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Which Short Scale Bass?

gphil

gphil

Jul 9, 2016
56
118
62
Sauk Centre, MN
#1
I have been dealing with neck and shoulder problems for about 1 1/2 years from an auto accident. My bass is currently a mid 90's Ibanez SR-400. I am very happy with this bass and really don't want to change.

Because of my neck and shoulders, is is sometimes quite uncomfortable having my bass hanging on my shoulders. I have tried many different straps for this, including the different slinger straps and the duostrap. The duostrap works the best, but I am thinking of looking at getting a short-scale bass to see if it would be a little lighter.

The short scale bass I have found are the Ibanez Talman, Ibanez Mikro, Fender Mustang PJ, and the Squier Jaguar. I am hoping to find one of these close enough to where I can try them, but I live in a rural area and there are not that many options close to me.

Are there any other short scale basses I should look at. I want a PJ configuration and I am partial to jazz style necks.

I would also appreciate any comparisons of these basses if you have experience with one or more of these basses.

Thanks
 
#2
I have several short scale basses but I mostly use my Hofner Ignition Club (4-1/2 lbs) and Silvertone 1444 with a re-profiled neck (~5-1/2 lbs) due to overall lighter weight.

I also have the Mikro, Fender MIJ Mustang and the Squier VM Jaguar Short Scale. All three work well but are a couple of pounds heavier. I tried a few of the Fender P/J Mustangs but they were somewhat heavy and the necks were too chunky for me. I prefer the slimmer/more narrow neck of the MIJ Mustang. However, the neck profile of the Squier Jaguar SS is a favorite.
 
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#7
Since you love your current Ibanez, try the Mikro. Of the ones you listed, I think it’s the lightest with the shortest reach. The one I had was well balanced, too, with no neck dive, which helps with shoulder comfort.

I’ve never played a Hofner like Mongo2 suggested, but wow- 4.5 lbs! That sounds amazing!
 
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#8
You're not going to find a short scale bass that sounds exactly like a full scale Jazz or Precision so I wouldn't get too attached to the PJ pickup configuration if I were you, unless that's just your preference for looks.

If your reason for wanting a short scale is a medical one, I would look to the Hofner and Hofner style violin basses first. The bigger questions are, What is your budget and what type of music do you play? Also, do you care about looks at all?
 
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#11
SBassman said:
Among those you mentioned, I'm partial to the Mikro. Very nice compact bass.
Click to expand...
The Jag and the Hofner are both 30” scale.
However depending on how the Hofner hangs it might play like it’s longer.
If you sit, and play with the bass on your knee, see how much it will push the headstock end away from you increasing your reach.
On the other hand, the lighter weight of the Hofner might offset any such issues.
50B57C03-3838-43E9-BAB0-0E973B63BF17.jpeg
 
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#13
matante said:
I didn't report this post but it's inappropriate. It's an ad. Lots of places sell short scale basses and he's posting here for advice. If you have no advice other than "call this store" then just don't post.
Click to expand...

I mentioned Sweetwater because I know they are willing to weigh instruments and find one that suits your needs. I'm speaking from experience. I don't work for Sweetwater, I'm just an impressed customer. My apologies if my post upset you.
 
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#14
Any one of the four basses you mentioned are good basses. I have the Mustang, I can vouch for it. I know a guy who owns the jag, I've heard it many times so I can vouch for that one too. I've liked every Ibanez instrument I've ever held, bass or other, so I'm sure the Ibanez ones will be great.
 
#15
matante said:
I didn't report this post but it's inappropriate. It's an ad. Lots of places sell short scale basses and he's posting here for advice. If you have no advice other than "call this store" then just don't post.
Click to expand...
No. It is not an ad.

The person posting is only expressing his feelings about a vendor who has done well by him.
He receives no compensation for doing so and there is nothing of value changing hands because of it.
What has occurred here is a thing called word of mouth. That happens when a vendor does a good job of serving their customers.

If this bothers you and you are not somehow connected with another vendor, then I don’t see your gripe.
If you are connected, and it bothers you then buck it up or step it up.
 
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#18
jallenbass said:
Not trying to derail (I guess that's already been done) but someone mentioned a short scale won't sound like a long scale. Maybe. Listen to the sound clip and see if you can tell which one is short and which is long.
Click to expand...

I mostly play a Supro Huntington I these days, 30" scale. I defy anyone to listen and tell whether it's long or short scale.
 
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