The Short Scale Bass Appreciation Society!

[fretmeister]

On 11/10/2025 at 16:08, BassApprentice said:

Not sure what or why, but I just wouldn't buy a Retrovibe. I guess I think they are quite expensive for what they are. Bitsa basses with a nice setup.

 

Every fender ever built is a bitsa.

[fretmeister]

On 31/10/2025 at 10:29, eude said:

 

Weird choice, but might be based on available string lengths, as I would guess the reverse headstock might let you have a full scale E string without any of the wound string on the tuner?
 

 

 

That feature really appeals to me - would massively increase the amount of strings that would fit - particularly flats.

 

The Ibanez Mezzo 4 string (32 scale) had the E string tuner relatively far from the nut so could take a wide variety of strings, but it was a small post so long scale flats would still break. Had to get specific medium scale ones. The 5 string mezzo was actually worse for string availability. I used Dunlop medium scale flats on that exclusively. Really lovely strings - but at about £90 they'd have to be!

 

Reverse headstock is a very easy solution to the problem. If I ever ordered a second Lionel I'd spec a reverse headstock for that reason.

[TheLowDown]

When using short scale strings, the E string always sounds somewhat dead and disconnected from the sound of the other 3 strings on my U5. Yesterday I used an old long scale E string strung-thru the body, and what a massive improvement! 

[Chienmortbb]

 

[MichaelDean]

I will second that video. I bought a pack of medium scale shorties strings off Merton (excellent seller BTW). They are just excellent. Stainless steel aren't normally my thing and I still think they're not, but these are less grabby than others I've tried. The E string on my Mustang has never sounded better. If you like rounds, give Newtone's shorty sets a go. They're a big step up in clarity from the D'Addarios I had on it. 

[MichaelDean]

Anyone need an Atelier shortie?

https://bassbros.co.uk/product/2024-atelier-z-baby-z-4j-vintage-2/

[BassApprentice]

If that was a 5 string I'd be very tempted 

[scrumpymike]

1 hour ago, MichaelDean said:

Anyone need an Atelier shortie?

https://bassbros.co.uk/product/2024-atelier-z-baby-z-4j-vintage-2/

That's a good price from a retailer!! I've had one of these and it was very nice indeed.

[msb]

Nice looking thing , priced reasonably. Now most things I’ve imported have come from the US , and a bargain is no longer a bargain after you factor in the exchange , duty , shipping , and occasional brokerage fees. I haven’t done any imports from the UK , yet …

[ped]

https://reverb.com/uk/item/93109785-atelier-z-zpo-4-jr-short-scale-natural

 

 

[ezbass]

13 minutes ago, ped said:

https://reverb.com/uk/item/93109785-atelier-z-zpo-4-jr-short-scale-natural

 

 

Ooffftt! 😍

[slowTwitch]

Anyone here got a Ibanez EHB1000S that's surplus to requirements? 

I've got Reverb, eBay, FB et-al covered.

[fretmeister]

3 minutes ago, slowTwitch said:

Anyone here got a Ibanez EHB1000S that's surplus to requirements? 

I've got Reverb, eBay, FB et-al covered.

 

There's a specific WANTED section in the classifieds that might get you better results than 1 post in a long thread about shorties.

 

Good luck!

[slowTwitch]

2 minutes ago, fretmeister said:

 

There's a specific WANTED section in the classifieds that might get you better results than 1 post in a long thread about shorties.

 

Good luck!

It's for supporting members only.

I may consider becoming a supporting member though - thanks.

[LeftyJ]

On 14/11/2025 at 15:46, ped said:

https://reverb.com/uk/item/93109785-atelier-z-zpo-4-jr-short-scale-natural

 

 

 

Those are little beasts! It was the predecessor to the Baby Z-4J, and it's specced very similarly but minus the neckdive and I believe with an EQ that's boost/cut instead of the boost-only job in the Baby Z. They're amazing little basses, and sound very modern and punchy. The 17 mm string spacing will not be for everyone. 

[BassApprentice]

Alpher making some very tasty looking classic styled basses...

[Woodinblack]

Love the alphers, but that seems a step back for me, certainly the brown one.

[BassApprentice]

I kind of understand what you mean - but they must be seeing how well the JMJ and other mustang models are doing and decided to do a similar model.

 

Don't worry, they still do the mad and wonderful stuff too (I'm sure they would do these in shorter scale too)

[fretmeister]

Great. Now I want a Mustang type.

 

Dagnabit.

[Clarky]

On 14/11/2025 at 14:46, ped said:

https://reverb.com/uk/item/93109785-atelier-z-zpo-4-jr-short-scale-natural

 

 

This is now significantly reduced in the Fenderfever sale, in case anyone was pondering it

 

edit: here https://fenderfever.com/products/atelier-z-zpo-4-jr-short-scale-natural?_pos=1&_fid=dfd8784d9&_ss=c

Edited 48 minutes ago by Clarky

[Chienmortbb]

I have a rotator cuff injury and cannot currently play my 34" basses. I have a U Bass (23") and it helps, but I am now looking at a 30". Not only that, but I am on a budget. I could probably stretch to £250, so what is worth getting?

 

A bit of info, the Kala U Bass Solid Body is not as good as any cheap bass I have bought in the last 10 years, so I have been looking at Ibanez, Hartwood, Harley Benton and looking for advice.