Best Short Scale Basses Under $300 2026

Affordable short scale basses under $300 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

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 Ibanez Sandberg Fender Gretsch Höfner

Epiphone EB-0 CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone EB-0 CH

by Epiphone

Vintage Tones Studio Work Pop

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Great for extended playing
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Not traditional bass sound
• May lack power for some styles

Epiphone EB-0 CHElectric bassMahogany bodyMahogany neckGranadillo fingerboardNeck profile: Slim Taper DNut width: 38...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 124485

$283

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic Whi Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

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

Ibanez GSRM20B-WK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

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

Jackson JS1X CB Minion AH FB SIL BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Jackson JS1X CB Minion AH FB SIL BRST

by Jackson

Vintage Tones Pop Alternative

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Less low-end extension

Jackson JS1X CB Minion AH FB SIL BRSTElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: AmaranthPearloid Sharkfin...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 620080

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Sonic Bronco Tahitian Coral - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

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

Jackson JS1X Concert Bass Minion RD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Jackson JS1X Concert Bass Minion RD

by Jackson

Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones Pop

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Jackson JS1X Concert Bass Minion RDElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: AmaranthPearloid Sharkfin...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 594449

$230

Buy at Thomann View Details

Flight Mini Bass Lite BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Flight Mini Bass Lite BL

by Flight

Comfortable Playing Alternative Indie

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• Limited string gauge options

Flight Mini Bass Lite BLMini Electric BassRock SeriesBody: Solid basswoodNeck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 614538

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSRM20-SLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

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

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Pavo Purpl - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Pavo Purpl

by Jackson

Indie Comfortable Playing Studio Work

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Not traditional bass sound

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Pavo PurplElectric BassPoplar bodyBolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 417607

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

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

Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

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

Ibanez GSRM20B-WNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

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

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass CT Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

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

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Satin Blk - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Satin Blk

by Jackson

Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing Studio Work

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• May lack power for some styles

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Satin BlkElectric BassPoplar bodyBolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and scarf...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 417598

$213

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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Best Short Scale Basses Under $300 2026

Epiphone EB-0 CH

Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic Whi Bundle

Squier Mini P Bass Black Bundle

Ibanez GSRM20B-WK

Jackson JS1X CB Minion AH FB SIL BRST

Squier Sonic Bronco Tahitian Coral

Jackson JS1X Concert Bass Minion RD

Flight Mini Bass Lite BL

Ibanez GSRM20-SLB

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Pavo Purpl

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass

Squier Mini P Bass Dakota Red Bundle

Ibanez GSRM20B-WNF

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass CT Red

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Satin Blk

How to Choose the Best Short Scale Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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