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Best Ibanez Short Scale Basses 2025

Premium Ibanez 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
Ibanez GSRM25-BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Ibanez GSRM25-BK

by Ibanez
Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing Alternative
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Different string spacing
  • • Less low-end extension

Ibanez GSRM25-BKElectric BassPoplar bodyMaple neckJatoba fretboard22 Medium fretsNut width: 45 mmScale: 726 mm...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 318237
$307
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GSRM20-BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Ibanez GSRM20-BK

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

Ibanez GSRM20-BKElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: Maple22 FretsFretboard: RosewoodB10 BridgePickups: P/J styleShort scale...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 236793
$226
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GSRM20-SLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Ibanez TMB30-BK Talman Short Scale - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ibanez TMB30-BK Talman Short Scale

by Ibanez
Comfortable Playing Indie Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Less low-end extension

Ibanez TMB30-BK Talman Short ScaleElectric BassShort-scale modelBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFretboard: Jatoba20 FretsScale:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 379412
$252
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GSRM20-BS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Ibanez GSRM20-BS

by Ibanez
Comfortable Playing Indie Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Limited string gauge options

Ibanez GSRM20-BSElectric BassGIO miKro SeriesBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleNeck profile: GSRM4Fingerboard: Purple...

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 542916
$219
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez TMB30-MGR Talman Short Scale - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ibanez TMB30-MGR Talman Short Scale

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

Ibanez TMB30-MGR Talman Short ScaleElectric bassBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFretboard: JatobaWhite fretboard inlaysFretboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 457381
$241
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GSRM20B-WNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Ibanez GSRM20B-WNF

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

Ibanez GSRM20B-WNFElectric BassGIO miKro SeriesBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: PurpleheartWhite dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 365474
$218
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez TMB30-IV - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Ibanez TMB30-IV

by Ibanez
Indie Studio Work Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Comfortable neck reach
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional bass sound
  • • Less low-end extension

Ibanez TMB30-IVElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFretboard: Jatoba20 FretsNut width: 41 mmScale: 762 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 387082
$252
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GSRM20B-WK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Ibanez GSRM20B-WK

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

Ibanez GSRM20B-WKElectric BassBody: PoplarMaple neckFretboard: New Zealand pineScale: 726 mm (28.6" short scale)22...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 415218
$241
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GSRM20-MPL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Ibanez GSRM20-MPL

by Ibanez
Studio Work Comfortable Playing Alternative
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable neck reach
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • May lack power for some styles

Ibanez SR20E-SPBElectric BassmiKro seriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: JatobaNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 518012
$223
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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