I am a new bassest (at 66 years old). I picked up a Hofner. LOVE IT!!!!!! I love the shorter spread for my figures, and the shorter reach up to the nut. I tried some full sized basses at the music shop and could not span, especially up near the nut. Plus it looks cool. Chicks love it. ;-) ;-) ;-)
@@lurklingX The Epiphone Viola is also a good joice, and it is a bit heavier but also has a bit more punch. Good if you do not have one of those monster (my case) amp. Cheers!
@@sober-southoftheborderever3591 haha didn't even realize they have a viola. my minds still spinning on the whole violin/guitar thing. (yeah never SAW the beatles play so i didn't know about it). that's cool though. i like Epi, and violas are pretty cool too. will check it out!
I have two Mikro basses. 66 years and a lot of basses, I settled on these 5 years ago. I made a fretless out of one, and got rid of all my heavy, long scale basses and do everything I need on the Mikro's. Great tones and very playable.
I bbught a 5-string just to cheaply try one. I couidnt believe how much I liked the bridge pickup, then bought a 4-string and its my go to. After years on the same Ibanez strings it still sounds like fresh strings somehow, those strings are just different judging by how much of a metallic smell is on my hands afterwards.
The G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet from Gretsch is equipped with two single coil pick-up's even though they looks like mini humbuckers. I'm playing one myself and agreeing on your comments. A easy played bass with a great sound.
Cheers, Sam! I've been thinking about picking up a short-scale for a while, and this video was helpful. I'm really impressed with the sound of that Gretsch.
Gretsch is the best by a country mile. Really impressed with mine and sits next to my p bass, dark ray and Warwick as a great different tone and resource
Just got one. Still in the beginning learner stages, but I like it! Looks great, no quality issues, etc. I also have a full size used Squier PBase, but liking the more compact size of this Gretsch.
@@oscarwong4201The Mikro offers the most comfort and versatility with its contoured body and P/J pickups, and it's really low priced. It's tiny though... The others are all nice but are what some would call character basses - each having a very unique sound that you would associate only with a certain group or type of music. Some find that to be limiting. Aside from the Mikro I would go with the Gretsch. It feels like a much more expensive instrument and has some useable tones, medium weight and a nice balance.
I have the Mustang on order. I've seen a lot of video's complaining about it being weak sounding, but it actually slays every other bass in this demo. I was quite surprised it sounded better even the Hofner, which is one of my favourite short scales. Feel confident now that I made the right choice. ( Btw, the Hofner demo has to be taken with a grain of salt, because you had not removed the protective foam from underneath the floating bridge)
Michael Bell That’s what amplifiers are for though. Better to have to turn the amp up a bit more than to have a bass so hot that you can’t get a clean tone because it’s killing all the amp’s head room.
It is awesome. Mustang Bass gets a very bad rap, for being a short scale one, but two, the student designation. If one ever manages to plug one in, magically, 9/10 they have more than one in their collection. Funny how that works! Lol
I have a Squire Vintage Modified Jaguar Short Scale. Similar to the Mustang, but with an extra pickup. It's fun to play and easier to transition from guitar, my main instrument. I rarely take my more expensive full-sized bass out of the case anymore.
Been comparing short scale basses now for awhile to find the one that fits me best. Your video helped a lot. Thanks. Have narrowed it down to the Bronco or the Ibanez. Have to get my hands on them now. Thanks Again ... !!!
They are not "Humbuckers" or even "Humbucking." They are single coil. Gretsch is offering compensation for even saying so. But I own one and I put D'Addario flatwounds on it and I love it. So I will forgive Gretsch.
I got one of those Gretsch little basses too, and at first I thought they had humbuckers. But then I plugged it in and it was humming, and I checked the literature on it at Sweetwater and found out they are indeed single coils. Well, whatever they are they certainly sound good... that's all I have to say about it. I also put D'Addario Chromes on there too and wow, wotta sound! Massive, punchy, smooth and has plenty of sustain. What's not to love?
Really good comparison of sounds and features, thanks. I wish you would have played standing up too, and talked about balance and ergonomics standing, with a guitar strap. I play in a bar band and literally never play sitting down. Thanks again, it was a great shoot out other than that.
@@kingdeedee I own 2 of the reviewed basses. The Ibanez is light as a feather, an ergonomic dream and has good balance. The Gretsch has noticeably more heft to it and has serious neck dive. I love them both for very different reasons.
I'm not a fan of the Beatles at all but I feel that the Hofner totally fits retro sounds like surf rock, psychedelick rock, old school jazz... it can even be good for some kind of old school hip hop beats like Tribe Called Quest
@@MrDukeSilverr Just like that lmao. I just realize that 95% of people who buy a Hofner is because of Paul (whose a great songwriter don't get me wrong)
I've had the Ignition Hofner for quite a number of years, I got the Gretsch in Bristol fog a year ago, and I now have the Ibanez Mikro in the transparent red. They all have a different voice, and I really enjoy each one of them. If I'm pressed for my favorite, it's probably the Gretsch. All three basses are excellent. The Ibanez and the gretsch sound the most similar to each other. The Hofner is a unique sound all its own. The tone is indeed in the hands though!! Each bass is so inexpensive that's no matter which one you get, it's an excellent buy. Computer numeric control (CNC) cutting to incredible tolerances has brought inexpensive instruments an incredibly long way. Such good quality now for very little money.
Nice but you missed the Squier Mini P which is one of the best short scale basses to be released in years. I love Fender/Squier but that Gretsch is awesome. Just played one today. The build quality is noticeably better than most Squier basses, the pickups sound huge and its a steal at only $299.
I have both of these and will second you. The Mini P Bass is a lot of fun and sounds way better than it should for the price. The Gretsch is my go-to bass for nearly any style. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Great bass and good looking too.
