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Searching for a Short Scale

#101
If price isn’t an issue, I would choose a short scale Alien Audio Constellation over any other bass mentioned in this thread. Mine is a P/J, but I would go with a P/Reverse-P if I was buying one again.

The Alien Audio BP2-FX 3 Band EQ Preamp with Distortion designed by the late Mo West is unbelievable—probably my all time favorite preamp. Chopper’s description:
“The BP2-FX Pre-amp is the most versatile musical pre-amp on the market today, which enables the instrument to produce a wide range of sounds, from a classic vintage to a more modern range of bass tonalities. Our pre-amp features classic volume, tone and blend controls along with 3 band EQ. This enables the Alien Audio bass to function as both a vintage or modern bass, all in one instrument. The push-pull tone control enables the player to switch between a more vintage, or enhanced Hi-Fi frequency curve. The push-pull volume control enables the player to engage the on-board overdrive.”​

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#102
El Diablo Rojo said:
This is not helping!! I've reached out to them, hopefully they will be able to get me in touch with a reputable dealer.
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You reached out to Hagstrom directly? Good move, they are extremely customer oriented. I had them look up the out-of-production schematics for my older model HB8 a while back. I know a guy who was selling his dads vintage Hag too, and they went through the files on the serial to give him all kinds of info on it. Really good people. I'm sure they'd even sell you one directly if they could/can.
 
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#103
@El Diablo Rojo Lots of good choices here. I've played on many shorties as that's my preference now. I started playing them looking for a bass for my daughter, and ended up getting one for myself. They are easier to play. I've heard the Sire U5, anything Serek, and Acinonyx are amazing, but I haven't played on one. I'll stick to what I have played...

Top Contenders for me:
Gretsch G2220 (I own it) - it is the best bang for your buck of any bass I've ever owned. Surprisingly versatile
SBMM/EBMM Short scale stingray (GAS bass) - I've played on the SBMM version, and it sounds like a ray, but easier to play IMHO. Also, it's passive.
Ibanez EHB1000S (GAS Bass) - extremely ergonomic, and modern sounding. Very cool bass.... weird colors. If they came out with a color I like, it will be very very hard for me.

Best Mod platform:
Squire Bronco - I didn't like the pickup when I played, but these are cheap enough that I've seen people do some pretty amazing things with them. there's some super customized Broncos out there.

I've also played on short scale Hofners (cheaper Chinese line), Squiers, Fenders, and Epiphones. I've been underwhelmed by either ergonomics, controls (hofner), or just simply value. Playing the Mustang side by side with the Gretsch Jr Jet just pushed me to the Jet even faster. They're both Fender brands, and likely from same factory, but I liked the sound of the Gretsch much more. At the time, the mustang is almost double the Gretsch in price.

Oh and honorable mention to my Kala ubass. That is a fun litttle bass... but more of a "sub short scale" than a short scale.

Also for those interested, check out the Short Scale club on TB.
 
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#104
H K said:
You reached out to Hagstrom directly? Good move, they are extremely customer oriented. I had them look up the out-of-production schematics for my older model HB8 a while back. I know a guy who was selling his dads vintage Hag too, and they went through the files on the serial to give him all kinds of info on it. Really good people. I'm sure they'd even sell you one directly if they could/can.
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Just heard back from them, this isn't looking good for a US distributor. There is one in white on Reverb but its from a shop in Italy. I've ordered stuff from Europe before but nothing that potentially could be damaged in shipping. My fear about this would be it arriving damaged and the PITA it would be to get it returned.
 
#105
Gibson Tribute
Epi Allen Woody
I've been checking out some Kiesels, and a few other models but currently play a Beatle knockoff from the same factory as Höfners budget line.

Never liked the Mustang line, ever.

The Gibson SG short scale bass. Not be confused with the Epi EB3 (34"). The Epi EB-0 is a shorty.

TBH I like a sealed hollow-body, but a semi-hollow also keeps the howl at bay.

Luna makes a shorty too, sort if a tribal motif.

