Which short scale to buy?

[macmanlou]

From Birdsong's Scott Beckwith, the Shortbass - about $1000 - Handmade in Wimberly, Texas. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. He made a fretless one for me, and I love it.

 

[theschnitt]

Reverend dub king

+1 on this. I got one last year on a trade and it's earned the #1 spot. It's way more versatile than I expected and the neck has been super-stable. Fit, finish, balance, weight, etc. all top quality. Mine came with upgraded electronics, so I can't comment on the stock setup. Based on sheer playablity and overall quality: for the price that these can be had at on the used market I would highly recommend.

I also dig the Squier Jaguar SS for a budget pick/beater bass, great feel but the stock electronics are a little thin. I put EMG Geezers in mine and it kills my buddy's Fender Mustang PJ - better balance and the neck on the Jag feels faster and sleeker, the Geezers sound better than the stock Mustang PU's, IMO.

 

[Tommygun_ted]

I appreciate the quality in the custom stuff but the look is a bit modern for me. Anyone have any experience with chowny? I'm hearing good things about their short scale semi hollowbody, whatvare the bad things? I can get one from andertons for 800 Canadian shipped.

 

[SAlcott]

I just got a Serek Midwestern 2. I like it a lot. I'll be putting my Lakland Skyline Hollowbody 30 up for sale soon.

 

[yodedude2]

Upgraded Ibanez Mikro. They are wonderful.

i gigged one for about 2 years. replace the electronics and tuners. good solid basses.

if you want a higher end instrument, i would go with birdsong.

 

[tpa]

If 1st fret seems too far you should also look how high the strap knop is sitting. The Mustang or Jaguar SS have the knob around 12th fret. So they will have the 1st fret closer to you. This reach also varies a lot on 34" scale basses. 1st fret feels farther away on my Corvette than on my Jazz. The Jaguar SS is easy to play and sounds OK on the P pickup.

 

[Stumbo]

Take a look at Landing custom short scale:Invalid Link Removed

 

[sharpbass]

I'd second the Serek recommendation. I'd look into his midwestern or Sacramento if I were you.

 

[telecopy]

Due to a car accident over a decade ago, I have a ruined scaphoid in my fretting hand, which has caused some early onset arthritis. In an attempt to keep bass playing comfortable I want to grab another short scale bass that I can use for playing live. We play folk rock, Americana and blues, so any of my choices would work as far as tone/look. I' just looking for general opinions on the basses I'm looking into. Top of my list is the gibson Memphis Les Paul bass. I know it' pricey but I have owned a Les Paul bass from Gibson in the past and it was by far the best bass I've ever played, so I know I will love this one. Second is a gretsch electromatic short scale bass. Much cheaper but I don't know much about gretsch basses. Third is the jack Cassidy bass from epiphone. I'e played these before and the price is great but the last one I tried in store didn't work and I'm not sure I want another epiphone, as all my other basses currently are from epiphone and this will likely be my main gigging bass. Finally, if one can be found in North America, the hagstrom Swede bass, not the super Swede. Found one in black online for 800 Canadian but again, my only experience with hagstrom is playing my buddys dad's guitar from the 70's when I was in high chool. Which would you guys go with and why?

I have a Hofner reissue I treasure. My Beatles play along partner. If I were to go for a short scale now I would like a Lakeland Skyline hollow body short scale.

 

[Tommygun_ted]

I know nobody on here mentioned these guys but I couldn't find a negative thing to be said about them. Pulled the trigger on one in emerald burst. Chowny short scale semi hollow bass.

 

[west al]

I play a Gibson SG Std., or a Fender Mustang PJ. Both are short scale that play well with Nylon strings, my older small hands, and short fingers.

 

[WhenTheDrumsStops]

This is defenitetly a wannahave shortscale.

 

[b-b-b-bass]

Hofner also has the short-scale light-weight hollowbody Ignition Club bass...

 

[BurnOut]

I really like the Hofner Club Bass
One day I shall own one
Oh Yes, It Will Be Mine
Mine Mine Mine

 

[Stumbo]

I know nobody on here mentioned these guys but I couldn't find a negative thing to be said about them. Pulled the trigger on one in emerald burst. Chowny short scale semi hollow bass. View attachment 2802886

Nice looking bass. Please report in after you get to play it for awhile.

 

[b-b-b-bass]

I really like the Hofner Club Bass
One day I shall own one
Oh Yes, It Will Be Mine
Mine Mine Mine

Musiciansfriend has them in some WILD colors for $303 right now.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/search?sB=r&Ntt=ignition+club

 

[BurnOut]

Musiciansfriend has them in some WILD colors for $303 right now.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/search?sB=r&Ntt=ignition+club

Great it has to be Musicians Friend, Sweetwater just gave me a big line of credit this week. Actually a nice Squier P is up at bat, the Club is on deck.
Thanks for being an enabler, I appreciate it.

 

[Holdsg]

you can't afford it, but I really like this one of mine.

 

[CereBassum]

I'd go for the Hagstrom Swede. The going price is $650, you cam find them on sale or haggle and get one for $550 or $600 on Reverb.com .

I've got one - excellent quality (pretty amazing on such a low-priced instrument) very versatile, light and easy on the hands. I paid $585 for it, about a six months ago - haggled with Chicago Music Exchange (good dealer).

One listing - I have nothing to do with these guys:
Hagstrom Swede 4-string Bass Black Gloss | Wire Meets Wood
$649 + Free Shipping

 

[dannylectro]

Find yourself a nice Jerry Jones. They sound amazing, play beautifully, and look cool.