Best Short Scale Bass Guitars – A Guide By Zager Guitars

Hold on to your hats, folks! We’re about to explore the wacky and wonderful world of short-scale bass guitars! These little guys may be pint-sized, but they pack a punch in the tonal department with some seriously funky and groovy sounds you won’t find in your regular bass.

So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as we dive deep into the construction and features of short-scale basses and discover why they’re making waves among musicians of all levels. And did we mention that some big-name players are getting in on the action too? That’s right, folks – these compact basses are a force to be reckoned with! So, get your bass face on and join us on this exciting journey into the world of short-scale bass guitars!

Hold on. Before we jump into the main game, we need to know the difference between them and other guitars, so buckle up for a good ol’ reading adventure.

Full Scale vs. Short Scale

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the ultimate showdown between full-scale and short-scale basses! It’s a battle of the ages, and there’s no clear winner – both options have pros and cons. On one side of the ring, we have the 34″ scale, the undisputed industry standard that has stood the test of time. On the other side, we have the little guy – the short-scale bass – offering a more ergonomic and comfortable playing experience that many players swear by.

So, who will come out on top? It’s all up to you, dear reader! Get ready for a wild ride as we explore the world of bass guitars and help you discover your perfect match. Let’s get ready to rumble!

Long Scale Bass Guitar

In the ’50s, Fender’s Precision Bass model revolutionized the world of electric basses, introducing the industry standard of 34″ scale length. This design became so popular that even Fender’s Jazz Bass followed the exact specification. However, longer scale length meant higher string tension, making playing a 34″ bass a bit challenging. The frets are far apart, and the strings are harder to press down, making it more strenuous to play.

Of course, some players like the extra tension that standard-length basses offer. The benefit of a longer scale length is the tone. The more significant pressure produces a more transparent and pronounced sound, giving notes a punchy quality with quicker response and more attack. A 34″ scale length is still the industry standard for bass guitars.

Short Scale Bass Guitars

Short-scale bass guitars have been around for a long time, with the Airline Pocket bass from the ’60s considered one of the earliest examples, boasting a tiny 26.5″ scale length. Another iconic bass from this era is the Gibson EB-3 (SG), which features a slightly longer 30.5″ scale. 

With less tension than a standard 34″ bass, short-scale basses offer a more relaxed feel that is easier on the fingers. Combined with the closer frets, short-scale basses are more manageable to play, especially for beginners or younger players with smaller hands.

However, the shorter scale does impact the tone, resulting in a deeper and fatter sound compared to the more focused mid-range sound of a 34″ bass. This may not be a bad thing, as many bassists prefer this more boomy sound, but it’s important to use thicker strings if you plan to use drop-tunings to avoid floppy strings.

10 Best Short-Scale Bass Guitars

The best short-scale bass guitar is hard to determine but don’t worry. We’ve made a list of a few that would give you a better insight into them.

Fender Mustang Bass – PJ – Pau Ferro Fingerboard – Aged Natural

cc: Fender

Looking for a versatile and stylish short-scale bass guitar that can rock any genre of music, from jazz to metal? Look no further than the Mustang PJ series by Fender! This bad boy is built to last and will make both beginners and seasoned players equally happy. While the Mustang PJ may come with a higher price tag, it’s worth investing in a bass guitar that can do it all.

Unlike short-scale basses that may have a unique sound and be limited in their versatility, the Mustang PJ can handle any music you throw at it. So, if you want a bass guitar that can rock out with the best of them, don’t hesitate to get yourself a Mustang PJ. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-E Acoustic-Electric Guitar

cc: Cordoba

Oh boy, do I have a review for you! Today we’re talking about the Cordoba Electric Acoustic bass guitar; let me tell you, it’s a real treat.

