I’ve got one of those in pieces in my loft. I got mine in 2014 for £45 as a B stock bass. The only issue with it really are the tuners. I should put it back together as it’s a great instrument
Both basses offer a great,(affordable) platform for mods. For me I usually will change out the pickups and possibly the pots. dropped an EMG Geezer "P" bass pickup,(which comes with solder-less pots) in my squire mini......big difference. If neck dive is a problem hipshot ultralites lessen that significantly. Both basses are a great value. I've gigged with my squire mini. : )
Hi Jonathan, thanks so much for your informative short-scale bass reviews. They are thorough without being tedious. I would be interested in seeing your take on the (few) acoustic short-scale basses out there. There are enough long-scale acoustic basses on the market, but not short-scale acoustic basses. Since we're on the topic here of Harley Benton basses, I was told recently by HB that they will be re-introducing their B-25M medium-scale acoustic bass in September sometime. It went out of production temporarily a few months ago. You can see Harley Benton demos of this bass on UA-cam, and one from Bass The World. Perhaps, like you have done with their PB Shorty, you may be able to find a B-25M somewhere and do a review. Another medium-scale acoustic bass is by Fender, the CB60-SCE model. Ibanez has two short-scale acoustic basses, but I haven't been too impressed with them from what I've seen elsewhere online and I also tried one in a guitar shop. Acoustic bass is wonderful to play and as I'm sure you know, it's another "head" altogether and can bring out some creativity that we didn't know we had. Again - thanks again, brother. †
Hi! Thanks for watching! I have a lead to get one of those uke-style rubber strung basses into my hands. Short and medium scale acoustic basses virtually don’t exist where I am, unfortunately. But if I can get my hands on one, I’ll try my best to get something filmed!! Thanks for commenting!
Thanks Jonathan for your reply. Those uke-style rubber strung basses to me at least look like toys, and not to be taken seriously, but I tried one once and was impressed. I have two acoustic basses. One is a short-scale Fender model BG-29 which I bought in 2007 right before it went out of production. It's very rare now and hard to find. The other is an AMI (= Sigma, i.e. with Martin specs) that is long-scale and that bass is the best acoustic bass I have ever played, and I've tried many, including more pricey acoustic basses, like the Martin which costs I think over $1,600 in U.S. dollars. My AMI is just as good if not better than the Martin. Higher prices as you know should not always be automatically translated in our minds into better quality. I bought my AMI a few years ago for $439 which is a great price for such a great acoustic bass. Since then AMI has upped their prices quite a bit, unfortunately; and for some reason they no longer offer the acoustic bass. Sigma does and AMI = Sigma. Thanks again, Jim † @@jonathanwong458music
To counteract the neck dive, I'd consider Hipshot Ultralite tuners (or similar) and a high mass bridge. It's actually a great mod platform. You could gut all the hardware and electronics and rebuild it with better parts as a fun project.
You could! :-) However, my experience with other neck-heavy basses is that having them hang from a not-slippery neck strap also prevents them from toppling.
I really like my PB Shorty, though the neck feels a little chunkier than it should be even for a P-Bass. With the right setup it can sound great stock. I mostly use an old Harley Benton bass amp and a Nux Mighty Plug with it, I have some really nice dirty tones especially I can get out of the latter. Mine was B-Stock and had some the most screwed up strings I've ever heard - the E string for example, was literally unslappable and had this weird distortion to it, like maybe the core came loose somewhere. It was a cool sound in isolation, so I recorded it to use elsewhere, but not as a bass guitar sound! If I was to mod anything about it, maybe lightweight tuners(the E string tuner is kind of crappy on mine) new Tone Pot and of course some shielding if I can find where I put my shielding tape.
I much prefer the MV-4msb over the PB shorty. In part, due to the smaller and narrower neck dimensions, as you’ve highlighted! Seems like HB’s QC may be a bit hit and miss, but for the price, hard to resist. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Jonathan. Besides the smaller and narrower neck dimensions, what other reasons do you have for preferring the MV-4msb over the PB Shorty?@@jonathanwong458music
@@JimHogan-v2y here is a link to a video I made comparing the two models: Harley Benton Short Scale Bass Shootout! PB Shorty vs. MV-4MSB sonic comparison ua-cam.com/video/A289k-fCtV0/v-deo.html Harley Benton has discontinued the Mustang styled MV-4msb unfortunately. Compared to the PB shorty, it was better built overall and had a better sounding pickup. It was also more expensive. Sadly you can’t get them anymore. Maybe they’re making a newer version.
