opinions about short scale basses......would it be a good move to get one....who makes them?
thanks
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short scale basses
- Thread starter Signal to Noise
- Start date
They're cool. I personally don't care for them too much but they are definitely cool and can crank out some sweet sounds. As far as companies go, a lot of companies make them with the fender mustang being one of the more popular short scale basses. If you wanna try one without breaking the bank, Rondomusic sells some short scale Sx basses for cheap ($100-175)
Gibson is known for their EB-3's. I don't really enjoy short scales, they feel like toys to me. Love the tone, though from a nice set up one...
Also consider a Hofner. Lately Gibson's quality hasn't been exactly revered...
Also consider a Hofner. Lately Gibson's quality hasn't been exactly revered...
The Kala U-Bass is awesome. The whole thing is so easy and fun to play. You can go all day and not get sore or tired.
What he said. I've got a Gretsch 30" short scale, and the UBass 20"...the UBass is the bomb.
Fender Mustang, Gretsch G2202 or G2220, and Gibson SG basses are all nice short scale basses. Short scales, if built properly, don't feel like toys and can sound fantastic. The really cheapo ones fill up the majority of this space in the market, and they do feel like throwaway playthings (and really do a disservice to all other short scales in the process). Try out some good ones and you may be surprised by how powerful they can be.
Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I got my daughter one of these --- Ibanez Mikro bass --- It is a 28" scale. When I first picked it up it was too short for me to play comfortably. But after a few minutes I adjusted and now I like to play it.
Allen Woody Rumblekat - $400 new, $340 on sale, $300 used and has $800 tone.
Almost sold mine because it is short but am falling in love.
Almost sold mine because it is short but am falling in love.
If you're just wanting to get one to see how you like short scales, I suggest that you might give the Squier VM Mustang a try. I played one a few weeks ago through an Ampeg PF500 and it sounded great. The neck was very comfortable, too. I've also played an Epi Allen Woody and some violin bass copies, and the VM was easily my favorite. But everyone has different tastes, so try as many basses as you can.
Personally, I'd get the VM and, if I liked it, would consider getting the Fender later on.
Personally, I'd get the VM and, if I liked it, would consider getting the Fender later on.
There are many, many, many discussions about short scale basses already on TB...
The new version of the Harmony 22 is killer. It now has a set neck and real tuners, but with the tailpiece separated from the bridge, it uses regular 34-inch scale strings, so you get all of the advantages of short scale, and none of the disadvantages. And all with the optional "baritone" switch. Street price @ $500.
iiipopes said:
The old ones take long scale strings as well. Mine has a rosewood bridge separate from the tailpiece.
Alembics are mostly short scale. And I believe that the Turner basses are also 32". All are very functional instruments.
I just got a CIJ Fender Mustang from a fellow here on TB. Awesome bass, and so easy to play, it's unreal. Strung with the new special Labellas, it has that tubby short scale sound we've come to know and love. These CIJ Fenders are very well made indeed! Still, my main interest in a short scale would be a semi-hollow or hollow body bass such as the Rumblekat or the Eastwood Classic Four. They're all good!
I think LaBella makes a through-body set of strings specific to the Mustang. I first noticed them a year ago or so.
