AudioFu

Best Sandberg Short Scale Basses 2025

Premium Sandberg 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
Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

by Sandberg
Pop Vintage Tones Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • Different string spacing
  • • May lack power for some styles

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 523386
$2,529
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green

by Sandberg
Studio Work Alternative Indie
Key Feature:
• Comfortable neck reach
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Comfortable neck reach
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Less low-end extension

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short GreenElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 514830
$2,089
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II TT 4 Short BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sandberg California II TT 4 Short BK

by Sandberg
Studio Work Alternative Indie
Key Feature:
• Comfortable neck reach
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Different string spacing

Sandberg California II TT 4 Short BKElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Roasted mapleFretboard inlays...

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 514896
$2,199
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II SL TT 4 Short NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sandberg California II SL TT 4 Short NT

by Sandberg
Vintage Tones Studio Work Comfortable Playing
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable neck reach
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Limited string gauge options

Sandberg California II SL TT 4 Short NTElectric BassBody: PaulowniaBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Pau FerroWhite dot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 515318
$2,089
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BK

by Sandberg
Vintage Tones Studio Work Pop
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 California VS Lionel PF BKElectric BassP-StyleBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard: Pau...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 500513
$1,979
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California VS Lionel NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sandberg California VS Lionel NT

by Sandberg
Pop Alternative Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Sandberg California VS Lionel NTElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: mapleFretboard: EbonyWhitepearl block fretboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 517929
$1,979
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CR

by Sandberg
Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable neck reach
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Limited string gauge options

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CRElectric BassAlder bodyBolt-on maple neckPau Ferro fretboardScale: 762 mm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 483519
$2,001
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg Florence 4 RW RR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB

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

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKBElectric BassP-StyleBody: AshNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 501084
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California TT Short PF CRE SA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sandberg California TT Short PF CRE SA

by Sandberg
Studio Work Indie Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Comfortable neck reach
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • May lack power for some styles

Sandberg California TT Short PF CRE SAElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: Pao FerroWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 563076
$2,364
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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