The 30 best short scale bass brands in 2026
SX, Ibanez and G&L lead our ranking of 30 short scale bass brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Short Scale Bass brands, ranked
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1
SX
Good music can soothe you best even when you are at your worst. If you wish to play some fine tunes on a guitar, why not try SX Guitars? SX Guitars is a renowned brand of guitars from Australia. These guitars are known for their excellent sound quality. The brand has the perfect guitar for everyone, whether a pro or an amateur. SX also produces specially handmade guitars according to customer demands. Or perhaps you want to pick from a standard series. In that case, you can avail the best quality from whichever type you want, whether acoustic, electric, or electro-acoustic.
Website: sx-guitar.com |Brands like SX
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Ibanez
Ibanez is a Japanese company known for its quality guitars that come in various types. Their products are famous in countries like China and the US and also well known in Indonesia. Electric and Acoustic are a few from their catalog, and they also sell other items like Tuners and Amps. The brand guarantees sound quality, and musical professionals use its guitars. They also sell electronic items like Speakers that are also of professional quality.
Website: ibanez.com |Brands like Ibanez
Popularity 9.0/10
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3
G&L
G&L is one of the famous brands for guitars and basses production and sale. For years, it has been serving the musicians with its unique, classic, shinny, and mesmerizing designs and functionality. It blends the latest technology with the old and antique craftsmanship. The resulting instruments are the best outcomes produced by the best artwork and determination towards detailing and function. The kind of dedication of this company towards its work is unbeatable, and that's why this brand has a recognizable position among the people's preferences.
Website: glguitars.com |Brands like G&L
Popularity 9.0/10
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4
Sterling by Music Man
Sterling by Music Man opens up a world of incredible instruments that bring your creative aspirations' look, feel, and sound. A proud leader in inexpensive, innovative guitars. All Sterling by Music Man instruments is produced with passion and integrity at their state-of-the-art factory in South Korea. They're from the same family as their more expensive counterparts. However, with a few crucial differences: they're made with lower-cost components and woods to keep costs down while still delivering excellent performance.
Website: sterlingbymusicman.com |Brands like Sterling by Music Man
Popularity 9.0/10
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5
Fender
Leo Fender’s ambition was to design an instrument that was functional and easy to operate. With that in mind, he created a unique guitar. Fender guitars prioritized volume and fun tones when used. Going back to as far as 1946, Fender has revolutionized the music industry worldwide in practically every genre. Moreover, many people, from hobbyists and amateurs to acclaimed artists, have utilized Fender products, which should assure you of its quality.
Website: fender.com |Brands like Fender
Popularity 8.5/10
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6
Gretsch
It's the story of a firm that started making drums in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York. Gretsch has grown into one of the world's most well-known producers of expert drums and percussion instruments. Artists of many genres and generations have paid tribute to them. Many of today's most prominent guitarists and bands choose Gretsch guitars. You can now figure out why. Visit their site to see what they have to present, including an extensive range of guitars and basses, free video tutorials, artist exhibits, background, and more.
Website: gretschguitars.com |Brands like Gretsch
Popularity 7.4/10
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7
Mitchell
Some things remain constant. John Paul Mitchell Systems' co-founder and chairperson, John Paul DeJoria, and co-owner Angus Mitchell continue to steer the firm in the same direction as when it was founded. Despite offers to sell from public firms, the decline is due to their founding commitment to support the expert beauty industry. They are among the most well-known and respected brands in the industry. Their award-winning staff collaborates with salon professionals all around the globe to teach new skills and inspire creativity. Stylists who the founder has trained have superior knowledge and an unrivaled passion for their profession.
Website: paulmitchell.com |Brands like Mitchell
Popularity 6.7/10
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8
Squier by Fender
One of the renounced and world’s leading manufacturing brands of guitars is named Fender. This brand provides everything related to guitar instruments, which can be electrical or non-electrical. For electronic guitars, it has a vast collection of the most resilient and robust products associated with various high-end brands like Mustang, Jaguar, Jazzmaster, and many others, available in multiple series. Other products include basses, acoustics, electronic parts, lifestyle, merchandise, and many more. The designs prepared for the outlook of its products are classic, stylish, and aesthetically presented at a considerable price range.
