Short Scale thougths

[monsterthompson]

Then I see the Mustang Bass'. Especially the USA models that "LOOK" more impressive but are 6x the price. Now cost isn't a real issue, so long as I perceive quality.

Take a peek at the CME options for the Mexico PJ Mustangs. Several colors are on pre-order status now.
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ Lake Placid Blue w/Mint Pickguard

I got a PJ in the limited all-black run from a few years back at GC. It was well worth the price (around $7-800 IIRC). I do find the P pickup a tad boomy and I'm considering swapping both out for Nordy ones. But that's just me tinkering.

 

[Mike Marshall]

So I want a short scale (only cause I don't have one). I don't know a whole lot about them (hence the post) and I'm looking for inputs on which would suit ME best.

- I am getting older .... so lighter is better
- I'm a P-Bass fanatic really
- I do like thicker necks, but its not a show-stopper
- I do like nice rosewood on the neck. Just the look of them "gets" me.
- I appreciate inexpensive. But if it feels/looks cheap, I won't have it.

I "think" I want a Squire Mini-P and (maybe) upgrade the strings, pickups later. Maybe even paint it. So not only fun to play but a hobby item. Now that's only $200. But the fingerboard does look "inexpensive".

Then I see the Mustang Bass'. Especially the USA models that "LOOK" more impressive but are 6x the price. Now cost isn't a real issue, so long as I perceive quality.

So I "like" the mini-P idea.... But I fear that it won't meet my quality standard. Now I've never held either of these. I'm going out Monday to do that. I was just looking for inputs from people who already traveled this path..... Thoughts???

I have a Jerry Jones long horn that may be the most versatile bass i've ever owned but it felt like a toy for a long time, very light with a easy playing neck maybe to easy. I have always thought Mustangs sounded good and they're good basses that have been around a long time.

 

[funkinbottom]

I play shorties now almost exclusively. The Mini P is pretty cool little bass, as is the Ibanez Mikro. However, the 28.5 scale is a little cramped for me. I think if I were in the market for a 4 string shorty (I play 5ers) I would probably go with the Schecter Banshee. A friend has one and they sound terrific. It sounds like a P bass should. A little more $ (700) than the mini, but a killin' bass.

 

[Island Thumper]

Your modded mini-P sounds FANTASTIC!!!

 

[One_Dude]

I will also recommend the Epiphone EBO. Most players either love them or hate them because of the "Mudbucker" pickup. I have both an Epi EBO and a fretless EB 1. I have played many live gigs with each bass, and in my opinion, properly eq'd they can hang in there with almost any music gendre.

My other piece of advice is; don't let price determine what you buy. Try basses in all price ranges and buy the one that speaks to you.

Thump on,

One_Dude

 

[NoiseNinja]

Get an Ibanez GSRM20 or GSRM20B Mikro Bass (the difference is that the B version comes in a thin open pore matte black or natural brown walnut finish and got black hardware, the regular version comes in a variety of different glossy poly finishes with chrome hardware) and swap the stock pickups for a set of P/J EMG Geezer Butler ones, or do what I did, pull out the stock J pickup and just replace the stock P pickup for an EMG Geezer Butler P.

Just 28,6" scale like the Squier Mini P, about the same price class, but as far as I am concerned generally of a bit more consistent quality, and in my opinion you would need to swap out the stock pickup of the Squier Mini P anyway as well.

Here's the GSRM20B model in Weathered Black finish :

(they used to come with cheap plastic knobs from stock like on this photo, but those of newer and current production got real dome style metal knobs from stock)

With the pickups swapped for some proper quality ones these small basses both plays and sounds great.


Mine is actually my main bass, and it looks like this (with some mods done to it, among those an EMG Geezer Butler P pickup) :

 

[Andre678]

For short scale I picked up an Ibanez EHB1005SMS since I’ve become a fan of multiscale. It fits my needs perfectly, and with the headless design you can use just about any length strings on it.

The next bass I want to buy. I was almost tempted (very short lived) to sell my Short Scale EBMM Stingray to grab one. The Stingray is just too light, well balanced and amazing sounding to ever give up.

Still want an EHB1005SMS though. I am waiting a little bit (to save the money) because I am really hoping for a EHB1505SMS model to come out. I have no idea if one will but I am hoping. If I bought a EHB1005SMS I can almost guarantee I would be putting a pair of Big Splits or Big Singles in there. Would still be cheaper than my EBMM Short Scale Stingray.

 

[Jack Deth]

Get an Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro Bass and swap the stock pickups for a set of P/J EMG Geezer Butler ones, or do what I did, pull out the stock J pickup and just replace the stock P pickup for an EMG Geezer Butler P.

Just 28,6" scale like the Squier Mini P, about the same price class, but as far as I am concerned generally of a bit more consistent quality, and in my opinion you would also need to swap out the stock pickup of the Squier Mini P anyway as well.

