Thanks so much for watching! I never know what to expect with the more entry level instruments, but the build quality of this particular example exceeded my expectations!
That would be a cool sound! You may need to get a custom set from Labella though, as I think their Mini P version of the Deep Talkin' flats may be the shortest they have in production. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Jonathan, another excellent review. I have the similar Kala solid body mini bass. It has none of the minor finish imperfections that the Flight has. Several different colors are available. Tonal quality in comparisons I’ve heard are very similar with just a slight edge to the Kala. Kala also offers flat wound strings. As you stated, these basses are less size imposing when played with ukulele groups. Other reasons to buy one would be for older players - much less shifting distance up and down the neck, much less weight on the shoulder, and easier to transport - or young beginning bassists.
Thanks for watching and for the kind comments! I haven't tried the Kala version myself, but more colour options would be welcome for those who desire a more muted appearance. This particular example only weighed 5 lbs 4oz! Very light weight!
Cool. Maybe it’s just visual, but looks like the Kala’s P pickup is a little further from the bridge than the Flight. Might result in a rounder tone. But may also be less defined at the same time. Perhaps better placement for flats though.
Hello Jonathan, thanks for this video. This Flight was on my Hotlist, but not available here at the time when I did my purchase. Finally I went with the Kala Solid Body 23.5". Very similar specs like the Flight. Available in several colours, 4 or 5 string, also as fretless and for lefties. Kala sells suitable strings, both round or flat, made by LaBella. The look of the body is more Precision-style like, but the tail is cut pretty asymmetrically, though. That means, you better pick a flexible stand, with a rotating fork to let the bass sit accordingly. What I notice at the Thomann website now while writing this comment, is, that they have nearly all models as so-called B-Stock. Which pretty surely means, they returned back from customers, whose expectations very likely were not met. Those super-short basses should better be tested in person at the shops, to avoid disappointment. On my behalf, I can say that I am really happy with my Kala! My advice, go to the store, take it your hand, check it out live. Like I did with the Ibanez Mikro 21", which I craved for pretty much. It was a huge disappointmen for me and thats why I waited for the Kala for 6 months.
@@jonathanwong458music Right, not so many music stores next door. It took me a nearly 300 km ride to check that Ibanez and I was so glad I did. I wished to purchase it, but ... However, I am pretty sure it was a problem with that particular production lot of 2023. Maybe I give it a try, if there will be a new lot in 2025. And I suspect the distances to the next music store in Canada are a bit different, compared to Europe. ;-)
Music stores are pretty spread out, depending on where in Canada you live. Selection can also be hit and miss. You’ll find more and better deals in the bigger centres Eg Toronto and Vancouver. But that’s probably true of most countries!
It sounds pretty much like a regular bass. Would most people be able to hear the difference between this bass and a full sized instrument in a full band setting? One of my favorite short scale basses is the Gretsch G2202 Jr. Jet. It has a single cut slab body and a bolt on neck that joins the body at the 13th fret. It has a mini humbucker in the middle position. It fits in a regular guitar gig bag and also fits in the overhead luggage bins on most aircraft. The model is discontinued, but I see the G2202 pop up every so often on Reverb for around $200-250 USD. IIRC, there is also a two pickup version, but don't remember the model number.
Thanks for watching! With the right amp and FOH person, blindfolded I don’t think the audience would care. Harder to say what your bandmates would think, especially if it doesn’t fit your group’s visual esthetic. Sometimes we hear with our eyes, unfortunately. But it sounds pretty big for something so small! Might need to stay well below the 10th fret. Gets pretty tight beyond that. Probably won’t do metal or prog styles convincingly!
Thanks for sharing your health conditions. I have Cubital tunnel syndrome in my left hand, causing lost of strength of my pinky finger (makes it hard to do scales and I end up using my ring finger do do octaves and some fret jumps). So I'm slowly getting into short scales. Just got a Squier Paranormal Rascal (30" scale) and considering Jaguars/Mustangs.
I love my mustangs! The rascal is a cool bass. Is your’s heavy? I have a few fingers that don’t work nearly as well as others. Depends on the day, changes how i play and approach things, and which fingering to use. Sucks, but certainly better than when I couldn’t play at all. Those were dark times. Short scale basses were a game changer for me. I’d go down to a 3/4 cello if i could too, but the smaller body affected the acoustic tone too much. Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music It's a little heavy for sure as the body is the same size of a 34" body. There is quite some spacing between the bridge and the edge of the body - seems to be around 4-5 inches.
