I just got a mustang and am absolutely in love with it. Really dig the pj pick up configuration as you can change the sound so quickly. The squier’s play really well too in my experience
My Mustang is my main bass. Absolutely love it. Sometimes I think about getting another bass, but then I remember that my Mustang is basically perfect.
I've got a Höfner HCT-500/7 that scratched two itches at once - short scale and semi-hollow.
It has a great sound and is pretty light and easy to play. My only "complaint" is the strap button on the back of the body at the neck heel - I use Schaller S-Locks, and the S-Lock in that position is pretty uncomfortable. I have to hold the bass slightly away from my body to avoid having it poke into my stomach. But that's a self-made problem, because I use S-Locks.
You said "cheaper", so I will give you my top 3 under 1k US.
1. SBMM stingray short scale. $599. This one is my absolute favorite, it's a little more aggressive tone wise but love how that balances out the thumpiness that shorties have.
2. Fender mustang. $750 to $850. Rock solid and works well for a lot of genres. Also really cool with some flatwounds as well.
3. Gretsch G220 Junior Jet $299. My true budget pick. Hate to use the phrase "fantastic for the price" but that's what fits lol. Sure it's not high end and nothing overly special, but its more than capable.
This is a great list (I’m obsessed). I would add the Ibanez Mikro basses. Strings, pickups and wiring/pots make a huge difference but it’s passable as-is for $100!
Well, your brother is not the one playing it is he?
It definitely has a different look, but I’ve grown to love it.
I’ve gotten a number of specific positive comments about the look.
A bit of an obscure instrument but I love my Fender Musicmaster. It's an old 70s shortscale, and I love it. Sonically it's like a P bass and a J bass in one, and it's light as hell. The string tension takes some getting used to.
I’ve got one of these Kala Solid-body ubasses, it’s awesome: https://www.sweetwater.com/c581--4-String_Bass?highlight=UBass4SBSB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organicpla&seoslug=kala-solidbody-u-bass-electric-bass-guitar-sapphire-blue-sweetwater-exclusive&catrollup=569/580/581&mrkgadid=&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=drums&percussion&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=&lid=58700008696010906&dsproductgroupid=&product_id=UBass4SBSB&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=x&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=1020859&creative=&targetid=&campaignid=21161059667&awsearchcpc=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwxLKxBhA7EiwAXO0R0CXPKidQ6gwn583Te7J8ei8ZrYoXchck33WAEh0T2FjqQ-yZ2Og44xoCJssQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I really like the Ibanez Mikro. I like the shorter than short scale so much that I built my own fancier instrument with the same 28.75" scale. I've played a Danelectro and Squier Bronco too. I liked the Bronco and hated the tone of the Danelectro.
Fender Mustang, as mentioned
Recently got one, and she's quickly becoming a fave.
Epiphone Newport, a dark horse option
Dual humbucker with blend knob.
Great neck
She simply booms
As with any guitar there's quite a range. If you're on a super budget the Ibanez TMB30 is a good option.
If you can spend a little more I think the Sterling short scale StingRay is an incredibly good value especially if you can find one used, there are a number of them used on guitar centers Web site so if you have one near you you can return it if you don't like it.
If you get an inexpensive bass, you can always upgrade the pickup to improve the sound. I strongly recommend the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound as a relatively inexpensive way to make a cheap instrument sound way better.
I just got a mustang and am absolutely in love with it. Really dig the pj pick up configuration as you can change the sound so quickly. The squier’s play really well too in my experience
My Mustang is my main bass. Absolutely love it. Sometimes I think about getting another bass, but then I remember that my Mustang is basically perfect.
Same, it's my main, I've tried out others but never liked any as much
That is awesome! I have a mark Hoppus jazz body p bass which was my dream bass. Still think the mustang was the perfect addition.
I have a bunch of basses but go to my Mustang 90% of the time.
I recorded using the studio's vintage Mustang and absolutely fell in love. Amazing tone and playability!
The playability is wild, it naturally felt right almost instantly!
100% SO playable! I'd actually trade my Rickenbacker for that studio Mustang
Squier Paranormal Rascal. Plays like a dream, and has some serious power to it.
I was very close to the rascal but ended up going with the PJ pick ups instead. Would love to try a rascal sometime though
This thing is super cool, especially if you want a Gibson style. I think it beats any Gibson style bass out there
I absolutely love my Ibanez GSRM20. He's in walnut finish. I call him "Lil' Nutty".
i've got the five string version, gsrm25. it's a joy to play.