View attachment 4441399
(they used to come with cheap plastic knobs like on this photo from stock, but the current production one got real dome style metal knobs from stock)

With the pickups swapped for some proper quality ones these small basses both sounds and plays great.


Mine is actually my main bass, and it looks like this (with some mods done to it, among those an EMG Geezer Butler P pickup) :
View attachment 4441400

I like this idea…

 

[Liam Wald]

I switched over to short scale about a year ago for pretty much all the same reasons that you state.
After trying out lots of instruments I now have two that I am really happy with.
1) Lakland HB-30 that is 100% stock.
2) Fender Player (made in Mexico) Mustang PJ that has been modified. Original pick-ups were replaced with Nordstrands and the controls were changed to remove the 3-way pick-up selector switch and installed stacked volume/tone pots.
I have owned very high end basses all my life and these two satisfy my need for quality/value balance.
I have sold all of my 34" scale instruments and will likely never go back.

 

[Ken Morgan]

Haven’t used a standard scale in over a year (save one recorded track with 5 string)…Mustang PJ and Guild Starfire II are perfect for my needs.

one caveat: the bass solo on Free’s All Right Now doesn’t do well on the Mustang…run out of frets

 

[mongo2]

My current P bass is Fender Mustang PJ Limited Edition which is specific to Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. It's the black one with matching headstock and ebony fingerboard. I say it's my P bass because it has my favorite P tone using only the P pickup.

I also have a first version Fender Mustang PJ with the rosewood fingerboard that sounds almost the same to me, with just a bit more high end.

However, the bass I've used most over the last several years is my Hofner Ignition Club bass.

 

[Andre678]

My current P bass is Fender Mustang PJ Limited Edition......I say it's my P bass because it has my favorite P tone using only the P pickup....

I say the same thing about my Squier VM Short Scale Jaguar. A separate topic that has been discussed to death but I am of the camp where I consider my basses by their pickups not their body shape or the words on the headstock.

 

[40Hz]

Suggest checking out a used Gretsch Junior Jet if you're not too hung up on it looking like a Fender. New ones list for $299. I paid about $180 for my used one. Versatile and great sounding short scale bass. Very comfortable to play. Lots to like for small money. Specs and details here.

 

[Killing Floor]

Nordstrom basses on presale today.

 

[Lowendchamp]

The next bass I want to buy. I was almost tempted (very short lived) to sell my Short Scale EBMM Stingray to grab one. The Stingray is just too light, well balanced and amazing sounding to ever give up.

Still want an EHB1005SMS though. I am waiting a little bit (to save the money) because I am really hoping for a EHB1505SMS model to come out. I have no idea if one will but I am hoping. If I bought a EHB1005SMS I can almost guarantee I would be putting a pair of Big Splits or Big Singles in there. Would still be cheaper than my EBMM Short Scale Stingray.

I really want an EBMM short scale regardless of price, but I had a question. Does it sound like an old school passive Stingray? I don't need or want a pre amp just the passive Stingray sound in a 30 inch scale. If so Ill save up the money.

 

[Bassamatic]

Short scale fanatic here - own may and have owned many more -

The Mini-P overall quality is so-so, just be aware. The Mini-P and the miKro are 28.5" scale - may have a hard time getting strings to work properly and sound good. Remember - strings are wound at tension - when you use cut-down longer strings they are not ever pulled to proper tension and can sound muddy.

Since you want a chunkier neck - STRONGLY advise Ibanez TMB-30. GREAT sound and quality and such a bargain! (<$200) Or find a used Gretsch Junior Jet. I have the one-pickup version and it sounds great, so much like a P.

M current favorite shorty is the Mustang P/J. Great build quality, playability and sound. Slim J-Bass style neck. Uses standard short scale strings instead of the hard-to-find Medium scale strings of the other Mustangs.

The Sire U5 is on my list to try. If it is the same quality as the other Sire products it might be a real winner!

 

[monsterthompson]

Nordstrom basses on presale today.

Lolz

 

[NorthTexasBass]

The JMJ Mustang has a great chunkyish 1.625" neck that I absolutely love. And the pickup is outstanding. It sounds more like a P-Bass than a P-Bass. All of the low end with no boominess, and it really cuts through a mix. Try one if you can.

 

[mongo2]

I say the same thing about my Squier VM Short Scale Jaguar. A separate topic that has been discussed to death but I am of the camp where I consider my basses by their pickups not their body shape or the words on the headstock.

My Squier SS Jaguar does a decent P imitation but my Mustang is better at it for me. The Jag has a less chunky neck profile which feels very good to me.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

@NorthTexasBass, is the JMJ Mustang's neck profile thickish?
If you have the numbers (thickness of the wood at (nut side of the) first fret and 12th fret) I would appreciate it.

I gave these numbers for my TMB30: .85" at 1st fret, 1.01 at 12th. That would be nice.

People will say "chunky" in reference to nut width alone, but the profile thickness - harder to measure - is probably more important with regard to dead/weak spots. Good example, Vintera 50s P - wide nut but profile is not thick.