Best Short Scale Basses Under $5,000 2025

Affordable short scale basses under $5,000 - 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

Sandberg California II TT 4 Short BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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 VS Lionel PF CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

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

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass

by Höfner

Studio Work Comfortable Playing Indie

Key Feature:

• Comfortable neck reach

✓ PROS

• Comfortable neck reach
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Not traditional bass sound

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin BassElectric Bass Artist SeriesBeatles BassTop: selected spruce woodBack and sides: flamed...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 488815

$2,077

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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 TT Short PF CRE SA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69

by Höfner

Vintage Tones Pop Comfortable Playing

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• Less low-end extension
• Limited string gauge options

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69Electric BassReplica of the 1963 bass played by Paul McCartney at the legendary...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 522197

$3,619

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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 SL TT 4 Short NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB

by Höfner

Pop Alternative Indie

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• Different string spacing
• Limited string gauge options

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SBElectric BassThe club bass with the feeltone and many features of the vintage 63 bassTop:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513312

$3,299

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 $5,000 2025

Sandberg California II TT 4 Short BK

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CR

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green

Sandberg California TT Short PF CRE SA

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

Sandberg California II SL TT 4 Short NT

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB

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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