My favorite out of your selection is the Ibanez MiKro. I own one of these, which I bought after getting my first full-scale bass in about 40 years. The full-size beast was killing my fingers, so I got the small one to help strengthen those digits till they are strong enough to handle the long bass. They both still need setups, though ...🤔
@@NikkieRoxxx Gretsch were caught over this and have corrected their false advertising. I only discovered this after the fact, so I've reached out to see what compensation they're willing to provide for that.
Short scale basses are awesome! They generally sound more 'bass-y' than 34-inch basses and the ergonomics are so much better. I absolutely love my Ibanez GSRM-20B MikroBass! Edit: bought the Gretsch as well and it's a beast. 🤘😎
@bflo1000 It has a multitude of tones too, with its 2 pick-ups and tone control. But I must say I'm equally blown away by the Gretsch. Not as dirt cheap as the Ibanez, but what an awesome sound! Looks classy too. 👌
My second bass was a Fender Musicmaster that had the pickup replaced with a couple of Demarzios and a 4 saddle tail piece. I LOVED that bass and wish I’d never sold it. Years later I bought a NOS 1964 Italian EKO 995. Similar to a Hofner. It’s pretty fun but it’s not my old fender from high school and college.
The Gretsch sounds great, but if U can afford more money, the Sire U5 is unbeatable and equallly beautiful too. Stanley Clarke played a short scale Alembic, though we are outside the price range here.
@@samsummer8382 What are your main concerns? Is this your first bass? Do you have small hands? I started with the Hofner Shorty because of both reasons, and I had frostbite at 2 years old that changed my fingers. My daughter stole my Hofner, so I replaced with a Squier Jaguar; 32" scale. The hofner has one pick up, very distinctive, but good sound. You may eventually want a bass with 2 pick ups...
@@howes1960 it will be mainly for home recording , I have a nice vintage preamp to play the bass di'd. It's my first bass I've bought but I've got very good guitars so want something decent under 400
@@samsummer8382 Okay you already play guitar. Guitar length/28", nut 1.5"/38mm. Short scale bass is close to those dimensions. Hofner nut 42mm, so bit fatter. Squier Jazz master is 34" with 1.5"/38mm nut. It's heavy; 11 pounds! I got a padded strap, I was spoiled after 6 pound Hofner. Just studio...Hofner, but you may out grow it.
I'm a guitarist at heart, but just bought a bass for recording purposes. I own an Ibanez mikro guitar, and while I love the thing it has tuning problems so I went with the gretsch g2220 in pink. The mikro guitars don't have very good tuning heads, and the ones it uses are a unique diameters, meaning you would have to re drill the headstock to upgrade to better tuners.
That opening jam narrowed it down 50% (to the Mustang and the Hofner) for me. Amazing what someone who knows what they're doing on an instrument can help a newbie like me just by playing.
Just bought the gretsch . Checked out most of the rest of these. It wasn't even a contest. Very comfy great tone and light enough to not kill my back and shoulder.
Short scale basses, in terms of sound, have its place when you want a vintage soul percussive uprightbass-like sound, so Höfner, with its easy of playing, great variety of sounds, is a logical choice for that. All other options here are good replacement for 34 inch scale in case that you wish lighter, easier to play bass, or when you have smaller hands from whatever reason. In my opinion, a guitar that absolutely must be in this list is Eastwood Classic 4 or cheaper clone - Harley Benton HB-60 WB.
I go back and forth from day to day about what guitar I would consider to be my favorite...but when it comes to bass, mustang is the only answer (PLEASE, Fender, make a lefty mustang bass, take my money)
Although not on this list, my favorite short scale bass under 400 has to be a Danelectro 59 short scale. They have a huge sound with 2 lipstick pickups. You can probably find one for 400 or under on the used market. Maybe even a longhorn too.
Had them all except the Squier. All have their own sound, The Mikro is sweet sounding and comfy to use (small) 28.6 inches I believe, can get lots of sounds, it can almost sound like a jazz bass with round wounds. No neck dive, balances very nicely. The Hofner, sounds like a Hofner, very light and neck dives due to the very light body and the way the neck extends. The Epiphone is beefier and has plenty of neck dive, personally I don't like its sound stock. I currently own the Gretsch, even though it does NOT have humbuckers, it is a tone beast and it is hefty, mine weighs in at 8 pounds, has some neck dive but not excessive in my opinion, reacts well to different strings, pick your flavor. I like it with black tapes. I'm not a pro and these this is just my opinion; I have had the opportunity to own many basses in the lower $ range, none of these will ever sound like a long scale bass which I prefer but depending on your type of music I can see many gravitating towards a shorter scale.
Great video. I love that you played the Low E strings. Low E strings can be a problem on shorties. Well done. I don't love the fretboard, but that Gretsch wins this for me, followed by the SG Epiphone.
Every time I see one of these comparison videos I always like the Hofner tone best. Maybe it's just a lifetime of listening to the Beatles, but i like it.
Interesting to think that, as of late, we have reason to suspect those Gretsch mini humbuckers aren't exactly as advertised.... That being said, if they are single coils, I still love mine!
Gretsch has officially changed their website now, admitting they are single coil. Doesn't change my opinion of it though. Still sounds awesome and is nice to play. Pretty sure it'll be my first bass.
@@handdrawnfacsimile it's still an awesome starter for sure. Looks like self leveled coil, so similar to Mustang in sound, but actually more powerful due to pots and wiring.
@@handdrawnfacsimile I like mine. Easy and fun to play with an excellent tone. I don't care about the pickup controversy. They sound fine on my guitar.
I was seriously considering one until I came across the humbucker issue. I'd still buy it for the sound but I'm not sure how noisy the pickups are - not a big fan of single coils for the hum! What do you all reckon - how's this been like?
I just bought a Sire u5 Marcus miller which is one of the few short scales that have a lefty version. The Hofner is the only bass in this video that has a lefty model (I think).
I realize that this was never made or at least to my knowledge but I think that an Epiphone EB-O SG style bass would look amazing if it had a wood grain finish similar to the Ibanez GSRM20.
The shorty P? I've had one for 10 years and I've never changed or even adjusted a thing, even the strings. It's never needed a thing doing to it, came perfectly set up. Sounds even better now that the strings sound a bit like flats. Maybe I got lucky with mine (or you unlucky or maybe you live in a dry climate?) As someone who can't resist modding every bass I get to some degree, the fact I've left this one be says alot. They were still only £60 when I bought mine too. Hope you're playing a bass you love now ✌️
Our ears are amazingly subjective! I thought the two best sounding were the Gretsch, and surprisingly, the Hofner. I will say there wasn't a slouch among the 5. They all sounded good. I have noodled on all 5 and liked them all. IMO, the Gretsch plays and sounds the best, but they are all great for the price!
I have a Junior Jet Gretsch and yes it does NOT have humbucker pickups. Gretsch got in trouble with that product description but now, accurately, product description says single coil pics
Thanks for your demo. I was convicted it's for me, so I bought one. never played before and am looking forward to thumping something other than myself 😂
I enjoyed all of these basses, but the violin bass stood out to me, followed by the Gretsch and then the Mustang. What about the Jackson Minion? Nice video!
The Gretsch and Squier sounds best to me in this demo. And next the Höfner. But honestly, I've just surfed around for demos, and in this both the Mustang and Electromatic sounds significantly better than in any other demo. So what amp and/or interface did you use?
This was a great video. Just what I needed. I played 6-string electrics and acoustics for decades. What has the neck shape closest to a 6-string? And what are the weights if you don't mind? Thank you so much!
I regularly play short scale basses (Höfner, Revered Dub King), but even to me, the Ibanez Mikro bass feels really small with its 28.6” scale. I don’t know why 1-2 inches difference in scale matters, but the 30” scale on my aforementioned basses don’t feel that much different from my full scale (34”) basses. Maybe the 4mm narrower nut (smaller than most 6 string guitars) plays a part in it. Having said all that, I love my Ibanez basses, a SRH500F and TMB105.
Just want to add that the Gretchen doesn’t have mini-humbucker pickups but single coiled ones. They changed that very important detail on their website too.
@SVT There’s one second hand to sell near my place. I’m still hesitating. I heard the pickups are noisy when used one a the time. It cancels out when both are full open. I’ll give it a try.
Hello, I'm thinking of getting my first short scale bass for recording at home, and I need your advice! I've been checking out the Squier Sonic Bronco and the Squier Classic Vibe Mustang. I really liked the feel of the Bronco, but I'm not sure which one would be more versatile. Any thoughts? Thanks a lot!
For me, the Höfner sounds the best, though I'm not a fan of the look. And I'm not sure how much the handling will differ from the only bass I've played for a couple of years, a Fender Musicmaster. I want to start playing again and I can only handle a short scale bass (guess my arms ARE a bit shorter than average, even for a female). Since I'm not in a band anymore, a cheapish one will suffice for my needs. Which one will come closest to the sound of the Höfner? Squier - Jaguar or the cheaper Bronco -, or Ibanez Gio Mikro? Or...? I'm so confused!
I played a Fender Precision bass for more years than I care to admit but I bought a Hofner Vioiin bass a couple of years ago just because it was something completely different---and I love it. Very easy to play and once you've got your head around the idiosyncratic control panel you can get lots of different tones out of it. And it really is light---mine is 5.2lb. I did borrow a Fender Mustang once and didn't like it at all. Badly balanced and I didn't really like the sound either. I would say go for the Hofner
I definitely recommend popping by a music shop and trying them out. The bronco feels very cheap and clumsy to me. The mustang and the SG are my personal favourites.
I agree with the commenter, "Nope". If you want a lightweight, shortscale bass that sounds like a Hofner Ignition Series Violin bass, but doesn't look like one, then the Hofner Ignition Series Club bass should do the job nicely.
@@fourducksinawomancostume5489 wish I could. I live in a city with a population of almost 2 million people and the only big music store closed 2 years ago. I'm left with small ones that offer a rather limited selection. 😕
this demo was really helpful, thanks! i like the sg but it sounded the weakest. i like the mustang but i JUST got a regular guitar that looks that way (white, but still). good sound on it though. the ibanez - the wood look is really cool for a base and WOW you weren't kidding when you said it is versatile. *violin bass* i remember the first time i saw it, like, "WTF is that?? what is this, another weird guitar?" which was about how i felt the first time i saw a 335 style. both times i was like since when are people doing a guitar violin fusion????? (i might be slightly obsessed with both by now) anyway, i was going to straight up buy the violin one when i saw it in a store. then i realized it was a bass. and i don't play bass (yet?). and Gretsch is a favorite brand. can't quite say why, just is. naturally i'm rooting for it. but here we go, let's have a listen! ---dannnng ok yeah that sounds good!! hard to say if i would go for it or the ibanez. the ibanez is more versatile but the Gretsch's tones all sound good whereas not all of the ibanez's did, to me. overall i'd probably have to go violin bass just because i WANT ONE. after that, it'd be a little bit of a tossup.
Great video. May I suggest watching LowEndLobster’s channel. He discovered that the Gretsch Junior that advertised it’s pups as being minihumbuckers is not true. Because of the tone, he removed the pups and found that they are single coiled pups. He caught Fender and Gretsch in a fraud situation. Since they were caught after many years of producing this bass, they started to offer owners $100 towards gear. Just prove ownership by giving them a serial number. Who can you trust anymore!!