Super comparison, thank you! Have you ever done a video comparing and explaining the playability of bases? I currently have two long scales, one being the Squier P Classic 60s vibe, and the other is my good old Yamaha RBX 270 PJ. The latter is so much easier to play but the Squier sound so much better.
Thanks for watching! Playability is sometimes a difficult thing to describe, but I do have a playlist - my so-called “Bass vs. Bass” where I have put several short scales vs long and short vs short type comparisons. Here’s a link should that interest you: Bass vs. Bass ua-cam.com/play/PLm13V_vip6vkBp_WEAkUxBFWZQxTSmgUq.html
I"m wondering how the HB PB Shorty would sound with flatwounds. Isn't the classic Precision bass sound distinctly flatwound? That is to say, can we really say we have a PB sound if we're using round wound strings? Nothing against roundwounds which certainly have their virtues, though.
Good question. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a set of more economical flats at the time (my usual flats cost more than this bass!). With the stock pickup, it might not thump as much as other Ps. The classic Motown/stax/R&B sound is certainly a P bass with flats, but a lot of modern rock is a P with rounds. Both are iconic sounds. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Jonathan. I just left a comment on your new video of the G&L Fallout bass with GHS flatwounds. Great job ! I have the black model with round wound strings. I like the bass so much I'm thinking of getting another one and putting flats on it, specifically GHS flats which I like on my Guild Starfire 1 bass and which I see you like next after TIs. The financial cost is a concern, though a seller I know is willing to discount me $100 if I buy one from him (the same seller who sold me the G&L Fallout bass that I have). Still, the cost is a bit much. So while I certainly understand that as far as overall quality goes, the G&L for sure beats the Harley Benton PB Shorty, I'm wondering (because of financial cost) how a HB PB Shorty would sound with flatwounds. Would you be able to speculate some here and give your opinion? Thanks. Jim p.s. your videos are so very helpful, keep up the good work, bro.
Thanks for watching! The PB shorty’s biggest drawback is the pickup. The output is low and the tone is kinda ‘meh’. But the entry level price point is the selling feature. The build quality and feel is no where near the G&L tribute, unfortunately. If you’re used to your current fallout bass, I’m afraid you’ll likely be underwhelmed with the HB… Are you in Canada or the US or abroad?
@@jonathanwong458music Yeah, I knew relatively speaking it would be an underwhelming experience. But as you say, the entry level price is attractive. To answer your question, I am in the USA.
I ask because in order to fund the next video, this G&L will need to find a new home. But by the time one factors in shipping and duty/import taxes from Canada to the states, it no longer appears financially attractive!
The Squier mini is an even shorter scale length (28.6”), but in this video, I put Labellas on. Not the same, but it may give you a sense of what an entry level short P style bass with flats could sound like. Gets you in the ballpark. Here’s a link: Squier Mini Precision bass mods Ep.5: Labella Flatwounds Deep Talkin' 760FM-P ua-cam.com/video/cEFUNxG-5ks/v-deo.html
Good question. I no longer have this PB shorty, so unfortunately, I can't show you. Here is a link where I put Thomastik flatwounds on another short scale Harley Benton. I've disconnected the bridge J pickup (only running the P), so you might get a sense of what is achievable. ua-cam.com/video/w1glKJ8EsAs/v-deo.html The biggest shortcoming of this PB shorty is the electronic package. Throw a better pickup in there and it'll be a whole different instrument. I have a few other short scale bass videos featuring flatwounds and tapewounds (squier bronco and gretsch 2220) should you be interested! Thanks for watching!
Are you referring to the Squier Mini precision? If so, then yes, it is shorter and narrower - the scale length of the Mini P is 28.6", whereas the HB PB shorty is a 30" scale. If you want a 30" scale in a Squier, you're looking at the Bronco, which has a Mustang body shape and a different p/u. Thanks for watching and asking!
