Best Short-Scale Bass Under $500

When it comes to any musical instrument, most people love to have a guitar or learn it as compared to other instruments. The guitar is often looked with classiness, cool attitude, and a status symbol. Those who admire this instrument are crazy about it. There are many options available in the market for the bass guitar. You can select the one according to the budget, features you require, aesthetics, and the quality. The most important thing you must have in your mind while going to purchase a bass guitar for you is the purpose. Whether you are a beginner, learner, or professional, it is very much important to have the right guitar which suits your purpose.

While searching for short-scale bass in the market, you will come across many designs, brands, & models. To avoid confusion about which one you should buy, keep a list of features ready which you want in your guitar. That list will help you a lot in selecting the right one. This article will talk about some of the best bass guitars with their special points. It will somewhat clear the mess in your mind about which guitar will be the best for you. The price range of the below-mentioned guitars is under $500.

Guide to buying Best short-scale bass under $500

Here are some points to consider before heading to the market for buying a short-scale bass guitar:

The purpose

Yes, this is the first and foremost thing to consider before buying a guitar. As we have also discussed above that it should be clear why do you need a bass guitar. If you’re a beginner or learner, then you should go for the basic & cheaper model for the early stages of your learning. While on the other hand, if you are a pro then you must invest in something better and durable.

The design

Choosing the bass guitar with the right design and constructional elements is necessary to achieve better stage performance. You must have an idea about each part a guitar has and their orientation before purchasing one for yourself. It is important to check all the parts including neck, headstock, fretboard, and truss rod properly to prevent being fooled by the shopkeeper.

The neck

From three kinds of bass necks available in the market, make it pretty clear that which one you are looking for. The types of necks defined are according to how they are attached to the body. Names are as mentioned:

Bolt-on neck

Set neck

Thru-body neck

All three have certain differences in their functioning hence you must be clear when you make your choice.

The scale

If you are a professional then you should the standard scale length size of 34” but you can also opt for 35” scale length with five to six-string basses. Though short scale basses are of 30” in length and are considered good for players with small hands. The rest will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

The body type

It is necessary to have a bass guitar with a body made of quality wood that you are looking for. The body with good wood quality is important for better vibration transfer.

The bridge’s type

While we are looking for everything specific to buy the right kind of guitar, then we must consider choosing the correct bridge type as well. Opting for the perfect one will give better results.

There are 3 different types of bass bridges available:

Through-bridge

String-through body

Bridge and tailpiece combination

The pickups

The function of pickups is to capture the sound created by vibrating strings and the body. They are electromagnetic devices and come in two different types including single-coil and humbuckers. The right placement of pickups on the guitar is also important to the tone it produces. So you also have to look for this point while purchasing a guitar.

The electronics

There are also two types under this category, active and passive. They play a key role in boosting the output of pickups and providing tone-shaping controls.  You must be aware that passive preamp systems do not require any power source whereas active systems need the power to operate. You have to find out which one is best for you.

The number of strings

Bass guitars generally come in 4, 5, or 6 strings types and it will depend on the user which one to buy. New guitar players are advised to use 4 string guitars as they are perfect for most styles and are easier to handle. They are also considered good for learners. Whereas five or six-string guitars are suitable for fusion, metal, jazz, and hard rock players.

Squier by Fender 328900538 Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass

 

Sharp looks, easy handling, and good sound, this bass is perfect for the new players in the industry.

Overview

This classic bass has been designed having a sleek offset-waist body with a slim fast-action neck. Not only for beginners but this bass will also be good for experienced players. Its beautiful sound will leave you stunned while smooth playability will boost confidence level on stage. You will love to have this model in your collection.

Features and Benefits

Perfectly designed

This bass is greatly admired for having precise body design with the ultra-slim neck. It features 34” scale with a rosewood fretboard.

Great sound quality

With a single-coil bridge pickup and active bass boost circuit, this bass produces superior sound quality. Even professional players will find this model good for them. This pickup & boost circuit configuration will add additional low-end power to its sound quality.

