5 Best Short Scale Bass Guitars - Small Basses, Big Tones - All Under £400!

Музыка

Sam takes a closer look at some of our favourite short-scale bass guitar for under £400, find out more about any of the guitars featured in this video at PMT Online...
Squier Classic Vibe 60's Mustang Bass: bit.ly/3GNjh0y
Squier Affinity Bronco Bass: bit.ly/3sbM3Uy
Epiphone EB-0 SG Bass: bit.ly/3pUPCLO
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass: bit.ly/30veNvS
Hofner Ignition SE Violin Bass: bit.ly/3m9eQVZ
Gretsch Electromatic Junior Jet II: bit.ly/3dUzxQP
00:00 Best Short Scale Basses Tone Comparison
01:04 What Is A Short Scale Bass Guitar?
02:40 Squier Classic Vibe 60's Mustang Bass - Features & Specifications
04:20 Squier Classic Vibe Mustang Bass - Demo
05:16 Epiphone EB-0 SG Bass - Features & Specification
07:16 Epiphone EB-0 - Demo
08:03 Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass - Features & Specifications
09:50 Ibanez Mikro Bass - Demo
10:42 Hofner Ignition SE Violin Bass - Features & Specifications
12:58 Hofner Violin Bass - Demo
14:08 Gretsch Electromatic Junior Jet II - Features & Specifications
15:45 Gretsch Junior Jet 2 - Demo
16:58 Where To Buy Best Short Scale Bass Guitars
Other gear used in this video...
Blackstar Unity Bass U120 Combo: bit.ly/3yEJJ9O
SE Electronics V7X Super-Cardioid Instrument Microphone: bit.ly/3IWMyYz
Rode LavGo Lavalier Microphone: bit.ly/3sgwpax
In this bass guitar buying guide, we answer the question "what is a short-scale bass?" and review and demo 5 of the best short scale bass guitars from the likes of Fender/Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, Hofner & Gretsch. As their name implies, short scale bass guitars are smaller and more compact than a traditional bass, with a scale-length of around 30". A lot of bass players prefer the feel of a shortscale bass as they have a slinkier, looser feel to the strings, and the reduced size means that they are also perfect for kids to learn to play on.
A reduced size bass also offers a pretty unique, very punchy tone, favoured by players such as Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones, Jack Bruce of Cream, and Mike Kerr from Royal Blood. So if you're looking for a Paul McCartney Violin bass (as featured heavily in the recent Disney+ Beatles Get Back documentary) or you love the more lo-fi, indie look of the Fender Mustang Bass, we've picked of 5 of the best small and travel size bass guitars that will still pack an enormous punch in the tone department!
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Пікірлер: 237

  • @sober-southoftheborderever3591
    @sober-southoftheborderever3591 Жыл бұрын

    The Hofner is wonderful. Light and easy to play (action is low and a nice neck). Great for old people and beginners (I am both)!!

  • @lurklingX

    @lurklingX

    Жыл бұрын

    good to know! i'm a beginner at guitar and IF i get a bass, kinda want the Hoff.

  • @sober-southoftheborderever3591

    @sober-southoftheborderever3591

    Жыл бұрын

    @@lurklingX The Epiphone Viola is also a good joice, and it is a bit heavier but also has a bit more punch. Good if you do not have one of those monster (my case) amp. Cheers!

  • @lurklingX

    @lurklingX

    Жыл бұрын

    @@sober-southoftheborderever3591 haha didn't even realize they have a viola. my minds still spinning on the whole violin/guitar thing. (yeah never SAW the beatles play so i didn't know about it). that's cool though. i like Epi, and violas are pretty cool too. will check it out!

  • @deadandburied7626

    @deadandburied7626

    Ай бұрын

    Hofner shorty violin is a great little learner bass, excellent for travel too.

  • @teddownum7428
    @teddownum74282 жыл бұрын

    Cheers, Sam! I've been thinking about picking up a short-scale for a while, and this video was helpful. I'm really impressed with the sound of that Gretsch.

  • @geoffreymerrifield5666
    @geoffreymerrifield56662 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I love that you played the Low E strings. Low E strings can be a problem on shorties. Well done. I don't love the fretboard, but that Gretsch wins this for me, followed by the SG Epiphone.

  • @RockerProf
    @RockerProf Жыл бұрын

    They are not "Humbuckers" or even "Humbucking." They are single coil. Gretsch is offering compensation for even saying so. But I own one and I put D'Addario flatwounds on it and I love it. So I will forgive Gretsch.

  • @billgardner8297

    @billgardner8297

    Жыл бұрын

    Correct, and Gretsch product description has said “dual single coil pickups” for years now. Video is either old or they haven’t done their homework

  • @michaelmurray8562

    @michaelmurray8562

    Жыл бұрын

    I got one of those Gretsch little basses too, and at first I thought they had humbuckers. But then I plugged it in and it was humming, and I checked the literature on it at Sweetwater and found out they are indeed single coils. Well, whatever they are they certainly sound good... that's all I have to say about it. I also put D'Addario Chromes on there too and wow, wotta sound! Massive, punchy, smooth and has plenty of sustain. What's not to love?

  • @drothberg3
    @drothberg32 жыл бұрын

    I have a Squire Vintage Modified Jaguar Short Scale. Similar to the Mustang, but with an extra pickup. It's fun to play and easier to transition from guitar, my main instrument. I rarely take my more expensive full-sized bass out of the case anymore.

  • @zennfrenz8059
    @zennfrenz8059 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your descriptions.

  • @amwilliams1502
    @amwilliams15022 жыл бұрын

    Gretsch is the best by a country mile. Really impressed with mine and sits next to my p bass, dark ray and Warwick as a great different tone and resource

  • @crowneproductions9908

    @crowneproductions9908

    Жыл бұрын

    Disagree. The Hofner is better.

  • @Ben_Mdws
    @Ben_Mdws2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent summary - thank you.

  • @FLillelund
    @FLillelund Жыл бұрын

    The G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet from Gretsch is equipped with two single coil pick-up's even though they looks like mini humbuckers. I'm playing one myself and agreeing on your comments. A easy played bass with a great sound.

  • @doctornova3015
    @doctornova3015 Жыл бұрын

    Just bought the gretsch . Checked out most of the rest of these. It wasn't even a contest. Very comfy great tone and light enough to not kill my back and shoulder.

  • @DotM68
    @DotM682 жыл бұрын

    I had a Squier Mustang bass. It was the biggest neck diver in all of neck dive land.

  • @piedpeter1
    @piedpeter12 жыл бұрын

    Ibanez Talman TMB30 major contender!

  • @kevin-jg5nq
    @kevin-jg5nq2 жыл бұрын

    I’ve owned the Gretsch for several months now. It’s a lot of fun to play.

  • @ws8080

    @ws8080

    Жыл бұрын

    Just got one. Still in the beginning learner stages, but I like it! Looks great, no quality issues, etc. I also have a full size used Squier PBase, but liking the more compact size of this Gretsch.

  • @handybunny
    @handybunny2 ай бұрын

    Great sounds! I love my Hofner Cavern bass - cheap Ignition. Great sound.

  • @MariUSukulele
    @MariUSukulele Жыл бұрын

    DANKE for a really good videö on these cool instruments!!

  • @bobt5778
    @bobt57782 жыл бұрын

    This is an excellent sound demo. I've owned all but the Hofner (I did try one) and this is exactly how they sound! Nice job.

  • @oscarwong4201

    @oscarwong4201

    2 жыл бұрын

    ahh what do you think is the best? id like to hear your opinion

  • @bobt5778

    @bobt5778

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@oscarwong4201The Mikro offers the most comfort and versatility with its contoured body and P/J pickups, and it's really low priced. It's tiny though... The others are all nice but are what some would call character basses - each having a very unique sound that you would associate only with a certain group or type of music. Some find that to be limiting. Aside from the Mikro I would go with the Gretsch. It feels like a much more expensive instrument and has some useable tones, medium weight and a nice balance.

  • @rmoraespinto
    @rmoraespinto7 ай бұрын

    You are an excellent sales person, lad. Kudos!

  • @nonnayoubuzinnes1669
    @nonnayoubuzinnes16692 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for this. I want a bass for around £400 and ideally a short scale one. I like the tone of the Mustang so will probably go with that.

  • @loiseaunoir1021
    @loiseaunoir1021 Жыл бұрын

    The Gretsch sounds great, but if U can afford more money, the Sire U5 is unbeatable and equallly beautiful too. Stanley Clarke played a short scale Alembic, though we are outside the price range here.

  • @wedjr97
    @wedjr9710 ай бұрын

    My second bass was a Fender Musicmaster that had the pickup replaced with a couple of Demarzios and a 4 saddle tail piece. I LOVED that bass and wish I’d never sold it. Years later I bought a NOS 1964 Italian EKO 995. Similar to a Hofner. It’s pretty fun but it’s not my old fender from high school and college.

  • @schrenk
    @schrenk Жыл бұрын

    I have a Hofner and I love it. It's the perfect bass for someone like me, who primarily plays guitar and doesn't consider themselves a bass player.

  • @Phillip_weston
    @Phillip_weston9 күн бұрын

    I bought my first gretsch today I love it so easy to play and it sounds so sweet.

  • @bacnic
    @bacnic2 жыл бұрын

    Imagine the sound of the hofner without the foam under the bridge!

  • @amaylor500

    @amaylor500

    Ай бұрын

    That punch!! It’ll break through the screen!!!

  • @Owen_plays_music1049
    @Owen_plays_music1049 Жыл бұрын

    I'm thinking of buying the Ibanez one. I'm gonna start Bass lessons pretty soon so i think it would be a cool bass to start with.

  • @nym053
    @nym0532 жыл бұрын

    The Gretsch and Squier sounds best to me in this demo. And next the Höfner. But honestly, I've just surfed around for demos, and in this both the Mustang and Electromatic sounds significantly better than in any other demo. So what amp and/or interface did you use?

  • @paulmarclalonde3834
    @paulmarclalonde38342 жыл бұрын

    Gretsch best bang for your buck hands down

  • @gilpi552
    @gilpi552 Жыл бұрын

    Had them all except the Squier. All have their own sound, The Mikro is sweet sounding and comfy to use (small) 28.6 inches I believe, can get lots of sounds, it can almost sound like a jazz bass with round wounds. No neck dive, balances very nicely. The Hofner, sounds like a Hofner, very light and neck dives due to the very light body and the way the neck extends. The Epiphone is beefier and has plenty of neck dive, personally I don't like its sound stock. I currently own the Gretsch, even though it does NOT have humbuckers, it is a tone beast and it is hefty, mine weighs in at 8 pounds, has some neck dive but not excessive in my opinion, reacts well to different strings, pick your flavor. I like it with black tapes. I'm not a pro and these this is just my opinion; I have had the opportunity to own many basses in the lower $ range, none of these will ever sound like a long scale bass which I prefer but depending on your type of music I can see many gravitating towards a shorter scale.

  • @rifleman7313
    @rifleman7313 Жыл бұрын

    I realize that this was never made or at least to my knowledge but I think that an Epiphone EB-O SG style bass would look amazing if it had a wood grain finish similar to the Ibanez GSRM20.

  • @anonw3829
    @anonw3829 Жыл бұрын

    I have two Mikro basses. 66 years and a lot of basses, I settled on these 5 years ago. I made a fretless out of one, and got rid of all my heavy, long scale basses and do everything I need on the Mikro's. Great tones and very playable.

  • @billgardner8297

    @billgardner8297

    Жыл бұрын

    I had a Mikro at one time and it was a very hot bass in the mix. VERY “out there” tone and presence. Impressive for its size. Wish I still had it.

  • @anonw3829

    @anonw3829

    Жыл бұрын

    @@billgardner8297 Surprisingly still only $199. Best deal out there...

  • @evankeal

    @evankeal

    2 ай бұрын

    I bbught a 5-string just to cheaply try one. I couidnt believe how much I liked the bridge pickup, then bought a 4-string and its my go to. After years on the same Ibanez strings it still sounds like fresh strings somehow, those strings are just different judging by how much of a metallic smell is on my hands afterwards.

  • @johannesbrahms9528
    @johannesbrahms95288 ай бұрын

    That opening jam narrowed it down 50% (to the Mustang and the Hofner) for me. Amazing what someone who knows what they're doing on an instrument can help a newbie like me just by playing.

  • @darwinsaye
    @darwinsaye2 жыл бұрын

    I have the Mustang on order. I've seen a lot of video's complaining about it being weak sounding, but it actually slays every other bass in this demo. I was quite surprised it sounded better even the Hofner, which is one of my favourite short scales. Feel confident now that I made the right choice. ( Btw, the Hofner demo has to be taken with a grain of salt, because you had not removed the protective foam from underneath the floating bridge)

  • @williamhatton5198

    @williamhatton5198

    2 жыл бұрын

    Mustang arrived yet? Still happy with your choice?

  • @darwinsaye

    @darwinsaye

    2 жыл бұрын

    William Hatton I am. I’m typically just a P bass guy, but the Mustang ticks the right boxes.

  • @michaelbell75

    @michaelbell75

    2 жыл бұрын

    It IS weak sounding. You need to crank the master on your amp considerably louder than most any other bass.

  • @darwinsaye

    @darwinsaye

    2 жыл бұрын

    Michael Bell That’s what amplifiers are for though. Better to have to turn the amp up a bit more than to have a bass so hot that you can’t get a clean tone because it’s killing all the amp’s head room.

  • @caiusmadison2996

    @caiusmadison2996

    2 жыл бұрын

    It is awesome. Mustang Bass gets a very bad rap, for being a short scale one, but two, the student designation. If one ever manages to plug one in, magically, 9/10 they have more than one in their collection. Funny how that works! Lol

  • @deanmentjes7774
    @deanmentjes77742 жыл бұрын

    Really good comparison of sounds and features, thanks. I wish you would have played standing up too, and talked about balance and ergonomics standing, with a guitar strap. I play in a bar band and literally never play sitting down. Thanks again, it was a great shoot out other than that.

  • @Ben_Mdws

    @Ben_Mdws

    2 жыл бұрын

    Judging by the way this chap holds them, they all look light as a feather to me.

  • @zlatkoturkalj910

    @zlatkoturkalj910

    2 жыл бұрын

  • @kingdeedee

    @kingdeedee

    2 жыл бұрын

    I don’t have much experience with short scales, but I’ve heard they often have some pretty bad neck dive

  • @brunocyclist

    @brunocyclist

    Жыл бұрын

    @@kingdeedee I own 2 of the reviewed basses. The Ibanez is light as a feather, an ergonomic dream and has good balance. The Gretsch has noticeably more heft to it and has serious neck dive. I love them both for very different reasons.

  • @xjunkxyrdxdog89
    @xjunkxyrdxdog89 Жыл бұрын

    I'm a guitarist at heart, but just bought a bass for recording purposes. I own an Ibanez mikro guitar, and while I love the thing it has tuning problems so I went with the gretsch g2220 in pink. The mikro guitars don't have very good tuning heads, and the ones it uses are a unique diameters, meaning you would have to re drill the headstock to upgrade to better tuners.

  • @andyd8977
    @andyd89772 жыл бұрын

    I love my Ibanez mikro bass

  • @RobVespa
    @RobVespa4 ай бұрын

    I enjoyed all of these basses, but the violin bass stood out to me, followed by the Gretsch and then the Mustang. What about the Jackson Minion? Nice video!

  • @scottbenson2327
    @scottbenson2327 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your demo. I was convicted it's for me, so I bought one. never played before and am looking forward to thumping something other than myself 😂

  • @michaelbell75
    @michaelbell752 жыл бұрын

    Nice but you missed the Squier Mini P which is one of the best short scale basses to be released in years. I love Fender/Squier but that Gretsch is awesome. Just played one today. The build quality is noticeably better than most Squier basses, the pickups sound huge and its a steal at only $299.

  • @SO-ym3zs

    @SO-ym3zs

    Жыл бұрын

    I have both of these and will second you. The Mini P Bass is a lot of fun and sounds way better than it should for the price. The Gretsch is my go-to bass for nearly any style. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Great bass and good looking too.

  • @brunocyclist
    @brunocyclist2 жыл бұрын

    Short scale basses are awesome! They generally sound more 'bass-y' than 34-inch basses and the ergonomics are so much better. I absolutely love my Ibanez GSRM-20B MikroBass! Edit: bought the Gretsch as well and it's a beast. 🤘😎

  • @bflo1000

    @bflo1000

    2 жыл бұрын

    That one sounds pretty good!

  • @brunocyclist

    @brunocyclist

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@bflo1000 It has a multitude of tones too, with its 2 pick-ups and tone control. But I must say I'm equally blown away by the Gretsch. Not as dirt cheap as the Ibanez, but what an awesome sound! Looks classy too. 👌

  • @TripDaly_AndiTripDaily

    @TripDaly_AndiTripDaily

    Жыл бұрын

    Gretsch is fucking bad ass, great brand.

  • @Kosthoms
    @Kosthoms Жыл бұрын

    I'm not a fan of the Beatles at all but I feel that the Hofner totally fits retro sounds like surf rock, psychedelick rock, old school jazz... it can even be good for some kind of old school hip hop beats like Tribe Called Quest

  • @MrDukeSilverr

    @MrDukeSilverr

    Жыл бұрын

    How can you not be a fan of the beatles?

  • @Kosthoms

    @Kosthoms

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MrDukeSilverr Just like that lmao. I just realize that 95% of people who buy a Hofner is because of Paul (whose a great songwriter don't get me wrong)

  • @MrDukeSilverr

    @MrDukeSilverr

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Kosthoms idk I feel like the beatles discography is so diverse theres smth for everyone

  • @Kosthoms

    @Kosthoms

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MrDukeSilverr Sure, but I can't call myself a fan, I only like a few songs from different albums

  • @djolemadzarevic
    @djolemadzarevic11 ай бұрын

    Short scale basses, in terms of sound, have its place when you want a vintage soul percussive uprightbass-like sound, so Höfner, with its easy of playing, great variety of sounds, is a logical choice for that. All other options here are good replacement for 34 inch scale in case that you wish lighter, easier to play bass, or when you have smaller hands from whatever reason. In my opinion, a guitar that absolutely must be in this list is Eastwood Classic 4 or cheaper clone - Harley Benton HB-60 WB.

  • @shrugaddict
    @shrugaddict2 жыл бұрын

    I go back and forth from day to day about what guitar I would consider to be my favorite...but when it comes to bass, mustang is the only answer (PLEASE, Fender, make a lefty mustang bass, take my money)

  • @billgardner8297
    @billgardner8297 Жыл бұрын

    I have a Junior Jet Gretsch and yes it does NOT have humbucker pickups. Gretsch got in trouble with that product description but now, accurately, product description says single coil pics

  • @henryfreeman7748
    @henryfreeman7748 Жыл бұрын

    I love my Fender mustang with the exception for a little neck dive.

  • @edwinstovall3334
    @edwinstovall33342 жыл бұрын

    My favorite out of your selection is the Ibanez MiKro. I own one of these, which I bought after getting my first full-scale bass in about 40 years. The full-size beast was killing my fingers, so I got the small one to help strengthen those digits till they are strong enough to handle the long bass. They both still need setups, though ...🤔

  • @ILikeStyx

    @ILikeStyx

    2 жыл бұрын

    As I already own an Ibanez GSR200... decided against the MiKro (as it's just a 3/4 scale version) and ordered myself a Gretsch G2220 :)

  • @NikkieRoxxx

    @NikkieRoxxx

    Жыл бұрын

    I have the 5 string Mikro:) ....after playinh an RG bass since 92 :D

  • @NikkieRoxxx

    @NikkieRoxxx

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ILikeStyx the Gretch falsly boasts having 2 humbucking pickups; while only having single coils.........

  • @ILikeStyx

    @ILikeStyx

    Жыл бұрын

    @@NikkieRoxxx Gretsch were caught over this and have corrected their false advertising. I only discovered this after the fact, so I've reached out to see what compensation they're willing to provide for that.

  • @MIKEandHisBASS7468

    @MIKEandHisBASS7468

    6 ай бұрын

    I have a 5&4 mikro Ibanez bass..they are my only basses I own..love them.

  • @IloveRio-fp1vg
    @IloveRio-fp1vg10 ай бұрын

    Posted on my birthday!

  • @lurklingX
    @lurklingX Жыл бұрын

    this demo was really helpful, thanks! i like the sg but it sounded the weakest. i like the mustang but i JUST got a regular guitar that looks that way (white, but still). good sound on it though. the ibanez - the wood look is really cool for a base and WOW you weren't kidding when you said it is versatile. *violin bass* i remember the first time i saw it, like, "WTF is that?? what is this, another weird guitar?" which was about how i felt the first time i saw a 335 style. both times i was like since when are people doing a guitar violin fusion????? (i might be slightly obsessed with both by now) anyway, i was going to straight up buy the violin one when i saw it in a store. then i realized it was a bass. and i don't play bass (yet?). and Gretsch is a favorite brand. can't quite say why, just is. naturally i'm rooting for it. but here we go, let's have a listen! ---dannnng ok yeah that sounds good!! hard to say if i would go for it or the ibanez. the ibanez is more versatile but the Gretsch's tones all sound good whereas not all of the ibanez's did, to me. overall i'd probably have to go violin bass just because i WANT ONE. after that, it'd be a little bit of a tossup.

  • @shawnhuff3920
    @shawnhuff3920 Жыл бұрын

    I have an ibanez mikro bass black I put quarter powder pickups in it

  • @kalvino67
    @kalvino672 жыл бұрын

    I just bought a Sire u5 Marcus miller which is one of the few short scales that have a lefty version. The Hofner is the only bass in this video that has a lefty model (I think).

  • @SO-ym3zs

    @SO-ym3zs

    Жыл бұрын

    Ibanez makes a lefty Mikro.

  • @jimilove7773
    @jimilove7773 Жыл бұрын

    The original Gretsch 2022 bass is the best. hard to find but get one!

  • @MrShooter72
    @MrShooter722 жыл бұрын

    Interesting to think that, as of late, we have reason to suspect those Gretsch mini humbuckers aren't exactly as advertised.... That being said, if they are single coils, I still love mine!

  • @praxismrc

    @praxismrc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Gretsch has officially changed their website now, admitting they are single coil. Doesn't change my opinion of it though. Still sounds awesome and is nice to play. Pretty sure it'll be my first bass.

  • @caiusmadison2996

    @caiusmadison2996

    2 жыл бұрын

    It seems they are the older version likely to have the real ones. The headstock is far larger, denoting the original run which is proven not suspect.

  • @caiusmadison2996

    @caiusmadison2996

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@praxismrc it's still an awesome starter for sure. Looks like self leveled coil, so similar to Mustang in sound, but actually more powerful due to pots and wiring.

  • @kevin-jg5nq

    @kevin-jg5nq

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@praxismrc I like mine. Easy and fun to play with an excellent tone. I don't care about the pickup controversy. They sound fine on my guitar.

  • @ACT76

    @ACT76

    Жыл бұрын

    I was seriously considering one until I came across the humbucker issue. I'd still buy it for the sound but I'm not sure how noisy the pickups are - not a big fan of single coils for the hum! What do you all reckon - how's this been like?

  • @TheChef470
    @TheChef4702 жыл бұрын

    Check out the G&L Fallout bass,(tribute series).......great passive bass with a nice tonal range.

  • @samcohen2483
    @samcohen2483 Жыл бұрын

    Although not on this list, my favorite short scale bass under 400 has to be a Danelectro 59 short scale. They have a huge sound with 2 lipstick pickups. You can probably find one for 400 or under on the used market. Maybe even a longhorn too.

  • @AzoreanProud

    @AzoreanProud

    Жыл бұрын

    >Yep, you can also find Sire U5 which blows anything here out of the water

  • @jazzman1954
    @jazzman1954 Жыл бұрын

    This bloke does Gardeners Program on the BBC. VERSATILE!

  • @rsaathoff
    @rsaathoff Жыл бұрын

    After looking at short scales. Does not fit in this price range, but for tone, I'm settled on the G&L Tribute Fallout. That thing has tone.

  • @michaelbrohl1625
    @michaelbrohl16257 ай бұрын

    Every time I see one of these comparison videos I always like the Hofner tone best. Maybe it's just a lifetime of listening to the Beatles, but i like it.

  • @bronzeageancientone4844
    @bronzeageancientone4844 Жыл бұрын

    I just got my wife a Mustang bass. She is going to hold down the low end!

  • @-whiskey-4134
    @-whiskey-4134 Жыл бұрын

    I got an Ibanez Mikro a year back and was surprised at how punchy that little thing is for being almost weightless.

  • @BassClubKing
    @BassClubKing Жыл бұрын

    a great Video !!!

  • @bsharporbflat8378
    @bsharporbflat837811 ай бұрын

    The ultimate real short scale bass is the Kala UBass fitted with roundwounds….got one and use it live all the time. Try it!

  • @howes1960
    @howes19602 жыл бұрын

    I started to learn bass 2 years ago. Started with a Hofner shorty. Now, I go back and forth between that and a Squier affinity jazz.

  • @samsummer8382

    @samsummer8382

    Жыл бұрын

    About to choose one or the other. Help

  • @howes1960

    @howes1960

    Жыл бұрын

    @@samsummer8382 What are your main concerns? Is this your first bass? Do you have small hands? I started with the Hofner Shorty because of both reasons, and I had frostbite at 2 years old that changed my fingers. My daughter stole my Hofner, so I replaced with a Squier Jaguar; 32" scale. The hofner has one pick up, very distinctive, but good sound. You may eventually want a bass with 2 pick ups...

  • @samsummer8382

    @samsummer8382

    Жыл бұрын

    @@howes1960 it will be mainly for home recording , I have a nice vintage preamp to play the bass di'd. It's my first bass I've bought but I've got very good guitars so want something decent under 400

  • @howes1960

    @howes1960

    Жыл бұрын

    @@samsummer8382 Okay you already play guitar. Guitar length/28", nut 1.5"/38mm. Short scale bass is close to those dimensions. Hofner nut 42mm, so bit fatter. Squier Jazz master is 34" with 1.5"/38mm nut. It's heavy; 11 pounds! I got a padded strap, I was spoiled after 6 pound Hofner. Just studio...Hofner, but you may out grow it.

  • @samsummer8382

    @samsummer8382

    Жыл бұрын

    @@howes1960 thanks friend

  • @SnarkyRC
    @SnarkyRC Жыл бұрын

    SX makes some brilliant short scale basses.

  • @SkinnyJimQuiff
    @SkinnyJimQuiff11 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @rubbadubdub6543
    @rubbadubdub6543 Жыл бұрын

    The Hofner still sounds great, even with 1mm of foam under the bridge!!!😂

  • @merwinjm
    @merwinjm Жыл бұрын

    Somebody probably mentions it in the comments, but the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II has single coils.

  • @shireboundscribbles
    @shireboundscribbles Жыл бұрын

    I wish that you'd given the A,D & G more play on the Ibanez like you did on the Mustang.

  • @Scrimjer
    @Scrimjer2 ай бұрын

    I have own 2 of these and may pick up the EB0 the hofner is ok, I Probably wouldn't take it on the road though the neck is way too clunky as well😊

  • @ac.7724
    @ac.7724 Жыл бұрын

    I like the Cort Action Jr. It looks similar to the Ibanez.

  • @anorak211
    @anorak2112 жыл бұрын

    It's the Ibanez for me, available in lots of colours as well

  • @DG4444everrrr

    @DG4444everrrr

    2 жыл бұрын

    Just got mine in root beer. I’m loving it!

  • @ruicruz8231
    @ruicruz82312 жыл бұрын

    Really liked the gretsch junior & hofner and I was really surprised by the epiphone eb-0. This would my podium. Still not convinced by the Mustang

  • @michaelfuria4257

    @michaelfuria4257

    2 жыл бұрын

    The Epi-EBO has only one tone-the tone knob doesn't change the tone very much...

  • @handybunny
    @handybunny2 ай бұрын

    Hofner sounds so warm and wooly.

  • @zombeatle01
    @zombeatle013 ай бұрын

    I regularly play short scale basses (Höfner, Revered Dub King), but even to me, the Ibanez Mikro bass feels really small with its 28.6” scale. I don’t know why 1-2 inches difference in scale matters, but the 30” scale on my aforementioned basses don’t feel that much different from my full scale (34”) basses. Maybe the 4mm narrower nut (smaller than most 6 string guitars) plays a part in it. Having said all that, I love my Ibanez basses, a SRH500F and TMB105.

  • @amberyooper
    @amberyooper2 жыл бұрын

    Having played an original mid 1960s Gibson EB-0, I would lean toward that bass based on playability. The main problem I would have is the mahogany body, it's probably heavier than my bad back would like. I'm sure that the Hofner is the lightest of these 5 basses but it might not have as aggressive of a tone as the solid body basses with humbuckers. I played an early 1980s vintage Gibson Q-80 base in a local rock band for 15 years, and I really liked the sound of it, but it just weighs way too much these days.

  • @bflo1000

    @bflo1000

    2 жыл бұрын

    I had an Epi EBO. Very flat sound w no growl whatsoever. Nothing like the vintage EB's.

  • @moosey62
    @moosey622 жыл бұрын

    I had a 3/4 Harley Benton Precision which was fantastic for a few months. Then ALL the frets started to sprout!

  • @SiFi5478

    @SiFi5478

    10 ай бұрын

    The shorty P? I've had one for 10 years and I've never changed or even adjusted a thing, even the strings. It's never needed a thing doing to it, came perfectly set up. Sounds even better now that the strings sound a bit like flats. Maybe I got lucky with mine (or you unlucky or maybe you live in a dry climate?) As someone who can't resist modding every bass I get to some degree, the fact I've left this one be says alot. They were still only £60 when I bought mine too. Hope you're playing a bass you love now ✌️

  • @lawrencetagliareni4893
    @lawrencetagliareni4893 Жыл бұрын

    I have the sterling by musicman stingray 30 inch bass. $599. Great bass.

  • @TH-bk5hj

    @TH-bk5hj

    Жыл бұрын

    The best one in my opinion. Couldn’t agree more

  • @alexestrada1788
    @alexestrada17882 жыл бұрын

    Our ears are amazingly subjective! I thought the two best sounding were the Gretsch, and surprisingly, the Hofner. I will say there wasn't a slouch among the 5. They all sounded good. I have noodled on all 5 and liked them all. IMO, the Gretsch plays and sounds the best, but they are all great for the price!

  • @kelalamusic9258
    @kelalamusic9258 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. May I suggest watching LowEndLobster’s channel. He discovered that the Gretsch Junior that advertised it’s pups as being minihumbuckers is not true. Because of the tone, he removed the pups and found that they are single coiled pups. He caught Fender and Gretsch in a fraud situation. Since they were caught after many years of producing this bass, they started to offer owners $100 towards gear. Just prove ownership by giving them a serial number. Who can you trust anymore!!

  • @JayHennigan
    @JayHennigan Жыл бұрын

    for me Ibanez, Gretsch, Hofner

  • @MrJones-ge5sl
    @MrJones-ge5sl2 жыл бұрын

    I have the Gretsch... very comfy to play. Interested in the Mustang. Thought the Ibanez was a bit rattle-ly?

  • @brunocyclist

    @brunocyclist

    Жыл бұрын

    I bought the Gretsch as second bass to my Ibanez Mikro. My Ibanez doesn't rattle at all. This one probably needed a little set-up. If you think the Gretsch is comfy to play, the Mikro is in a league of its own.

  • @dongilmore798
    @dongilmore7984 ай бұрын

    I think the G&L FallOut Short scale bass is the best in my opinion. Followed by the Marcus Miller short scale.

  • @isaacemilmedina
    @isaacemilmedina2 жыл бұрын

    The Epiphone Viola-Bass would have been another good one to have a look at. Any thoughts on it?

  • @MrSimonscuba

    @MrSimonscuba

    2 жыл бұрын

    If you play one with flatwound strings up over the end of the fretboard it sounds very convincing as a double bass.

  • @NicleT
    @NicleT Жыл бұрын

    Just want to add that the Gretchen doesn’t have mini-humbucker pickups but single coiled ones. They changed that very important detail on their website too.

  • @NicleT

    @NicleT

    Жыл бұрын

    @@danteallucinante There’s one second hand to sell near my place. I’m still hesitating. I heard the pickups are noisy when used one a the time. It cancels out when both are full open. I’ll give it a try.

  • @henryfreeman7748
    @henryfreeman7748 Жыл бұрын

    I have a Fender short scale with the pay fera neck love it much, what do you think of it?

  • @patrickclune3600
    @patrickclune3600 Жыл бұрын

    I like the Gretsch and Gibson the best. They were deeper and punchier. The Hofner nope, thanks anyway Paul. I just purchased a Gibson Les Paul tribute DC and it’s light and sounds fantastic. I’m not happy with my 3 Fender jazz basses. The best being the made in Japan Fender “ Ventures model “ was made in around 1996. Beautiful for sure and heavy as hell. It’s sounds fantastic but alas it’s not leaving its locked vault anymore. One Jazz goes as a backup that’s it

  • @kushking420
    @kushking4207 ай бұрын

    I'm 31 and just started bass on one I borrowed, I'm thinking of getting a short scale cause my index fingers go inwards, and I'm always playing with 3 fingers on the fretboard, my pinky can't reach most of the time and just doesn't have enough pressure on the string. My hands are just like the average male as I looked up, I don't have "Trump" hands lol.

  • @narayanacooper8571
    @narayanacooper8571 Жыл бұрын

    Whaaat!?! The Jackson JS1X Minion Bass didn't make the cut, yet the Ibanez SRM20B Mikro WNF did? Well then, aren't I glad the short scale Bass I just bought myself is the Ibanez Mikro in Flat Walnut finish. 😅 Do you have a video comparing just the Ibanez vs Jackson? Ii is gonna have to look for that now. LOL BTW, Tonewood is a myth where Electric Gtrs & Basses are concerned. 😅😅😅😂 The Tone from an electric instrument is mostly affected by the Speakers in your Cab, followed by the Pickups & the Mic you mic your Cab up with, & placement of said mic. 😘 Ain't you seen Jim Lills' "Where does the Tone come from..." series? ??? He puts string across a gap between 2 benches in a test & it sounds the same as many electric gtrs... 🤔

  • @nikebordom
    @nikebordom2 жыл бұрын

    For me, the Höfner sounds the best, though I'm not a fan of the look. And I'm not sure how much the handling will differ from the only bass I've played for a couple of years, a Fender Musicmaster. I want to start playing again and I can only handle a short scale bass (guess my arms ARE a bit shorter than average, even for a female). Since I'm not in a band anymore, a cheapish one will suffice for my needs. Which one will come closest to the sound of the Höfner? Squier - Jaguar or the cheaper Bronco -, or Ibanez Gio Mikro? Or...? I'm so confused!