Hi Jonathan. It's been a while since we've communicated. I'm thinking of finally picking up a HB PB Shorty. I would rather have flatwound strings than their stock strings and know you are a big fan of Thomastiks. Do you have any experience with the Thomastik JF324 short-scale strings?
Yes to both! I am a long time user of the Thomastik jazz flats. I typically prefer using the long scale 344 set, gauges 100-43. I had my custom F bass initially strung with the short scale 324 set. The string wound length is closer to a medium scale than a short, which isn’t a big deal. However, I didn’t like the 106 gauge E string. There’s nothing wrong with it, I am just so used to the 100 E found in my usual set. Comes down to the feel of it. I’m not sure why the short scale set has a 106 E while the long scale has a 100 E, while all the other strings are the same. Maybe it’s a ‘balanced tension’ type of reasoning. Good luck with the purchase and thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Yes, you're right about that. The 106 E doesn't seem to make sense on a short-scale. At any rate, would the Thomastik JF324 strings work on the PB Shorty? Are they in any way incompatible, or does it just boil down to a matter of personal preference?
Both TI sets will go on without issue, provided you are careful with the winding process. I’ve had long scale TIs on my short scales for years without issue. As an alternative option, my other favourite flatwounds are the GHS precision flats. I like the set with 95-45. Comes in short scale, with a 32.75” string wound length. Those would fit a 30” scale PB shorty perfectly. These GHS flats have a bigger bottom and less pronounced midrange compared to the TIs. I like both. Really comes down to pairing them with the right bass for the tone you’re after! The GHS are 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the TIs!!
@@jonathanwong458music OK, thanks. I have GHS Precision Flats on my Guild Starfire 1 bass and they sound and feel great. I'm wondering, though if GHS makes them with something in between 95 and 106 on the low E. Or if anyone else makes something in between.
Of the many flats I’ve tried, off the top of my head for something in between, D’addario chromes has a 100 set, and labella makes their low tension flats in 100. Majority of others will have a 105. For my arthritic fingers, I try to not go heavier than 100 if I can help it.
I do have one of these. Payed 99 Euro for it. Thomann has free shipping for us in Europe. There was no fret sprout which surprised me for the price. I changed the bridge with a Gotoh one I had laying around. Rest is stock and I do like it. Sold my Pbass for a short scale. Am planning on building another body for it to get a better balance. I do have a kit from HB too. Neckpocket is tighter than my 1994 Japanese Fender strato.
It’s absolutely incredible what you can get for 99 euro. Less good of a deal factoring in shipping and taxes/import fees to Canada, but still……so inexpensive! Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences!
@@jonathanwong458music would love to know how it compares to the shorty as I have a Shorty and am thinking of getting the Mikro - the Shorty lives at my parents so I could do with a short scale to cart around here too
@@SisterRose I have a mikro in the studio at the moment. Video hopefully shot and released in the next few weeks! Stay tuned. So far, I think the mikro feels and plays better (than the Harley Benton PB shorty). It's a shorter neck so it may feel a bit cramped, depending on what you're used to.
That's a great question, and I think it really depends on what one deems 'legit'. I do not think the scale length itself is the primary issue - provided that it is comfortable for you to play, it fits your body shape and size and most importantly, you can play well on it. I find the 28.6" scale a bit cramped for me, personally (and I love short scale basses). I also wouldn't go shorter in scale (for tonal and feel reasons), unless you were in a ukelele band, or similar where you want the short esthetic. The really great thing about these mini basses is that they fit inside an electric guitar gig bag, which does make busking/gigging/transporation much easier than a larger bass bag or case. What also factors into the legitimacy of a gigging bass is how well it will hold up in weather and humidity changes, whether it will hold up being thrown around in the van/trailer, and whether the hardware will survive multiple adjustments without screws getting stripped etc. These are things that will plague lower end instruments, in general, and not just ones with shorter scale lengths. In conclusion, for this PB shorty, it would really benefit from better electronics to improve it sonically. I'm not confident in the quality of the entry level hardware to take it on the road, however. But these are relatively easy upgrades to make, and you can do them a step at a time (not all at once). Thanks for watching and asking!
