The Short Scale Bass Appreciation Society!

[Stub Mandrel]

None of those is a bad choice.

Shïte basses are pretty much a thing of the past.

[martthebass]

Out of those I’d probably go with the Mustang…it’s logical if you’re looking at a JMJ or Jap Mustang upgrade path.

[Stub Mandrel]

Me... I  enjoy having basses that (in general) feel and sound distinct from each other so not a Squier Mustang if a Fender Mustang is in the future.

 

Plus, check out all the videos of young kids shredding on 34" scale basses. Small build is not a valid reason to choose short scale, there are other more compelling reasons. 

[bassist_lewis]

10 hours ago, Linus27 said:

Hey everyone,

My 17 year old daughter has decided that she wants to learn to play bass. This obviously excites me as my son already plays Jazz piano and so I am very happy she has chosen bass. She does however have short arms as we've discovered from 5 years of karting and needing a variety of seat inserts. So a short scale is on the cards. Before justifying my man maths and going head first into either a Japanese Fender Mustang or a JMJ Mustang, I'm considering a starter bass for her. My choices are,

 

Squier Bronco

Harley Benton Mustang Copy

MarkBass Little Yellow

Squier Classic Vibe Mustang

 

Each one has differing price ranges so just asking for thoughts and opinions and any clear winners. Thanks in advance.

For the money, Broncos are great. In the event she changes her mind you haven't shelled out too much. On the other hand, if you get the Squier CV and she gives up you've got yourself a pretty nice new bass!

[Linus27]

9 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Me... I  enjoy having basses that (in general) feel and sound distinct from each other so not a Squier Mustang if a Fender Mustang is in the future.

 

Plus, check out all the videos of young kids shredding on 34" scale basses. Small build is not a valid reason to choose short scale, there are other more compelling reasons. 

 

We've already tried my 34" scale basses and some in shops and her arms are not long enough to reach the frets by the headstock. She has the nickname T-Rex because of her short arms. We've had the same problem for years in karting, if we get the pedals right, her arms can't reach the steering wheel but if we get the steering wheel right, her knees are too bent and she's too close to the pedals. We have to use a series of seat packs to get it right. It also doesn't help her elbows bend inwards where as most people's just stop when you straighten your arms.

[Obrienp]

If you can stretch a few more quid, the Sire U5 is a great little bass and very versatile.

 

In the value category, there is the Hartwood Delta from Gear4Music. Very similar to the HB Mustang look alike.

[Osiris]

12 hours ago, Linus27 said:

Hey everyone,

My 17 year old daughter has decided that she wants to learn to play bass. This obviously excites me as my son already plays Jazz piano and so I am very happy she has chosen bass. She does however have short arms as we've discovered from 5 years of karting and needing a variety of seat inserts. So a short scale is on the cards. Before justifying my man maths and going head first into either a Japanese Fender Mustang or a JMJ Mustang, I'm considering a starter bass for her. My choices are,

 

Squier Bronco

Harley Benton Mustang Copy

MarkBass Little Yellow

Squier Classic Vibe Mustang

 

Each one has differing price ranges so just asking for thoughts and opinions and any clear winners. Thanks in advance.

 

I've got one of the Harley Benton Mustangs and other than shielding it and upgrading the cheap pots it's stock and holds its own on a gig alongside my JMJ and Sandberg shorty. In fact, of the 3 it's my favourite sounding bass although the other two are no lightweights in tone - my 'Berg is fitted with an EMG Geezer Butler but the HB still holds its own. Mine is from the first run with the Gotoh machine heads. It has a slim, jazz profile neck too which might work better for you daughter than the slightly chunkier classic vibe neck - although I'm going from memory but there might be that much in the necks in a direct side by side...

[scrumpymike]

3 hours ago, Osiris said:

 

I've got one of the Harley Benton Mustangs and other than shielding it and upgrading the cheap pots it's stock and holds its own on a gig alongside my JMJ and Sandberg shorty. In fact, of the 3 it's my favourite sounding bass although the other two are no lightweights in tone - my 'Berg is fitted with an EMG Geezer Butler but the HB still holds its own. Mine is from the first run with the Gotoh machine heads. It has a slim, jazz profile neck too which might work better for you daughter than the slightly chunkier classic vibe neck - although I'm going from memory but there might be that much in the necks in a direct side by side...

+1 for the HB. These basses punch way above their weight in every respect. Err, except weight, that is 🙂 

[Linus27]

So I have gone ahead and ordered the HB for her along with the Fender short scale gig bag which had good reviews. Just looking at a small combo for her. I was going to get the 20w HB bass combo at £70 but the reviews didn't seem too good. So I'll keep my eye out for something second hand. After that, I'll probably change the strings to a lighter gauge as well once I've looked at what's available.

[Osiris]

55 minutes ago, scrumpymike said:

+1 for the HB. These basses punch way above their weight in every respect. Err, except weight, that is 🙂 

 

Yes, I probably should have mentioned the weight, it's around the same as my JMJ and noticeably heavier than the Sandberg but I do find it easily manageable with a wide strap.