Small body basses?

[stingray69]

As far as Jazz basses go, the Fender Deluxe models have a downsized body from traditional Jazz basses. I believe Lakland's DJ models are downsized as well. In non-jazz style basses, MTD basses (although I've never owned one) always looked to me as having a slimmer waistline - something similar to Schecter's Stiletto series.

 

[onemorebass]

The Ibanez SR series basses are pretty sweet, I've got an 4 and a 5 string model.

If you want a real comfy, great sounding, small body bass... check out a Peavey Cirrus. The US models are top notch, the neck though is a 35" scale, the bolt model (4 string) is a 34" scale.
I finally picked up on of the BO models a few weeks ago and itsa keeper!

Sorry the pics are kinda small and crappy.. but it will give you an idea of how pig , I mean big the jazz body basses really are.

 

[onemorebass]

Again, sorry for the poor quality images.

 

[AndrewClaycomb]

with your budget go custom.

 

[Russell Bergum]

The Pedulla Rapture.
Small body.
34" scale.
"Conventional" features, yet not a J-bass clone.
1st rate electronics- good everyday gig sounds.
$2499 at the mega-stores.
I'm sure they can be found around for a better price.

+1 on the Rapture

You can get one used for $850 -$1200. There are a couple for sale on Ebay right now, and one is a steal for the single soapbar model, listed at $830.

 

[Ian Perge]

Mike Lull's M5 line are "downsized J-basses" (American Deluxes, Pedullas, etc) that can be found new if lucky and used well below 2.5K. Also, Spectors are not only small-bodied but contoured as well, giving the illusion they're even smaller than they are. Also, the Ibanez SR-line are certainly at the small end of the spectrum and their higher-end series are very quality. Also, the MusicMan Sterling and upcoming Sterling 5 are a good deal smaller than the StingRay if you're into their sounds.

However, "Small Body" doesn't have to mean "Tight string-spacing". On an Ibanez, all the SRs are 16.5mm, while Lulls are 17.5-18mm, and Pedulla gives you a choice of 17.5mm or 19mm (standard Fender 3/4"). Certainly try a few different basses out before you settle for one.

 

[Pilgrim]

To me, $2500 is a lot, lot, lot of $$$$$$$. For exmaples of things I'd look at.....

I'm thinking Fender Mustang, P-Bass Lyte, Epi EB-0 or EB-3. Any fit your budget and leave at least 3/4 of it intact. Yes, they're all conventional, off-the-shelf models, but that's no reason to shun them. And they're all short scale, but that probably comes with the territory if you don't want a neck-diver.

 

[Nedmundo]

I'll add to those recommending the Pedulla Rapture and Fender American Deluxe Jazz. The Rapture is an especially good bargain used. But with your budget, look into Matt Pulcinella (mpguitars.com) and Callowhill (callowhill.net). These are Philly area luthiers, and I've tried some samples. The Callowhill Infini has a wonderfully light, compact body, with killer Nordstrand pickups. Matt Pulcinella's basses can be extremely light too.

 

[dcr]

My first thought when I read the OP was: Ibanez Soundgear

Also, Peavey Cirrus/Millennium, Pedulla Rapture/ET, and my personal favorite -- Nordy NJ5. I recently acquired an NJ5 and I've got to say, I LOVE IT! Has all the qualities that I desire of the basses listed above, all rolled into one.

• Small body
• Great neck
• Super electronics
• High-quality fit and finish
• Super light weight (I don't think mine hits over 8 pounds)
• Pro hardware
• Comfy spacing

I douby you'll get a new one inside your budget, though.




dcr

 

[SurrenderMonkey]

Spectors, Warwick Corvettes, Ibanez SR, Warwick Thumbs (but I found them heavy and difficult to play), Cort Curbow, Ibanez BTB, Zon Sonus. And obviously Steinbergers, Zon Vinnies.

 

[danomite64]

Some Ibanez maybe? But they won't last long though.

Right. I guess I'm just imagining myself owning four Soundgears and an ATK, all 14 years old or older, all still playing perfectly fine......

 

[funkybassplayer]

Warwick Thumb - not light but the smallest body you'll find other than a Steinberger.

+1 The thumb is probably my favorite of the "small body" basses. The only thing is the small size of the body can make the neck seem long depending on your strap height.

 

[J.D.B.]

Here ya go: MINI ME!
Josh

 

[fullrangebass]

I'd suggest May Custom basses (I own the Poplar Burl!!!!)

www.maycustombasses.com

 

[Pj,Rj,Hj]

The Wal Mk1 (based on merging the shape of the Gibson EB-3 and the Fender Mustang) has a great small body without looking somewhat lacking in mass. I guess the shorts upper horn is the key and the limited bottom cutaway.

 

[oddgrowth]

I've always considered my warwick 'vette a very small body compared to others.

I'd like info on this mini bass, please.

I've got a daughter (4), who I want to get started early.

 

[main_sale]

This one has a small body and is very light in weight. It sounds wonderful too!

 

[funkybassplayer]

was that a lil' samick bass. you can just barely see the emblem on the HS

 

[BillyRay]

Ampeg's reissue of the Dan Armstrong basses have a pretty small body and they came in plexi or wood config. I have the wood one and it's a great underrated bass for the price (I paid 500 CAN new for one in 2000) since it never sold and was quickly discontinued. I think you can still get the plexi one, but it's way pricier for what I feel is really a novelty item.

It already has a nice pu (altough passive). You change the bridge, nut, have it setup properly and you have a great sounding bass for next to nothing. Ut also balances pretty well due to it being a shortscale. Can serve as a backup to a much pricier axe.

Hard to find though.

 

[Ed Goode]

At the $2500 price point you are well in the range of many smaller luthiers doing custom work. Here is an example of an FBB short scale next to a standard J body: