Best Short Scale Basses 2026

Top-rated short scale basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Pop For Indie For Alternative For Studio Work For Comfortable Playing For Vintage Tones

BRANDS: Squier Ibanez Sandberg Fender Gretsch Höfner

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 TLBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 TLBL

by Sterling by Music Man

Alternative Pop Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Not traditional bass sound
• Less low-end extension

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 TLBLElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585165

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CR

by Sandberg

Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CRElectric BassAlder bodyBolt-on maple neckPau Ferro fretboardScale: 762 mm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 483519

$2,001

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 FRD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 FRD

by Sterling by Music Man

Indie Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional bass sound

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 FRDElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585168

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short

by Marcus Miller

Pop Comfortable Playing Indie

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional bass sound

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN ShortElectric BassBody: AlderTop: Flamed mapleNeck: MapleFretboard: MapleNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 485157

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short

by Marcus Miller

Alternative Studio Work Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• May lack power for some styles

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN ShortElectric BassBody: AlderTop: Flamed mapleNeck: MapleFretboard: MapleNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 485153

$481

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN

by Gretsch

Comfortable Playing Pop Alternative

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• May lack power for some styles

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STNElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594485

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender JMJ Mustang Bass R.Worn RW BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender JMJ Mustang Bass R.Worn RW BK

by Fender

Studio Work Comfortable Playing Alternative

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• Not traditional bass sound

Fender JMJ Mustang Bass R.Worn RW BKElectric BassArtist series - Justin Meldal Johnsen modelBody: AlderNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 482678

$1,594

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass CB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass CB

by Fender

Vintage Tones Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• May lack power for some styles
• Different string spacing

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CBElectric BassVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile: early '60s...

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 571492

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK

by Gretsch

Studio Work Indie Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• Not traditional bass sound

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNKElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: Neo Classic...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620044

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST

by Gretsch

Pop Studio Work Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRSTElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594488

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

by Sandberg

Pop Vintage Tones Studio Work

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• May lack power for some styles

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 523386

$2,529

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT

by Gretsch

Alternative Studio Work Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWTElectric BassStreamliner SeriesBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on natoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594366

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW

by Squier

Comfortable Playing Indie Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Not traditional bass sound
• Less low-end extension

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OWElectric BassBody: NatoBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Indian laurelFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 468600

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN PWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN PWT

by Fender

Indie Alternative Studio Work

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• May lack power for some styles

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN PWTShortscale Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595204

$803

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG

by Squier

Indie Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• May lack power for some styles
• Less low-end extension

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWGElectric Bass GuitarParanormal SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 568089

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Short Scale Basses

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced short scale basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Short Scale Basses 2026

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 TLBL

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CR

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 FRD

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN

Fender JMJ Mustang Bass R.Worn RW BK

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass CB

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN PWT

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG

How to Choose the Best Short Scale Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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