Best Short Scale Basses Under $500 2025

Affordable short scale basses under $500 - 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

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN

by Gretsch

Comfortable Playing Pop Alternative

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• May lack power for some styles

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STNElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594485

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK

by Gretsch

Studio Work Indie Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for extended playing

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Comfortable neck reach

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• Not traditional bass sound

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNKElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: Neo Classic...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620044

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST

by Gretsch

Pop Studio Work Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRSTElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on NatoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594488

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short

by Marcus Miller

Alternative Studio Work Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• May lack power for some styles

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN ShortElectric BassBody: AlderTop: Flamed mapleNeck: MapleFretboard: MapleNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 485153

$481

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT

by Gretsch

Alternative Studio Work Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWTElectric BassStreamliner SeriesBody: NatoNeck: Bolt-on natoFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594366

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSRM25-BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Harley Benton Beatbass VS Vintage Ser w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Beatbass VS Vintage Ser w/Case

by Harley Benton

Pop Studio Work Indie

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Great for extended playing

✗ CONS

• May lack power for some styles
• Different string spacing

Harley Benton Beatbass VS Vintage Ser w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Beatbass VS Vintage...

⭐ 4.4/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 322571

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

Flight Mini Bass PBR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Flight Mini Bass PBR

by Flight

Comfortable Playing Pop Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

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

Flight Mini Bass PBRMini Electric BassStyle: Solid BodyTop: quilted poplarBody: solid mahoganyNeck: roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 602326

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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 CV 60s Mustang Bass SG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

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

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

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

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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TOP

Best Short Scale Basses Under $500 2025

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass HVNA BRST

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass VWT

Ibanez GSRM25-BK

Harley Benton Beatbass VS Vintage Ser w/Case

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW

Flight Mini Bass PBR

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH SWG

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SG

Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH MBK

How to Choose the Best Short Scale Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying short scale basses?

How much should I spend on short scale basses?

Are expensive short scale basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for short scale basses?

Should I buy short scale basses online or in-store?

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