Thanks for watching! Yes, for the past 2 or so years, I have been using the Musician's Practice Glove. I'm not an endorser nor do I have affiliate links. I just like them. I buy them from Amazon. Here's a link to a video I made on them should you be interested: ua-cam.com/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/v-deo.html
That's a great question. There are a few uke bass-forums that have posed the same question. The tricky thing is getting the 'string wound length' so that you do not have flat windings wrapping around the tuner (much higher risk of string breakage). Ideally, you would want the step taper or the silk end to start between the nut and the tuner. As I am not well experienced in the uke-bass world, I honestly don't know the answer. But companies such as Labella and Stringjoy would likely be able to advise and make you a custom set. Might be expensive, though. Thanks for watching!
Many thanks, Jonathan I've got the very similar Kala. Nice, not perfect, but hard to envision a frequent use-case for. Also, I wonder a bit how it would look in a gigging environment. I'm sure it would sound fine
Those strings would probably be good for the old mij shortscales which were sometimes 24 or 25" scale length...when I had a teisco tulip, I couldn't find any extra-shortscale strings for it, had to clip several inches off a 30" set and it never did intonate properly, one of the reasons I sold it
Jonathan, a question unrelated to the Flight - Which short-scale gets closest to the P Bass tone, out of the box? I've asked this in a couple of FB groups in kind of a poll. A lot of people said the Mini P, which I can't agree with, but more likely the Mustang. I'm after that kind of pure Motown kind of bass tone. Thanks, Dan
Interesting question. Out of the box? The mini P is ok but the stock p/u is a little harsh and aggressive. Gets closer with flats. I have a video on that which you’ve likely seen already. In my opinion, of currently available offerings, probably the JMJ mustang out of the box is closest to that old school sound. Will need to shove some foam under the strings and raise the action/string height. Comes stock with Fender flats! I’ve had good results with my 1st gen PJ offset mustang, rosewood board, P pickup only with flats. The player series are less round in tone (?pau ferro related or something else…). There’s something in the pre-player series mustangs. But there aren’t very many around. Maybe I’m deluding myself, but of the few I’ve tried, it’s almost like extra care went into that first run …..but you’ll get close with a good player series example with flats . It’s all in how pillowy the bottom is and how rounded the highs are. **And you need high action! That part is often overlooked.
@jonathanwong458music From this and other comments, it looks like the plan is to sell off a few that are not getting used, and go for the JMJ. Thanks!!!
I wonder what all the people who said "mini P" were thinking. That's fine to a certain extent, I love mine, but as you have demonstrated, it's no P. I thought the mini Jackson got a little closer, but no cigar.
@@MrDanalaimo you might be interested in this video. Here’s a link: Fender Mustang short scale bass with flatwounds vs. Fender Precision bass with flatwounds ua-cam.com/video/Iwd-f9s0No8/v-deo.html
From what I can see, I think the transparent blue fade is the only colour it comes in. Flight's mini J-bass comes in sunburst though. More traditional looking. Thanks for watching!
This guys videos are in depth,to the point and they have basses !! 😮😅😊
Thanks so much for watching! Appreciate the encouragement!!
Great video. As always. Thanks.
You’re so kind! Thank you for your viewership!
Looks great, and solid, Wish more basses would have the build quality for about the same price but regular scale length. Great review Jon
Thanks so much for watching! I never know what to expect with the more entry level instruments, but the build quality of this particular example exceeded my expectations!
Sounds great
Yeah! Sounds much bigger than its size would suggest! Feels small and cramped though.
Thanks for watching!
I think it sounds pretty great.
It definitely sounds waaaay bigger than it's physical size would suggest! Thanks for watching!
Another great vid. 👍 If it was me I’d slap a set of La Bella Deep Talking Flats on it.
That would be a cool sound! You may need to get a custom set from Labella though, as I think their Mini P version of the Deep Talkin' flats may be the shortest they have in production.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Jonathan, another excellent review. I have the similar Kala solid body mini bass. It has none of the minor finish imperfections that the Flight has. Several different colors are available. Tonal quality in comparisons I’ve heard are very similar with just a slight edge to the Kala. Kala also offers flat wound strings. As you stated, these basses are less size imposing when played with ukulele groups. Other reasons to buy one would be for older players - much less shifting distance up and down the neck, much less weight on the shoulder, and easier to transport - or young beginning bassists.