  • @kingstumble

    @kingstumble

    2 жыл бұрын

    I played a Fender Precision bass for more years than I care to admit but I bought a Hofner Vioiin bass a couple of years ago just because it was something completely different---and I love it. Very easy to play and once you've got your head around the idiosyncratic control panel you can get lots of different tones out of it. And it really is light---mine is 5.2lb. I did borrow a Fender Mustang once and didn't like it at all. Badly balanced and I didn't really like the sound either. I would say go for the Hofner

  • @nope8762

    @nope8762

    2 жыл бұрын

    Maybe have a look at the Hofner club bass? It’s very similar apart from body shape being more like a Les Paul.

  • @fourducksinawomancostume5489

    @fourducksinawomancostume5489

    2 жыл бұрын

    I definitely recommend popping by a music shop and trying them out. The bronco feels very cheap and clumsy to me. The mustang and the SG are my personal favourites.

  • @skybluemarshall

    @skybluemarshall

    2 жыл бұрын

    I agree with the commenter, "Nope". If you want a lightweight, shortscale bass that sounds like a Hofner Ignition Series Violin bass, but doesn't look like one, then the Hofner Ignition Series Club bass should do the job nicely.

  • @nikebordom

    @nikebordom

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@fourducksinawomancostume5489 wish I could. I live in a city with a population of almost 2 million people and the only big music store closed 2 years ago. I'm left with small ones that offer a rather limited selection. 😕

  • @godzilla964
    @godzilla9645 ай бұрын

    I have a travel sized guitar. I love it, but I also love bass guitar. I want a travel-sized short-scale bass.

  • @coyote-wang
    @coyote-wang Жыл бұрын

    The gretsch stands out to me as having the least amount of fretbuzz which is the bane of short scale.

  • @spidgeb3292
    @spidgeb32925 ай бұрын

    They're not humbuckers on the Gretsch. They're single-coils. Gretsch got into some trouble not too long ago for mis-labeling them as humbuckers on their website. They ended up giving credits to customers who bought one thinking they were getting humbuckers. Hey, as long as it sounds good, I don't care. And in your hands, that Gretsch sounds good!

  • @oinkooink
    @oinkooink Жыл бұрын

    If you're not a bass player but need one to record and can get by playing bass lines for your songs...get a Mustang. The full size can be pretty brutal.

  • @Arcade1959
    @Arcade1959 Жыл бұрын

    You forget the excellent Sire U5 from Marcus Miller and the Mini Precision from Squier

  • @peterhughes3094
    @peterhughes3094 Жыл бұрын

    Do you do a left-handed short scale bass the hofner bass sorry

  • @fishpotpete
    @fishpotpete Жыл бұрын

    All of the basses sounded very acceptable. One thing about the Hofner style basses is the neck dive issue that a lot of players might not expect. Just a watchout - I had one for a while and it played/sounded great. But I ended up selling it because the neck dive became more of a distraction. I had the same issue with the Epiphone Wildcat - cool guitar, but the headstock wants to constently slide toward the floor if you're not carefull! Another short scale to consider is the Danelectro Longhorn bass - Very well balanced, excellent playability, nice punchy sound. I hate the way it looks, but it does exactly what it's suppose to. I could be wrong, but after the Fender Precision and Jazz Bass, it's one of the most recorded basses in 60's classis rock.

  • @briancamorgan1248
    @briancamorgan1248 Жыл бұрын

    Do you know about a (Tara) short scale bass ?

  • @dex1007
    @dex10072 жыл бұрын

    Should I learn bass on a short scale or regular feet bass?

  • @fourducksinawomancostume5489

    @fourducksinawomancostume5489

    2 жыл бұрын

    This is a personal preference. Try a few out in a shop if you can. My friend and I learned at the same time and I prefer the short scale, while they prefer a full scale.

  • @337camo

    @337camo

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'd start off on full scale. My only reason behind that is if you'd start off on Short Scale, when you'd switch to Full scale it would be intimidating. If you're just starting out playing bass will be somewhat intimidating period, so might as well go big or go home! And if you ever get comfortable with a full scale, when you switch to a short scale it will be easier, almost like playing with a toy. Hopefully that makes sense :) Have a good day

  • @Grimfandango666
    @Grimfandango666 Жыл бұрын

    5:16 Dino valentis favourite part

  • @mysteriousplankton
    @mysteriousplankton9 ай бұрын

    The Hofner Club Bass sounds better due to its shape and is more comfortable than the violin bass, especially when sitting. Unlike the violin bass, the Club bass is leg-friendly due to its design. It has a cutaway for higher notes and a distinct Les Paul-like look. I own both a sunburst and red one.

  • @briandilhomick6488
    @briandilhomick6488 Жыл бұрын

    Lovely

  • @matthewbazeley2984
    @matthewbazeley29844 ай бұрын

    I hear a lot of fret buzz on the ibanez. is that typical?

  • @johnd942
    @johnd942 Жыл бұрын

    Surely the Hofner with its hollow body would be very prone to 'neck-dive'?

  • @arthurfrayn7619

    @arthurfrayn7619

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes but I loop the strap above the nut and it's fine especially since I do'nt wear basses overly low. Since it weights nothing it doesn't put pressure on the neck.

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