19 short scale basses compared | Susi Lotter | Thomann

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Listen back/compare: 00:08 Marcus Miller 08:41 Squier 00:58 HB 09:33 Ibanez 01:50 Squier 10:24 Epiphone 02:40 Sterling 11:15 HB 03:32 G&L 12:07 Hofner 04:26 Danelectro 13:01 Ibanez 05:20 Spector 13:48 Gold Tone 06:13 Ibanez 14:40 Fender 07:01 Gretsch 15:36 Fender 07:51 Gibson

[@thewaldfe9763]

No Duesenberg 😵‍💫

[@VarionJimmy]

Thanks for the instrument list and time marks. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ramonburchell6366]

Thanks mate

[@Jkaterchannel]

Much appreciated.

[@aripakipaina]

Spector sound good

[@lornemccauley6409]

I've listened to several of these bass comparison videos lately. Most of which the player wasn't playing consistent rhythms or styles, or they were playing ego trips which focused on their playing as opposed to the instrument comparison. Thank you for playing similarly techniques throughout AND for playing so well. Your playing wasn't an ego trip but rock solid and enjoyable which in the end is the job of a good bass player.

[@seppoinnanen5577]

A common problem especially with effect pedal videos... to me the worst ones are where someone plays the bass tapping just high notes 🙄 But this clip was informative

[@davidodea5881]

Do you play..?!

[@lornemccauley6409]

@@davidodea5881 Do I play?!!... That's a matter of opinion;) I'm actually a guitarist. I have a cheap Yamaha bass but am looking for a new one. Now I am about to say something sacrilegious.... I don't like the sound of P-basses. I never have. There, I said it! Let the world judge me.

[@supermariomtz]

@@lornemccauley6409 Ye shall be judged with fervor!

[@matfix1258]

I'm a Keyboard player who plays Short Scale Bass because of my condition, but I also cheat on an old strat I have, out of these I have a hard time picking the winners, but Stingray, Gibson SG and G&L Fallout sounded really good. I don't want a SC with a small body since I'm 6'1"+ 🤔🙄

[@fowlkeskm]

Something about the sound and growl of that Sterling makes me love those things!

[@ruannlarson2412]

That Spector!!! The sound is so great!!!

[@adambidas9425]

Sterling, Spector, g&l and Ibanez headless sounded the best. Honorable mention to that hofner. Slapping on a violin bass and making it sound good? Susi you rock!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thank you!

[@VarionJimmy]

Totally agree!

[@asharpbflat7179]

Yep, the G&L does it for me. Since I won't be able to afford the Spector as just a third Bass. I'm really looking for a short scale rn. Also had the headless Ibanez in mind. It's probably either gonna be the G&L or the Ibanez, unless I find something incredible, but the short scale market is small unfortunately. Looks almost don't matter to me anymore, not for basses and especially not for short scales. Although all mustangs/broncos look sweet I have to admit.

[@Durmomo0]

The hofner sounded surprisingly great. I think it had flatwounds as well. I love the musicman.

[@orbinsolem]

yeee this convinced me on the sterling

[@luigi.zanini]

Squier Mustang CV60 best sound 8:41 Fender Vintera 60 Mustang 14:39 Fender JMJ Mustang 15:35

[@justanothernoobe]

thank you for being so patient and giving a real "apples with apples" comparison. It would be great to get your opinion on each bass' playability and your rating.

[@rkid727]

I own the Justin Johnsen mustang. By far my favorite bass when recording or playing live. So much low end that sits very well in the mix.

[@mofateam1]

That´s my favourite bass too. I´m saving up atm to buy one.

[@dazzer1730]

Yep me too. Such a powerful sound. It out p-basses my p-bass!!!

[@jellyboy123]

i’m saving up for one too putting away 100 a month.@@mofateam1

[@goforthpatrick]

Thanks for comparing the three violin basses back to back!!! Really helpful in my search for the right one.

[@katalinsomfai7666]

And what is your opinion about it? Does a German Hofner worths the price difference? Did you chose your violin bass yet? I’m hesitating between the viola and hofner ignition.