Cordoba is well known in the ukulele world, but they’ve outdone themselves with this bass guitar. The Cordoba Mini II is a short-scale bass guitar buddy with a scale length of 22 7/8 inches, making it the shortest in our review. But don’t let its small size fool you – this baby packs a punch. One of the most incredible things about the Cordoba Mini II is its rich and robust tone, thanks to its MB103 pickup configuration. Plus, it’s built with all-mahogany woods, giving it a uniquely mellow and soft style you won’t find on any other bass guitar in this review.

But the real star of the show here is the low end. Oh man, does this bass guitar deliver! The clear and resonant sound is gorgeous, and no buzzing or distortion can be found anywhere. Check out the sound clip below to hear it for yourself.

If you’re new to playing bass and unsure about it, the Cordoba Mini II is the perfect first purchase. Its small size makes it extremely comfortable to play and may even help you transition to more giant instruments. And if you’re looking for a quieter bass for your acoustic band, look no further than the Cordoba Mini II. It’s got everything you need to make beautiful music.

Hofner IGNITION SB Electric Violin Bass Guitar

cc: Hofner

Let’s get groovy with the Hofner Ignition bass guitar, folks! This semi-hollow body bass delivers some lovely tones that will melt your ears. With a spruce top and staple humbucker pickups, this beauty looks straight out of the Paul McCartney era, complete with a traditional violin bass shape and a sunburst finish. But it’s not just about the looks with the Hofner Ignition, folks.

 The 500/1 style tone controls give you much flexibility to craft your perfect sound. And with separate volume controls for each pickup, you can easily switch from a fat, heavy sound to a groovy ‘Drive My Car’ riff.

Not only is master tone on this bass a joy to play, but it’s also practical for band situations. The trapeze tail bridge keeps you in tune, while the rosewood fretboard and 30-inch scale make for a comfortable playing experience. So if you’re after that classic McCartney sound, the Hofner Ignition is the way to go!

Epiphone EB-3 Electric Bass Guitar

cc: Epiphone

You have heard of Gibson, right? They’re like the kings of the guitar world! And get this – they even own Epiphone. That’s right, like how Fender owns Squier. So you know you’re getting top-notch quality with these guys. But here’s the best part: they also offer a lower-priced Gibson model made outside of the US. And trust me; you won’t even realize it’s a budget version when you hear how powerful it is!

So if you’re looking to add some serious punch to your rock or metal band, you’ve got to get your hands on the Epiphone EB-3. It comes with a single sidewinder humbucker (all you need), chrome hardware, a fully adjustable three-point bridge, and a 30.5-inch scale length. Plus, with its mahogany top and maple neck and material finish, you know it’s a reliable and killer instrument that won’t break the bank.

Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar

cc: Ibanez

Get ready to add a pop of color to your music with the Ibanez gsrm20 Mikro short-scale bass – available in 9 killer colors, including a natural walnut finish that’s simply stunning. At 29.6″, this bass is one of the shortest, but don’t let that fool you. It’s still a mighty force to be reckoned with, suitable for beginners and pros alike. Plus, its lightweight design makes you rock out all night without fatigue.

Crafted from high-quality poplar and maple and finished with a rosewood fretboard, the Ibanez gsrm20 is built to last. The only downside is that it’s not the best choice for tuning down to C for metal, as the shorter neck can cause the strings to become too loose. Stick to standard tuning, and you’ll be good to go.

And let’s not forget about this bass’s sleek and stylish shape – it’s a head-turner. Plus, with its affordable price tag, you won’t find a better electric bass within this range. Get your hands on the Ibanez gsrm20, and let your music shine!

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HH

cc: Ernie Ball

Let’s rock and roll! We’re talking about the legendary Music Man StingRay, the bass that put the company on the map. This is the bass that says, “I know what I’m doing, and I’m doing it with style.” The Bongo might turn more heads, but the StingRay is the one that will have people saying, “Whoa, that’s a StingRay!”

This bass is built with practicality and understated brilliance, just like all of Leo Fender’s designs. And why mess with success? That’s why it’s bolt-on construction, baby! Now, let’s not kid ourselves, the StingRay is a bit pricey, but that money is well spent on the little details that make a big difference: the stainless steel frets, the compensated nut, the finish, the wood choice, and the pickups and electronics.