Website: shop.fender.com |Brands like Squier by Fender
Popularity 6.0/10
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9
Gear4music
Founded in 2003, Gear4music is considered to be the leading retailer when it comes to musical instruments. They source products from the best brands and sell them only after ensuring that the products are in perfect condition. They are a...
Website: gear4music.com |Brands like Gear4music
Popularity 5.2/10
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10
Gibson
Gibson makes tableware, flatware, cookware, glasses, tea sets, kitchen equipment and gadgets, and various tables and housewares. Gibson offers tailored solutions to the world's biggest retailers in every type of trade via its family of national chains and private label...
Website: gibsonusa.com |Brands like Gibson
Popularity 4.3/10
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11
Jackson
Jacksons Fencing is a British fencing manufacturer with headquarters in Stowting Common, Kent, near Ashford. Jacksons Fencing has an online store with over 1,300 items that enable clients to determine the quantity of fencing, decking, gates, and accessories they would...
Website: jacksons-fencing.co.uk |Brands like Jackson
Popularity 4.3/10
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12
Stagg
Music is life itself. Stagg makes it more beautiful by manufacturing musical instruments for all the musicians. Its mission is to offer superior instruments, audio and lighting, and accessories at an affordable cost. They have guitars, cymbals and percussion, band,...
Website: staggmusic.com |Brands like Stagg
Popularity 4.3/10
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13
Nash
Nash Guitars is famously known for its vintage guitars. These guitars are handmade for the modern players who want to bring back the classic look of the vintage guitars. They can make the exact replicas of the desired guitar and...
Website: nashguitars.com |Brands like Nash
Popularity 4.3/10
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14
Cort
CORT is a leading nationwide furniture rental, staging, and apartment relocation service. Customers rely on them for furniture rental for home, business, and short-term projects. For all of your furniture needs, they provide both short and long-term rentals with various...
Website: cort.com |Brands like Cort
Popularity 4.3/10
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15
Danelectro
Danelectro was established long ago to provide all guitars to musical learners and artists. The company also provides guitar accessories to the customers. If you are looking for a retro guitar or even a modern one, then the chances are...
Website: danelectro.com |Brands like Danelectro
Popularity 4.3/10
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16
Teisco
Teisco was created in Japan by urban musicians who wanted to revolutionize music by distorting its rigid patterns. With years of experience in changing the status quo, their range of sound-altering products has been helping the unconventional musicians find their...
Website: teisco.com |Brands like Teisco
Popularity 4.3/10
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17
Fender Japan
Fender offers high-quality guitars for every musical genre. With an experience of over seventy-five years, Fender is known for transforming music through chords and strings of its guitars. The company provides electric, acoustic, and other guitars per the musicians' needs...
Website: shop.fender.com |Brands like Fender Japan
Popularity 4.3/10
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18
Encore Electronics
Encore Electronics is a world-class manufacturing and engineering firm that draws on its mechanical design, electrical design, and software development strengths. Encore provides a comprehensive range of value-added services at reasonable prices, including electronics design and development, PCB assembly, mechanical...
Website: encore-elec.com |Brands like Encore Electronics
Popularity 3.0/10
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19
Harmony
Harmony has been harmonizing for so many years that they are now synonymous with music. They have been in operation since 1892, which makes them a company standing for more than a century. They make musical instruments that are one...
Website: harmony.co |Brands like Harmony
Popularity 3.0/10
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20
Grassroots
Grass roots are one of the pioneers in developing the best facial and skin care solutions for customers worldwide and made the beauty industry one of the most on-sought brands. Beauty industry entrepreneurs band together to build something unique, valuable,...
Website: grassrootsskin.com |Brands like Grassroots
Popularity 3.0/10
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21
Huntington
Designing fashionable faucets and fixtures for more than 30 years, .it has sophisticated styles and superior quality. These sleek upgrades to your space come at a very pocket-friendly rate. Putting its customers first, the brand has been curating unique products...
Website: huntingtonbrass.com |Brands like Huntington
Popularity 3.0/10
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22
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball is the world's most well-known manufacturer of premium-quality electric guitar strings, bassline strings, and guitar gear. Ernie Ball has been a leader in string manufacture and design for almost 50 years. Ernie Ball continues to manufacture lines that...
Website: ernieball.com |Brands like Ernie Ball
Popularity 3.0/10
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23
Cordoba
Music is a pure source that blows life to words and emotions, and therefore, the organic beauty and honesty of instruments should be maintained, understanding which Cordoba sets forth the range of acoustic instruments that blends evolution and traditional craftmanship....
Website: cordobaguitars.com |Brands like Cordoba
Popularity 3.0/10
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24
EKO
Eko was founded in 1959 in Castelfidardo by Oliviero Pigini who kickstarted the company by producing traditional acoustic guitars and small archtop guitars. It aims at providing a vast range of guitars that are consistent in their standard of quality...
Website: ekoguitars.it |Brands like EKO
Popularity 3.0/10
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25
Framus
Framus & Warwick is a distributor center of musical instruments and accessories located in the USA. Framus & Warwick have distinguished themselves among the leading brands under this category by providing professional-level musical instruments and accessories at a very reasonable...
Website: framuswarwickusa.com |Brands like Framus
Popularity 3.0/10
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26
Schecter
Schecter is a company that manufactures custom-made musical instruments for the customers. They have set up their base in more than 150 countries. They deliver quality instruments and other musical components at a very reasonable price. A lot of great...
Website: schecterguitars.com |Brands like Schecter
Popularity 3.0/10
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27
Eastwood
Established by guitarists for guitarists, Eastwood specializes in all types of guitars and guitar accessories. They have multiple series of guitars, amongst which the Warren Ellis series has a special place. You can also customize your guitar design from Eastwood...
Website: eastwoodguitars.com |Brands like Eastwood
Popularity 3.0/10
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28
Greco
株式会社 神田商会 - Kanda Shokai Corporation 神田商会は老舗ブランドの「Zemaitis」「Greco」をはじめ「D'Angelico」「Rotosound」「Grover」といった世界の有名ブランドの楽器を取扱います。
Website: greco.jp |Brands like Greco
Popularity 3.0/10
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29
Hagstrom
Since the early 60s, Hagstrom has been producing incredible electric guitars. Hagstrom is a Swedish manufacturer of high-quality instruments at a reasonable price. There are many different guitars to pick from, from acoustics to electrics, and they offer something for...
Website: hagstromguitars.com |Brands like Hagstrom
Popularity 3.0/10
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30
Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly Guitars was established in 1999 and has always followed a special route. Acoustic basses and mandolins from the Michael Kelly Dragonfly collection quickly gained notoriety and were difficult to find. They attracted musicians with their distinctive appearance, and...
Website: michaelkellyguitars.com |Brands like Michael Kelly
Popularity 3.0/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX | sx-guitar.com | – | – | – | – |
| Ibanez | ibanez.com | – | – | – | – |
| G&L | glguitars.com | /clfresearch | clfresearch | @gandlguitars | – |
| Sterling by Music Man | sterlingbymusicman.com | /SterlingbyMusicMan | sterlingbymusicman | @sterlingbymm | ernieballinc |
| Fender | fender.com | /Fender | fender | @Fender | fendermusical |
| Gretsch | gretschguitars.com | /GretschGuitars | officialgretsch | @gretschusa | gretschguitars |
| Mitchell | paulmitchell.com | /PaulMitchellHairCareUS | PaulMitchell | @PaulMitchellUS | – |
| Squier by Fender | shop.fender.com | /Fender | fender | @Fender | fendermusical |
| Gear4music | gear4music.com | /Gear4music | gear4music | @gear4music | gear4music1 |
| Gibson | gibsonusa.com | /GibsonOverseas | gibsonoverseas | @Gibson_Overseas | Gibson Overseas |
Short Scale Bass Buying Guide
A short scale bass is a type of bass guitar that features a shorter neck and smaller body compared to a traditional bass guitar. These types of basses are popular among beginners, those with smaller hands, and those who prefer a more comfortable playing experience. If you're in the market for a short scale bass, this guide will provide you with information on what to look for when buying one.
