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Short scale GAS, would like some ideas!

I

Inconnu

Nov 1, 2005
2,407
1,148
Montreal, Canada
#1
Hi!

So I feel like getting an electric short scale (30 inch scale or so). Why? For fun and experimenting mostly.

I don’t want to spend a lot on one though, under $500 for sure but the least is the better. I’m going to buy new. Why not used? I like to try before I buy used stuff so buying used online is out of the question for me and the local used market is a bit crazy (prices are not significantly lower then new).

So I’m looking for ideas in that price range for something that’s worth it. At first I thought of a Squier Bronco, but the price of those just went up. Maybe an Ibanez Talman? Squier Mustang?

I’d like to read shared experiences with some cheap short scales and recommendations.

Thanks!
 
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#2
The Epi EB-0, strung with D'Addario ETB92S Nylons. A 30.5" short scale, that's usually under $300.00, new. It sounds as good, or better than most Gibson SG Std.'s I've had since 1970. I Play it through a Fender Rumble 100 Combo. QC on the Epi EB-0 is Right On.

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#4
I've been looking at the ones mentioned, plus the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet (30" scale). If you want shorter, there's the Ibanez GSRM20. Bought one for my daughter and am impressed by it, but it's a little small for me. Sterling has a shorty Music Man for $550, and G&L's Tribute Fallout should be hitting the streets soon. I love G&L Tributes, but they always seem to be on the heavy side. Personally, I'm keeping an eye out for a used Bronco so I can take a router to it and put a MM style pickup in it. Possibly a G&L MFD. A poor man's lighter weight Fallout / short scale Kiloton is what I REALLY want.
 
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#6
johnnylighton said:
Same question exactly! Inconnu, please post back to this thread with your impressions if you get one. If I had the bucks I’d get a G&L Fallout ($1600 = $1100 beyond my budget) just based on these tones:

Click to expand...

MFD pickup sounds great. My main bass is a L-2500. But, yeah it’s more expensive than what I’m aiming at for the fun-not too serious short scale bass idea.
 
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#14
Since I'm a lefty, short scale basses - especially new, at your price point - are in very short supply. The ones I have are probably either nothing you would want - at any price; very old, and not available new; or, way more than you want to spend. However...
- The Stirling Ray SS4 looks nice. They have a good rep, and Sam Ash's list price for a new one is $549.
- If memory serves, some of the solid body Gretsches are priced around $500. They have a good rep, too.
Other than that? Sorry; I got nothin' that hasn't already been mentioned. I would say Danelectro Longhorn, but they're a little out of your budget...:cool:
 
#17
I just picked my my first bass ever not even a week ago, a used Ibanez ASB140. Feels like a long strech for me, so now I'm thinking short scale. Keeping an eye out for Schecter Banshee short scale. Listed at $699, but I want to see if price comes down. Also Ibanez AGB200, but just a tiny bit outside op stated price limit at $549.
 
#18
I've picked up a SBMM Stingray & Mustang PJ during lockdown and really, both a great instruments. I can (and hopefully soon, will!) gig with either happily.

The SBMM would mean stretching the budget slightly, or getting a really good deal from a retailer, and the PJ would require buying used to get in that range - but both are a step above the new CV range in my experience (although I haven't played the Mustang).

As far as other brands, unfortunately I can't help there. I am keeping an eye on the Tribby Fallouts, the slightly wider 1.625" nut width wouldn't be an issue for me, but the potential weight could be. Waiting til they get in people's hands and we get some info on quality, seeing as I have the two aforementioned basses to occupy myself with in the meantime.

I will say that I'm starting to prefer 30" scale instruments in the last few months, after nigh-on two decades of playing 34". Once I've really nailed down the strings that work best for me, I see these basses getting the most playing time.
 
#19
You could probably get a retailer to come down on a Sterling by Music Man Short Scale Stingray to a few bucks over $500. I would recommend steering clear of Guitar Center and any of their affiliates as they sent me a blemished bass as new and won’t have a replacement possibly available until December.
 

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