AudioFu

Best Höfner Short Scale Basses 2025

Premium Höfner 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
Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB

by Höfner
Pop Alternative Indie
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Different string spacing
  • • Limited string gauge options

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SBElectric BassThe club bass with the feeltone and many features of the vintage 63 bassTop:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 513312
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass

by Höfner
Studio Work Comfortable Playing Indie
Key Feature:
• Comfortable neck reach
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable neck reach
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin BassElectric Bass Artist SeriesBeatles BassTop: selected spruce woodBack and sides: flamed...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 488815
$2,077
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Höfner Shorty Violin Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Höfner Shorty Violin Bass CT Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass CT Red

by Höfner
Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones Alternative
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Comfortable neck reach
✗ CONS
  • • 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...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 559114
$252
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner Shorty Violin Bass BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass BK

by Höfner
Comfortable Playing Pop Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Comfortable neck reach
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Different string spacing

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass BKElectric BassCombines the charm of the Shorty Bass with the vintage flair of a real Violin...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 554752
$220
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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