I bought the Gretsch as second bass to my Ibanez Mikro. My Ibanez doesn't rattle at all. This one probably needed a little set-up. If you think the Gretsch is comfy to play, the Mikro is in a league of its own.
Having played an original mid 1960s Gibson EB-0, I would lean toward that bass based on playability. The main problem I would have is the mahogany body, it's probably heavier than my bad back would like. I'm sure that the Hofner is the lightest of these 5 basses but it might not have as aggressive of a tone as the solid body basses with humbuckers. I played an early 1980s vintage Gibson Q-80 base in a local rock band for 15 years, and I really liked the sound of it, but it just weighs way too much these days.
I'm 31 and just started bass on one I borrowed, I'm thinking of getting a short scale cause my index fingers go inwards, and I'm always playing with 3 fingers on the fretboard, my pinky can't reach most of the time and just doesn't have enough pressure on the string. My hands are just like the average male as I looked up, I don't have "Trump" hands lol.
If you're not a bass player but need one to record and can get by playing bass lines for your songs...get a Mustang. The full size can be pretty brutal.
The Hofner Club Bass sounds better due to its shape and is more comfortable than the violin bass, especially when sitting. Unlike the violin bass, the Club bass is leg-friendly due to its design. It has a cutaway for higher notes and a distinct Les Paul-like look. I own both a sunburst and red one.
They're not humbuckers on the Gretsch. They're single-coils. Gretsch got into some trouble not too long ago for mis-labeling them as humbuckers on their website. They ended up giving credits to customers who bought one thinking they were getting humbuckers. Hey, as long as it sounds good, I don't care. And in your hands, that Gretsch sounds good!
Whaaat!?! The Jackson JS1X Minion Bass didn't make the cut, yet the Ibanez SRM20B Mikro WNF did? Well then, aren't I glad the short scale Bass I just bought myself is the Ibanez Mikro in Flat Walnut finish. 😅 Do you have a video comparing just the Ibanez vs Jackson? Ii is gonna have to look for that now. LOL BTW, Tonewood is a myth where Electric Gtrs & Basses are concerned. 😅😅😅😂 The Tone from an electric instrument is mostly affected by the Speakers in your Cab, followed by the Pickups & the Mic you mic your Cab up with, & placement of said mic. 😘 Ain't you seen Jim Lills' "Where does the Tone come from..." series? ??? He puts string across a gap between 2 benches in a test & it sounds the same as many electric gtrs... 🤔
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I am a new bassest (at 66 years old). I picked up a Hofner. LOVE IT!!!!!! I love the shorter spread for my figures, and the shorter reach up to the nut. I tried some full sized basses at the music shop and could not span, especially up near the nut. Plus it looks cool. Chicks love it. ;-) ;-) ;-)
The Hofner is wonderful. Light and easy to play (action is low and a nice neck). Great for old people and beginners (I am both)!!
good to know! i'm a beginner at guitar and IF i get a bass, kinda want the Hoff.
@@lurklingX The Epiphone Viola is also a good joice, and it is a bit heavier but also has a bit more punch. Good if you do not have one of those monster (my case) amp. Cheers!
@@sober-southoftheborderever3591 haha didn't even realize they have a viola. my minds still spinning on the whole violin/guitar thing. (yeah never SAW the beatles play so i didn't know about it). that's cool though. i like Epi, and violas are pretty cool too. will check it out!
Hofner shorty violin is a great little learner bass, excellent for travel too.
I have two Mikro basses. 66 years and a lot of basses, I settled on these 5 years ago. I made a fretless out of one, and got rid of all my heavy, long scale basses and do everything I need on the Mikro's. Great tones and very playable.
I had a Mikro at one time and it was a very hot bass in the mix. VERY “out there” tone and presence. Impressive for its size. Wish I still had it.
@@billgardner8297 Surprisingly still only $199. Best deal out there...
I bbught a 5-string just to cheaply try one. I couidnt believe how much I liked the bridge pickup, then bought a 4-string and its my go to. After years on the same Ibanez strings it still sounds like fresh strings somehow, those strings are just different judging by how much of a metallic smell is on my hands afterwards.
I had a Squier Mustang bass. It was the biggest neck diver in all of neck dive land.
BEST video of shorties. Why did not this video appear as the first result? It's super good!.
The G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet from Gretsch is equipped with two single coil pick-up's even though they looks like mini humbuckers. I'm playing one myself and agreeing on your comments. A easy played bass with a great sound.
Cheers, Sam! I've been thinking about picking up a short-scale for a while, and this video was helpful. I'm really impressed with the sound of that Gretsch.
Gretsch is the best by a country mile. Really impressed with mine and sits next to my p bass, dark ray and Warwick as a great different tone and resource
Disagree. The Hofner is better.
I’ve owned the Gretsch for several months now. It’s a lot of fun to play.
Just got one. Still in the beginning learner stages, but I like it! Looks great, no quality issues, etc. I also have a full size used Squier PBase, but liking the more compact size of this Gretsch.
This is an excellent sound demo. I've owned all but the Hofner (I did try one) and this is exactly how they sound! Nice job.
ahh what do you think is the best? id like to hear your opinion
@@oscarwong4201The Mikro offers the most comfort and versatility with its contoured body and P/J pickups, and it's really low priced. It's tiny though... The others are all nice but are what some would call character basses - each having a very unique sound that you would associate only with a certain group or type of music. Some find that to be limiting. Aside from the Mikro I would go with the Gretsch. It feels like a much more expensive instrument and has some useable tones, medium weight and a nice balance.
