+1 for the Banshee. I have a Carbon Gray as well, and it’s 7 lbs 9 oz. The neck is not to be believed! CFR reinforcement and 16” radius. Tone Master pickup and lightweight tuners. It epitomizes the modern P bass in short scale form...
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Need Opinions Short-Scale
- Thread starter Eric Huber
- Start date
+1 for the Banshee. I have a Carbon Gray as well, and it’s 7 lbs 9 oz. The neck is not to be believed! CFR reinforcement and 16” radius. Tone Master pickup and lightweight tuners. It epitomizes the modern P bass in short scale form...
+1 on the Starfire II. It’s a beast!
They made a new version with a single P pickup that’s probably more in the range of what you’re trying to spend.
They made a new version with a single P pickup that’s probably more in the range of what you’re trying to spend.
There are many choices of makes and models but only a few real variables that you need to use to whittle down the field . I would suggest them as - budget - tone for type of music you plan on playing / overall weight and feel - balance etc / neck and string spacing preferences and actual weight . Narrow those factors down and whittle the field to the survivors - most everything is made well enough to get you by these days although there is no doubt some truth to the motto “ you get what you pay for “ ..... Kelly
As a long-time guitarist (45+ years), I went through an extensive search for a bass, mainly focusing on short scale models. I eventually settled on the Fallout, and after putting a lot of hours on it now, I can say I'm very happy with it. Mine is over 10lbs but it hangs well when standing, and is super comfortable in terms of conforming to your body either sitting or standing. It came set-up extremely well with low easy-playing action and no rattles, and the pick up gives a lot of sound options. I can also confirm that they are extremely consistent from example to example. There is a shop within a couple miles of my house, and the last time I visited they had 3(!) on display, and all would have been indistinguishable from mine if I could not see the color. I would say the Fallout is a great choice UNLESS you are looking for something small and/or light.
I did play the Banshee. It plays very well, but it just didn't do it for me in terms of "feel", perhaps because I'm used to the chunky feel, weight, and resonance of a Tele guitar. For me it just didn't feel like a bass that should cost even more than the Fallout.
The same shop mentioned above that has the Fallouts also has a Danelectro short scale. Very weird, but very nice. Probably weighs 4 lbs (well maybe a little more, but it sure feels super light). If you don't mind unconventional, it's a cool instrument.
Fenders scared me. Shocking levels of variation between examples in the price range I was looking at ($900ish was my max) in terms of neck bow, fret finish and general quality control. Very disappointing, because I have always been a huge fan of their MIM guitars.
Did not get to play a 30" Ibanez, but I did love a 32" model I played (can't recall the model, but it was not expensive).
I did play the Banshee. It plays very well, but it just didn't do it for me in terms of "feel", perhaps because I'm used to the chunky feel, weight, and resonance of a Tele guitar. For me it just didn't feel like a bass that should cost even more than the Fallout.
The same shop mentioned above that has the Fallouts also has a Danelectro short scale. Very weird, but very nice. Probably weighs 4 lbs (well maybe a little more, but it sure feels super light). If you don't mind unconventional, it's a cool instrument.
Fenders scared me. Shocking levels of variation between examples in the price range I was looking at ($900ish was my max) in terms of neck bow, fret finish and general quality control. Very disappointing, because I have always been a huge fan of their MIM guitars.
Did not get to play a 30" Ibanez, but I did love a 32" model I played (can't recall the model, but it was not expensive).
Besides the Schecter Banshee I also have the Lakland Hollowbody SS which is my favorite but it is expensive. The selections of short scales bass guitars had grown since I got the Lakland so there's a bit more options now. Just a little easier to find something that works for you.
I hear you. To me, short vs long scale is all about my left hand.
I own the following short scale basses:
Fallout
Supro Huntington 1
Mustang PJ
Allen Woody
I like them all but the Fallout is a cut above the rest. For me, the sweet zone is a 30" neck with a 1.5" nut width. That narrows the options a bit. The exception in that list is the Supro, which has a wider neck. Still, that is a nice little bass too.
Yep this was on my short list. I even played one but the tone just didnt meet what I was looking for. Nice piece though. Reminded me of my Epiphone Jack Cassidy bass well sorta. Thanks for the suggestion.
Played on of these but also was not the tone I was looking for. Nice light piece though. Thanks.
So the decision has been made. Drove what should have been a 45 minute run turned into 2 hours to a store in Rockville. Man, Saturday traffic is horrid as covid has wained. I played a Danoelectric 59dc and liked it. The store didn't have any Banchee's in stock. Much to my surprise one of the guys who teaches lessons had one and it was with him. Ok now this is what I was looking for. I am sure its sound would be on par with the G&L. Grunty and deep. It's light also. I loved the neck very playable. So thanks to all the reply's great suggestions across the board. IT should be in for pickup next Saturday. No way I am driving down there during the week all though traffic could not be much worse. Thanks again.
I was just at GC in Atlanta and I'm 99% sure I saw the Banshee on sale for $549. Not sure what kind of sale, or if it was used or new, but you might check GCs in your area.
Thought i would add just for comparison...
Squier Broncos are noted for having great necks....these 'used to be' dirt cheap on the used market and are excellent platforms to mod or customize.
Im going to likely route mine by the bridge a bit and install a full sized humbucker likely a Music Man pickup and leave a P type pickup in the middle..
Great thing about Broncos is they have a big pickguard as well so no problem adding more pots....my Bronco has no issues with intonation or tuning....some do unfortunately.
Squier Broncos are noted for having great necks....these 'used to be' dirt cheap on the used market and are excellent platforms to mod or customize.
Im going to likely route mine by the bridge a bit and install a full sized humbucker likely a Music Man pickup and leave a P type pickup in the middle..
Great thing about Broncos is they have a big pickguard as well so no problem adding more pots....my Bronco has no issues with intonation or tuning....some do unfortunately.
Really eying the Reverend basses as they look amazing. May be checking for one this summer and debating between the JMJ and the Sentinel.
