Short Scale Bass Guitars: Perfect Picks for Smaller Hands

Short scale bass guitars offer a distinct advantage for both new and experienced players with their approximately 30-inch scale length—shorter than the standard 34 inches. 

This reduced size facilitates easier handling, particularly for those with smaller hands or beginners who might struggle with larger instruments. 

Short & Sweet: Discover the Finest Short Scale Bass Guitars!

While these basses are sometimes viewed as lacking the deep, resonant lows of their longer counterparts, many musicians, including notable players like Paul McCartney and Jack Bruce, have leveraged their warmer, more rounded tones to great effect. 

Ideal for anyone looking for a more manageable instrument without compromising on sound quality, short scale bass guitars are versatile and comfortable, making them a superb choice across various skill levels.

Name	Scale Length	Price Range	Beginner-Friendliness
Fender Mustang Bass PJ	30″	$550-$800	Excellent
Squier Mini Precision Bass	28.6″	$150-$200	Great
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro	28.6″	$179-$199	Great
Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass	32″	$250-$300	Great
Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X	28.6″	$150-$200	Good

1. Fender Mustang Bass PJ

The Fender Mustang Bass PJ offers a unique blend of classic style and modern versatility, making it an attractive option for bass players of all levels. This short-scale bass brings together the renowned vintage-inspired Mustang design with the tonal variety provided by its PJ pickup configuration, ensuring that it can cover a wide range of musical genres.

PROS:

• Great build quality and craftsmanship
• Dual pickup configuration (Precision and Jazz) for tonal versatility
• Comfortable short-scale neck for easier playability
• Lightweight design, ideal for long playing sessions

CONS:

• Some users may find the pickups lack a bit of output
• Limited features compared to higher-end models

Features:

• Playability: The Mustang Bass PJ features a short-scale length, making it easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands, and providing a slinkier feel that is great for fast playing and intricate lines.
• Versatility: Equipped with both P and J pickups, the bass offers a wide sonic palette. The P-style neck pickup delivers classic, punchy bass tones, while the J-style bridge pickup adds definition and growl. The 3-way switch allows for seamless blending of both pickups.
• Durability: Fender is renowned for its high-quality instruments, and the Mustang Bass PJ is no exception. It’s built to handle the rigors of both practice and performance.

Aesthetic:

The Mustang Bass PJ is available in several striking finishes, including Black, Sonic Blue, Olympic White, and Capri Orange. Its classic offset body shape and vintage styling elements, like the chrome control plate, provide a distinctive look that stands out on any stage.

Target Market:

The Mustang Bass PJ is ideal for a wide range of musicians, from beginners looking for an easier-to-play instrument to seasoned professionals seeking a reliable and versatile addition to their collection. Its affordable price point also makes it an excellent choice for players on a budget who do not want to compromise on quality.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Fender Mustang Bass PJ is a fantastic choice for players wanting a high-quality, versatile, and visually appealing bass. Its combination of a short-scale, comfortable playability, broad tonal options, and dependable build quality make it a standout instrument that can seamlessly fit into virtually any musical setting.

Our Review Of Fender Mustang Bass PJ 

The Fender Mustang Bass PJ presents a fantastic option for bassists seeking a blend of classic Fender quality and modern versatility. With its dual pickup configuration—Precision and Jazz—it allows players to explore a wide range of tones.

The short-scale neck, spanning 30 inches, makes it particularly suitable for beginners and those who prefer a lighter touch.

Its construction features a solid body and a neck built from maple, ensuring durability and a smooth playing experience. The combination of pickups offers a variety of tonal options that can suit various styles, from rock to funk, making it a versatile choice for players of all genres.

Additionally, the Mustang Bass PJ is comfortably lightweight, making it an excellent choice for extended playing sessions without fatigue.