I have the Mustang on order. I've seen a lot of video's complaining about it being weak sounding, but it actually slays every other bass in this demo. I was quite surprised it sounded better even the Hofner, which is one of my favourite short scales. Feel confident now that I made the right choice. ( Btw, the Hofner demo has to be taken with a grain of salt, because you had not removed the protective foam from underneath the floating bridge)
Mustang arrived yet? Still happy with your choice?
William Hatton I am. I’m typically just a P bass guy, but the Mustang ticks the right boxes.
It IS weak sounding. You need to crank the master on your amp considerably louder than most any other bass.
Michael Bell That’s what amplifiers are for though. Better to have to turn the amp up a bit more than to have a bass so hot that you can’t get a clean tone because it’s killing all the amp’s head room.
It is awesome. Mustang Bass gets a very bad rap, for being a short scale one, but two, the student designation. If one ever manages to plug one in, magically, 9/10 they have more than one in their collection. Funny how that works! Lol
I have a Squire Vintage Modified Jaguar Short Scale. Similar to the Mustang, but with an extra pickup. It's fun to play and easier to transition from guitar, my main instrument. I rarely take my more expensive full-sized bass out of the case anymore.
Such a fabulous review of all those basses. Greatly appreciated!
Been comparing short scale basses now for awhile to find the one that fits me best. Your video helped a lot. Thanks. Have narrowed it down to the Bronco or the Ibanez. Have to get my hands on them now. Thanks Again ... !!!
They are not "Humbuckers" or even "Humbucking." They are single coil. Gretsch is offering compensation for even saying so. But I own one and I put D'Addario flatwounds on it and I love it. So I will forgive Gretsch.
Correct, and Gretsch product description has said “dual single coil pickups” for years now. Video is either old or they haven’t done their homework
I got one of those Gretsch little basses too, and at first I thought they had humbuckers. But then I plugged it in and it was humming, and I checked the literature on it at Sweetwater and found out they are indeed single coils. Well, whatever they are they certainly sound good... that's all I have to say about it.
I also put D'Addario Chromes on there too and wow, wotta sound! Massive, punchy, smooth and has plenty of sustain. What's not to love?
They are amazing basses. I was honestly shocked at how good it sounded when I plugged mine in.
Really good comparison of sounds and features, thanks. I wish you would have played standing up too, and talked about balance and ergonomics standing, with a guitar strap. I play in a bar band and literally never play sitting down. Thanks again, it was a great shoot out other than that.
Judging by the way this chap holds them, they all look light as a feather to me.
2³
I don’t have much experience with short scales, but I’ve heard they often have some pretty bad neck dive
@@kingdeedee I own 2 of the reviewed basses. The Ibanez is light as a feather, an ergonomic dream and has good balance.
The Gretsch has noticeably more heft to it and has serious neck dive.
I love them both for very different reasons.
I think the G&L FallOut Short scale bass is the best in my opinion. Followed by the Marcus Miller short scale.
I'm not a fan of the Beatles at all but I feel that the Hofner totally fits retro sounds like surf rock, psychedelick rock, old school jazz... it can even be good for some kind of old school hip hop beats like Tribe Called Quest
How can you not be a fan of the beatles?
@@MrDukeSilverr Just like that lmao. I just realize that 95% of people who buy a Hofner is because of Paul (whose a great songwriter don't get me wrong)
@@Kosthoms idk I feel like the beatles discography is so diverse theres smth for everyone
@@MrDukeSilverr Sure, but I can't call myself a fan, I only like a few songs from different albums
Everyone likes the Beatles,
What's wrong with you? 😂
Ibanez Talman TMB30 major contender!
I've had the Ignition Hofner for quite a number of years, I got the Gretsch in Bristol fog a year ago, and I now have the Ibanez Mikro in the transparent red.
They all have a different voice, and I really enjoy each one of them. If I'm pressed for my favorite, it's probably the Gretsch. All three basses are excellent. The Ibanez and the gretsch sound the most similar to each other. The Hofner is a unique sound all its own.
The tone is indeed in the hands though!! Each bass is so inexpensive that's no matter which one you get, it's an excellent buy.
Computer numeric control (CNC) cutting to incredible tolerances has brought inexpensive instruments an incredibly long way. Such good quality now for very little money.
Nice but you missed the Squier Mini P which is one of the best short scale basses to be released in years. I love Fender/Squier but that Gretsch is awesome. Just played one today. The build quality is noticeably better than most Squier basses, the pickups sound huge and its a steal at only $299.
I have both of these and will second you. The Mini P Bass is a lot of fun and sounds way better than it should for the price. The Gretsch is my go-to bass for nearly any style. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Great bass and good looking too.
The Ibanez mikro is a fantastic sound and quality by far.
My favorite out of your selection is the Ibanez MiKro. I own one of these, which I bought after getting my first full-scale bass in about 40 years. The full-size beast was killing my fingers, so I got the small one to help strengthen those digits till they are strong enough to handle the long bass. They both still need setups, though ...🤔
As I already own an Ibanez GSR200... decided against the MiKro (as it's just a 3/4 scale version) and ordered myself a Gretsch G2220 :)
I have the 5 string Mikro:) ....after playinh an RG bass since 92 :D
@@ILikeStyx the Gretch falsly boasts having 2 humbucking pickups; while only having single coils.........
@@NikkieRoxxx Gretsch were caught over this and have corrected their false advertising. I only discovered this after the fact, so I've reached out to see what compensation they're willing to provide for that.
Short scale basses are awesome!
They generally sound more 'bass-y' than 34-inch basses and the ergonomics are so much better.
I absolutely love my Ibanez GSRM-20B MikroBass!
Edit: bought the Gretsch as well and it's a beast. 🤘😎
@bflo1000 It has a multitude of tones too, with its 2 pick-ups and tone control.