Thanks for watching and for the kind comments! I haven't tried the Kala version myself, but more colour options would be welcome for those who desire a more muted appearance. This particular example only weighed 5 lbs 4oz! Very light weight!
@@jonathanwong458music The Kala weighs 6.4 lbs. Nut width is 1.59 inches. Otherwise, pretty much alike spec-wise.
Cool. Maybe it’s just visual, but looks like the Kala’s P pickup is a little further from the bridge than the Flight. Might result in a rounder tone. But may also be less defined at the same time. Perhaps better placement for flats though.
I like how it sounds,plus it's size......for me it is a very good purchase!!!👍🇨🇱🇨🇦
It’s pretty tiny! I’m 5’7” and 125 lbs. it looks tiny on even me!!
Thanks for watching!
Hello Jonathan, thanks for this video. This Flight was on my Hotlist, but not available here at the time when I did my purchase. Finally I went with the Kala Solid Body 23.5". Very similar specs like the Flight. Available in several colours, 4 or 5 string, also as fretless and for lefties. Kala sells suitable strings, both round or flat, made by LaBella.
The look of the body is more Precision-style like, but the tail is cut pretty asymmetrically, though. That means, you better pick a flexible stand, with a rotating fork to let the bass sit accordingly.
What I notice at the Thomann website now while writing this comment, is, that they have nearly all models as so-called B-Stock. Which pretty surely means, they returned back from customers, whose expectations very likely were not met. Those super-short basses should better be tested in person at the shops, to avoid disappointment.
On my behalf, I can say that I am really happy with my Kala!
My advice, go to the store, take it your hand, check it out live. Like I did with the Ibanez Mikro 21", which I craved for pretty much. It was a huge disappointmen for me and thats why I waited for the Kala for 6 months.
That’s great advice for any instrument purchase. Get your hands on one if you can. Harder to do, depending on where one lives.
Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Right, not so many music stores next door. It took me a nearly 300 km ride to check that Ibanez and I was so glad I did. I wished to purchase it, but ... However, I am pretty sure it was a problem with that particular production lot of 2023. Maybe I give it a try, if there will be a new lot in 2025. And I suspect the distances to the next music store in Canada are a bit different, compared to Europe. ;-)
Music stores are pretty spread out, depending on where in Canada you live. Selection can also be hit and miss. You’ll find more and better deals in the bigger centres Eg Toronto and Vancouver. But that’s probably true of most countries!
Great funk line.
Thanks so much for watching and for the encouragement!
It sounds pretty much like a regular bass. Would most people be able to hear the difference between this bass and a full sized instrument in a full band setting?
One of my favorite short scale basses is the Gretsch G2202 Jr. Jet. It has a single cut slab body and a bolt on neck that joins the body at the 13th fret. It has a mini humbucker in the middle position. It fits in a regular guitar gig bag and also fits in the overhead luggage bins on most aircraft. The model is discontinued, but I see the G2202 pop up every so often on Reverb for around $200-250 USD. IIRC, there is also a two pickup version, but don't remember the model number.
Thanks for watching!
With the right amp and FOH person, blindfolded I don’t think the audience would care. Harder to say what your bandmates would think, especially if it doesn’t fit your group’s visual esthetic. Sometimes we hear with our eyes, unfortunately. But it sounds pretty big for something so small! Might need to stay well below the 10th fret. Gets pretty tight beyond that. Probably won’t do metal or prog styles convincingly!
Thanks for sharing your health conditions. I have Cubital tunnel syndrome in my left hand, causing lost of strength of my pinky finger (makes it hard to do scales and I end up using my ring finger do do octaves and some fret jumps). So I'm slowly getting into short scales. Just got a Squier Paranormal Rascal (30" scale) and considering Jaguars/Mustangs.
I love my mustangs! The rascal is a cool bass. Is your’s heavy? I have a few fingers that don’t work nearly as well as others. Depends on the day, changes how i play and approach things, and which fingering to use. Sucks, but certainly better than when I couldn’t play at all. Those were dark times.
Short scale basses were a game changer for me. I’d go down to a 3/4 cello if i could too, but the smaller body affected the acoustic tone too much.
Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music It's a little heavy for sure as the body is the same size of a 34" body. There is quite some spacing between the bridge and the edge of the body - seems to be around 4-5 inches.
It’s a cool looking bass! The reach for F, F# would probably be similar to a 34” given the positioning. But it can get Gibson style tones!
Thanks Jonathan, I'm intrigued, gotta check one of these out. You mentioned that you played with a glove, I'm wondering which one you use?
Thanks for watching! Yes, for the past 2 or so years, I have been using the Musician's Practice Glove. I'm not an endorser nor do I have affiliate links. I just like them. I buy them from Amazon. Here's a link to a video I made on them should you be interested:
ua-cam.com/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/v-deo.html
Ok, this thing looks really cool! If I wanted to put flat-wounds on it, I'm curious what scale would I need? Some kind of custom strings? Thanks!
That's a great question. There are a few uke bass-forums that have posed the same question. The tricky thing is getting the 'string wound length' so that you do not have flat windings wrapping around the tuner (much higher risk of string breakage). Ideally, you would want the step taper or the silk end to start between the nut and the tuner.
As I am not well experienced in the uke-bass world, I honestly don't know the answer. But companies such as Labella and Stringjoy would likely be able to advise and make you a custom set. Might be expensive, though.
Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Wow, thanks for the detailed reply! You rock Jonathan 💥
My pleasure! Good luck with finding strings!
Many thanks, Jonathan
I've got the very similar Kala. Nice, not perfect, but hard to envision a frequent use-case for. Also, I wonder a bit how it would look in a gigging environment. I'm sure it would sound fine
Thanks for watching!
Those strings would probably be good for the old mij shortscales which were sometimes 24 or 25" scale length...when I had a teisco tulip, I couldn't find any extra-shortscale strings for it, had to clip several inches off a 30" set and it never did intonate properly, one of the reasons I sold it
That’s a really interesting and creative point! Never even thought of that!
Thx for watching!
Jonathan, a question unrelated to the Flight -
Which short-scale gets closest to the P Bass tone, out of the box? I've asked this in a couple of FB groups in kind of a poll. A lot of people said the Mini P, which I can't agree with, but more likely the Mustang. I'm after that kind of pure Motown kind of bass tone. Thanks, Dan
Interesting question. Out of the box? The mini P is ok but the stock p/u is a little harsh and aggressive. Gets closer with flats. I have a video on that which you’ve likely seen already.
In my opinion, of currently available offerings, probably the JMJ mustang out of the box is closest to that old school sound. Will need to shove some foam under the strings and raise the action/string height. Comes stock with Fender flats!
I’ve had good results with my 1st gen PJ offset mustang, rosewood board, P pickup only with flats. The player series are less round in tone (?pau ferro related or something else…). There’s something in the pre-player series mustangs. But there aren’t very many around. Maybe I’m deluding myself, but of the few I’ve tried, it’s almost like extra care went into that first run …..but you’ll get close with a good player series example with flats . It’s all in how pillowy the bottom is and how rounded the highs are.
**And you need high action! That part is often overlooked.
@jonathanwong458music From this and other comments, it looks like the plan is to sell off a few that are not getting used, and go for the JMJ. Thanks!!!
@@MrDanalaimo right on! Good luck!
I wonder what all the people who said "mini P" were thinking. That's fine to a certain extent, I love mine, but as you have demonstrated, it's no P. I thought the mini Jackson got a little closer, but no cigar.
@@MrDanalaimo you might be interested in this video. Here’s a link:
Fender Mustang short scale bass with flatwounds vs. Fender Precision bass with flatwounds
ua-cam.com/video/Iwd-f9s0No8/v-deo.html
Does it come in any other color? That color is a little loud.
From what I can see, I think the transparent blue fade is the only colour it comes in. Flight's mini J-bass comes in sunburst though. More traditional looking.
Thanks for watching!
Could this be for a kid.. my daughter is turning 7 soon and wants a bass
I think so! If your daughter likes the look of it, and if it’s inspiring her to play, it’ll be great!
Thanks for watching!
Great review. Thank You!
Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words!
Thanks ? I‘m considering buying one because I like the sound and the size. The issue with the intonation keeps me back in some way.
@@BerndWeitzmann On such a short bass, I think most notes above and past the 9 or 10th fret will likely be very difficult to intonate perfectly