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short scale bass recommendations

#2
rylie said:
considering a short scale electric bass
asking TB players with short scale playing experience for bass recommendations
both pro/con
I like the specs/looks of the Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ
my preference is maple fretboard
my go-to full size basses: '76 Fender J & Bluesman Vintage P
Click to expand...
I own a short scale CV60s Squier Mustang. It's not a PJ but has the original style small p-bass split pup. It has the same body as all the Fender Mustangs, (this particular one weighs about 6.5 lbs), and I find it very comfortable to play, and with a great old-school sound... -The CV Squier also costs about $300 less than the Fender Player and I don't mind that one little bit! :smug:
All of the current Squier and Fender Mustangs however are fairly similar in body shape and weight, and they'll all give you that nice sturdy Fender feel and sound, with a lighter body and a shorter reach up the neck. -So what's not to like??? :cool:
So take your pick of the 'Stangs, spend what you can afford, and I'm guessing you won't be disappointed!
 
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#3
I have a Mustang PJ Limited Edition (which is a Guitar Center specific version all black with a matching headstock and hardware plus an ebny fingerboard) that gives me my favorite P bass tone using only the P pickup.

For years my favorite short scale bass has been my Hofner Ignition Club bass.
 
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#4
I bought a Jag new a while back '18 IIRC and I hated how it played, sounded and balanced and most of all the oversized flipper of a headstock. Luckily, whilst waiting for it to turn up at the dealer, I bought a used, near mint Samick Greg Bennett Corsair 30" 4 string from a retiring music teacher which I really love. Paid about $US100.

There are a number of threads in the first couple of pages here that discuss short scales ad infitium so not going to repeat myself.
 
#5
I don’t prefer 4 strings, so I went with the cheap short scale I could find. Got the green Ibanez TMB35 and I love that little thing. Around $210 on Scratch and Dent from zZ. The P pickup was great, the J was meh. I cut a cavity and put a G&L MFD humbucker in it. Now it’s very gigable, and will probably be my primary live bass.

If I ever get the cash together I’m going to have a custom Mensinger Cazpar made in 30” 5 string as a hollowbody fretless.
 
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#6
Here are some quick thoughts on 4 popular SS choices, 3 of which I've owned.
1. Ibanez Mikro-super fun little bass that sounds great. Strings seem a little floppy due to the scale, but otherwise plays really well. Small enough to play on the couch and not have to worry about smacking couch partner (wife/kid/dog) with the headstock, but the small size kind of seems weird in a band session. I did not use mine for auditions simply because of the appearance. I felt like I would be showing up with a "toy".
2. G&L Fallout (mine was a tribute): Killer all-around bass in every regard, but as big and heavy as most regular scale basses. IMO a better choice than the Mustang in every regard except size/weight.
3. Ibanez TMB30-my current short scale. Very "normal" proportions for a bass but just a bit smaller and lighter. Sounds good (very P-bass generic) and plays great BUT(!), expect to do a a little set-up work. The stock strings are atrocious, and mine had a few rough spots on the neck finish that needed sanding, and the frets really need a polish. But it's a great little bass with some setup.
4. Mustang-This is the SS bass I thought I wanted until I played the G&L. It's not a bad choice by any means, but there is a huge amount of variability from example to example. This is not a bass I would buy online unless there was a really easy return policy. I think the PUs in the higher dollar versions do actually sound better. Worth the price?---that's up to you.
 
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#7
On sale for $90:
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Mitchell/MB100-Short-Scale-Solid-Body-Electric-Bass.gc

The finish is excellent, the necks are straight, the pickups sound great, and it plays very well once it's set up. I honestly prefer it to the Ibanez TMB or Mikro. But, as you'd expect from a cheap bass, QC and setup is hit or miss, so plan on spending some quality time with the bridge and truss rod. Strings on mine were fine. I wouldn't tune it BEAD, but it's OK a half step down.
 
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#8
The Epi EB-0. A 30.5" neck, 12" radius fretboard, and a 1.5" Jazz size nut. The Sidewinder Humbucking, puts out a great clear, deep low tone. New price, $269., restrung with D'Addario ETB92S Nylons. This is the one bass I will not part with.

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#13
Reverend has four SS offerings, the Dub King, Sentinel, Wattplower, amd Wattplower MKII. Those are all great basses, the Dub King is particularly cool and versatile, since it's got a humbucker at the bridge, and it's hollow. I got a Supro Huntington III that is my main, and it is great, but discontinued. If you just want to get your feet wet, can't beat a TMB30 for under $300.
 
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#16
I always recommend the american performer mustang.
Very versatile bass.
Both pickups combined sound jazzish and the p soloed reminds of a p bass.
The bass rings out and has amazing highs I never heard on another short scale.
It's not very thumpy though,more like a jazz bass.
 

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