• 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.

Looking to buy a shortscale

#42
Bassamatic said:
I have been through many many shortscales. I have owned most of them over the years. Started with a Hagstrom in the 60's. The BEST value by FAR is the Fender Squier Jaguar Short Scale P/J for $199 or less. This is an amazing instrument - sounds great and plays so well with the thin, narrow neck. I use our BL's all the time and plan to steal it from him.

Mu current favorite is the newish Fender Mustang P/J. Narrow J neck, P and J for extra growl, really nice fit and finish and the best part - it uses standard short scale strings, instead of the hard-to-find Medium scale strings of the other Mustangs (that also have fat necks). Mine wears T.I. Jazz Flats and sounds wonderful - nearly identical to my MIA P Bass. Adorama has them on sale from time to time at a bargain price.

The Supro looks good but expensive. The Hofners are nice, but sound like a Hofner always, and the ultra-narrow string spacing takes some getting used to.The Allen Woody Rumblekat is another good choice as is the Gretsch Junior Jet with the single pickup. I am mentioning only those of reasonable costs, since you didn't give a budget. If price is no object, the Birdsongs are the way to go.

For best performance with the B-15 I think that the single pickup or P/J models will be the best, with their stronger upper bass and less ultra-lows.
Click to expand...
Thanks.Things are tight. I'm selling my B15n to raise money for a kickstarter campaign and have to watch the $$$$$.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 40Hz and GwenOnBass
#44
GwenOnBass said:
The SW in the SWB Chowny is for Scott Whitley and can be had plain or fancy. This is the fancy one, the SWB-Pro short scale

SWB Pro | Chowny Bass

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

The Chowny SWB-1 is a really cool short-scale that doesn’t sound like your average shortie. To my ears, it’s sound is closer to what you might expect to get from something like a 60s era JB. By design it doesn’t have too much of that woolier thumpier sound most often associated with the breed. A very unusual short-scale bass in that respect.

I’ve got one of their un-fancy passive models and the workmanship and feel are top notch. Lots to like. I’m very happy with mine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ron Welby and GwenOnBass
#45
40Hz said:
The Chowny SWB-1 is a really cool short-scale that doesn’t sound like your average shortie. To my ears, it’s sound is closer to what you might expect to get from something like a 60s era JB. By design it doesn’t have too much of that woolier thumpier sound most often associated with the breed. A very unusual short-scale bass in that respect.

I’ve got one of their un-fancy passive models and the workmanship and feel are top notch. Lots to like. I’m very happy with mine.
Click to expand...

Next I'm in "need" of a new bass ;) I would pick another Chowny without reservation.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ron Welby
#46
Ron Welby said:
Thanks.Things are tight. I'm selling my B15n to raise money for a kickstarter campaign and have to watch the $$$$$.
Click to expand...

If budget is a concern, I second the Squier Jaguar SS Bass. They normally go for $199, but occasionally show up for less, like this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

If you can stretch that amount a bit, I'd say go for a P/J Mustang.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: nateh415, SAlcott and Ron Welby
#49
Eastwood has some cool short-scales. The Airline is 30.5" and the Sidejack is 32", which is a nice compromise. They all sound great. I dig the Supro's but it looks like all single coils on them. They claim to be very quiet but how quiet? They cost around the same as the Eastwoods, around 500 - 1000.

Bass Guitars
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ron Welby
#51
B-Mac said:
The Ibanez ASB180 is SS. Only available used now, but they are pretty sweet looking.
ASB180BS-large.jpg

Definitely has a Gibson ES-335 vibe going on.
Click to expand...
Love this guitar. What a reasonable asking price?
 
#53
Ron Welby said:
Love this guitar. What a reasonable asking price?
Click to expand...
I’ve seen these from $350 to $500 on eBay and Reverb
Sometimes with a case

When they were new I think they were around $800 to $900?

You don’t see the ASB series that much.
They made the ASB140 which is LS with one pup and looks the same at first glance
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back