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Best Gretsch Short Scale Basses 2025

Premium Gretsch 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
Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT

by Gretsch
Alternative Studio Work Comfortable Playing
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable neck reach
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Limited string gauge options

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWTElectric BassStreamliner SeriesBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on natoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 594366
$428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN

by Gretsch
Comfortable Playing Pop Alternative
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • May lack power for some styles

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STNElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 594485
$428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK

by Gretsch
Studio Work Indie Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Comfortable neck reach
✗ CONS
  • • Different string spacing
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNKElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: Neo Classic...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 620044
$461
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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

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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