How does the shorter scale length affect the bass's tone?

The reduced scale length alters string tension, contributing to a warmer, rounder, and often more mellow tone compared to standard scale basses.

Are short scale basses suitable for all music genres?

While versatile, short scale basses often excel in genres like Motown, blues, and vintage rock where a warmer, less aggressive tone is desired.

What string gauge should I use on a short scale bass?

Generally, lighter gauge strings are recommended to compensate for the reduced scale length and maintain comfortable playability; experimenting is key to finding your preference.

Short Scale Basses - Page 2 - 93 Instruments

Ibanez GSRM20-BS

Short Scale Basses

$220

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 726 mm (28.58") Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") Body Poplar body

Electric Bass, GIO miKro Series, Body: Poplar, Neck: Bolt-on maple, Neck profile: GSRM4, Fingerboard:...

4.6 AudioFu Score

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass

Short Scale Basses

$251

Nut width 42 mm (1.65") Scale 760 mm (29.92") Frets 24 frets Body Mahogany body

Electric Bass

4.6 AudioFu Score

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69

Short Scale Basses

$3,771

Nut width 42 mm (1.65") Scale 760 mm (29.92") Frets 22 frets Body Maple body

Electric Bass, Replica of the 1963 Höfner played by Paul McCartney at the legendary...

4.6 AudioFu Score

Ibanez GSRM20-SLB

Short Scale Basses

$225

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 726 mm (28.58") Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") Body Poplar body

Ibanez GSR20-SLB, Electric Bass, miKro series, Body: Poplar, Neck: Bolt-on maple, Fingerboard: Jatoba, Neck profile:...

4.9 AudioFu Score

Ibanez GSRM20-MPL

Short Scale Basses

$225

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 726 mm (28.58") Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") Body Poplar body

Ibanez SR20E-SPB, Electric Bass, miKro series, Body: Poplar, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Jatoba, Neck profile:...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF

Short Scale Basses

$778

Scale 756 mm (29.76") Frets 24 frets

Electric Bass, Poplar body frame and middle block, Masonite top and back,...

4.9 AudioFu Score

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Copper

Short Scale Basses

$744

Scale 756 mm (29.76") Frets 21 frets

Electric Bass, Poplar body frame and middle block, Masonite top and back,...

4.5 AudioFu Score

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB

Short Scale Basses

$2,854

Nut width 42 mm (1.65") Scale 730 mm (28.74") Frets 22 frets Body Maple body

Electric Bass, The club bass with the feel, tone and many features of the vintage 63 bass,...

4.7 AudioFu Score

Squier Mini P Bass Black

Short Scale Basses

$194

Nut width 38.1 mm (1.5") Scale 726 mm (28.58") Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") Neck profile C-shape neck

Mini Electric Bass, Body: Poplar, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Laurel, Fingerboard...

4.9 AudioFu Score

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass

Short Scale Basses

$2,291

Nut width 42 mm (1.65") Scale 760 mm (29.92") Frets 22 frets Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard

Electric Bass, Artist Series Beatles model, Top: Selected spruce, Back and sides:...

4.5 AudioFu Score

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short

Short Scale Basses

$501

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 762 mm (30") Neck profile C-shape neck Body Alder body

Electric Bass, Body: Alder, Top: Flamed maple, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Maple, Neck...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SG

Short Scale Basses

$480

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 762 mm (30") Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") Neck profile C-shape neck

Electric Bass, Body: Nato, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Indian laurel, Pearloid Dot...

4.7 AudioFu Score

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW

Short Scale Basses

$480

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 762 mm (30") Neck profile C-shape neck

Electric Bass, Body: Nato, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fretboard: Indian laurel, Fretboard...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Ibanez TMB30-MGR Talman Short Scale

Short Scale Basses

$251

Nut width 41 mm (1.61") Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 20 frets Body Poplar body

Electric bass, Body: Poplar, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Jatoba, White fretboard...

4.5 AudioFu Score

Gibson SG Bass Ebony

Short Scale Basses

$2,051

Nut width 40 mm (1.57") Scale 774 mm (30.47") Frets 20 frets

Electric Bass, Body: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), Neck: Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla),...

4.3 AudioFu Score

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Pavo Purpl

Short Scale Basses

$258

Nut width 38.1 mm (1.5") Scale 726 mm (28.58") Frets 22 frets

Electric Bass, Poplar body, Bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and...

4.4 AudioFu Score

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Satin Blk

Short Scale Basses

$251

Nut width 38.1 mm (1.5") Scale 726 mm (28.58") Frets 22 frets

Electric Bass, Poplar body, Bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and...

