What short scale has the most tonal options?

[Squawk]

Surprised no one has mentioned Wilcock yet.

Wilcock Basses/ Home

Each Wilcock custom bass is designed and hand-made in my workshop in east London. Inspired by over 40 years of collecting, playing and a passion for the instrument.

www.wilcocklondon.com

That’s too expensive. I’m looking for non-boutique, non-custom.

Basically something I can order from Sweetwater/Guitar Center.

 

[WG Plum]

That’s too expensive. I’m looking for non-boutique, non-custom.

Basically something I can order from Sweetwater/Guitar Center.

If you can find a Fender Mustang PJ that might fit the bill. Depending on string type I found them to be quite versatile, from plinky to thumpy.

 

[Squawk]

The Ex Factor's is 32" scale in E standard. The lowest string extends to 36" if you open the D lever. Whether its ergonomics are friendly to somebody needing a short scale, though, I couldn't say.


OP, I think what people are trying to get out of you is what kind of basses you previously liked and want to replicate the sounds of.

First was Gibson EB-3. Loved the deep bass but probably the most uncomfortable bass. Horrible neck dive.

 

[Squawk]

Thanks for all the replies. I went with a used Sterling Short Scale. Feel like it’s a killer deal if all info is true.

 

[alexclaber]

I was just about to pop up here and shout Wattplower 2! But I've got an MM pickup for ours to swap into the bridge position for more tonal options.

 

[JIO]

The Squire Paranormal is the most tonally versatile bass I know of these days, pretty cheap, different sounds from soloing either of the PUs plus the both on sound is good too, but they aren't physically short, just the string length due to bridge placement. The Sterling is a very good bass. A Korean Dan Electro Longhorn sounds great and doesn't weigh anything. I also like the Epiphone Rumblecat Alan Woody bass.

Being a two pu bass, the longhorn has tonal variety if you are fond of the unique Dano sound. (as you & I are ) And it's only one of the positive aspects of this bass - it's well made, light weight, easy to play, 24 frets, concentric VT controls and fits in a guitar gig-bag. They also can be had for a fair price. Pedals can add further tonal possibilities.

 

[Green Knight]

My vote is for a short-scale Alien Audio Constellation with whichever dual-pickup configuration you prefer (I like the dual P). They have a super versatile preamp with onboard boost and basically feel/resemble a Fender.

 

[Astronaut]

Looking for a stock, non-custom short scale. Gonna be the only one for a while. Life has changed and I’m downgrading significantly.

Out of the big box brands (sold at GC, Sweetwater, etc.) who makes the most versatile short scale bass?

Don’t have anything close to me to sit down and play a lot. Gotta order something.

Tonal versatility and weight are my biggest concerns. Been watching and reading a lot lately. Leaning towards a Sterling Short Scale. But open to anything really.

Has to be Short scale. Shoulder injuries and hand size make anything long scale unbearable.

Sounds somehow contradictory. Hence the responses you’ve been receiving.
Tonal choice and versatile aren’t quite the same. Out of that confusion what you need may simply be a P/J configuration. That should narrow the search.

 

[Billy Bob Bass]

The Harley Benton MV-4MSB is a versatile short scale. There's probably one in a color you like and it's a very affordable little bass.

 

[MrVentures]

The Harley Benton MV-4MSB is a versatile short scale. There's probably one in a color you like and it's a very affordable little bass.

The burgundy mist looks great!

 

[Squawk]

Being a two pu bass, the longhorn has tonal variety if you are fond of the unique Dano sound. (as you & I are ) And it's only one of the positive aspects of this bass - it's well made, light weight, easy to play, 24 frets, concentric VT controls and fits in a guitar gig-bag. They also can be had for a fair price. Pedals can add further tonal possibilities.

View attachment 7304594

I hate to be that guy, but by far the ugliest bass IMO. Couldn’t ever get myself to buy one.

 

[JIO]

I hate to be that guy, but by far the ugliest bass IMO. Couldn’t ever get myself to buy one.

I hate to be that guy who points this out... but IMO, who cares?

 

[Makten]

I hate to be that guy who points this out... but IMO, who cares?

He (?) started the thread, so his opinions should be the ones that counts the most in this case. No?

 

[BassBrass]

I hate to be that guy, but by far the ugliest bass IMO. Couldn’t ever get myself to buy one.

I think they are beautiful. Reminds me of a lyre, (a kind of harp) one of the most ancient musical instruments, often painted on Ancient Greek pottery. That makes it literally Classic (as opposed to a FSO, a modern thing). Mine is a grey burst which is beautiful too.

 

[Squawk]

I think they are beautiful. Reminds me of a lyre, (a kind of harp) one of the most ancient musical instruments, often painted on Ancient Greek pottery. That makes it literally Classic (as opposed to a FSO, a modern thing). Mine is a grey burst which is beautiful too.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just not the bass for me.

 

[JIO]

He (?) started the thread, so his opinions should be the ones that counts the most in this case. No?

Not necessarily - the thread title is about short-scale tone.

 

[Makten]

Not necessarily - the thread title is about short-scale tone.

Yes, but it's the OP that is looking for that tone, and a bass that he doesn't like the look of will of course be out of the question.

Personally I love the Longhorn! Never played one though...

 

[JIO]

Yes, but it's the OP that is looking for that tone, and a bass that he doesn't like the look of will of course be out of the question.

Personally I love the Longhorn!

I prefer not to belabor it further, but a better way off expressing it would have been; "It may have good tone, but I personally don't like the looks of it."

 

[Makten]

I prefer not to belabor it further, but a better way off expressing it would have been; "It may have good tone, but I personally don't like the looks of it."

I actually think your answer was worse, but I understand what you mean. Whatever, let's forget it.

 

[Hot Rats]

Thanks for all the replies. I went with a used Sterling Short Scale. Feel like it’s a killer deal if all info is true.View attachment 7304481

You did well. I was gonna say my stingray SS has many different tones with the pickup selector switch and the boost. But I see you got one. Great choice.