Best Gretsch Short Scale Basses 2026
Premium Gretsch short scale basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
GENRES & STYLES:
For Pop
For Indie
For Alternative
For Studio Work
For Comfortable Playing
For Vintage Tones
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
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
#2
⭐
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
#3
⭐
4.8/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
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
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
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
#5
⭐
4.8/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
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
#6
⭐
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
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.
