• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Where do you find the shorties?

#45
Forty-Thirty said:
I keep seeing people here talking about their different short-scale basses, so obviously there is a variety out there. But where do you find them? I pretty much HAVE to play a shorty--I'm a petite woman with small hands, and the big ones just don't work for me. I own the VM Jaguar and love it, but like just about everyone, I'd like to have another one. When I look for other shorties, the only ones I ever really come across are the Jag and the Ibanez Mikro, and I'm not terribly interested in that one. So am I missing something, or are they just not making many short-scale models at the moment? This is good for my GAS, I guess, but it's still frustrating.
Click to expand...

Hey Forty-Thirty

I have some info on my website, which is pretty comprehensive. I mean if there is more stuff on a website somewhere about the subject - I certainly have not seen it. But maybe there is.

If you have some time on your hands and you don't mind a long read, it's here:

http://www.innertainment.net/medium.html

Best of luck, and please check back and let us know where you end up going!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jon Clegg and Forty-Thirty
#48
I hesitate to post this because I worry people are getting tired of my recommending a Gretsch Electromatic Jet Junior (especially the early G2002 models that came with the single TV Jones designed pickup in the sweet spot ) but I'll risk it once again.

This is a dynamite short-scale bass with great build quality and a sound that doesn't need to make any excuses or apologies for anything. And it's super affordable.

Back in November I picked up another one of the original models off eBay for $175 plus $20 shipping. But even new they currently go for just $299 from all the majors. (Used they average $199 in very good condition.)

The newest model called the Jet Junior II (the single pup model has since been discontinued ) now comes with dual humbuckers and a choice of 2-tone burst or black finishes.

Lots to like. Check one out if you get a chance.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: GoLeafsGo and jonnybass1
#50
I have a few of them. A lot depends on your price range.
Some found on eBay, some here, GC used sometimes has 1 or 2, found at music stores. Some depends on whether you want to pick up a bass needing work. I've found a bunch of mine like that.
There is one that if you ever see for sale and have the money you should buy. Fender Modern Player Short Scale Jazz. Probably the best shortie Fender has ever made.
Another one to look at used is the Fender Rascal. Definitely has its own voicing.
As a couple of others have said if you see a Danelectro and the asking money is right it is a good pick up.
A violin bass is another one to look at. If I was buying another one I'd go for the Epiphone over the Hofner Icon. I still think I'm going to rip the electronics out of my Hofner and replace them.
The Hagstrom HB-4 is a good bass. The way their electronics are wired up it isn't just another J or P/J clone.

There are many, many more I can recommend, if you're interested depending on price range. It always comes down to that in the end. For everybody.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Forty-Thirty
#53
Short scale basses are all over, if you just look. Pretty much anybody you can think of makes one..or two..or three... You can have them made (Birdsong, Rob Allen, etc.); or build your own (Warmoth). Lots of "Vintage" ones on eBay (and yes, some of them are not real high quality; some of them are). You just need to look.

Throw "left-handed" into the mix, though, and the large pond dries up into a very small puddle real fast. I finally had to give up trying to find a $900-1500 solid body, for example; and had to have a Warmoth mini-Precision built. But, if you're a righty? IMO, lots and lots to choose from...:)
 
  • Like
Reactions: El Pelusa
#54
If you want really short, try to find something like the MPB-33 from Japan ( Fender Japan Mini Precision Bass MPB-33 Rare Discontinued 1992-1993 Near Mint ) or the P Bass Jr which was in the US for awhile (they are different things). Something like the Kala solid body basses may work as well ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]).

I learned on an old USA-made Mustang and bought one a few years back (which has since moved on ...). The MBP-33 is cool - normal P pickups, but super short scale. I got one and put some new pickups in and it sounds great. Plays nicely, too.

Another discontinued Fender Japan bass is the JB-62SS (like this Fender Japan JB62SS 3TS 3 Tone Sunburst Mini Jazz Bass Smart Size F/S from Japan), which is a short scale real J. It was made shortly before Fender basically shut down Fender Japan as we knew it. You may be able to find one if you look around. The real price in Japan is definitely well under $800 Invalid Link Removed.
 
Last edited:
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
  • Like
Reactions: honestjohnny
#57
Have one of the original hollowbody U-Bass. It is a different instrument than your regular electric. You need to play it differently. Need a lighter touch. I've found that using the pads of the fingers works better than the tips. Once you get used to the bass and how to play it they are a nice option. You will get a different sound than you will with an electric or ABG. Still thinking of picking up one of the SUB solid bodies to go with the hollowbody.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back