• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Lightweight short scale bass

#61
OP,
You should consider every one that recommends the Squire SS VM Jaguar to be your new best friend.
Lots of bang for the buck, light weight, and easy to play.

I also agree with the Bronco recommendations.
I have two heavily modded, because I love the way it feels.....057912
 
#63
Ostie said:
This is about the lightest you’ll find, but very different tone from PJ. Squier VM Jag SS or Ibanez TMB30 are both PJ, but both are heavier than the Club. Around 8.5 lbs.

I have all three, plus a Epiphone EB-0 ss, which I love. Classic 1960s humbucker tone, but also around 8.5 lbs.

Ibanez Mikro is 28.5” scale. Not sure about the weight, but light.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I have a Mikro, not high enough quality but use for practice until I find a great one. Club won't have the sound I like unfortunately, but thank you!
 
#64
PennyroyalWe said:
Eastwood has some neat short scales. Can’t say anything about first hand experience, but if you want a visually striking bass, they’ve got’m. Personally I have a Bronco bass modded with a 51 style scpb pickup and nylon tape wounds. It’s a fantastic, thumpy little thing. I had been on the quest for a really good short scale last summer; tried a Gibson ‘14 SG Bass, a Fender PJ Mustang, an Epiphone 5120, and tested several more in store, and none of them were keepers. The Bronco does anything they do just as well, for a fraction of the cost, and you can mod away! The neck is stupid comfortable, like a slightly narrower p bass. I ultimately just altered my technique so my wrists aren’t as stressed making big stretches and I keep rocking the full scale, but sounds like your adversity can’t be resolved with technique changes :/
Hope you find a bass that fits your needs!
Click to expand...
Thank you, I have a Mikro, will see if it can be modified and fixed up for better intonation, tuning, etc.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PennyroyalWe
#65
The Ibanez "Mizzo" is 32" scale, narrow neck and the easiest/fastest bass I've ever laid hands on. Lightweight and a Blast to play. Far superior to the Mikro, night and day.
But, I'd get the Music Man Sting Ray short scale for about $550. A steal!!!

PS: I played a Gibson SG Standard all of my life, 68 now, and loved it for playing style but certainly has limited tone. I fell in love with (the cheap version no less) the Stingray within 10 seconds of playing through my Fender Rumble 200 Combo.

My Best
 
Last edited:
#68
LoveJackBruce said:
The Ibanez "Mizzo" is 32" scale, narrow neck and the easiest/fastest bass I've ever laid hands on. Lightweight and a Blast to play. Far superior to the Mikro, night and day.
But, I'd get the Music Man Sting Ray short scale for about $550. A steal!!!

PS: I played a Gibson SG Standard all of my life, 68 now, and loved it for playing style but certainly has limited tone. I fell in love with (the cheap version no less) the Stingray within 10 seconds of playing through my FenderRumble 200 Combo.

My Best
Click to expand...
Hi, I did buy a music man, it was too heavy. Is that the Stingray? Will search.
 
#69
linda mitchell said:
Hi, I did buy a music man, it was too heavy. Is that the Stingray? Will search.
Click to expand...
Stingray short scale came out about a year and a half ago. There's a Musicman version for a little over $2000, and the Sterling by Musicman for a little over $500. They both sound identical, but the SBMM weighs about a 1/2 lb more. I never weighed mine (I have both) but I'd say they both come in between 7 and 8 lbs. Those are both the only basses I ever use live any more.

The lightest bass I own is a Hofner Ignition Club. It looks, feels and sounds awesome. Its pretty versatile, and its dirt cheap. When I got the delivery I honestly thought I mistakenly purchased a gigbag as opposed to a bass. The box felt empty.

el8jjobzz0ljmzaskkxk.jpg


PS, I just came across this while searching for a picture and almost want to buy it myself. Never heard of the club pro, but I'm pretty certain the only difference is the vintage knobs and color. Great price, too Hofner Club Bass Pro Edition Pearl White HI-CB-PE-PW
 
#71
Joe Nerve said:
Stingray short scale came out about a year and a half ago. There's a Musicman version for a little over $2000, and the Sterling by Musicman for a little over $500. They both sound identical, but the SBMM weighs about a 1/2 lb more. I never weighed mine (I have both) but I'd say they both come in between 7 and 8 lbs. Those are both the only basses I ever use live any more.

The lightest bass I own is a Hofner Ignition Club. It looks, feels and sounds awesome. Its pretty versatile, and its dirt cheap. When I got the delivery I honestly thought I mistakenly purchased a gigbag as opposed to a bass. The box felt empty.

View attachment 4187555

PS, I just came across this while searching for a picture and almost want to buy it myself. Never heard of the club pro, but I'm pretty certain the only difference is the vintage knobs and color. Great price, too Hofner Club Bass Pro Edition Pearl White HI-CB-PE-PW
Click to expand...
$399.00. Very nice. Curious about tone. Love the Sterling tones.
 
#73
LoveJackBruce said:
$399.00. Very nice. Curious about tone. Love the Sterling tones.
Click to expand...

It doesn't sound like a Stingray, but does have Fenderish vibe. I haven't used it a whole lot but was playing in a Zep tribute a while back and was blown away by how well it fit. It can get gooey sounding, it can sound barky... and full on its just a really good generic rounded tone. It will be one of my keepers for life.

Another bass you might want to consider is the new Danelectro 59 Short Scale. I haven't seen any available yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick one up when they come out. I've owned a few Danos, and I know there just as light as the Hofner. My guess is they'll be around 5 lbs.

And finally - if you like the sound of Stingrays and Sterlings - don't even bother with anything else. I PROMISE you'll be happy with the SBMM Stingray. You can get it for 15% off also at Musicians friend if you're willing to call and tell them you'll only buy it if you can get the discount (can't do it online).

I don't have it set here for the full out funky Stingray sound, but this'll give you an idea of what the bass is capable of.

 
  • Like
Reactions: brocco and Island Thumper
#76
Joe Nerve said:
Stingray short scale came out about a year and a half ago. There's a Musicman version for a little over $2000, and the Sterling by Musicman for a little over $500. They both sound identical, but the SBMM weighs about a 1/2 lb more. I never weighed mine (I have both) but I'd say they both come in between 7 and 8 lbs. Those are both the only basses I ever use live any more.

The lightest bass I own is a Hofner Ignition Club. It looks, feels and sounds awesome. Its pretty versatile, and its dirt cheap. When I got the delivery I honestly thought I mistakenly purchased a gigbag as opposed to a bass. The box felt empty.

View attachment 4187555

PS, I just came across this while searching for a picture and almost want to buy it myself. Never heard of the club pro, but I'm pretty certain the only difference is the vintage knobs and color. Great price, too Hofner Club Bass Pro Edition Pearl White HI-CB-PE-PW
Click to expand...
Thank you so very much!!!! over 7lbs is too heavy for me, so I will order a club! Does it have rich lows?
 
#79
linda mitchell said:
Thank you so very much!!!! over 7lbs is too heavy for me, so I will order a club! Does it have rich lows?
Click to expand...

Yes indeed.

It has a lot less output than the Stingray, just noting that in case it matters to you. I never have a problem adjusting my amp to fit the bass I'm using though. Some don't like to do that.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back