Looking to buy a short scale bass

[The Old One]

Hello all. I've played bass off and on for 50 years (more off than on, and I haven't played in 13 years). One of the basses I owned during that time was a Gibson EB3, short scale. It was purchased in 1972 or 1973. It was not the best year for quality and I sold it in 1980. I loved the short scale. I have smaller hands, and the short scale and very narrow neck made the bass almost play itself. What would you suggest for a new short scale that isn't outlandish in price? I like a deep, mellow sound and use flatwounds. Thank you.

 

[Djadja]

Looks like I may need to adjust my price horizon to up to $2500 to $3000. Any suggestions for the best 4 string short scale in that layer of the atmosphere?

why? a number of the basses mentioned are quite good. That said, uping your price can make a difference. My #1 is a short scale Ernie Ball Stingray and I have two SBMM short scale Stingrays. I prefer the EBMM model - materials, workmanship, hardware, slight differences in design are all superior IMHO. $2000 better? Only you could determine that.
If you're raising your price point include that bass and maybe the Fender JMJ Mustang, the Nash Mustang, and the Sanberg Lionel if you prefer Fender style basses; and the Lakland Skyline short if you want something more like a Hofner. I understand Rickenbacker has released a short scale too at an even higher price point.

 

[GIBrat51]

Looks like I may need to adjust my price horizon to up to $2500 to $3000. Any suggestions for the best 4 string short scale in that layer of the atmosphere?

Well...
Now you're back in Birdsong territory - if you don't go crazy-mad with customizing the thing. I have 2 of them - a Fusion lined fretless, and a fretted Fusion II ( 2 pickups). The fretless Fusion cost me about $3300; but, we're talking an expensive body shape, made from old heartwood Walnut. Lots of cracks and voids, which are filled with turquoise. Add the Ebony fingerboard, scratchplate and cavity cover, and... yeah, it got pricey. The Fusion II has a spalted Texas Pecan body, again with the turquoise-filled cracks. Add the Pau Ferro fretboard and Spalted Pecan headstock overlay, and this one was only about $2700. But, a "normal" body shape, made out of "normal" wood? Easily within that price range. And, I've seen some very nice used Birdsongs on Reverb... I would have bought a couple of them (especially the lined fretless Fusion); but, used ones tend to be right handed. Sadly, I'm not...

 

[brocco]

4 string..... SBMM
5 string..... Ibanez Mikro

 

[Kubicki Fan]

FYI
There is a thread about the Cort GB short scale.

 

[TheDuff]

When looking online, have a visual scan at the bridge location. I really don't like short scales with the bridge shifted further towards the headstock. The 3 I own all have their bridges close to flush against the base of the body like traditional P and J. The ergonomics work for me then

Watch out that the terminology doesn't misdirect you. Around these parts, short scale often means "less than 34". Helps to be clear on your preferred scale length (if you have one). Personally I like everything that's less than 34", including the little cheap Ibanez Mikro

I just got a new metallic purple Mikro, put flat Chromes on it and like it. Light and sporty feeling. Ergonomic.

 

[steve_kyle]

Check out the Squier Rascal bass.