Are there any quirky frets when you lower the action to 6/64 or below? Does it have the curse of the short lived E string where the E string dies out way before the A, D, and G strings? I've owned many short scale basses that all did that. I don't own any shorties anymore. Too frustrating for me.
I can’t recall, unfortunately. This HB was purchased for shooting a few videos then got sold off. Yes, some short scales can have E strings that seem to decay more quickly. My main short scales (many!) don’t seem to have that issue. Setup may play a role, as can string choice. But maybe it’s also just luck! I’ve tried a few mustangs that did that. *More commonly, however, I find more budget short scales to often have phasey or chorusey sounding E strings above the fifth fret. More so with round wounds. Thanks for watching and asking!
@@jonathanwong458music I ran down to Toledo last week at Music go Round and found a fantastic U,S,A, made 1987 Peavey Fury bass with hardshell case in almost mint condition. I trad my Hofner B-bass hi series and a Gretsch Electromaic 2202 short scale. What a great find at a great price.
Just amazing for the prices! Agree on our assessment of the less nasal Squier (which I own)
Pretty hard to beat at 83 euros!! Thanks for always watching!
I’ve got one of those in pieces in my loft. I got mine in 2014 for £45 as a B stock bass. The only issue with it really are the tuners. I should put it back together as it’s a great instrument
Do it! Thanks for watching!
Excellent review
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
Both basses offer a great,(affordable) platform for mods. For me I usually will change out the pickups and possibly the pots. dropped an EMG Geezer "P" bass pickup,(which comes with solder-less pots) in my squire mini......big difference. If neck dive is a problem hipshot ultralites lessen that significantly. Both basses are a great value. I've gigged with my squire mini. : )
Right on! Thanks for watching! These would be perfect for really tight stages- less neck to accidentally smash into cymbals!
Great review!
Thanks so much for watching and for the encouragement!
I got mineB stock for £58 a couple of years ago - with little experience of basses and small hands it's fine for bits of jamming and recording
Right on! Hope you continue to enjoy. Thanks for watching!
I got this and the Squier. This one is MUCH better. Better neck, better sound.
Right on! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Jonathan, thanks so much for your informative short-scale bass reviews. They are thorough without being tedious. I would be interested in seeing your take on the (few) acoustic short-scale basses out there. There are enough long-scale acoustic basses on the market, but not short-scale acoustic basses. Since we're on the topic here of Harley Benton basses, I was told recently by HB that they will be re-introducing their B-25M medium-scale acoustic bass in September sometime. It went out of production temporarily a few months ago. You can see Harley Benton demos of this bass on UA-cam, and one from Bass The World. Perhaps, like you have done with their PB Shorty, you may be able to find a B-25M somewhere and do a review. Another medium-scale acoustic bass is by Fender, the CB60-SCE model. Ibanez has two short-scale acoustic basses, but I haven't been too impressed with them from what I've seen elsewhere online and I also tried one in a guitar shop. Acoustic bass is wonderful to play and as I'm sure you know, it's another "head" altogether and can bring out some creativity that we didn't know we had. Again - thanks again, brother. †
Hi! Thanks for watching! I have a lead to get one of those uke-style rubber strung basses into my hands. Short and medium scale acoustic basses virtually don’t exist where I am, unfortunately. But if I can get my hands on one, I’ll try my best to get something filmed!!
Thanks for commenting!
Thanks Jonathan for your reply. Those uke-style rubber strung basses to me at least look like toys, and not to be taken seriously, but I tried one once and was impressed. I have two acoustic basses. One is a short-scale Fender model BG-29 which I bought in 2007 right before it went out of production. It's very rare now and hard to find. The other is an AMI (= Sigma, i.e. with Martin specs) that is long-scale and that bass is the best acoustic bass I have ever played, and I've tried many, including more pricey acoustic basses, like the Martin which costs I think over $1,600 in U.S. dollars. My AMI is just as good if not better than the Martin. Higher prices as you know should not always be automatically translated in our minds into better quality. I bought my AMI a few years ago for $439 which is a great price for such a great acoustic bass. Since then AMI has upped their prices quite a bit, unfortunately; and for some reason they no longer offer the acoustic bass. Sigma does and AMI = Sigma. Thanks again, Jim † @@jonathanwong458music
Cool! Thanks for the tips. I’ll keep a look out for those. The mini Taylor acoustic bass is cool too. Too quiet as a stand alone acoustic though
To counteract the neck dive, I'd consider Hipshot Ultralite tuners (or similar) and a high mass bridge. It's actually a great mod platform. You could gut all the hardware and electronics and rebuild it with better parts as a fun project.