Available in a variety of stunning finishes, the Mustang Bass PJ not only sounds great but looks impressive on stage and in the studio. Its sleek profile and classic Fender aesthetic will appeal to both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Fender Mustang Bass PJ Video Review

User Reviews Summary: Users celebrate the Fender Mustang Bass PJ for its tone and playability, particularly appreciating its lightweight design and shorter neck. Initial feedback is largely favorable, though some mention the need for adjustments to pickup settings for optimal performance.

Warranty Information: Fender offers a limited lifetime warranty on the Mustang Bass PJ, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner.

2. Squier Mini Precision Bass

The Squier Mini Precision Bass is designed as a short-scale version of Fender’s iconic Precision Bass, making it an excellent choice for young musicians, beginners, or anyone looking for a more compact and lightweight instrument. Despite its smaller size, this bass delivers impressive sound quality and playability, firmly establishing itself as a reliable option in the beginner’s market.

PROS:

• Compact size perfect for young players or travel
• Good build quality for the price
• Versatile tone with a single-coil pickup
• Lightweight and easy to handle

CONS:

• Limited tonal range due to single pickup configuration
• Smaller body may not appeal to everyone

Features:

• Playability: The Mini Precision Bass is designed for ease of play, particularly suited for younger players or those with smaller hands. Its shorter scale length and lightweight body provide a comfortable playing experience.
• Tone: Equipped with a standard split-coil pickup, it mirrors the classic Precision Bass sound, offering warm, punchy tones that are ideal for a variety of music genres.
• Portability: Its compact size and light weight make it an excellent choice for travel or for musicians who require a secondary, more portable instrument without sacrificing sound quality.

Aesthetic:

The bass is typically available in three finishes: Black, Olympic White, and Dakota Red. Each finish provides a traditional yet sleek look, appealing to a broad range of stylistic preferences.

Target Market:

The Squier Mini Precision Bass is ideal for young beginners who are starting to learn the bass guitar, as well as seasoned players looking for a smaller, travel-friendly instrument. Its price point and quality construction make it accessible while still delivering reliable performance.

Conclusion:

The Squier Mini Precision Bass stands out in the market for its excellent balance of price, quality, and playability. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first bass or a veteran needing a compact backup, this short-scale bass provides an excellent gateway into the classic Precision Bass experience. Its durable build and versatile sound ensure that it can hold its own across different playing situations and styles.

Links To Purchase Squier Mini Precision Bass:

Our Review Of Squier Mini Precision Bass

The Squier Mini Precision Bass is an excellent choice for beginners or players looking for a travel-friendly instrument. With its compact size, it offers a comfortable playing experience without sacrificing sound quality. The bass features a single-coil pickup that delivers a punchy tone, which is versatile enough for various music genres.

The build quality is impressive for the price, and it comes in an array of attractive colors. It’s lightweight, making it a breeze to play, especially for younger or smaller players. While it does have slight limitations in tonal variety compared to full-sized bass models, its simplicity and ease of use ensure it remains an appealing option for novices.

The Mini Precision Bass is not only functional but also comes with a sleek design that reflects the classic aesthetics of the Precision Bass lineage. Its smaller body and shorter scale length make it an appealing option for those who may find standard basses cumbersome.

Squier Mini Precision Bass Video Review:

User Reviews Summary: Reviewers generally acclaim the Squier Mini Precision Bass for its playability and tone, especially praising it as an ideal starter instrument. Most users appreciate its compact size, but some express a desire for more tonal options.

Warranty Information: Fender/Squier typically offers a limited warranty against defects in materials and craftsmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.

3. Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro

The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is a compact, lightweight electric bass guitar designed for beginners and players with smaller hands. Its shorter scale length and reduced size make it a popular choice for younger musicians, travelers, or anyone needing a more portable bass option without sacrificing sound quality.

