AudioFu

Best Squier Short Scale Basses 2025

Premium Squier 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
Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SG

by Squier
Studio Work Pop Alternative
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SGElectric BassBody: NatoBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelPearloid Dot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 468605
$433
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBK

by Squier
Pop Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional bass sound
  • • Different string spacing

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBKElectric Bass GuitarParanormal SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 568107
$483
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW

by Squier
Comfortable Playing Indie Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional bass sound
  • • Less low-end extension

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OWElectric BassBody: NatoBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Indian laurelFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 468600
$428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG

by Squier
Indie Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Comfortable neck reach
✓ PROS
  • • Great for extended playing
  • • Comfortable neck reach
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Less low-end extension

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWGElectric Bass GuitarParanormal SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 568089
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red Bundle

by Squier
Vintage Tones Indie Comfortable Playing
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional bass sound
  • • Limited string gauge options

Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red*Mini Electric Bass*Body:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 618767
$215
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Mini P Bass Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Squier Mini P Bass Black

by Squier
Studio Work Pop Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • Different string spacing
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Squier Mini P Bass BlackMini Electric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 493925
$174
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red

by Squier
Comfortable Playing Pop Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Comfortable neck reach
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • May lack power for some styles

Squier Mini P Bass Dakota RedMini Electric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 493926
$174
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Sonic Bronco Tahitian Coral - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Squier Sonic Bronco Tahitian Coral

by Squier
Alternative Pop Indie
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Less low-end extension

Squier Sonic Bronco Tahitian CoralElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 561086
$204
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic White

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

Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic WhiteElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 561088
$193
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic Whi Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic Whi Bundle

by Squier
Vintage Tones Indie Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Different string spacing

Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic Whi Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic White*Electric Bass*Body:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 579609
$222
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Mini P Bass Black Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Squier Mini P Bass Black Bundle

by Squier
Studio Work Pop Comfortable Playing
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Different string spacing

Squier Mini P Bass Black Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Mini P Bass Black*Mini Electric Bass*Body:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 579619
$205
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Sonic Bronco Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Squier Sonic Bronco Black

by Squier
Studio Work Pop Indie
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Less low-end extension

Squier Sonic Bronco BlackElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelPearloid Dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 561083
$186
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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