[@lexzbuddy]

Hey, thanks for the video. Really great to see something like this, a broad range of instruments and a broad range of prices all in one plaace. I particularly like the fact you just played the instuments and didn't spend 1/2 an hour telling me the bass has pickups, a neck a this and a that. Very much appreciated and would really like to see more demos of guitars, basses, amps and pedals done this way. Incredibly useful indeed. I'm rather hoping, come christmass time, Santa leaves me a G&L. I had no idea I'd like it so much and this format works great for me. So, a big thank you.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I own the Sterling Stingray and absolutely love it. It has exceeded my expectations . . . ( however ) this is Proof that a good-musician can make Music with any Instrument. Great job with this comparison. oNe LovE from NYC

[@Nikosi9]

Where was the "music"? I didn't hear any...

[@oystersquadmilk7757]

​@@Nikosi9haha wow ur soooo clever 🎉🎉

[@Nikosi9]

@@oystersquadmilk7757 Nah! Just truthful...

[@paulreilly4510]

Thanks for the run. My ear favorites were in this order: Marcus Miller, Sterling, J&L, SG, the surprising Spector, and the Fender Vintera Mustang. I own the Gretsch and had an SG bass a long time ago. Might get another one. The shocker was the Gold Tone. Looks great and has a really cool sound.

[@VarionJimmy]

Apparently, to play bass with slap technique is like football: It awakens the hate in some people. And we wonder why there’s war in the world…….. Thank you Thomann for the love. When I play or listen to other people play, I feel comfort and compassion, company and warmth. So I can rest and gather the strength needed for another day. And then another. Merry Christmas! ⛄️🤗

[@edgarmatias]

The Danelectro sounds great - especially on the pulls

[@michaelanthony9068]

That G&L Fallout Bass has great tone.

[@brandonmason388]

I have powerful lust in my heart for the Fender JMJ Mustang. And now that’s to the video I’m gonna need a Goldtone ME-Bass

[@eldorado5319]

I'm looking for a short scale for a while now so thank youy Susi 😘The G&L is the one for me. 😍

[@MikePonzelar]

always the lovely JMJ Mustang with his great color!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Jkaterchannel]

Gretsch g2220 Jr. Jet is my favorite. The only one with no fret noise which suggest an excellent fretwork and set-up. Sounds great. Also it seems to sit very well without a strap.

[@SisterRose]

Easy favourites for me were the Harley Benton Mustang style bass(beat the hell out of the first 2 actual Fender/Squier Mustangs!) and the Mini Stringray, the Mustang at the end and the Marcus Miller.

[@chrisk.8418]

GoldTone und Hofner, die Beiden E-Bässe gefallen mir vom Sound her am besten. Vielen Dank Susi für Deine Demonstration dieser Shortscale Bässe 😊

[@michaelgalietta5623]

I own a Gretsch...very happy with it and a bargain at 300.00. I use tapewounds on it😊

[@Jkaterchannel]

just ordered one.

[@onefatstratcat]

I use medium bright stainless RW's on mine.. makes it bit more present live

[@ricberkley9242]

I have a 47 yr old StratOLyn, a 70s vintage Japanese knockoff...wouldn't trade it for anything. That said, given I have used many different strings over the years, that each of these being demo'd are using something different, affects the output heard and playability. I short...same strings on each vs what the manufacturer sends it with, would of made this better. Thanks...enjoyed it. You expressions helped us see what you were experiencing.

[@TheMaartian]

Great job showcasing shorties. I now have 12. 🎸 The first bass you played, the Sire U5, is in my opinion the best lower cost bass for the money currently available. I bought mine from Thomann and like it so much that I ordered a fretless U5 from you back in June. It's delivery was pushed back to 4 October. I can't wait! I want to develop my fretless chops before the Marco Marcustico being built for me is finished early next year.

[@Briansgate]

I had a short scale from SX, and it was fretless. Really fun to play with.

[@RobertPletscher]

Great! Thank you very much! This video is awesome!

[@michaelrawson6261]

Ive got the viola bass, but its left handed and it's the Hoffner. 30 odd yrs ago Took me 2 years to save for, and 8 further months to locate one. I also have a lefty, fretless red, 1966 wilson Rapier.

[@punkrockmom71]

It was great to hear so many basses compared the same way. I started playing bass about four months ago with a short scale Mitchell. It has exceeded my expectations of a very inexpensive bass. I bought a Gibson SG last week, and I was going to return it because the neck is bigger and it is more difficult to play. I was halfway listening to all the basses while working when you started to demo the Gibson. I whipped my head up to see which bass that was because I loved the sound. I'm going to try to make this Gibson work for me.