4.6 AudioFu Score

Ibanez GSRM20B-WK

Short Scale Basses

$214

Scale 726 mm (28.58") Body Poplar body

Electric Bass, Body: Poplar, Maple neck, Fretboard: New Zealand pine, Scale: 726 mm (28.6" short...

4.6 AudioFu Score

Ibanez TMB30-IV

Short Scale Basses

$263

Nut width 41 mm (1.61") Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 20 frets Body Poplar body

Electric Bass, Body: Poplar, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Jatoba, 20 Frets, Nut width: 41 mm, Scale: 762 mm...

4.3 AudioFu Score

Ibanez TMB30-BK Talman Short Scale

Short Scale Basses

$263

Nut width 41 mm (1.61") Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 20 frets Body Poplar body

Electric Bass, Short-scale model, Body: Poplar, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Jatoba, 20...

4.6 AudioFu Score

Ibanez GSRM20B-WNF

Short Scale Basses

$227

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 726 mm (28.58") Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") Body Okoume body

Electric Bass, GIO miKro Series, Body: Okoume, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Purpleheart, White...

4.4 AudioFu Score

Ibanez GSRM25-BK

Short Scale Basses

$320

Nut width 45 mm (1.77") Scale 726 mm (28.58")

Electric Bass, Poplar body, Maple neck, Jatoba fretboard, 22 Medium frets, Nut width: 45 mm, Scale:...

4.9 AudioFu Score

Ibanez GSRM20-BK

Short Scale Basses

$228

Frets 22 frets Body Poplar body

Electric Bass, Body: Poplar, Neck: Maple, 22 Frets, Fretboard: Rosewood, B10 Bridge, Pickups: P/J...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Harley Benton PB-Shorty BK Standard Series

Short Scale Basses

$113

Nut width 42 mm (1.65") Scale 762 mm (30") Body Poplar body Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard

Shortscale Electric Bass, Standard Series, Body: Poplar, Bolt-on neck:...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Jackson JS1X CB Minion AH FB SIL BRST

Short Scale Basses

$251

Nut width 38.1 mm (1.5") Scale 726 mm (28.58") Frets 22 frets Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01")

Electric Bass, Body: Poplar, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Amaranth,...

4.3 AudioFu Score

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK

Short Scale Basses

$455

Nut width 39.6 mm (1.56") Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 20 frets Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01")

Electric Bass, Body: Nato, Neck: Nato, Fingerboard: Laurel, Fingerboard inlays: Neo...

4.4 AudioFu Score

Flight Mini Bass Lite BL

Short Scale Basses

$251

Nut width 40 mm (1.57") Scale 584 mm (22.99") Body Basswood body Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard

Mini Electric Bass, Rock Series, Body: Solid basswood, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Laurel,...

4.7 AudioFu Score

Flight Mini Bass Lite SFG

Short Scale Basses

$228

Nut width 40 mm (1.57") Scale 584 mm (22.99") Body Basswood body Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard

Mini Electric Bass, Rock series, Body: solid basswood, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Laurel,...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN 3TS

Short Scale Basses

$836

Nut width 38.1 mm (1.5") Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 19 frets Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49")

Electric Bass, Body: Alder, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Maple, Black dot...

4.3 AudioFu Score

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN

Short Scale Basses

$456

Nut width 39.6 mm (1.56") Scale 760 mm (29.92") Frets 20 frets Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01")

Electric Bass, Body: Nato, Neck: Bolt-on Nato, Fingerboard: Laurel, Fingerboard...

4.5 AudioFu Score

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 FRD

Short Scale Basses

$916

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 762 mm (30") Fingerboard radius 240 mm (9.45") Body Nyatoh body

Electric Bass, Body: Nyatoh, Bolt-on neck: roasted maple, Fingerboard:...

4.6 AudioFu Score

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 TLBL

Short Scale Basses

$916

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 762 mm (30") Fingerboard radius 240 mm (9.45") Body Nyatoh body

Electric Bass, Body: Nyatoh, Bolt-on neck: roasted maple,...

4.7 AudioFu Score

Sandberg California TT Short PF CRE SA

Short Scale Basses

$2,463

Frets 22 frets Body Alder body

Electric Bass, Body: Alder, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Pao Ferro, White dot...