But I must say I'm equally blown away by the Gretsch. Not as dirt cheap as the Ibanez, but what an awesome sound!
Looks classy too. 👌
Gretsch is fucking bad ass, great brand.
Imagine the sound of the hofner without the foam under the bridge!
That punch!! It’ll break through the screen!!!
My second bass was a Fender Musicmaster that had the pickup replaced with a couple of Demarzios and a 4 saddle tail piece. I LOVED that bass and wish I’d never sold it. Years later I bought a NOS 1964 Italian EKO 995. Similar to a Hofner. It’s pretty fun but it’s not my old fender from high school and college.
The Gretsch sounds great, but if U can afford more money, the Sire U5 is unbeatable and equallly beautiful too. Stanley Clarke played a short scale Alembic, though we are outside the price range here.
I started to learn bass 2 years ago. Started with a Hofner shorty. Now, I go back and forth between that and a Squier affinity jazz.
About to choose one or the other. Help
@@samsummer8382 What are your main concerns? Is this your first bass? Do you have small hands? I started with the Hofner Shorty because of both reasons, and I had frostbite at 2 years old that changed my fingers. My daughter stole my Hofner, so I replaced with a Squier Jaguar; 32" scale. The hofner has one pick up, very distinctive, but good sound. You may eventually want a bass with 2 pick ups...
@@howes1960 it will be mainly for home recording , I have a nice vintage preamp to play the bass di'd. It's my first bass I've bought but I've got very good guitars so want something decent under 400
@@samsummer8382 Okay you already play guitar. Guitar length/28", nut 1.5"/38mm. Short scale bass is close to those dimensions. Hofner nut 42mm, so bit fatter. Squier Jazz master is 34" with 1.5"/38mm nut. It's heavy; 11 pounds! I got a padded strap, I was spoiled after 6 pound Hofner. Just studio...Hofner, but you may out grow it.
@@howes1960 thanks friend
Thanks so much for this. I want a bass for around £400 and ideally a short scale one. I like the tone of the Mustang so will probably go with that.
Gretsch best bang for your buck hands down
I'm a guitarist at heart, but just bought a bass for recording purposes. I own an Ibanez mikro guitar, and while I love the thing it has tuning problems so I went with the gretsch g2220 in pink.
The mikro guitars don't have very good tuning heads, and the ones it uses are a unique diameters, meaning you would have to re drill the headstock to upgrade to better tuners.
That opening jam narrowed it down 50% (to the Mustang and the Hofner) for me. Amazing what someone who knows what they're doing on an instrument can help a newbie like me just by playing.
Just bought the gretsch . Checked out most of the rest of these. It wasn't even a contest. Very comfy great tone and light enough to not kill my back and shoulder.
Short scale basses, in terms of sound, have its place when you want a vintage soul percussive uprightbass-like sound, so Höfner, with its easy of playing, great variety of sounds, is a logical choice for that. All other options here are good replacement for 34 inch scale in case that you wish lighter, easier to play bass, or when you have smaller hands from whatever reason. In my opinion, a guitar that absolutely must be in this list is Eastwood Classic 4 or cheaper clone - Harley Benton HB-60 WB.
I have a Hofner and I love it. It's the perfect bass for someone like me, who primarily plays guitar and doesn't consider themselves a bass player.
I go back and forth from day to day about what guitar I would consider to be my favorite...but when it comes to bass, mustang is the only answer (PLEASE, Fender, make a lefty mustang bass, take my money)
Great sounds! I love my Hofner Cavern bass - cheap Ignition. Great sound.
Although not on this list, my favorite short scale bass under 400 has to be a Danelectro 59 short scale. They have a huge sound with 2 lipstick pickups. You can probably find one for 400 or under on the used market. Maybe even a longhorn too.
>Yep, you can also find Sire U5 which blows anything here out of the water
Had them all except the Squier. All have their own sound,
The Mikro is sweet sounding and comfy to use (small) 28.6 inches I believe, can get lots of sounds, it can almost sound like a jazz bass with round wounds. No neck dive, balances very nicely.
The Hofner, sounds like a Hofner, very light and neck dives due to the very light body and the way the neck extends.
The Epiphone is beefier and has plenty of neck dive, personally I don't like its sound stock.
I currently own the Gretsch, even though it does NOT have humbuckers, it is a tone beast and it is hefty, mine weighs in at 8 pounds, has some neck dive but not excessive in my opinion, reacts well to different strings, pick your flavor. I like it with black tapes.
I'm not a pro and these this is just my opinion; I have had the opportunity to own many basses in the lower $ range, none of these will ever sound like a long scale bass which I prefer but depending on your type of music I can see many gravitating towards a shorter scale.
Great video. I love that you played the Low E strings. Low E strings can be a problem on shorties. Well done. I don't love the fretboard, but that Gretsch wins this for me, followed by the SG Epiphone.
I bought my first gretsch today I love it so easy to play and it sounds so sweet.
Every time I see one of these comparison videos I always like the Hofner tone best. Maybe it's just a lifetime of listening to the Beatles, but i like it.
The original Gretsch 2022 bass is the best. hard to find but get one!
You are an excellent sales person, lad. Kudos!
Thanks soooo Much!! Truly helpful video. Going for the Ibanez :)
Interesting to think that, as of late, we have reason to suspect those Gretsch mini humbuckers aren't exactly as advertised....
That being said, if they are single coils, I still love mine!
Gretsch has officially changed their website now, admitting they are single coil. Doesn't change my opinion of it though. Still sounds awesome and is nice to play. Pretty sure it'll be my first bass.
It seems they are the older version likely to have the real ones. The headstock is far larger, denoting the original run which is proven not suspect.
@@handdrawnfacsimile it's still an awesome starter for sure. Looks like self leveled coil, so similar to Mustang in sound, but actually more powerful due to pots and wiring.