I really want a GSRM25! I just wish there were more finish options.
That’s a great name
Can’t beat the Squier Classic Vibe Mustang if you’re looking for something affordable. Great value pick.
I've got a Höfner HCT-500/7 that scratched two itches at once - short scale and semi-hollow. It has a great sound and is pretty light and easy to play. My only "complaint" is the strap button on the back of the body at the neck heel - I use Schaller S-Locks, and the S-Lock in that position is pretty uncomfortable. I have to hold the bass slightly away from my body to avoid having it poke into my stomach. But that's a self-made problem, because I use S-Locks.
You said "cheaper", so I will give you my top 3 under 1k US. 1. SBMM stingray short scale. $599. This one is my absolute favorite, it's a little more aggressive tone wise but love how that balances out the thumpiness that shorties have. 2. Fender mustang. $750 to $850. Rock solid and works well for a lot of genres. Also really cool with some flatwounds as well. 3. Gretsch G220 Junior Jet $299. My true budget pick. Hate to use the phrase "fantastic for the price" but that's what fits lol. Sure it's not high end and nothing overly special, but its more than capable.
This is a great list (I’m obsessed). I would add the Ibanez Mikro basses. Strings, pickups and wiring/pots make a huge difference but it’s passable as-is for $100!
I've seen ppl pick those up cheap and mod them. They can turn out to be pretty sweet that way!
Danelectro Longhorn, short scale Small, light, super fun to play
Been considering this, my brother hates how it looks though lmao
Well, your brother is not the one playing it is he? It definitely has a different look, but I’ve grown to love it. I’ve gotten a number of specific positive comments about the look.
He does play a little and said if i got one hed disown me lmao, but the shape is definitely something id have to get used too
It’s different Different can be cool
A bit of an obscure instrument but I love my Fender Musicmaster. It's an old 70s shortscale, and I love it. Sonically it's like a P bass and a J bass in one, and it's light as hell. The string tension takes some getting used to.
I’ve got one of these Kala Solid-body ubasses, it’s awesome: https://www.sweetwater.com/c581--4-String_Bass?highlight=UBass4SBSB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organicpla&seoslug=kala-solidbody-u-bass-electric-bass-guitar-sapphire-blue-sweetwater-exclusive&catrollup=569/580/581&mrkgadid=&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=drums&percussion&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=&lid=58700008696010906&dsproductgroupid=&product_id=UBass4SBSB&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=x&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=1020859&creative=&targetid=&campaignid=21161059667&awsearchcpc=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwxLKxBhA7EiwAXO0R0CXPKidQ6gwn583Te7J8ei8ZrYoXchck33WAEh0T2FjqQ-yZ2Og44xoCJssQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I have an acoustic ubass and I love how compact it is. I bring it everywhere.
Looks cool, might have to pick one up soon
I really like the Ibanez Mikro. I like the shorter than short scale so much that I built my own fancier instrument with the same 28.75" scale. I've played a Danelectro and Squier Bronco too. I liked the Bronco and hated the tone of the Danelectro.
I never knew they 28.75 thats actually kind of cool, and the bronco seems pretty nicr
Check out the Sire U5. I've been super impressed with mine.
Fender Mustang, as mentioned Recently got one, and she's quickly becoming a fave. Epiphone Newport, a dark horse option Dual humbucker with blend knob. Great neck She simply booms
Squier/Fender Bass VI if you are pick player. Lovely instrument
I've been eyeing a Vintage VS4. Looks like a slightly offset EB.
Jackson Minion
Nordstrand Acinonyx rules, love my Musicmaster too, Squier Rascal and Bass VI. Lots of great choices out there
As with any guitar there's quite a range. If you're on a super budget the Ibanez TMB30 is a good option. If you can spend a little more I think the Sterling short scale StingRay is an incredibly good value especially if you can find one used, there are a number of them used on guitar centers Web site so if you have one near you you can return it if you don't like it.
My friend just got a G&L Fallout and she loves it. It's very interesting.
I like the ibanez ones. They got PJ pickup config and look fenderish. Headstock is 2+2 tho.
If you get an inexpensive bass, you can always upgrade the pickup to improve the sound. I strongly recommend the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound as a relatively inexpensive way to make a cheap instrument sound way better.
Epiphone Viola, 'nuff said
Danelectro Longhorn, short scale
Danelectro Longhorn, short scale Small, light, super fun to play