For sure!! I no longer have the PB shorty so I don’t know what the screw hole pattern is or whether the new holes for hipshots would be hidden.
You could! :-) However, my experience with other neck-heavy basses is that having them hang from a not-slippery neck strap also prevents them from toppling.
@@chrislaarman7532 good suggestion! Thanks!
I really like my PB Shorty, though the neck feels a little chunkier than it should be even for a P-Bass. With the right setup it can sound great stock. I mostly use an old Harley Benton bass amp and a Nux Mighty Plug with it, I have some really nice dirty tones especially I can get out of the latter.
Mine was B-Stock and had some the most screwed up strings I've ever heard - the E string for example, was literally unslappable and had this weird distortion to it, like maybe the core came loose somewhere. It was a cool sound in isolation, so I recorded it to use elsewhere, but not as a bass guitar sound!
If I was to mod anything about it, maybe lightweight tuners(the E string tuner is kind of crappy on mine) new Tone Pot and of course some shielding if I can find where I put my shielding tape.
I much prefer the MV-4msb over the PB shorty. In part, due to the smaller and narrower neck dimensions, as you’ve highlighted!
Seems like HB’s QC may be a bit hit and miss, but for the price, hard to resist.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Jonathan. What is a MV-4msb bass? Who makes it?@@jonathanwong458music
Hi Jonathan. Besides the smaller and narrower neck dimensions, what other reasons do you have for preferring the MV-4msb over the PB Shorty?@@jonathanwong458music
@@JimHogan-v2y here is a link to a video I made comparing the two models:
Harley Benton Short Scale Bass Shootout! PB Shorty vs. MV-4MSB sonic comparison
ua-cam.com/video/A289k-fCtV0/v-deo.html
Harley Benton has discontinued the Mustang styled MV-4msb unfortunately. Compared to the PB shorty, it was better built overall and had a better sounding pickup. It was also more expensive. Sadly you can’t get them anymore. Maybe they’re making a newer version.
@@JimHogan-v2y it’s a mustang styled bass also made by Harley Benton.
Super comparison, thank you!
Have you ever done a video comparing and explaining the playability of bases? I currently have two long scales, one being the Squier P Classic 60s vibe, and the other is my good old Yamaha RBX 270 PJ. The latter is so much easier to play but the Squier sound so much better.
Thanks for watching! Playability is sometimes a difficult thing to describe, but I do have a playlist - my so-called “Bass vs. Bass” where I have put several short scales vs long and short vs short type comparisons. Here’s a link should that interest you:
Bass vs. Bass
ua-cam.com/play/PLm13V_vip6vkBp_WEAkUxBFWZQxTSmgUq.html
@@jonathanwong458music Thank you!
Top channel.
I’m still very new at this! I appreciate the encouragement!
I"m wondering how the HB PB Shorty would sound with flatwounds. Isn't the classic Precision bass sound distinctly flatwound? That is to say, can we really say we have a PB sound if we're using round wound strings? Nothing against roundwounds which certainly have their virtues, though.
Good question. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a set of more economical flats at the time (my usual flats cost more than this bass!). With the stock pickup, it might not thump as much as other Ps. The classic Motown/stax/R&B sound is certainly a P bass with flats, but a lot of modern rock is a P with rounds. Both are iconic sounds.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Jonathan. I just left a comment on your new video of the G&L Fallout bass with GHS flatwounds. Great job ! I have the black model with round wound strings. I like the bass so much I'm thinking of getting another one and putting flats on it, specifically GHS flats which I like on my Guild Starfire 1 bass and which I see you like next after TIs. The financial cost is a concern, though a seller I know is willing to discount me $100 if I buy one from him (the same seller who sold me the G&L Fallout bass that I have). Still, the cost is a bit much. So while I certainly understand that as far as overall quality goes, the G&L for sure beats the Harley Benton PB Shorty, I'm wondering (because of financial cost) how a HB PB Shorty would sound with flatwounds. Would you be able to speculate some here and give your opinion? Thanks. Jim p.s. your videos are so very helpful, keep up the good work, bro.
