Best Short Scale Basses 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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

Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWT

by Gretsch

Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones Pop

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Not traditional bass sound
• Less low-end extension

Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWTElectric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 619957

$692

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

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

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69

by Höfner

Vintage Tones Pop Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69Electric BassReplica of the 1963 bass played by Paul McCartney at the legendary...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 522197

$3,619

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

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

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

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green

by Sandberg

Studio Work Alternative Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Less low-end extension

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short GreenElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 514830

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California VS Lionel NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California VS Lionel NT

by Sandberg

Pop Alternative Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California VS Lionel NTElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: mapleFretboard: EbonyWhitepearl block fretboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 517929

$1,979

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

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

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

#13

⭐ 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

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 BK Short Scale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 BK Short Scale

by Warwick

Pop Vintage Tones Studio Work

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• Limited string gauge options

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 BK Short ScaleElectric BassAlder bodyBolt-on 3-piece laminated maple neck with Ekanga veneer...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 442711

$1,044

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Short Scale Basses 2026

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 TLBL

Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWT

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BK

Sandberg Florence 4 RW RR

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 FRD

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass CB

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green

Sandberg California VS Lionel NT

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN PWT

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 BK Short Scale

How to Choose the Best Short Scale Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies