Best Short Scale Basses 2025

Top-rated short scale basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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 Sandberg Ibanez Fender Höfner Gretsch

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

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

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

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Copper - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Copper

by Danelectro

Comfortable Playing Studio Work Alternative

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional bass sound

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass CopperElectric BassPoplar body frame and middle blockMasonite top and backBolt-on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513756

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BK

by Sandberg

Vintage Tones Studio Work Pop

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BKElectric BassP-StyleBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard: Pau...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 500513

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF

by Danelectro

Pop Studio Work Alternative

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Different string spacing

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMFElectric BassPoplar body frame and middle blockMasonite top and backBolt-on maple...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 513768

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB

by Sandberg

Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Less low-end extension

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKBElectric BassP-StyleBody: AshNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 501084

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Sandberg Florence 4 RW RR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg Florence 4 RW RR

by Sandberg

Studio Work Vintage Tones Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg Florence 4 RW RRElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dots fingerboard inlaysScale:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 563049

$1,891

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson SG Bass Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Gibson SG Bass Ebony

by Gibson

Comfortable Playing Alternative Studio Work

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional bass sound

Gibson SG Bass EbonyElectric BassBody: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)Neck: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)Fretboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 444563

$1,978

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023

by Marcus Miller

Indie Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023Electric BassModel update 2023 without bindingBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 572096

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB

by Höfner

Pop Alternative Indie

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• Limited string gauge options

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SBElectric BassThe club bass with the feeltone and many features of the vintage 63 bassTop:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513312

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Flight Mini Bass PBR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Flight Mini Bass PBR

by Flight

Comfortable Playing Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• Not traditional bass sound
• May lack power for some styles

Flight Mini Bass PBRMini Electric BassStyle: Solid BodyTop: quilted poplarBody: solid mahoganyNeck: roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 602326

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Reverend Lil LinhBacker Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Reverend Lil LinhBacker Bass

by Reverend

Indie Comfortable Playing Pop

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Not traditional bass sound
• Different string spacing

Reverend Lil LinhBacker BassElectric BassThis semi-hollow bass with a short scale produces a fatdeep sound with...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605622

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SG

by Squier

Studio Work Pop Alternative

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional bass sound

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SGElectric BassBody: NatoBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelPearloid Dot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 468605

$433

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 2025

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 FRD

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 TLBL

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Copper

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BK

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW

Sandberg Florence 4 RW RR

Gibson SG Bass Ebony

Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB

Flight Mini Bass PBR

Reverend Lil LinhBacker Bass

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SG

How to Choose the Best Short Scale Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying short scale basses?

How much should I spend on short scale basses?

Are expensive short scale basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for short scale basses?

Should I buy short scale basses online or in-store?

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