Thanks for watching! The PB shorty’s biggest drawback is the pickup. The output is low and the tone is kinda ‘meh’. But the entry level price point is the selling feature. The build quality and feel is no where near the G&L tribute, unfortunately. If you’re used to your current fallout bass, I’m afraid you’ll likely be underwhelmed with the HB…
Are you in Canada or the US or abroad?
@@jonathanwong458music Yeah, I knew relatively speaking it would be an underwhelming experience. But as you say, the entry level price is attractive. To answer your question, I am in the USA.
I ask because in order to fund the next video, this G&L will need to find a new home. But by the time one factors in shipping and duty/import taxes from Canada to the states, it no longer appears financially attractive!
@@jonathanwong458music Wow. Bless you ! It's the thought that counts. Prov. 19:22, KJV - Jim
The Squier mini is an even shorter scale length (28.6”), but in this video, I put Labellas on. Not the same, but it may give you a sense of what an entry level short P style bass with flats could sound like. Gets you in the ballpark. Here’s a link:
Squier Mini Precision bass mods Ep.5: Labella Flatwounds Deep Talkin' 760FM-P
ua-cam.com/video/cEFUNxG-5ks/v-deo.html
Hi Jonathan. Any thoughts on what the PB shorty would sound like with either flatwounds or tape wounds? Tonally? Output-wise?
Good question. I no longer have this PB shorty, so unfortunately, I can't show you. Here is a link where I put Thomastik flatwounds on another short scale Harley Benton. I've disconnected the bridge J pickup (only running the P), so you might get a sense of what is achievable.
ua-cam.com/video/w1glKJ8EsAs/v-deo.html
The biggest shortcoming of this PB shorty is the electronic package. Throw a better pickup in there and it'll be a whole different instrument. I have a few other short scale bass videos featuring flatwounds and tapewounds (squier bronco and gretsch 2220) should you be interested!
Thanks for watching!
The Squier seems shorter and narrower overall. Am I correct? What are the overall dimensions for both?
Are you referring to the Squier Mini precision? If so, then yes, it is shorter and narrower - the scale length of the Mini P is 28.6", whereas the HB PB shorty is a 30" scale. If you want a 30" scale in a Squier, you're looking at the Bronco, which has a Mustang body shape and a different p/u.
Thanks for watching and asking!
Hi Jonathan. It's been a while since we've communicated. I'm thinking of finally picking up a HB PB Shorty. I would rather have flatwound strings than their stock strings and know you are a big fan of Thomastiks. Do you have any experience with the Thomastik JF324 short-scale strings?
Yes to both! I am a long time user of the Thomastik jazz flats. I typically prefer using the long scale 344 set, gauges 100-43.
I had my custom F bass initially strung with the short scale 324 set. The string wound length is closer to a medium scale than a short, which isn’t a big deal. However, I didn’t like the 106 gauge E string. There’s nothing wrong with it, I am just so used to the 100 E found in my usual set. Comes down to the feel of it. I’m not sure why the short scale set has a 106 E while the long scale has a 100 E, while all the other strings are the same. Maybe it’s a ‘balanced tension’ type of reasoning.
Good luck with the purchase and thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Yes, you're right about that. The 106 E doesn't seem to make sense on a short-scale. At any rate, would the Thomastik JF324 strings work on the PB Shorty? Are they in any way incompatible, or does it just boil down to a matter of personal preference?
Both TI sets will go on without issue, provided you are careful with the winding process. I’ve had long scale TIs on my short scales for years without issue.
As an alternative option, my other favourite flatwounds are the GHS precision flats. I like the set with 95-45. Comes in short scale, with a 32.75” string wound length. Those would fit a 30” scale PB shorty perfectly. These GHS flats have a bigger bottom and less pronounced midrange compared to the TIs. I like both. Really comes down to pairing them with the right bass for the tone you’re after! The GHS are 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the TIs!!
