Best Short Scale Basses for Intermediate 2025

Perfect short scale basses for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

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

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

⭐ 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

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

Reverend Lil LinhBacker Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOG

by Gretsch

Studio Work Alternative Pop

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

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

Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOGElectric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 619954

$692

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

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

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW CRR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST

by Gretsch

Pop Studio Work Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRSTElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594488

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass

by Höfner

Vintage Tones Alternative Studio Work

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• Not traditional bass sound
• Different string spacing

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass, Electric BassInspired by its legendary predecessors, it combines the charm of the Shorty...

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 522568

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg Florence 4 RW RR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

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

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBK

by Squier

Pop Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• Not traditional bass sound
• Different string spacing

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBKElectric Bass GuitarParanormal SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 568107

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSRM20-SLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez GSRM20-SLB

by Ibanez

Alternative Pop Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Different string spacing

Ibanez GSR20-SLBElectric BassmiKro seriesBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: JatobaNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 518051

$241

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 for Intermediate 2025

Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQB

Reverend Lil LinhBacker Bass

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF

Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOG

Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang Bass CB

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW CRR

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass

Sandberg Florence 4 RW RR

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN PWT

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBK

Ibanez GSRM20-SLB

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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