Short Scale Basses

Unsung heroes of the bass guitar world, short scale bass guitars are enjoying a revival in recent years. Often paired with flat-wound strings, they don’t have as much low-end as their companion: the full scale bass guitar. Instead, they have a mid-range thump that cuts through the mix and gives any arrangement a real vintage vibe.

It would be remiss not to mention Paul McCartney, whose short-scale Hofner bass defined the sixties bass sound for so many. But he’s not the only one who favoured these instruments; Jack Bruce, Bill Wyman and Tina Weymouth all rocked these diminutive basses.

Short scale bass guitars are also popular now because of how comfortable they are to play. Children, beginners, and guitarists who just need a bass for recording all find them easier to handle than the traditional long scale bass guitar. Some of our best short scale bass guitars available include models from Squier, Gretsch and Music Man.

What Makes a Short Scale Bass Guitar Different?

• Thumpy vintage tone
• Short scale bass guitars are perfect for beginners
• Favourite for indie and pop music
• Comfortable to play due to their reduced scale length