The scale is the length of string that vibrates, from the nut to the bridge. A standard bass, like a Precision or Jazz Bass, has 34 inches (864 mm). A short-scale bass has 30 inches or less, and a few go much shorter.
On November 3, 2026, Thomann had these electric basses in stock with a listed scale:
| Scale | Basses | Median price | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short, 30 inches or less | 153 | $660 | $111 |
| Medium, 32 inches | 19 | $1,098 | $278 |
| Long, 34 inches | 1,385 | $1,120 | $111 |
| Extra long, 35 inches and more | 92 | $2,018 | $414 |
84 of the short-scale basses are exactly 30 inches.
What four inches change
Feel. The frets are closer together, so stretches are easier and the neck reaches less far to the left. A shorter string at the same pitch has less tension, so it's easier to press and bend.
Sound. Less tension gives a rounder, softer note with more thump and less snap. It's the sound of a lot of 60s and 70s records: Paul McCartney played a short-scale Höfner. It's less suited to a tight, aggressive low B, which is why five-strings go the other way, to 35 inches.
Size and weight. Short-scale basses are smaller and usually lighter, easier on shoulders and in small rooms and cars.
The short scales that rank highest
Ibanez GSRM20 miKro, $215
A 28.5-inch scale, a 38 mm nut, a P and a J pickup, for $215. It's number one of 51 short-scale basses in our ranking. #1 of 49 short scale basses.
Fender Player II Mustang Bass, $816
A 30-inch Fender with an alder body, a 9.5-inch radius maple neck and a Jazz Bass pickup at the bridge with a split-coil at the neck. Number two. #3 of 49 short scale basses.
Squier Mini Precision Bass, $190
A small Precision Bass for $195, number three. Squier's mini models are aimed at children, but plenty of adults use them as travel basses. #1 of 49 short scale basses.
Höfner's violin bass, the shape McCartney made famous, starts at $246 for the Shorty and $448 for the Ignition.
Who should play which?
- Children and players with small hands: short scale. It makes the first months much easier.
- Guitarists who play some bass: short scale feels closer to what they know.
- Vintage, indie and soul sounds: short scale, with flatwound strings if you want the full effect.
- Rock, funk with slap, metal, five strings: long scale. The tighter strings give more punch, and the choice of models is nine times larger.
One practical note: short-scale basses need short-scale strings. Standard sets are too long for the bridge-to-tuner distance, so check the length before you buy.
Where the numbers come from. Every electric bass Thomann had in stock on November 3, 2026, from its partner feed, without sets and bundles. Scales are read from Thomann's descriptions; 252 basses don't list one and are left out of the table. Places are from our short-scale bass ranking. Prices are Thomann's US-dollar prices.
Share this story
Denis Kataev runs AudioFu. Every night the site records the prices of more than 38,000 instruments and studio tools at Thomann, and he writes about what those numbers show: what got cheaper, what just arrived, and which discounts are real.
All stories by Denis Kataev →
