Best Short Scale Bass Under $1000 in 2023

Best Short Scale Bass Under $1000

We are discussing Best Short Scale Bass Under $1000 . The length of the portion of the string that vibrates, from the bridge to the nut, is referred to as the “scale” for guitars and other string instruments. The typical scale length of a standard electric or acoustic guitar is between 24.75 inches (for most Gibsons) and 25.5 inches (for most Fenders).

In 1951, Fender Musical Instruments unveiled the Precision Bass, Best short scale bass under $1000 with a 34-inch scale that has since become the industry norm. However, the scale lengths of some of Fender’s rivals’ basses were noticeably shorter. These bass guitars are referred to as “short scale.” Short-scale basses failed to gain popularity among musicians for a long time because they preferred the more prominent instruments.

The best short scale bass under $1000 to Buy (Buying Guide)

You can learn more about best short scale bass under $1000 and how to pick the best one for you in this section of the article.

Features and Parts

Therefore, you should first be aware that many different components and features make up the best short scale bass under $1000. You should choose your bass in light of the type of music you plan to play because some qualities are better suited for various musical genres. Except if you are a beginner player just starting, you probably already know what you will utilize the short-scale bass for.

Body Shape and Material

You must understand the many body types and the substances that make up the body. The bass’s shape affects your playing style and posture, which is essential, but it doesn’t always have a significant effect on the sound. Getting a short scale is definitely the best option when it comes to the guitar’s weight and playability. You will primarily encounter basses with solid bodies. 

The solid-body guitar is heavier than a hollow-body guitar but has more sustain because it is made of solid pieces of wood. Although good hollow and semi-hollow basses are available, I believe the best options are solid-body bass guitars. It is crucial that the guitar’s design complements your stance and gives you a pleasant experience whether you are standing or seated.

The body material is the next crucial component; it affects the bass’s sound and the instrument’s durability because some materials are lighter and more prone to damage than others that are heavier and sturdier. I favor soft music with excellent sound or a combination of the two. The characteristics of the wood that were examined include those that offer perfect resonance, tone, and playability. The density or softness of the wood has a significant impact on the Style the bass produces.  While softer woods are more resonant and warm, harder woods have a more aggressive and brighter tone. In the end, it all boils down to personal preference. Some materials are gaining more popularity due to their quality and affordable price. Alder, maple, mahogany, poplar, and basswood are the most widely utilized woods.

Maple has a warm sound focusing on low-mid, and lower-range tones, is moderately hard and dense, and are rather weighty. Basswood is relatively cheap and has a very short sustain. Basswood is becoming increasingly popular among businesses due to its low cost and wide availability. Poplar is a little bit brighter than alder because of its tone characteristics. One of the softer/lighter hardwoods with a quality similar to basswood is poplar. Mahogany has a warm, heavy sound focusing on low-mid and lower-range tones, medium hardness and density, excellent sustain, and weight. Mahogany-bodied basses can be pricey.

Alder is the most common material used to construct P-basses. Alder soon gained popularity among bass guitar players due to its rich, well-balanced tone and exceptional clarity. Although you can find other types of wood, these are the ones you are most likely to stumble across. The bass sings because of tonewood rather than good hands. You don’t have to worry about weight as much with short-scale basses, but you should still consider your physical attributes while choosing the bass for yourself.

Frets, nuts, and the fretboard

The next item you should be aware of is the types of necks and fretboards. The materials that these components are composed of matter because your fingertips will fly over the fretboard a lot. How the fretboard and neck are finished can significantly impact how easy the instrument is to play.

The neck’s function is to comfortably fit in your hand while projecting the sound from the strings into the bass’s body and pickups. A variety of techniques are employed to secure the neck to the body. Others are rarer on less-priced instruments, some are more expensive, and some are more dependable than others.

The bolt-on neck system is the most often utilized. The most common neck style is the bolt-on. The neck is secured to the body by bolts and nuts, which prevent it from moving. This neck provides excellent stability, good sustain, and terrific string vibration. The most typical Style of neck found on both inexpensive and some more expensive bass guitars is a bolt-on neck.

Scale Length and Radius

The distance from the nut to the bridge is known as the scale length. Why is it essential? Because it significantly affects the playability and tone of the instrument.

 The longer the strings are, the better the tone the strings produce at lower pitches. There are short (30-32″), medium (32-34″), and extra-long (36″) scale basses in addition to the normal (now 34″), which we refer to as “long-scale” basses. There aren’t any strict guidelines amongst bass and string manufacturers regarding scale lengths; therefore, you should be aware that not all scale lengths are created equal. Knowing your scale length is important because many players struggle with selecting the right string length.

A Short-Scale Bass Guitar’s Difference from a Long-Scale Bass Guitar

Early on, some of Fender’s rivals, including Gibson, sold electric basses with lower scale lengths. Because their scale length is 31 inches or less, these bass guitars are known as “small scale” basses because they are easier on the fingers.

The Hofner Violin bass was one of the most identifiable short-scale basses in its heyday. It featured a 30″ scale length and Walter Hofner’s distinctive violin form when it was created in 1955. A bass with a classical appearance was designed by artisans employed by Hofner, who had experience making classical instruments. Paul McCartney of the Beatles began using the violin and bass in his performances in the middle of the 1970s, which led to its enormous popularity. It has become a standard in the field of short-scale basses.