My 2cents
 
#107
I recently bought a Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet. The fit and finish is top notch. The HH pups are hotter than a pistol. I threw some flats on it and it plays like buttah. The finishes are limited. It comes in black, cherry, burst, and green, but it’s a real value at $299. (I bought mine used mint for a lot less.) GC and Sweetwater have them in stock.
 
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#108
El Diablo Rojo said:
Just heard back from them, this isn't looking good for a US distributor. There is one in white on Reverb but its from a shop in Italy. I've ordered stuff from Europe before but nothing that potentially could be damaged in shipping. My fear about this would be it arriving damaged and the PITA it would be to get it returned.
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That’s my fear also. I imagine that returning it would be a nightmare if it happened to get damaged in shipping.

Edit: I’m gonna drop them a line today about it. Maybe if they start hearing from more people in the US they will consider importing them.
 
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#109
I have a SBMM short scale 30" dropped copper finish. I upgraded the tuners with Schaller's and pearl pickguard. I am more use to 34"scale basses. I also have a 32.25" scale D'Angelico chambered body bass. Have the SBMM for sale in the classifieds. Lot of players like the short scale for not having the long reach sometimes.
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#110
Bunk McNulty said:
Birdsong electric basses. 31" scale, light, incredibly easy to play. The cBass, in particular, gives an excellent Precision sound. There's a Cortobass in the classifieds right now, I believe. Check out the Birdsong website: BIRDSONGGUITARS.COM
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Scott Beckwith of Birdsong used to make a "basic" short 31" scale called the Shortbass, for about half the cost of most of the Birdsongs. I have a fretless and a fretted one. If you can find a used one, I doubt that you'd be disappointed.

The fretless he demonstrates in this video is the very one he made for me:

 
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#111
Chrome Dome said:
I have a SBMM short scale 30" dropped copper finish. I upgraded the tuners with Schaller's and pearl pickguard. I am more use to 34"scale basses. I also have a 32.25" scale D'Angelico chambered body bass. Have the SBMM for sale in the classifieds. Lot of players like the short scale for not having the long reach sometimes.View attachment 4615806 View attachment 4615807 View attachment 4615808 View attachment 4615809 View attachment 4615810
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Hmm I found a nice D'Angelico SD, did a youtube dive they are very growly...which I like. Can you tell me a bit more?
 
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#112
El Diablo Rojo said:
Hmm I found a nice D'Angelico SD, did a youtube dive they are very growly...which I like. Can you tell me a bit more?
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Thanks, I play mine,at Church,and it sits real good in the mix,with Baby Grand piano(not the digital one)steel guitar drums,and acoutic guitars. Southern gospel style,and contemporary. You can see some reviews,on You tube,get more of and idea. Bass,has awesome detailing,and quality made bass guitar. I will send you a PM,with more pictures. I has it listed in the Classifieds for awhile,but no interest.
 
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#113
Chrome Dome said:
Thanks, I play mine,at Church,and it sits real good in the mix,with Baby Grand piano(not the digital one)steel guitar drums,and acoutic guitars. Southern gospel style,and contemporary. You can see some reviews,on You tube,get more of and idea. Bass,has awesome detailing,and quality made bass guitar. I will send you a PM,with more pictures. I has it listed in the Classifieds for awhile,but no interest.
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Cool thanks!
 
#114
So after coming close on a couple of basses @H K suggestion of the Hagstrom Swede Bass won me over. I could not find one stateside so H K found me a dealer in Germany that is working with me on the purchase. I'm going to Berlin at the end of April and having the bass sent to my GF's brother there. Ordered the white one and the 9 year old in me is going crazy because I have to wait!
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#115
El Diablo Rojo said:
So after coming close on a couple of basses @H K suggestion of the Hagstrom Swede Bass won me over. I could not find one stateside so H K found me a dealer in Germany that is working with me on the purchase. I'm going to Berlin at the end of April and having the bass sent to my GF's brother there. Ordered the white one and the 9 year old in me is going crazy because I have to wait!
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Wow good for you! That does look amazing.
 
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#116
Very nice. The switching approach is different from what I'm used to, although I'm familiar with upside down and backwards layout of a Höfner. And I have to admit that the Höfner solo/rhythm switch rarely if ever gets placed in the solo position.
 

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