Types of Short Scale Basses
There are several types of short scale basses available on the market. Here are the most common types:
Electric Short Scale Basses
Electric short scale basses are the most popular type of short scale bass. They are used in a wide range of genres including rock, pop, and jazz music. These types of basses typically have a solid body and are designed to be used with an amplifier. Electric short scale basses are typically more affordable than other types of basses.
Acoustic Short Scale Basses
Acoustic short scale basses are designed to be played without an amplifier. They are commonly used for unplugged performances and rehearsals. Acoustic short scale basses have a hollow body which produces a warmer and more natural sound. These types of basses are typically more expensive than electric short scale basses.
Semi-Hollow Short Scale Basses
Semi-hollow short scale basses have a partially hollow body which produces a unique tone. These types of basses are commonly used in jazz and blues music. Semi-hollow short scale basses are typically more expensive than electric short scale basses, but less expensive than acoustic short scale basses.
Important Features to Consider
When buying a short scale bass, there are several features to consider. Here are some of the most important features:
Neck Width
The neck width of a bass is the distance between the top and bottom of the fretboard. A narrower neck width is ideal for those with smaller hands. A wider neck width is ideal for those with larger hands. If you're unsure which width you prefer, try playing basses with different neck widths to see which one feels most comfortable.
Number of Frets
The number of frets on a bass determines how high you can play on the neck. Most short scale basses have between 20 and 24 frets. If you plan to play higher notes, you may want to consider a bass with more frets. However, if you don't plan to play higher notes, a bass with fewer frets may be sufficient.
Body Material
The body material of a bass affects its sound and durability. Different materials produce different tones. For example, a bass with a mahogany body produces a warm and rich tone, while a bass with an ash body produces a bright and punchy tone. Choose a body material that suits the style of music you plan to play. In addition, consider the durability of the material. Some materials are more prone to scratches and dents than others.
Pickups
Pickups are the electronic components that convert the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal that can be amplified. There are two main types of pickups: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups produce a bright and clear tone. Humbucker pickups produce a warmer and more distorted tone. Consider which type of pickup best suits your playing style and the type of music you plan to play.
Bridge
The bridge of a bass is the part that anchors the strings to the body. There are several types of bridges available, including fixed bridges, floating bridges, and vibrato bridges. Fixed bridges are the most common and are preferred by those who want a stable and reliable tuning. Floating bridges and vibrato bridges are preferred by those who like to experiment with different tunings and effects.
Hardware
The hardware of a bass, including the tuners, knobs, and switches, affect the overall functionality and playability of the instrument. Choose hardware that is durable and easy to use. Check that the tuners hold tuning well and that the knobs and switches are easy to manipulate while playing.
Price Range
The price of a short scale bass varies depending on the type, brand, and features. Electric short scale basses are generally the most affordable, with prices ranging from $200 to $1000. Acoustic short scale basses are typically the most expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $3000. Semi-hollow short scale basses fall in the middle range, with prices ranging from $700 to $2000.
Popular Brands
Here are some popular brands of short scale basses:
Fender
Fender is a well-known brand in the music industry, producing high-quality basses for over 70 years. Fender offers a wide range of short scale basses, including the Mustang, Duo-Sonic, and Jaguar basses.
Epiphone
Epiphone is a subsidiary of Gibson and produces affordable yet high-quality short scale basses. Their EB-0 bass is a classic model that has been popular for decades.
Squier
Squier is another brand owned by Fender. Squier offers affordable short scale basses that are ideal for beginners. Their Classic Vibe series is a popular choice among musicians.
Gretsch
Gretsch is a brand known for producing high-quality hollow body guitars. They also produce a range of short scale basses, including the G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet.
Conclusion
A short scale bass can be a great option for those who prefer a more comfortable playing experience or have smaller hands. When buying a short scale bass, consider the type, features, and price range. Try out different basses to find one that feels comfortable and produces the tone you desire. With the right short scale bass, you can produce high-quality sound and enjoy playing for years to come.