Comparison Table:

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 Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Brown Sunburst (GSRM20BS) Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Brown Sunburst (GSRM20BS)

The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro bass is constructed using the same components, pickups, setup, and inspection standards as the company’s full-size versions. Its 28.6-inch scale length makes it the perfect guitar for bass players. The “BS” in the model number indicates the black sunburst color. In addition, it comes in flat walnut, translucent red, pearl white, transparent black, metallic purple, metallic root beer, and black, weathered black, as well as other colors.

The GSRM20 has a slender maple neck with a 12-inch radius and 22 medium frets, and a light (6.9 pounds), sturdy poplar body. Jacoba, a reddish-brown hardwood that is claimed to give a rich middle and sharp, high end, is used to make the fingerboard.

PROS

  • Same caliber as a full-sized Ibanez bass.
  • For guitarists, a short scale is simple.

CONS

  • A round coiled string may buzz.
  • The case is not contained.

 Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Black (GSRM25BK)

 Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Black (GSRM25BK)

With a few minor exceptions, the Ibanez 5-string GSRM25 Mikro bass is almost identical in design and construction to the 4-string GSRM20 model. It most plainly has five strings, which are more tightly spaced apart—65 inches (16.5mm). In addition, the Standard J neck and bridge single-coil pickups of the GSRM25 lack movable pole pieces. Last but not least, the GSRM25 Mikro bass is only offered in black.

PROS

  • Same caliber as a full-sized Ibanez bass.
  • Excellent for players with tiny hands is the scale length.

CONS

  • A round coiled string may buzz.
  • Pickup pole components cannot be adjusted.

Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X 

Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X 

The Jackson dinky Minion JS1X is ideal for novices, female musicians, people with small hands, or anyone who wants to move around the neck as effortlessly as a guitar because it also features a 28.6-inch scale. Its body is made of lightweight poplar and has a black satin finish. Thanks to the recognizable Jackson headstock and all-black gear, this guitar has a modern, space-age appearance.

Rods made of graphite are included in the bolt-on maple neck. It has a 12-inch radius and 22 jumbo frets on its Amaranth fingerboard, which also features shark fin inlays made of Pearloid. Individual string saddles and a black baseplate are features of the hardtail bridge. Jackson P Style offset neck pickup and Jackson J Style bridge pickup are the two single-coil pickups on the JS1X. A master tone control and individual volume controls for each pickup are included in the electronics. There is no case included.

PROS

  • There are 22 frets and a brief scale.

CONS

  • No case.

Squier by Fender Bronco Bass, Black with Maple Fingerboard

Squier by Fender Bronco Bass, Black with Maple Fingerboard

Fender’s entry-level guitar series is called Squier. Their 30-inch Bronco bass, built in Indonesia, is perfect for younger players, guitarists who occasionally play bass, and anyone else who appreciates the playability and sound of a short-scale bass. The body of the Bronco bass is made of Agathis, a softwood from the southern hemisphere that resembles basswood. This results in a relatively light instrument, albeit more prone to dents, and some screws may eventually come loose. It comes in black, white, or Race red with a black pickguard or Torino red with a white 3-ply pickguard.

PROS

  • Affordable bass in the Fender style.
  • A range of color choices.

CONS

  • Not the best Stratocaster pickup for bass.
  • The body of basswood is not as robust as most.
  • Due to the two-saddle bridge, precise intonation is challenging.
  • With 19 frets.

Hofner CGCVB VIOLIN STYLE BASS

Hofner CGCVB VIOLIN STYLE BASS

The Höfner CGVB Volin is a fully functional instrument that fits everywhere, including an airliner’s overhead bin. It weighs only 5.5 pounds and has a tiny, one-piece basswood body roughly 38 by 10 inches and 1.5 inches thick (2.5kg). It is exclusively offered in black. Also included is a gig bag.

It has a maple neck with an unusual 24 frets and a scale length of 29.9 inches (76 cm). You have easy access to the whole neck range because the wide-cutaway body is joined to it at the 18th fret. The Shorty can be prone to “neck diving” because of its light body weight; if you don’t hold it up, the neck will continue to descend. Individual string saddles are provided via a chrome bridge. Tuning devices have Pearloid buttons and are nickel-plated.

PROS

  • Original styling.
  • Light.
  • 24-tuned neck.
  • Includes gig bag.

CONS

  • Only one pickup.
  • “Neck dive” propensity

Conclusion

You can choose from two excellent pickups with very different aesthetics. It looks amazing and feels fantastic in the hands (which means you look great when you play it).

The Mustang PJ bass’s cost is the sole drawback. Of all the models examined, it is the priciest. What if your budget is tight? Or do you want a more compact and portable instrument?In such a situation, the is our runner-up. Bass Höfner Shorty HCT has a full 24-fret neck, two humbucking pickups, and a tonne of other features in a very portable size. Additionally, the Style lends it a distinct excellent element.

Whatever your spending limit or musical preferences, you should think about stocking up on a best short scale bass under $1000. You’ll find that it opens up many new tonal and technical options. Play bass with joy!

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