AudioFu

Best Short Scale Basses Under $200 2025

Affordable short scale basses under $200 - great value without compromising quality

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
Harley Benton PB-Shorty SBK Standard Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton PB-Shorty SBK Standard Series

by Harley Benton
Pop Alternative Indie
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional bass sound
  • • May lack power for some styles

Harley Benton PB-Shorty SBK Standard SeriesElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: AmaranthDot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 554121
$131
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Sonic Bronco Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Harley Benton PB-Shorty BK Standard Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton PB-Shorty BK Standard Series

by Harley Benton
Pop Alternative Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Harley Benton PB-Shorty BK Standard SeriesShortscale Electric BassStandard SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 172084
$109
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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 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

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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