@@handdrawnfacsimile I like mine. Easy and fun to play with an excellent tone. I don't care about the pickup controversy. They sound fine on my guitar.
I was seriously considering one until I came across the humbucker issue. I'd still buy it for the sound but I'm not sure how noisy the pickups are - not a big fan of single coils for the hum! What do you all reckon - how's this been like?
I just bought a Sire u5 Marcus miller which is one of the few short scales that have a lefty version. The Hofner is the only bass in this video that has a lefty model (I think).
Ibanez makes a lefty Mikro.
I realize that this was never made or at least to my knowledge but I think that an Epiphone EB-O SG style bass would look amazing if it had a wood grain finish similar to the Ibanez GSRM20.
The ultimate real short scale bass is the Kala UBass fitted with roundwounds….got one and use it live all the time. Try it!
I had a 3/4 Harley Benton Precision which was fantastic for a few months. Then ALL the frets started to sprout!
The shorty P? I've had one for 10 years and I've never changed or even adjusted a thing, even the strings. It's never needed a thing doing to it, came perfectly set up. Sounds even better now that the strings sound a bit like flats.
Maybe I got lucky with mine (or you unlucky or maybe you live in a dry climate?)
As someone who can't resist modding every bass I get to some degree, the fact I've left this one be says alot. They were still only £60 when I bought mine too.
Hope you're playing a bass you love now ✌️
Our ears are amazingly subjective! I thought the two best sounding were the Gretsch, and surprisingly, the Hofner.
I will say there wasn't a slouch among the 5. They all sounded good.
I have noodled on all 5 and liked them all. IMO, the Gretsch plays and sounds the best, but they are all great for the price!
I have a Junior Jet Gretsch and yes it does NOT have humbucker pickups. Gretsch got in trouble with that product description but now, accurately, product description says single coil pics
I'm thinking of buying the Ibanez one. I'm gonna start Bass lessons pretty soon so i think it would be a cool bass to start with.
Thanks for your demo. I was convicted it's for me, so I bought one. never played before and am looking forward to thumping something other than myself 😂
I enjoyed all of these basses, but the violin bass stood out to me, followed by the Gretsch and then the Mustang. What about the Jackson Minion? Nice video!
I love my Ibanez mikro bass
I have an ibanez mikro bass black I put quarter powder pickups in it
The Gretsch and Squier sounds best to me in this demo. And next the Höfner.
But honestly, I've just surfed around for demos, and in this both the Mustang and Electromatic sounds significantly better than in any other demo.
So what amp and/or interface did you use?
I love my Fender mustang with the exception for a little neck dive.
I have the sterling by musicman stingray 30 inch bass. $599. Great bass.
The best one in my opinion. Couldn’t agree more
Somebody probably mentions it in the comments, but the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II has single coils.
Check out the G&L Fallout bass,(tribute series).......great passive bass with a nice tonal range.
DANKE for a really good videö on these cool instruments!!
Excellent summary - thank you.
This was a great video. Just what I needed. I played 6-string electrics and acoustics for decades. What has the neck shape closest to a 6-string? And what are the weights if you don't mind? Thank you so much!
It's the Ibanez for me, available in lots of colours as well
Just got mine in root beer. I’m loving it!
I regularly play short scale basses (Höfner, Revered Dub King), but even to me, the Ibanez Mikro bass feels really small with its 28.6” scale. I don’t know why 1-2 inches difference in scale matters, but the 30” scale on my aforementioned basses don’t feel that much different from my full scale (34”) basses. Maybe the 4mm narrower nut (smaller than most 6 string guitars) plays a part in it. Having said all that, I love my Ibanez basses, a SRH500F and TMB105.
Just want to add that the Gretchen doesn’t have mini-humbucker pickups but single coiled ones. They changed that very important detail on their website too.
@SVT There’s one second hand to sell near my place. I’m still hesitating. I heard the pickups are noisy when used one a the time. It cancels out when both are full open. I’ll give it a try.
After looking at short scales. Does not fit in this price range, but for tone, I'm settled on the G&L Tribute Fallout. That thing has tone.
Hofner sounds so warm and wooly.
Thank you for your descriptions.
I just got my wife a Mustang bass. She is going to hold down the low end!
I have own 2 of these and may pick up the EB0 the hofner is ok, I Probably wouldn't take it on the road though the neck is way too clunky as well😊
I got an Ibanez Mikro a year back and was surprised at how punchy that little thing is for being almost weightless.
Hello, I'm thinking of getting my first short scale bass for recording at home, and I need your advice! I've been checking out the Squier Sonic Bronco and the Squier Classic Vibe Mustang. I really liked the feel of the Bronco, but I'm not sure which one would be more versatile. Any thoughts? Thanks a lot!
The Hofner still sounds great, even with 1mm of foam under the bridge!!!😂
Great intro.
Posted on my birthday!
I wish that you'd given the A,D & G more play on the Ibanez like you did on the Mustang.
For me, the Höfner sounds the best, though I'm not a fan of the look. And I'm not sure how much the handling will differ from the only bass I've played for a couple of years, a Fender Musicmaster.
I want to start playing again and I can only handle a short scale bass (guess my arms ARE a bit shorter than average, even for a female). Since I'm not in a band anymore, a cheapish one will suffice for my needs. Which one will come closest to the sound of the Höfner? Squier - Jaguar or the cheaper Bronco -, or Ibanez Gio Mikro? Or...? I'm so confused!
