• 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.

Who builds short-scale basses?

#24
Birdsong makes short scale 4 and 5 string basses at a 31" scale length. I just picked up a 4-string Cortobass and it's marvelous. Seriously haven't been enamored with a new bas this much in a long time. I haven't played their fiver, but there is a Birdsong Club thread here on Talkbass and you could ask for insight there.

Birdsong Basses

www.birdsongguitars.com www.birdsongguitars.com
 
#25
Sandberg has the Lionel 30" scale P-style and the Florence, with a single humbucker as regular production items. Much less commonly they make short scale versions of other basses, like the TT4 J-style I scored a couple of months ago. Thomann in Germany probably gets more Sandbergs than any other dealer so their website shows the range, including what they have and what's coming.

Thomann Buy favourably priced Short Scale Basses online at Thomann

Sandberg does custom orders, but the wait time is approaching 2 years now.
 
Last edited:
#26
Leisure Weaver said:
Birdsong makes short scale 4 and 5 string basses at a 31" scale length. I just picked up a 4-string Cortobass and it's marvelous. Seriously haven't been enamored with a new bas this much in a long time. I haven't played their fiver, but there is a Birdsong Club thread here on Talkbass and you could ask for insight there.

Birdsong Basses

www.birdsongguitars.com www.birdsongguitars.com
Click to expand...
Come join us in the Birdsong Club! They do a marvelous 5-string and we've got a lot of love for the people and the instruments. Come on over and hit us with any questions you have. If the club membership can't answer them, Scott from Birdsong shows up in group periodically to take questions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Geepers
#27
#30
Jon Maghini has a short scale model. It's not on his site yet.

maghini bass 2.jpg

maghini bass.jpg
 
#31
gtirard said:
I think the 5 string cat was planned to be built in the USA from the start, probably in much smaller quantities - but sold at a much higher price point obviously, so the end of Asian built 4 string cats don't change the plans regarding the 5 string version. It should be eventually available one day, but it will cost a lot more than the original.
Click to expand...
Yes, the e-mail about ending overseas production of the 4-string Cats did suggest that some U.S.-made basses may be offered, but didn't mention 5-ers at all.
 
#32
Just Wrong said:
I’m looking for a new bass. I originally wanted a 5-string Jazz but realized after trying a bunch this weekend that I don’t want to go back to a 34-inch scale bass. I’d like to keep it at around 30 inches, maybe 32, max.

I think I want a 5 string (BEADG), but I’m also second-guessing that now. I use the B string on my current bass a lot, but none of the songs I play actually require it.

There’s Serek and RKM from Mexico.

Who else?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Use the WIKI and you’ll find lots more info
IMG_5909.png
 
#33
A couple options I'd personally recommend: Sire U5 and Fender American Performer Mustang.

Why Sire U5? Extremely low price, especially if you find one used. The pickups have very low noise and are well balanced with each other, which isn't something you can say about every PJ bass. I've been especially impressed with the sustain on the ones I've tried myself. To my ear, the U5 sounds a lot more like a long scale bass than I expected.

Why American Performer Mustang? Better than average bridge pickup in my opinion, and I found the neck to be really comfortable as soon as I picked it up for the first time. Since putting on La Bella flats last summer, this went from being a bass that I couldn't quite connect with to being a bass that I can't put down. One big advantage to this model over the cheaper Mustangs is the VVT control setup; others like the Player Mustang have a three way toggle instead. With all that said, it's still tough to recommend this over the Sire U5 given that it costs more than twice as much and has very noisy pickups by comparison.
 
#34
57pbass said:
I have one of these and it’s a nice instrument at a fair price..
Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

I've been on the lookout for a JMJ for a while. But stores around here can't keep them in stock. They keep selling out before I can get to them.

edr said:
Spector Bantam 5 is 32 inches
Click to expand...

I tried a full-scale Spector a year or two ago. I hated the neck. But I found a local store that has them in stock. I'll give them a try!

Sauron_ said:
Vincent has a Mustang bass with lots of colour options to choose from:

vincent-bassguitars.de

Pony

Pony is our first short scale bass and yet a full-grown Vincent. Together with our family member Samuel Dixon, we have developed an instrument that, like its “big” siblings, cannot deny…
vincent-bassguitars.de vincent-bassguitars.de
Click to expand...

Those look real nice! But the logo looks like it was designed by a first-year graphic designer...

TrevorR said:
Add Wilcock from London to the ever growing list…
www.wilcocklondon.com

The Big Short V | wilcockbass

The Big Short V bass by Wilcock Basses
www.wilcocklondon.com www.wilcocklondon.com
Click to expand...