[@amslu]

Leo Fender made it perfect with Mustang

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

Leo was long gone when Fender introduced That Bass

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

Leo was long gone when Fender introduced the Mustang

[@KirillAfonin]

@@Hndsmstrngr1 it's quite the opposite - Mustang was the last bass developed by Leo Fender before leaving the company

[@robertoortiz3501]

@@KirillAfonin You are so right, my friend!

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks Susi, interesting comparisons !

[@larryn2682]

How about the $80 Glarry short scale bass, or Squire Bronco bass? Both are nearly to the design of the original Fender Musicmaster bass. The Musicmaster bass was produced in the USA from 1970-81. It was the baby brother of the Fender Mustang bass. All the basses I have mentioned are 30" scale.

[@gianlucabassi8853]

I love the Squier Bronco

[@kingstumble]

If I was into that whole slapping lark--I would go for the Sterling. As I'm not my choice is the Hofner.

[@roberttower8059]

This was very helpful and informative. A wonderful reference. Thanks!

[@lisasivertsen4669]

I agree play somthing on every bass please, you play awsome.

[@kijekuyo9494]

I love my Squier Jaguar SS (short scale). I have no need for anything else. Sounds good, feels good, comfortable (people don't pay enough attention to that last point). It's a crime they stopped making it.

[@iromanovsky]

Thanks for honoring short scale basses. For me, the key is to find right strings. I don’t like rounds on short scale, but flats and tapes tend to be too floppy.

[@tinychamberz]

the labellas for string thru short scales has alot of tension

[@cathytai]

Which strings do you prefer on short scale basses?

[@david_farmer]

What a great and fun video! I have two of those Ibanez GSRM20’s. One with flat wounds and one with rounds. Totally fun and useful purchases. Now I wish there was a 5-string version! 😀

[@SO-ym3zs]

There is one :)

[@david_farmer]

@@SO-ym3zs After posting this I did fin the 5-string and ordered it. It's here and it's pretty great!

[@miguelangelcolon1345]

@@david_farmerhi, do you mean the ibanez gsr205?

[@david_farmer]

@@miguelangelcolon1345I got this one for the 5-string - "Ibanez miKro Series GSRM25 5-String Electric Bass Guitar, Black", from Adorama. I still really like it. The Low B is a tad loose so you kinda have to play it light to avoid buzzing the frets, but it's very cool to have around. Best of luck!

[@alanhearne6733]

Excellent comparison.. It would be helpful if you put the current Thomann price as that matters when choosing a new bass ❤

[@anklem]

Nice comparison! I have the Sire Marcus Miller U5, Nice tone & looks

[@silvianvalcu8433]

The musicman sounds really the best 😁

[@markblackstad8705]

Nice comparison and big selection of shorties! I personally would have been more interested in hearing the pick tone substituted instead of the slap for these instruments, also all of them with flats as well!

[@clivehunte3026]

I love the Spector bass too

[@davidwendland5696]

Amazing great comp I love the mini p bass and the epi viola

[@AlexG-qv8ri]

I love short scale basses, all interesting. Owning a 1967 Gigbson EB2, how can it be otherwise 🙂 BTW you missed my preferred recent one: the Squier Paranormal Rascal sherwood green, great tone with labella flats and super beautiful! Good job, finally a different format for us (poor neglected bass players). Keep on grooving 🤟

[@JoeJoe-ng9qb]

Great vid. I will use it as meditation while I look at these short scale basses.

[@stephenc9040]

Great informative video Susi! I own the GSRM20 (My favourite!) the Squier Mini P and the Squier CV Mustang. However, of the 19 basses you reviewed I have to say the Spector impressed me most. Thanks again

[@groovybasslines]

Hi Susi ! Thanks for the demo !

[@mccypr]

Thanks! 🎻✌️🙂😎

[@jonathanchevallier7046]

Thank you for this comparison video.

[@mikemaiocco2538]

I like the Dan Electro,I like the Gretsch and surprisingly I like the Viola beatle bass

[@zzzyxwv]

Sterling I liked most. Surprised by the Dan electro. It’s good and cheap😮

[@primatearmy]

Honestly they all sound the same to me, still loved the video and want the violin bass it’s a symmetry thing.