I played a Fender Precision bass for more years than I care to admit but I bought a Hofner Vioiin bass a couple of years ago just because it was something completely different---and I love it. Very easy to play and once you've got your head around the idiosyncratic control panel you can get lots of different tones out of it. And it really is light---mine is 5.2lb. I did borrow a Fender Mustang once and didn't like it at all. Badly balanced and I didn't really like the sound either. I would say go for the Hofner
Maybe have a look at the Hofner club bass? It’s very similar apart from body shape being more like a Les Paul.
I definitely recommend popping by a music shop and trying them out. The bronco feels very cheap and clumsy to me. The mustang and the SG are my personal favourites.
I agree with the commenter, "Nope". If you want a lightweight, shortscale bass that sounds like a Hofner Ignition Series Violin bass, but doesn't look like one, then the Hofner Ignition Series Club bass should do the job nicely.
@@fourducksinawomancostume5489 wish I could. I live in a city with a population of almost 2 million people and the only big music store closed 2 years ago. I'm left with small ones that offer a rather limited selection. 😕
this demo was really helpful, thanks! i like the sg but it sounded the weakest. i like the mustang but i JUST got a regular guitar that looks that way (white, but still). good sound on it though. the ibanez - the wood look is really cool for a base and WOW you weren't kidding when you said it is versatile. *violin bass* i remember the first time i saw it, like, "WTF is that?? what is this, another weird guitar?" which was about how i felt the first time i saw a 335 style. both times i was like since when are people doing a guitar violin fusion????? (i might be slightly obsessed with both by now)
anyway, i was going to straight up buy the violin one when i saw it in a store. then i realized it was a bass. and i don't play bass (yet?).
and Gretsch is a favorite brand. can't quite say why, just is. naturally i'm rooting for it. but here we go, let's have a listen! ---dannnng ok yeah that sounds good!! hard to say if i would go for it or the ibanez. the ibanez is more versatile but the Gretsch's tones all sound good whereas not all of the ibanez's did, to me.
overall i'd probably have to go violin bass just because i WANT ONE. after that, it'd be a little bit of a tossup.
The gretsch stands out to me as having the least amount of fretbuzz which is the bane of short scale.
Great video. May I suggest watching LowEndLobster’s channel. He discovered that the Gretsch Junior that advertised it’s pups as being minihumbuckers is not true. Because of the tone, he removed the pups and found that they are single coiled pups. He caught Fender and Gretsch in a fraud situation. Since they were caught after many years of producing this bass, they started to offer owners $100 towards gear. Just prove ownership by giving them a serial number. Who can you trust anymore!!
Really liked the gretsch junior & hofner and I was really surprised by the epiphone eb-0. This would my podium. Still not convinced by the Mustang
The Epi-EBO has only one tone-the tone knob doesn't change the tone very much...
I have the Gretsch... very comfy to play. Interested in the Mustang. Thought the Ibanez was a bit rattle-ly?
I bought the Gretsch as second bass to my Ibanez Mikro.
My Ibanez doesn't rattle at all. This one probably needed a little set-up.
If you think the Gretsch is comfy to play, the Mikro is in a league of its own.
for me Ibanez, Gretsch, Hofner
Having played an original mid 1960s Gibson EB-0, I would lean toward that bass based on playability. The main problem I would have is the mahogany body, it's probably heavier than my bad back would like. I'm sure that the Hofner is the lightest of these 5 basses but it might not have as aggressive of a tone as the solid body basses with humbuckers.
I played an early 1980s vintage Gibson Q-80 base in a local rock band for 15 years, and I really liked the sound of it, but it just weighs way too much these days.
I like the Cort Action Jr. It looks similar to the Ibanez.
I'm 31 and just started bass on one I borrowed, I'm thinking of getting a short scale cause my index fingers go inwards, and I'm always playing with 3 fingers on the fretboard, my pinky can't reach most of the time and just doesn't have enough pressure on the string. My hands are just like the average male as I looked up, I don't have "Trump" hands lol.
I have a Fender short scale with the pay fera neck love it much, what do you think of it?
If you're not a bass player but need one to record and can get by playing bass lines for your songs...get a Mustang. The full size can be pretty brutal.
The Hofner Club Bass sounds better due to its shape and is more comfortable than the violin bass, especially when sitting. Unlike the violin bass, the Club bass is leg-friendly due to its design. It has a cutaway for higher notes and a distinct Les Paul-like look. I own both a sunburst and red one.
I hear a lot of fret buzz on the ibanez. is that typical?
I have a travel sized guitar. I love it, but I also love bass guitar. I want a travel-sized short-scale bass.
They're not humbuckers on the Gretsch. They're single-coils. Gretsch got into some trouble not too long ago for mis-labeling them as humbuckers on their website. They ended up giving credits to customers who bought one thinking they were getting humbuckers. Hey, as long as it sounds good, I don't care. And in your hands, that Gretsch sounds good!
SX makes some brilliant short scale basses.
Whaaat!?! The Jackson JS1X Minion Bass didn't make the cut, yet the Ibanez SRM20B Mikro WNF did?
Well then, aren't I glad the short scale Bass I just bought myself is the Ibanez Mikro in Flat Walnut finish. 😅
Do you have a video comparing just the Ibanez vs Jackson?
Ii is gonna have to look for that now. LOL
BTW, Tonewood is a myth where Electric Gtrs & Basses are concerned. 😅😅😅😂
The Tone from an electric instrument is mostly affected by the Speakers in your Cab, followed by the Pickups & the Mic you mic your Cab up with, & placement of said mic. 😘
Ain't you seen Jim Lills' "Where does the Tone come from..." series? ???
He puts string across a gap between 2 benches in a test & it sounds the same as many electric gtrs... 🤔
Do you do a left-handed short scale bass the hofner bass sorry
Thank you!
The Epiphone Viola-Bass would have been another good one to have a look at. Any thoughts on it?
If you play one with flatwound strings up over the end of the fretboard it sounds very convincing as a double bass.