PROS:

• Compact and lightweight design, perfect for smaller players
• Great sound versatility due to the powerful pickup configuration
• Comfortable neck profile that facilitates easy playability
• Available in multiple attractive finishes

CONS:

• Some users recommend upgrading the strings for better tone
• May require adjustment for optimal action and playability out of the box

Features:

• Playability: The GSRM20 Mikro’s shorter scale length and smaller body make it incredibly easy to play. This is especially beneficial for younger players or musicians seeking an instrument that’s easy on the hands.
• Versatility: Equipped with both a P-style and a J-style pickup, this bass offers a range of tonal options suitable for various musical genres from rock to funk.
• Durability: Despite its entry-level price, the GSRM20 Mikro boasts solid construction and reliability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular practice and performance.

Aesthetic:

This bass is available in several eye-catching finishes, including Black, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, and more, giving players the freedom to choose a look that complements their personal style.

Target Market:

The GSRM20 Mikro is perfect for beginners, younger players, and those looking for a travel-friendly bass. It also serves as an excellent secondary instrument for seasoned bassists who need a smaller, more portable option.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is an excellent choice for anyone needing a smaller, easier-to-handle bass without compromising on quality or tone. Its combination of affordability, portability, and versatility makes it an outstanding option for a wide range of players.

Links To Purchase Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro:

• https://www.amazon.com/Ibanez-GSRM20-Mikro-Electric-4-String/dp/B00F8BQQO8
• https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/GSRM20-Mikro-4-String-Bass-Guitar.gc

Our Review Of Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro

The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is an ideal instrument for those seeking a compact bass guitar with quality sound and playability.

This model is particularly suited for younger players or those with smaller frames, as it features a shorter scale length that enhances ease of play.

The powerful humbucker pickup delivers a versatile tonal range suitable for various musical styles from rock to funk.

The bass features a poplar body and a maple neck, providing a satisfying balance of brightness and warmth in tone.

With its smooth playability, the GSRM20 caters to both beginners and experienced players looking for a fun instrument to explore different genres.

The simplified control layout allows for quick adjustments on the fly, making it a user-friendly option for all players.

The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is also available in various colors including classic black and vibrant red, ensuring a stylish look for every player.

Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Video Review:

User Reviews Summary: User feedback on the GSRM20 Mikro is largely positive, with many players emphasizing its lightweight design and comfortable neck. It is frequently praised as an excellent starter bass for children and smaller players, while still providing good tone and versatility for more seasoned musicians.

Warranty Information: Ibanez generally provides a 1-year warranty on their bass guitars, covering defects in materials and workmanship, though it is advisable to check with the retailer for specific terms.

4. Squier Affinity Jaguar Bass H

The Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass is a well-regarded instrument in the entry-level bass guitar market, known for offering solid performance, quality construction, and classic design features at an affordable price. It’s part of Fender’s Squier brand, which is renowned for delivering accessible versions of legendary Fender models.

PROS:

• Excellent build quality for the price point
• Versatile tone capability
• Comfortable and easy-to-play neck
• Available in a variety of attractive finishes

CONS:

• Some users report needing a professional setup out of the box
• Limited tonal options compared to more expensive models

Features:

• Playability: The Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass features a shorter 32-inch scale length, offering a comfortable playing experience, especially suited for individuals with smaller hands or those preferring faster action.
• Versatility: With its Jaguar pickups, the Jaguar Bass delivers a wide range of tones, making it suitable for various genres from rock to funk.
• Durability: Known for solid construction, Squier instruments can endure regular practice and performance.

Aesthetic:

Available in several sleek finishes such as Black, Lake Placid Blue, and Burgundy Mist, the Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass has a modern yet classic look. The combination of a gloss finish with chrome hardware enhances its visual appeal.

Target Market:

The Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass is particularly aimed at beginners and intermediate players seeking a reliable and versatile instrument without a hefty price tag. It also serves well as a backup bass for experienced musicians.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Squier Affinity Jaguar Bass H is a great entry-level instrument that combines quality, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, making it ideal for new players and gigging musicians alike.