And oh boy, the sound on this thing is out of this world! With a pair of redesigned humbuckers, an 18-volt preamp, and a 3-band EQ, you can create some of the fattest, sharpest, or most aggressive tones you can imagine. The StingRay is like a chameleon; it can handle any style of music you throw at it. Its neck might be thicker, but it plays like a dream.

So if you want to make a statement with your bass playing, the Music Man StingRay is the way to go. Don’t be surprised if you start getting swarmed by groupies after your next gig!

Warwick German Pro Series Thumb BO 5-String Bass Guitar

cc: Warwick

Get ready to experience the legendary Warwick growl! It’s a sound so fierce and fabulous that it is practically a thing of its own. The active MEC J-Style pickups pack a punch perfect for rock settings – crank it up and prepare to be thunderstruck!

But the Warwick Thumb bass is more than just growl – it’s a modern marvel designed to give you everything you need. Some folks might grumble about the 2-band EQ, but don’t let that get you down. The balance control between the pickups is like an extra set of mids controls – all the power you need in one sweet spot. Plus, a push-pull on the volume control lets you switch between active and passive tones for even more sonic magic.

And the build quality? Exceptional. Warwick’s Teambuilt Pro Series is top-notch, so you know you’re getting a bass built to last. The long-scale neck and compact, ergonomic body work together like a dream, creating a balance that feels like pure magic in your hands.

Ovangkol is the tonewood of choice for the basswood body and neck, which is both sustainable and sounds incredible. It’s like a mix between rosewood and koa – so you’re getting the best of both worlds. And BO? That stands for bolt-on – because this bass is so easy to play, you’ll stick to it like glue.

In short, the Warwick Thumb BO is a bass built to rock your world. Get your hands on one and get ready to feel the magic!

Rickenbacker 4003S

cc: Rickenbacker

If you’re searching for a bass guitar that can sail the seven seas of musical genres, look no further than the Ricky 4003S! Whether you want to rock, funk, punk, or even dive into the depths of heavy metal, this beauty can handle it all with style.

But don’t let its versatility fool you; the Ricky has a signature sound that’s as distinct as a pirate’s parrot. The neck pickup packs a punch that could make even the toughest buccaneer tremble, while the clarity of its tone ensures it can cut through the thickest of mixes.

From Lemmy to Geddy Lee, Chris Squire to Paul McCartney, famous bassists have all made sweet music with the Rickenbacker, each coaxing a unique and memorable sound from this legendary instrument.

But beware my friend, the 4003S is a rare bird that’s hard to find and often commands a hefty price tag. So, if you see one at a reasonable price, seize it like a chest of pirate treasure before it’s gone!

Guild Starfire II Bass

CC: Thomann UK

Let’s take a trip down psychedelic memory lane! Can you hear that groovy bassline laying down a warm, rhythmic, melodic foundation? Bet you anything it’s a hollow body, and if it’s not McCartney, it’s a Guild Starfire.

Back in the day, if you were a psychedelic rock lover, the Starfire was the four-string you wanted in your brightly painted tour bus. All the big names like Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane, Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, and Chris Hillman of the Byrds rocked variations of this Guild for its fat, woody, organic tone.

Nowadays, Guild may have gone through several ownership and management changes, but they’re not ready to let the Starfire fade away. Their current product team dug deep into the company archives to create an authentic single-pickup Starfire bass before launching the double-pup Starfire II, which we think is the bee’s knees.

This bad boy is loaded with two period-inspired BS-1 BiSonic Alnico 2 pickups, wound to 6.4K resistance, that blesses it with the same vintage ’60s tone as the original. Its short scale length and laminated mahogany hollow body give the Starfire II a distinctive, harmonically-rich sound that sets it apart from any solid body bass. It’s organic, rich, smooth, and woody, but can also growl with ferocity when provoked.

