Best Short Scale Basses for Intermediate 2026
Perfect short scale basses for intermediate - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
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:...
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 RW CRR
- • Great for extended playing
- • Unique tonal character
- • Different string spacing
- • May lack power for some styles
Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW CRRElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...
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...
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...
Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass CB
- • Easier playing for smaller hands
- • Unique tonal character
- • May lack power for some styles
- • Different string spacing
Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CBElectric BassVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile: early '60s...
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...
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 Shorty Violin Bass CT Red
- • Easier playing for smaller hands
- • Comfortable neck reach
- • May lack power for some styles
- • Not traditional bass sound
Höfner Shorty Violin Bass CT RedElectric BassCombines the charm of the Shorty Bass with the vintage flair of a real...
Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST
- • Lower string tension
- • Easier playing for smaller hands
- • Less low-end extension
- • Limited string gauge options
Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRSTElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...
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:...
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...
Squier Sonic Bronco Tahitian Coral
- • Unique tonal character
- • Easier playing for smaller hands
- • May lack power for some styles
- • Less low-end extension
Squier Sonic Bronco Tahitian CoralElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fretboard...
Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red Bundle
- • Lower string tension
- • Great for extended playing
- • Not traditional bass sound
- • Limited string gauge options
Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red*Mini Electric Bass*Body:...
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...
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