Links To Purchase Squier Affinity Jaguar Bass H:

Our Review Of Squier Affinity Jaguar Bass H

The Squier Affinity Jaguar Bass H offers an impressive range of tones and playability, making it a great choice for beginners looking to explore different musical styles. Its shorter scale length enhances comfort, while the quality construction ensures reliability. The instrument’s aesthetic is appealing, with various color options available, and it stands out in both performance and practice settings.

Squier Affinity Jaguar Bass H Video Review:

User Reviews Summary: Users generally express positive sentiments about the Squier Affinity Jaguar Bass H, highlighting its build quality, comfort, and tonal versatility. Many reviews suggest that it’s an excellent instrument for both beginners and more experienced players seeking a solid and affordable bass.

Warranty Information: Squier typically provides a limited warranty on their instruments, covering defects in materials and workmanship. It is advisable to check specific warranty details at the time of purchase to ensure the best understanding of coverage.

5. Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X

The Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X is a compact, lightweight bass guitar designed with younger players or those looking for a portable, short-scale instrument in mind. Despite its smaller size, the JS1X offers the distinctive tone and playability that Jackson is known for, making it a great option for beginners and seasoned players alike searching for a reliable secondary bass.

PROS:

• Compact size makes it ideal for younger players or those with smaller hands
• Features a high-output Jackson humbucker pickup for powerful tonal options
• Sleek design and attractive finishes available
• Affordable price point for a quality bass

CONS:

• Some users may find the shorter scale length limiting for certain playing styles
• Limited tonal controls compared to higher-end models

Features:

• Playability: The short 28.6-inch scale and lightweight poplar body make the JS1X extremely manageable for younger players or anyone who prefers a more compact instrument. The neck’s profile and smooth finish also contribute to a comfortable playing experience.
• Versatility: Equipped with both P and J style Jackson pickups, the bass delivers a variety of tones, ranging from deep, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs, suitable for numerous genres including rock, metal, and funk.
• Durability: Built with Jackson’s renowned quality, the JS1X features a robust design that ensures it can withstand the demands of regular practice and gigging.

Aesthetic:

The Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X is available in eye-catching finishes such as Pavo Purple, Neon Green, and Satin Black. Its classic Jackson headstock and sharkfin inlays add a touch of bold style reminiscent of the brand’s iconic electric guitars.

Target Market:

The JS1X Minion is ideal for young beginners, players with smaller hands, or those needing a travel-friendly bass. It also serves as an excellent secondary instrument for more experienced musicians who need a versatile and portable option.

Conclusion:

For anyone seeking a small-scale bass guitar that doesn’t compromise on quality or tone, the Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X is a stellar choice. Its blend of excellent playability, versatile sound options, and attractive design makes it a standout option in its price range.

Links To Purchase Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X:

Our Review Of Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X

The Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X is a fantastic entry-level bass that caters to younger players or those seeking a more compact instrument. It features a high-output Jackson humbucker pickup that delivers a powerful and versatile tone, making it suitable for various musical styles. The bass’s lightweight design contributes to its comfort during extended playing sessions.

With a 28.6-inch scale length, it is specifically designed for easy playability, which is a major plus for beginners or those who might struggle with a standard size bass. While the shorter scale may limit certain playing styles or techniques, it’s ideal for practice and developing foundational skills.

The overall construction of the JS1X is solid, with a sleek design and attractive finishes that make it visually appealing. The price point is highly competitive, providing good value for those just starting their journey in bass playing.

Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X Video Review:

User Reviews Summary: Users generally praise the Jackson JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X for its value, comfortable playability, and robust sound through its humbucker pickup. Many players note its suitability for beginners while also being a great travel or practice bass for more experienced musicians.

Warranty Information: Jackson offers a limited lifetime warranty for the JS Series Concert Bass Minion JS1X, covering defects in materials and workmanship.