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New Short Scale Bass

Which Would You Choose?

  • Gretsch Electromatic Short Scale

    Votes: 93 35.2%

  • Squier Mustang

    Votes: 99 37.5%

  • Danelectro 56 Single Cutaway

    Votes: 72 27.3%
  • Total voters
    264
jasper383

jasper383

Dec 5, 2004
4,715
1,288
58
Durham NC
#1
I am looking to get a new short scale bass. I have been looking mostly at these three, and would like some input.

The Gretsch gets really good reviews overall, but the Dano has maybe a bit more personality, while Squier is really hot right now, and you really can't go wrong with a Mustang.

Thanks in advance.
 
#2
I bought the Gretsch a few months ago. Great sounding bass with lots of different sounds. First bass that I have flats on. never liked flats till this bass. Also this bass is beautiful. Pics do not justice. I brought it home and my wife loved it. Everyone that comes over makes a comment. I never thought that I would have 2 favorite basses but adding this one gives me 2 basses that I absolutely love. I can't make comments on the other 2 choices but this is one of those basses that once you play it your hooked.

Also there are a few threads on the Gretsch. Might want to do a search and check them out.
 
#3
I didn't know the Squier Mustangs were out yet.

You have probably noted that most basses from SX on up have had positive response here, yet everyone has their favorite that is better than some other brand. Therefore, to some extent getting advice at TB regarding "which of these basses is best" amounts to a popularity contest.

In any case, I have a Fender Mustang and it is the only bass I gig currently. It is a good player with good tone, which renders more compliments than I deserve. I didn't vote because I have not played the other two. Good luck with your choice in any case.
 
#7
Pilgrim said:
I have the Gretsch 5123 and it's wonderful but large ...fully as large as an acoustic. I have the Bronco which is the Mustang's brother - nice balance. I don't have the Dano.

IF you like the Gretsch, it's one you can keep for a lifetime.
Click to expand...

I was actually thinking about the solid body Gretsch "Jet" that's $250. I should have been more specific.


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#10
I have experience with the Short Scale Jag and Epiphone Viola, which are not in your poll. I find the Jag the more comfortable of the two. The convex back on the Epi make where you "wear" it critical, expecially if, like most f us over the age of 20, you have a convex belly. Since I bought it used with chrome flatwound strings, i can't give a fair comparison of the sound of the two basses. I prefer the Jag with its stock strings. Some might not.
 
#17
Hey OP, i love me some shortscale.

I have 3 now, including the Gretsch G2202.

It really is an awesome bass! However, my ONLY gripe, is that the neck is kind of 'sticky', as it's painted and whatnot.

Still though, the quality of it is pretty damn impressive.


I also own a modded Squier Bronco and an SX Jaguar (J/J).

I actually used the SX Jag head-to-head with the Squier Jaguar, and i preffered the SX, stock. It's also a biiit cheaper.


I truly am interested in the new Squier VM Mustang, and i feel like i may be owning one of those myself before the year is up.

For now, my modded Bronco is my main bass. The neck on those things is a dream.

If i had things my way, i'd have the scratch to get into a bidding war with someone for one of the Squire Vista series Musicmasters... hands down my favorite shortscale i've ever played... Fenders included.
 
#18
Given the above choices, I'd go with the Gretsch. It's an underrated gem of a shortscale.

As for the Squier Mustang, I don't know how many players in the US actually have them in hand at the moment. Also, the advertised price for the Mustang ($279) is a bit higher than the Gretsch ($245), and I can't imagine the Mustang being that much better sounding than the Junior Jet.
 

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