Small bass for cramped public transport

[zonular]

Long story short I'm looking at picking up a smaller bass to bring with me on a tram and a couch ride (to and from work) to get to practice.

 

I want to keep it on the cheaper side so no mayones mini bass here.

If I can order it direct the better as waiting for a 2nd hand item local is a pain.

 

Debating between the following

1. Harley benton pb shorty 30" scale

2. J&d short scale bass 29" scale

3. Flight mini bass 

3 u bass

 

I'm not sure if the difference of 30 Vs 29 inch scales would impact string choice either.

 

Is there anything I haven't thought of?

[Earbrass]

https://www.andertons.co.uk/hils-hnb3-headless-shortscale-bass--satin-black/

 

At £499, it may depend on your definition of "the cheaper side".

 

Edited 4 hours ago by Earbrass

[itu]

Any headless is about the length of a g-word. If your background is violins, and your fingers understand very short scales, a fretless Guild Ashbory is small. 

[BassApprentice]

JB-62CC Mini SP - Harley Benton https://share.google/PcjFJeHxomT5Dheq6

 

A 23inch scale Jazz bass might do the trick?

Edited 4 hours ago by BassApprentice

[zonular]

49 minutes ago, Earbrass said:

https://www.andertons.co.uk/hils-hnb3-headless-shortscale-bass--satin-black/

 

At £499, it may depend on your definition of "the cheaper side".

 

 

Around and under 200 quid.

If it's a gig bag on a bus, I don't want to be worried about dings

 

27 minutes ago, BassApprentice said:

JB-62CC Mini SP - Harley Benton https://share.google/PcjFJeHxomT5Dheq6

 

A 23inch scale Jazz bass might do the trick?

I didn't know Harley benton offered a mini,

Need to check out string availability 

[prowla]

I have an Ashbory (Fender) and I find it a completely different instrument to a bass, so I'm not sure how practicing on it would be particularly beneficial.

I'd suggest a Steinberger Spirit or Hohner full-scale headless bass.

(My Rickenberger.)

[prowla]

Ah, sorry: mis-read...

You want to play it on the bus/train/tram.

That could be annoying for the other passengers.

[zonular]

10 minutes ago, prowla said:

Ah, sorry: mis-read...

You want to play it on the bus/train/tram.

That could be annoying for the other passengers.

God no, it's making travelling as easy as possible, the bus is cramped and I wouldn't dare bring my normal gig bag / j bass with me on it

[zonular]

45 minutes ago, BassApprentice said:

JB-62CC Mini SP - Harley Benton https://share.google/PcjFJeHxomT5Dheq6

 

A 23inch scale Jazz bass might do the trick?

Looks like a limited run 😕 

[pineweasel]

The Blackstar mini bass always looked quite nifty to me: https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Blackstar-Carry-On-Travel-Bass-Guitar-ST-White/5GY5

[prowla]

1 hour ago, zonular said:

God no, it's making travelling as easy as possible, the bus is cramped and I wouldn't dare bring my normal gig bag / j bass with me on it

🙂
In that case, the Spirit.

Alternatively, you could go for a (Steinberger Spirit) guitar and learn come complimentary skills.

[Aalin]

I have noticed that for me, in case of, could always have a look
https://snap-dragon-guitars.com/products/snap-dragon-e-bass

 

[bassbiscuits]

At the very cheap end is a Tanglewood Elfin bass, or Squier do a mini precision bass. 
 

I have a Tanglewood Elfin and it’s merely ok, rather than brilliant. It’s something like 26” which is really short for a bass. 
 

Cheap and fairly cheerful tho. 

[zonular]

44 minutes ago, bassbiscuits said:

At the very cheap end is a Tanglewood Elfin bass, or Squier do a mini precision bass. 
 

I have a Tanglewood Elfin and it’s merely ok, rather than brilliant. It’s something like 26” which is really short for a bass. 
 

Cheap and fairly cheerful tho. 

What do you do for strings? Short scale ok or cutting down?

 

Tbh this for a season of busy work, to have a grab and go bag, mini bass, bdi21, clip on tuner and di cable