Best Short Scale Basses for Comfortable Playing 2025
Perfect short scale basses for comfortable-playing - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025
Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF
- • Unique tonal character
- • Lower string tension
- • Limited string gauge options
- • Different string spacing
Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMFElectric BassPoplar body frame and middle blockMasonite top and backBolt-on maple...
Reverend Lil LinhBacker Bass
- • Great for extended playing
- • Easier playing for smaller hands
- • Not traditional bass sound
- • Different string spacing
Reverend Lil LinhBacker BassElectric BassThis semi-hollow bass with a short scale produces a fatdeep sound with...
Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG
- • Great for extended playing
- • Comfortable neck reach
- • May lack power for some styles
- • Less low-end extension
Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWGElectric Bass GuitarParanormal SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...
Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOG
- • Comfortable neck reach
- • Great for extended playing
- • Not traditional bass sound
- • May lack power for some styles
Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOGElectric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...
Sandberg Florence 4 RW RR
- • Great for extended playing
- • Comfortable neck reach
- • May lack power for some styles
- • Less low-end extension
Sandberg Florence 4 RW RRElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dots fingerboard inlaysScale:...
Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN PWT
- • Lower string tension
- • Great for extended playing
- • Different string spacing
- • May lack power for some styles
Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN PWTShortscale Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...
Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT
- • Comfortable neck reach
- • Unique tonal character
- • Less low-end extension
- • Limited string gauge options
Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWTElectric BassStreamliner SeriesBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on natoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...
Höfner Shorty Violin Bass
- • Unique tonal character
- • Lower string tension
- • Not traditional bass sound
- • Different string spacing
Höfner Shorty Violin Bass, Electric BassInspired by its legendary predecessors, it combines the charm of the Shorty...
Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBK
- • Easier playing for smaller hands
- • Great for extended playing
- • Not traditional bass sound
- • Different string spacing
Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBKElectric Bass GuitarParanormal SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...
Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69
- • Unique tonal character
- • Lower string tension
- • 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...
Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023
- • Great for extended playing
- • Lower string tension
- • Less low-end extension
- • Limited string gauge options
Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023Electric BassModel update 2023 without bindingBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile:...
Jackson JS1X Concert Bass Minion RD
- • Lower string tension
- • Comfortable neck reach
- • Less low-end extension
- • Limited string gauge options
Jackson JS1X Concert Bass Minion RDElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: AmaranthPearloid Sharkfin...
Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWT
- • Comfortable neck reach
- • Unique tonal character
- • Not traditional bass sound
- • Less low-end extension
Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWTElectric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...
Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQB
- • Great for extended playing
- • Easier playing for smaller hands
- • May lack power for some styles
- • Limited string gauge options
Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...
Flight Mini Bass PBR
- • Unique tonal character
- • Lower string tension
- • Not traditional bass sound
- • May lack power for some styles
Flight Mini Bass PBRMini Electric BassStyle: Solid BodyTop: quilted poplarBody: solid mahoganyNeck: roasted...
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