AudioFu

Best Fender Short Scale Basses 2025

Premium Fender short scale basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 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
Fender JMJ Mustang Bass R.Worn RW BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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 Player II Mustang Bass MN PWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQB

by Fender
Indie Studio Work Comfortable Playing
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Great for extended playing
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Limited string gauge options

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 595193
$790
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW CRR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW CRR

by Fender
Alternative Comfortable Playing Pop
Key Feature:
• Comfortable neck reach
✓ PROS
  • • Great for extended playing
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Different string spacing
  • • May lack power for some styles

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW CRRElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595200
$820
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW HLY - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW HLY

by Fender
Indie Pop Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable neck reach
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW HLYElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 595201
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass CB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN 3TS

by Fender
Indie Vintage Tones Pop
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Great for extended playing
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN 3TSElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595202
$770
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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