@@jonathanwong458music OK, thanks. I have GHS Precision Flats on my Guild Starfire 1 bass and they sound and feel great. I'm wondering, though if GHS makes them with something in between 95 and 106 on the low E. Or if anyone else makes something in between.
Of the many flats I’ve tried, off the top of my head for something in between, D’addario chromes has a 100 set, and labella makes their low tension flats in 100. Majority of others will have a 105.
For my arthritic fingers, I try to not go heavier than 100 if I can help it.
I do have one of these. Payed 99 Euro for it. Thomann has free shipping for us in Europe.
There was no fret sprout which surprised me for the price.
I changed the bridge with a Gotoh one I had laying around. Rest is stock and I do like it.
Sold my Pbass for a short scale.
Am planning on building another body for it to get a better balance.
I do have a kit from HB too. Neckpocket is tighter than my 1994 Japanese Fender strato.
It’s absolutely incredible what you can get for 99 euro. Less good of a deal factoring in shipping and taxes/import fees to Canada, but still……so inexpensive!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences!
What about Ibanez GSRM20? Did you get a chance to play them?
One just arrived today! Expect a video in the next few weeks (i hope!) . Thx for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music would love to know how it compares to the shorty as I have a Shorty and am thinking of getting the Mikro - the Shorty lives at my parents so I could do with a short scale to cart around here too
@@SisterRose I have a mikro in the studio at the moment. Video hopefully shot and released in the next few weeks! Stay tuned. So far, I think the mikro feels and plays better (than the Harley Benton PB shorty). It's a shorter neck so it may feel a bit cramped, depending on what you're used to.
Are these mini basses legit enough instruments to gig with?
That's a great question, and I think it really depends on what one deems 'legit'.
I do not think the scale length itself is the primary issue - provided that it is comfortable for you to play, it fits your body shape and size and most importantly, you can play well on it. I find the 28.6" scale a bit cramped for me, personally (and I love short scale basses). I also wouldn't go shorter in scale (for tonal and feel reasons), unless you were in a ukelele band, or similar where you want the short esthetic.
The really great thing about these mini basses is that they fit inside an electric guitar gig bag, which does make busking/gigging/transporation much easier than a larger bass bag or case.
What also factors into the legitimacy of a gigging bass is how well it will hold up in weather and humidity changes, whether it will hold up being thrown around in the van/trailer, and whether the hardware will survive multiple adjustments without screws getting stripped etc. These are things that will plague lower end instruments, in general, and not just ones with shorter scale lengths.
In conclusion, for this PB shorty, it would really benefit from better electronics to improve it sonically. I'm not confident in the quality of the entry level hardware to take it on the road, however. But these are relatively easy upgrades to make, and you can do them a step at a time (not all at once).
Thanks for watching and asking!
Thank you so much for the thorough answer! I really appreciate it!
My pleasure!
Are there any quirky frets when you lower the action to 6/64 or below?
Does it have the curse of the short lived E string where the E string dies out way before the A, D, and G strings? I've owned many short scale basses that all did that. I don't own any shorties anymore. Too frustrating for me.
I can’t recall, unfortunately. This HB was purchased for shooting a few videos then got sold off. Yes, some short scales can have E strings that seem to decay more quickly. My main short scales (many!) don’t seem to have that issue. Setup may play a role, as can string choice. But maybe it’s also just luck! I’ve tried a few mustangs that did that.
*More commonly, however, I find more budget short scales to often have phasey or chorusey sounding E strings above the fifth fret. More so with round wounds.
Thanks for watching and asking!
@@jonathanwong458music
How the hell did you write that so fast?🤨
Haha! Phone just happened to be in my hand. Multitasking while reading the news!
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I ran down to Toledo last week at Music go Round and found a fantastic U,S,A, made 1987 Peavey Fury bass with hardshell case in almost mint condition.
I trad my Hofner B-bass hi series and a Gretsch Electromaic 2202 short scale.
What a great find at a great price.
Nice! I remember those furys! The first bass I ever took home was a white peavey!