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Shorter scale basses?

H

Howe

Feb 9, 2008
33
0
#1
hey,

so 2 months ago I bought my first bass, a kick ass looking black squire.

but..after playing it and learning theres different size scales and I'm not a very big guy, I'm seriously thinking of getting another bass with a shorter then average scale length.

here's my options for name brands that I can get threw local companies

Izbane
Yahama
fender
Cort

I don't really wanna shell out a ton of money, under 400 bucks but I'd like to advoid Fender just because I'm having more then a few technical problems with my current one.

so anyone know if any of these companies have any shorter scale basses aviable?
 
#3
I just ordered a Squier Bronco Bass (Black) and it arrived today. First off, it's a pretty sweet looking bass, very clean and classy. Second, I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of the bass and the overall setup for such a cheap instrument ($150 shipped from musiciansfriend.com). It sounds pretty good when plugged in too. Very punchy and reminiscent of a P-Bass, but it comes up short in the low end. I got this bass because I wanted a cheap short-scale to mess around on, and it exceeded my expectations. I also own a Kubicki, a Geddy Lee Jazz, Ibanez GSR-200, and several other more expensive basses. I honestly believe that the Squier stands up to them in it's own kinda way. I'm sure there are other great short scales out there, but the Squier is just what I have experience with. The bass has a 30" scale. If you're curious, I could probably send you pics and sound samples. Hope this helps.
 
#4
By Izbane I take it you mean Ibanez.

Don't write off Fender because of a bad experience with Squier. Fender owns Squier but they are two different basses.

If your budget is only $400, go used.

Look for a Fender Mustang reissue, a Musicmaster or a Bronco.

Also look into SX. They have short-scale P-bass and Jazz bass models for $109.
 
#6
Definitely Bronco or Mustang. Although you might be surprised on how heavy they can be (for a bass that small), they're definitely fun. I don't think I've ever played a Squier Bronco and said "this thing is terrible".

And I'm not sure about Cort, but I don't think that the other companies you listed make a short scale bass. I could be wrong though.
 
#7
I've been gigging a Fender Mustang Reissue for a little while now while I am healing from a mild case of tendonitis. This MIJ is easily of comparable quality with MIA's I've used. If you dig the whole mini-P bass thing, then I suggest checking one out. They run around $400 used.

I personally wouldn't waste my time with the SX stuff. In my experience they played and sounded about like I expected for their bargain basement price. No doubt someone will be along shortly to brand me a heretic and raise questions regarding the possibility that my parents were related for my thinking that SX instruments are crap. Still, I stand by my opinion.

+1 to not confusing Squier with Fender. Not even remotely the same IME.
 

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