[@johnsausage]

Thomann obviously doesn't want to sell these basses: Harley Benton MV-4MSB Gotoh, Danelectro 59DC, Ibanez TMB30-IV. I mean they could at least set them up properly before playing to give them a fair chance ;-) I like these one the best: Spector Bantam, Gretsch Junior Jet, Squier CV 60s Mustang, Ibanez EHB 1000S-PMM, Fender Vintera 60s Mustang. Just a piece of advice: If you go for a Mustang Bass with PJ-pickups: Don't go for it, unless you want a really noisy single coil bridge pickup (I'm thinking of replacing it with a noiseless pickup). Anyhow.. keep making such videos, it's a great addition to the online store with the sound samples! Just an idea for Thomann: You could create a view on the online shop where you can listen to a specific bass line and then all basses are shown with a recording of that very bass line, so you can quickly compare the sounds :)

[@yanivyoseph9495]

Spector & the JMJ Mustang Bass for me though next time - shoot finger style & add time stemps

[@mannishboy1]

You make them all sound great! Even the Gibson... 😊

[@Scoots1994]

As the owner of an EB-3 I appreciate this remark :)

[@elpolloloco924]

Team Susi❤

[@joermnyc]

Right now I have a Sire U5, and an Epiphone Newport because I liked the combo of mudbucker and thunderbird pickups, I’m waiting on an SX fretless J-bass in short scale.

[@T-Hawkeyes]

The JMJ mustang is truly special

[@neocollective]

Great video ! You forgot to remove the foam from under the bridge of the Hofner violin, which would have made it sound quite brighter. Interesting how they all get closer, more uniform in tone at a short scale.

[@talkychris]

Music Man Sterling my clear favourite. 2nd the Spector. 3rd Mikro Ibanez.

[@stevepethel6843]

Mighty fine playing makes em all sound good...

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks a lot!

[@RobVespa]

I enjoyed listening to all of the basses, but wish there was commentary on them along with final thoughts.

[@pebrito]

Ibanez ehb1000s, no question for me. Very clear sound.

[@natsterjam]

It seems the Harley Benton MV-4MSB is not available? Not out of stock but missing from the thomann website entirely. Anyone know if this is coming back?

[@TheBassfresh]

most of the differences comes from stings and hands, where the rubber meets the road, but that JMJ was the clear winner IMO

[@carlmontney7916]

To me the Sterling is the clear winner with the Mustang close behind. The Fallout and the Talman also founded very good.

[@DavyoInVegas]

Great video, very awesome that you did all these bass’s, I can’t think of any shorties that ya left out of the mix. On a side note, every bass that is palm muted are going to sound pretty much all identical, perhaps using a pick and not muting the strings might have been a better choice to show off the sound of each bass. Anyhow, absolutely fantastic video and thanks so much for creating it, I use mostly short scale bass’s for the majority of my gigs and they are all setup as BEAD bass’s with stainless steel round wounds for that extra bright tone, I definitely love my low B string 😎

[@SO-ym3zs]

Ones they missed are the Guild Starfire I and II. Very cool basses.

[@CuriousCaine]

I deeply appreciate the video, thank you. I was hoping you would also share your thoughts on the playability- general feel and suitability for different playing styles. For example, I assume some are faster than others, and some seem more tailored toward a particular style? Maybe a future video? Thanks.

[@SisterRose]

I actually ended up getting the Mikro after this but now I'm interested in the others again lol

[@Baci302]

What's the reason behind the short scale bass? Easier to play? More slack in the strings for a different sound?

[@nicorepetto5781]

Both

[@MrVinB]

Nice vid! Cool to see all of those different models next to eachother. Hope the Harley Benton MSB gets an update or some new colours soon. ;)

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a good weekend ❤ 😊

[@davidgedlinskeiii6421]

Which one was your favorite Susi?

[@PG-ex3kl]

She was smiling most with the squire mustang

[@PG-ex3kl]

But also vibed with the viola

[@petercorbett3794]

I used to like a short scale, until I acquired a Fender Jazz. It was like going from a broom cupboard to a huge cave with a high ceiling.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Really glad to see short-scale basses covered! But it's a shame you didn't play them with a pick. That's one of the important ways to judge how a bass sounds and the way many people will be playing them. Would have been nice to hear how they sound with flats, too.