But wait, doesn’t that hollowness cause feedback issues? Fear not my friend, the Starfire II has a solid block running the length of its body, so you can crank up the volume without worrying about unleashing the wailing of a banshee.

The Starfire II may not be the obvious choice, but trust us, it’s a solid one. Sort of. You know what we mean, right?

Fender Aerodyne Special Jazz Bass

cc: Fender

Isn’t it funny how time can change our perception of things? Even after all these years, understanding Einstein’s theory of relativity can still be a headache. But one thing we’re certain of is that things are not the same as they used to be.

When Leo Fender introduced his Jazz Bass in 1960, it was considered more futuristic than even the wildest imaginations of sci-fi writers (yes, we’re looking at you, 1961 Gibson SG Bass). With its sleek curves, shiny chrome, improved electronics, and slim neck, it was a true masterpiece. Yet somewhere along the line, it became a classic, and now it’s regarded as somewhat traditional. How did that happen?

Realizing this, Fender responded a few decades ago with the Japanese-made Aerodyne Jazz Bass, which has recently been updated with the even more futuristic 2022 Aerodyne Special.

Compared to the ’60s original, the Special features a slimmer, more angular body and custom-voiced Aerodyne Special Jazz Bass single coil pickups. The pickguard and control plate has been removed, and a Babicz Z-series front bridge pickup has been added for a modern touch. It’s a minimalist triumph in Dolphin Gray or California Blue, and although it may not appeal to traditionalists, the vintage-voiced pickups can produce a contemporary growl.

If you appreciate the pure tone and sleek design, the Aerodyne Special is the double bass just for you. Although we must admit, the Chocolate Burst may look a bit out of place.

Tonewood Options

Alright, that was some fun talking about short-scale bass guitars but let’s dive into the tonewoods that make them sound so good.

You know what they say: good things come in small packages. That’s the case when it comes to short-scale bass guitars. These little guys may be small in stature, but they pack a punch when it comes to tone. And a big part of that tone comes from the choice of tonewood.

Take the Fender Mustang Bass, for example. This little guy is a tonal powerhouse thanks to its alder body. Alder is known for its balanced tonal response, with a tight low end, a punchy midrange, and a smooth high end. It’s the perfect tonewood for a bass that needs to cut through the mix.

Then there’s jazz bass pickups the Gibson EB-0, which features a mahogany body. Mahogany is a classic tonewood for electric guitars and basses and good reason. It’s warm and rich, with a strong midrange and a sweet top end. It’s perfect for players who want a bass that can deliver a deep, fat tone with plenty of sustain.

Of course, tonewood is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to crafting a great-sounding bass. The pickup configuration, electronics, and other factors all play a role in shaping the final sound. But when you start with a great tonewood like alder or mahogany, you’re already well on your way to achieving that perfect tone.

So, the next time you’re shopping for a short-scale bass guitar, make sure to pay attention to the tonewood. You might be surprised at just how much of a difference it can make in the final sound. And who knows, maybe you’ll even start to appreciate the subtle nuances of different tonewoods. Hey, it’s a fun world out there!

Short Scale Bass Guitar Tone Option

You might be thinking, “How can a smaller bass guitar possibly sound as good as a regular one?” But let me tell you, size isn’t everything. Short-scale bass guitars have a warmer, punchier tone than their larger counterparts. It’s like they’re the little engine that could, pump out some seriously impressive sound.

Not only do they sound great, but they’re also perfect for smaller players who don’t want to lug around a heavy, full-size bass. And let’s not forget about their cool, unique look. Short-scale bass guitars have a distinctive, quirky charm that will make you stand out on stage.

So, if you want to add some extra funk and groove to your music, or just want to try something new, give a short-scale bass guitar a chance. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

With this, we have reached the end of our quest and I’m pretty sure you’ve learned a thing or two about short-scale bass guitars and are probably leaning towards getting one too.