Probably my favourite of the bunch! I've sent them an email about the string spacing at the bridge. Do you happen to know?

NickyBass said:
Jon Maghini has a short scale model. It's not on his site yet.

View attachment 7143743

View attachment 7143742
Click to expand...

Those are real nice! Do you know where I could get more information about them? There's also a Mustang-looking bass on their Instagram, but no information on their Website.

Brandon Shea said:
A couple options I'd personally recommend: Sire U5 and Fender American Performer Mustang.

Why Sire U5? Extremely low price, especially if you find one used. The pickups have very low noise and are well balanced with each other, which isn't something you can say about every PJ bass. I've been especially impressed with the sustain on the ones I've tried myself. To my ear, the U5 sounds a lot more like a long scale bass than I expected.

Why American Performer Mustang? Better than average bridge pickup in my opinion, and I found the neck to be really comfortable as soon as I picked it up for the first time. Since putting on La Bella flats last summer, this went from being a bass that I couldn't quite connect with to being a bass that I can't put down. One big advantage to this model over the cheaper Mustangs is the VVT control setup; others like the Player Mustang have a three way toggle instead. With all that said, it's still tough to recommend this over the Sire U5 given that it costs more than twice as much and has very noisy pickups by comparison.
Click to expand...

I actually tried the U5 last weekend. It was great, but it was heavier than the Fender Ultra Jazz II. Do you know if they're all that heavy?
 
#36
TonyRo said:
I'd second Maruszczyk - they can build most types of basses at 30-32" as well, and the customizations are pretty endless. That can be an upside or downside! :D
Click to expand...

Yes, really happy with my 30" four string P-style Maruszczyk. Very reasonably priced for the options and overall build quality. If I ever get a fiver, it will be from them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TonyRo
#37
Just Wrong said:
I actually tried the U5 last weekend. It was great, but it was heavier than the Fender Ultra Jazz II. Do you know if they're all that heavy?
Click to expand...
Most of them seem to be in the same range as a Mustang bass – I found one on Sweetwater listed at 7lbs 10oz, and there are several right around the 8lb mark in a couple different finishes.

It's not uncommon to swap the tuners for something lightweight, but I'd recommend seeing how it balances before making any changes. My P8 balances perfectly with the stock tuners, so I haven't felt the need to do anything yet. I might eventually swap the tuners on my V7 since its body is lighter and the neck dives slightly, but it's still comfortable so I haven't worried about it.
 
#38
Just Wrong said:
I've been on the lookout for a JMJ for a while. But stores around here can't keep them in stock. They keep selling out before I can get to them.



I tried a full-scale Spector a year or two ago. I hated the neck. But I found a local store that has them in stock. I'll give them a try!



Those look real nice! But the logo looks like it was designed by a first-year graphic designer...



Probably my favourite of the bunch! I've sent them an email about the string spacing at the bridge. Do you happen to know?



Those are real nice! Do you know where I could get more information about them? There's also a Mustang-looking bass on their Instagram, but no information on their Website.



I actually tried the U5 last weekend. It was great, but it was heavier than the Fender Ultra Jazz II. Do you know if they're all that heavy?
Click to expand...
After playing one earlier in the year (2024) I ordered mine from Musicians Friend..it arrived in perfect condition.. I have the black model and I’m really enjoying it.
 
#39
I've got an Ingold semi-hollow shorty that I love. It was a custom commission that he liked so much he started making them as part of his production line. His website is a bit of a mess at the moment (I think he's working on updating a lot of it and in the meantime it's not so great), but I can vouch for him as a builder and that he was super easy to work with and a very responsive communicator. You could always just email him if you wanted to query him about anything.

 
#40
Just Wrong said:
I've been on the lookout for a JMJ for a while. But stores around here can't keep them in stock. They keep selling out before I can get to them.



I tried a full-scale Spector a year or two ago. I hated the neck. But I found a local store that has them in stock. I'll give them a try!



Those look real nice! But the logo looks like it was designed by a first-year graphic designer...



Probably my favourite of the bunch! I've sent them an email about the string spacing at the bridge. Do you happen to know?



Those are real nice! Do you know where I could get more information about them? There's also a Mustang-looking bass on their Instagram, but no information on their Website.



I actually tried the U5 last weekend. It was great, but it was heavier than the Fender Ultra Jazz II. Do you know if they're all that heavy?
Click to expand...
Mine is about 8 lbs.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back