[@e-changerauquotidien6304]

The Gretsch is amazing!

[@Jkaterchannel]

I agree. I bought it! Indeed no fret buzz at very low action and the nut was perfectly cut which is rare at that price. Well balanced sitting down.

[@EredarLordJaraxxus]

Old vid so very late to say this but it makes it tough to compare when the loudness is all over the shop. By all means use the same amp and knobs all the way up to stay consistent but then bring it up/down in post to really compare the intricacies

[@blakehollis3942]

Specter and music man stands out....

[@gunnarkniza4902]

Schönes Vergleichsvideo. Schade, daß der Guild Starfire I nich dabei war. Der interessiert mich sehr.

[@VarionJimmy]

Never heard a Sterling before. It sounded and looked really nice. Edit: Oh so it *was* a Music Man! I thought so when I first saw it! I’m a bit slow today… 🤣

[@MrAG42]

It was great seeing the violin-style basses in one place being reviewed, but many videos I see for them still have the shipping foam in place under the bridges, and even the Hofner here had changed strings. Please remove the foam and test!!! :) I have a HB Beatbass fretless and it is far hotter in tone than the fretted one here, even with Rotosound tapewounds fitted to mine (and I replaced the bridge with a fitted Hofner ebony bridge, a much better upgrade). All in all though, a great review that's been long overdue for getting to hear example tones of shorties...thanks!

[@f2detaboada]

The G&L Fallout Bass really surprised me

[@Terami90]

Fender Mustang ! Soo good

[@ak8638]

Shame you didn't demo the Jackson JS1X short scale. It's currently in my Thomann shopping cart.

[@jellyboy123]

mustang jmj and the Spector for me but they all sound great.

[@rafaelaparicio9682]

Great demo. Keep the slap. Add the pick and it would have been even better. People need to chill, if you don't like something it doesn't mean it needs to be obliterated from existence or that people cant like it. I liked the spector, sterling and g&l most

[@tommchugh9159]

Girl, you kick ass!

[@chrisk.8418]

Der Hofner Bass ab 12:07 hat diese TapewoundSaiten mit den gelben Enden. Welche sind es, diese will ich mir bestellen?

[@flamesintheattic]

The one with 4 strings sounded pretty good.

[@ccardwell6112]

I like the Ibanez headless look.

[@garlandlabat4922]

I searched for a long time to find the Spector Bantam 5!

[@j.c1574]

The danelectro is so beautiful but i cant decide if its sounds bad or good

[@robertellison4691]

Very good demonstration. I have owned many short scale bass guitars, some of which you play in this video. In my opinion, the Ibanez TMB 30 is the best for what it cost, around $230 brand new in the USA. My favorite is the Fender Vintera. I have quite a few Squier Bronco and Mustang basses that are my favorites. Check them out on my YT channel.

[@ChristianSamsel]

This strongly reminds me why i play flatounds or nylons. This zipper noise on slides is really distracting when playing the instrument solo. Really dont understand why basses come with roundwounds by default

[@joycerichardson1810]

Flats make all the difference! Have a Hofner 1962 German made and Fender Mustang CIJ. Love them both. Impressed by the Squier and Sterling Musicman.

[@rkharper]

Because 95% of bassists play roundwounds, and flats are expensive, there's your answer.

[@lk63]

Up until the Early 80's basses came from the factory with flats.

[@cathytai]

Does no one like tape wounds? I kind of love mine on my standard bass... but I could be wrong.

[@raykewin3608]

Very good.

[@tiggerman7322]

That Hofner Rooftop Bass 69 had black tapewounds on it. Does anybody know of a brand that makes a set like that for a 30 inch bass like a Hofner? Thank you in advance...

[@sd3falco]

I'm wondering why the SG's tone knob and output jack are switched positionally. I've never seen one like that before.

[@bentpolski]

Susi which now did YOU like THE BEST? Easiest to play as far as what neck felt the best to You? Which pickups sounded best to you?

[@billsmith2212]

Thanks for the demo . Have you ever tried the SWB-PRO from Chowny ? They also have a NT-4 and NT-5 , which are both medium scales . I would be interested in a demo . They are not low end ( no pun intended = I bought a bass and it wasn't LOW END ! 😂 ) or entry level instruments . Thanks .

[@TheDarkKnight73]

Nice one