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Short scale

#4
Dude, you should snap this puppy up. Looks like all it needs is a tuner on the D string: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

madaboutyousnl-jpg.jpg
 
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#8
I just bought an Ibanez Talman TMB30. I think it's a really nice bass and a steal for its street price of $180. (Apparently it can occasionally be found on sale even cheaper.) Mine feels solid and well-made. I replaced the P pickup with a Fender Pure Vintage 63, but even the stock pickup sounds pretty good.

I'd note that, while it's not tremendously heavy, it's not light either. Also, the neck is both wide and thick. I'm considering sanding down the back of the neck to reduce the thickness, but I might well just leave it as it is for the sake of future resale value. I'd prefer a smaller neck, but it's not too terribly uncomfortable.
 
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#10
Steve, it looks like you are close to Tampa. Even though you said 350 range, I think you should drive over to the Guitar Center in Tampa and check out the Fender Mustang PJs they have in stock.

The have the Ibanez Mikro and Squier Bronco in stock as well.

I just switched to short scale for the same reasons you are.

The Ibanez Talman tmb30 is nice. I think the stock pickups are really nice but the neck was a bit wider than I like further up the neck. The Mikros they have at the Tampa Guitar Center have the same specs as the tmb30 so at least you can play one and know how it's going to feel, albeit with a shorter scale on the Micro.

Anyhow my point is, if fretting hand Comfort is what you're after, I think it would serve you well to actually play some short scale models to see which feel most comfortable for you.

As far as AMS, I have found they will haggle with you a bit so if you go that route with the Gretsch it won't hurt to ask.

If you do make the trip to Tampa and happened to dig the Mustang PJ, AMS and zZounds both let you spread payment out in 8 monthly installments without interest.

Good luck where you land !
 
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#11
mrmxyzptlk said:
I just bought an Ibanez Talman TMB30. I think it's a really nice bass and a steal for its street price of $180. (Apparently it can occasionally be found on sale even cheaper.) Mine feels solid and well-made. I replaced the P pickup with a Fender Pure Vintage 63, but even the stock pickup sounds pretty good.

I'd note that, while it's not tremendously heavy, it's not light either. Also, the neck is both wide and thick. I'm considering sanding down the back of the neck to reduce the thickness, but I might well just leave it as it is for the sake of future resale value. I'd prefer a smaller neck, but it's not too terribly uncomfortable.
Click to expand...
Looking at the Gretsch for the humbuckers
 
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#12
Steve-D said:
Looking at the Gretsch for the humbuckers
Click to expand...

In that case, the Gretsch may be very close to the neck profile of the Mustang PJ. Specs say it is a C shaped neck as is the Mustang. The nut width of the Mustang is 1.5 " and the Gretsch is 1.56 " iirc.

The Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat is the short scale with mini humbuckers as well.
Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat Bass
 
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#13
I've played a couple of Jr. Jets and I liked them a lot. Really fun. A little murkier down low than my Squier Mustang, but it makes serious sounds. Looking at Reverb, it seems like the green ones are back in stock! That's the way to go!
 
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#14
Steve-D said:
my old fingers are hating the fret reach.
Click to expand...
for me it's my L shoulder, but same result = always looking at the short (or medium) scales and trying to follow what fellow TB'ers are getting into.

so, i don't have good advice (or even an opinion), but i'd sure like to know how this works out for you --- so please follow up and share what you get/learn and any 'surprises'. good luck on your quest! :thumbsup:
 
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#16
squier jag short scale is a nice bass with a 30" scale. i have one as well as two ibanez mikros (28.6" scale). both are well within your budget. i wasn't in love the the gretsch when i had it, but everyone has their own preferences. there's also the epiphone e-b0. it's not perhaps for everyone, but i enjoy it when i play it, although i haven't owned one.

and for a whopping $149, there's the squier bronco bass. tons of fun, and if you decide you want better tone, just drop in a different pickup and voila! light weight, and i really enjoyed mine.
 
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#20
I have used the Gretsch Jr Jet II, Epiphone Rumblekat, Epiphone EB0, Squier Jag SS, Ibanez Mikro, Silvertone Model 1444, Kay Truetone and Hofner Ignition Club. The Hofner gets the most work by far.

I'm currently working on a bass using a light Paulownia Telecaster body and Ibanez Mikro neck for it's better ergonomics so I can continue gigging while I heal from a minor stroke.
 
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