4.4 AudioFu Score

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

Short Scale Basses

$2,635

Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 22 frets Body Alder body

Electric Bass, Body: Alder, Bolt-on neck: roasted maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Sandberg California VS Lionel NT

Short Scale Basses

$2,062

Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 22 frets Body Ash body

Electric Bass, Body: Ash, Bolt-on neck: maple, Fretboard: Ebony, Whitepearl block...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Sandberg California II TT 4 Short BK

Short Scale Basses

$2,291

Nut width 39.4 mm (1.55") Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 22 frets Body Ash body

Electric Bass, Body: Ash, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fretboard: Roasted maple,...

4.3 AudioFu Score

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green

Short Scale Basses

$2,177

Nut width 39.5 mm (1.56") Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 22 frets Body Ash body

Electric Bass, Body: Ash, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fretboard: Rosewood, White dot...

4.7 AudioFu Score

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB

Short Scale Basses

$1,948

Nut width 39.5 mm (1.56") Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 22 frets Body Ash body

Electric Bass, P-Style, Body: Ash, Neck: Maple, Neck attachment: Bolt-on,...

4.3 AudioFu Score

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BK

Short Scale Basses

$2,062

Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 22 frets Body Alder body

Electric Bass, P-Style, Body: Alder, Neck: Maple, Neck attachment: Bolt-on,...

4.9 AudioFu Score

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short

Short Scale Basses

$549

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 762 mm (30") Neck profile C-shape neck Body Alder body

Electric Bass, Body: Alder, Top: Flamed maple, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Maple, Neck...

4.6 AudioFu Score

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CR

Short Scale Basses

$2,085

Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 22 frets

Electric Bass, Alder body, Bolt-on maple neck, Pau Ferro fretboard, Scale: 762 mm...

4.6 AudioFu Score

Fender JMJ Mustang Bass R.Worn RW BK

Short Scale Basses

$1,833

Scale 762 mm (30") Frets 19 frets Neck profile C-shape neck Body Alder body

Electric Bass, Artist Series - Justin Meldal Johnsen model, Body: Alder, Neck:...

4.8 AudioFu Score

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 BK Short Scale

Short Scale Basses

$1,088

Nut width 38.5 mm (1.52") Frets 24 frets Fingerboard radius 508 mm (20") Body Alder body

Short Scale Electric Bass Guitar, Body: Alder, Bolt-on laminated maple neck...

4.9 AudioFu Score

Harley Benton Beatbass VS Vintage Ser w/Case

Short Scale Basses

$320

Nut width 42 mm (1.65") Scale 775 mm (30.51") Frets 22 frets Neck profile C-shape neck

4.7 AudioFu Score

Epiphone EB-0 CH

Short Scale Basses

$295

Nut width 38 mm (1.5") Scale 775 mm (30.51")

Electric bass, Mahogany body, Mahogany neck, Granadillo fingerboard, Neck profile: Slim Taper D, Nut...

4.5 AudioFu Score

Shop Short Scale Basses 2026

Ibanez GSRM20-BS

Höfner Shorty Violin Bass

Höfner Violin Roof Top Bass 69

Ibanez GSRM20-SLB

Ibanez GSRM20-MPL

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass BKMF

Danelectro 59DC Short Scale Bass Copper

Höfner Club-Bass 500/2-SB

Squier Mini P Bass Black

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass SG

Squier CV 60s Mustang Bass OW

Ibanez TMB30-MGR Talman Short Scale

Gibson SG Bass Ebony

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Pavo Purpl

Jackson JS1X Concert Minion Satin Blk

Ibanez GSRM20B-WK

Ibanez TMB30-IV

Ibanez TMB30-BK Talman Short Scale

Ibanez GSRM20B-WNF

Ibanez GSRM25-BK

Ibanez GSRM20-BK

Harley Benton PB-Shorty BK Standard Series

Jackson JS1X CB Minion AH FB SIL BRST

Gretsch STRML JET CLB Bass SHL PNK

Flight Mini Bass Lite BL

Flight Mini Bass Lite SFG

Fender Player II Mustang Bass MN 3TS

Gretsch Strml Jet Clb Bass WLNT STN

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 FRD

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short RAYSS4 TLBL

Sandberg California TT Short PF CRE SA

Sandberg California VS Lionel HCA GB

Sandberg California VS Lionel NT

Sandberg California II TT 4 Short BK

Sandberg California II TM 4 Short Green

Sandberg California VS Lionel RW BKB

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF BK

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short

Sandberg California VS Lionel PF CR

Fender JMJ Mustang Bass R.Worn RW BK

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 BK Short Scale

Harley Benton Beatbass VS Vintage Ser w/Case

Epiphone EB-0 CH

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