy a 0.047 cap. Install it. Put on Deep Talkin Flats.

You're done.

It will sound 100x times better than any recommendation above.

There's so much stupidity on TalkBass it hurts. This ain't it.
 
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#20
All I have are SS so I really have no idea about either of the basses you already have. Just played the Mikey Way in the music store. But other than the paint it's a good bass.
The Jag SS works for a P and a P/J sound. The P pickup is good, the J is adequate, but nothing special. On the one I have with stock pickups I mostly use the P then blend in a little of the J for some top end.
 

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