AudioFu

Best Short Scale Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable short scale basses under $800 - 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
Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023

by Marcus Miller
Indie Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Great for extended playing
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • Less low-end extension
  • • Limited string gauge options

Marcus Miller U5 MT MN Short 2023Electric BassModel update 2023 without bindingBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 572096
$505
Buy at Thomann View Details
Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Cream - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Cream

by Danelectro
Comfortable Playing Pop Studio Work
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Lower string tension
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • Different string spacing
  • • Less low-end extension

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass CreamElectric BassPoplar body frame and middle blockMasonite top and backBolt-on maple...

⭐ 4.4/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 513764
$703
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN 3TS

by Fender
Indie Vintage Tones Pop
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Great for extended playing
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN 3TSElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595202
$770
Buy at Thomann View Details
Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF

by Danelectro
Pop Studio Work Alternative
Key Feature:
• Easier playing for smaller hands
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Lower string tension
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Different string spacing

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMFElectric BassPoplar body frame and middle blockMasonite top and backBolt-on maple...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 513768
$747
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWT

by Gretsch
Comfortable Playing Vintage Tones Pop
Key Feature:
• Comfortable neck reach
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable neck reach
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional bass sound
  • • Less low-end extension

Gretsch EMTC CVT BASS VWTElectric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 619957
$692
Buy at Thomann View Details
Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Copper - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Copper

by Danelectro
Comfortable Playing Studio Work Alternative
Key Feature:
• Great for extended playing
✓ PROS
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Not traditional bass sound

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass CopperElectric BassPoplar body frame and middle blockMasonite top and backBolt-on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 513756
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short

by Marcus Miller
Pop Comfortable Playing Indie
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Great for extended playing
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited string gauge options
  • • Not traditional bass sound

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 485157
$527
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQB

by Fender
Indie Studio Work Comfortable Playing
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Great for extended playing
  • • Easier playing for smaller hands
✗ CONS
  • • May lack power for some styles
  • • Limited string gauge options

Fender Player II Mustang Bass RW AQBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 595193
$790
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOG

by Gretsch
Studio Work Alternative Pop
Key Feature:
• Lower string tension
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable neck reach
  • • Great for extended playing
✗ CONS
  • • Not traditional bass sound
  • • May lack power for some styles

Gretsch EMTC CVT Bass BRSTL FOGElectric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619954
$692
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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more