Good comfort level

The smart C-shape maple neck design offers optimum comfort to the player and helps the player to focus more on the performance rather than holding the bass right.

Durability

This bass model is said to be highly durable and you will find it delivering good value for the money spent.

Key Specifications:

• Dimensions– 52.2 x 15 x 4 inches
• Weight– 12.35 pounds
• of strings– 4
• Scale length– 34”
• Boost circuit– Active bass boost circuit

This Squier by Fender powerful bass unit is a good option for beginner or learner and will deliver complete value for money. If you are a first-time buyer then you can consider it to gain some experience before going for higher models. This guitar is easy to play hence you can brush-up your skills in a better and confident way. Try it out and have one in the process of becoming a great bassist.

Epiphone EB-3 Electric Bass Guitar

Amazing in performance and classic in design, this guitar will never let you down under any terms.

Overview

This electric bass guitar is designed with utmost precision having 34” scale mahogany neck that will deliver enhanced bass quality. It also features a three-position pickup selector switch which allows shaping frequency response. If you are looking for something classy and quality guitar, then this one is tailored for you. It also has good electronics with nickel hardware to offer superb durability.

Features and Benefits

Stunning design

Rosewood fretboard and mahogany body, this guitar is made from these quality materials. You will be mesmerized by its precise curves and SG-shaped body with perfect detailing. It’s solid built assures that it will last for long.

Impressive sound

Sound is something very important if you are looking to purchase a guitar. This Epiphone EB-3 guitar will produce an engaging sound that will be loved when you perform.

Slim body

Having an easy-fit neck is a plus point of this guitar that will not only be good for a bassist but also for those who carry bass in studio or stage.

Quality hardware

All hardware installed in Epiphone EB-3 guitar is made of quality nickel for ensuring effective performance. It offers full function volume, adjustable bridge, frequency response, and tone. All this happens with the help of full-size 500K O potentiometers and premium machine heads of classic style.

Key Specifications:

• Dimensions– 44 x 18 x 8 inches
• Body– Mahogany
• Fretboard– Rosewood
• Hardware– Nickel
• Scale– 34” scale

This guitar is designed for both entry-level and experienced players. Great bass, mahogany body, and nickel hardware combine to deliver excellent sound with high durability. This Electric Bass Guitar will never disappoint you whether you are performing live on stage, recording a video, or just practicing to brush-up your skills. It will be a good pick for you in an affordable price range.

ESP F-104-BLK-KIT-1 4-String Electric Bass

With bolt-on-construction, this guitar has a rocking look with some great features that will leave you stunned.

Overview

A great combination of a basswood body, rosewood fingerboard, and maple neck, this guitar is known for its solid bass. It is also admired for having passive pickups with active EQ. This 4-String Electric Bass has a 35” scale, which means that it can produce solid sound with a great tone. It has bolt-on construction with chrome hardware to make sure that it lasts long.

Features and Benefits

A design you cannot resist

Its outstanding design is the first thing that will tempt you to purchase this guitar. Solid in construction, this ESP bass is made having Agathis body with maple neck. You will see the utmost precision in every single curve.

Unmatchable sound

With SB-4 pickups and active EQ, this guitar produces an excellent sound that will leave everyone mesmerized. Volume and balance controls are also there to set the correct tone for you. Its bass can be used for any type of music be it jazz, metal, punk, Latin, reggae, or funk.

Durable hardware

ESP features all-chrome hardware that will never disappoint you doesn’t matter where you are performing.

Key Specifications:

• Dimensions– 49 x 4 x 16 inches
• Body material– Basswood
• Fretboard– Rosewood
• Neck type- Maple
• of strings– 4

This guitar has an incredible look with the capability to provide solid rhythm to any metal track. This could be the choice for any metal enthusiast whether he is a beginner or practitioner. It will help you produce a rocking performance on stage and give the best time of their life to your audience. This guitar gives simple volume & balance controls to make the right adjustments according to the type of music you play. It could be the one for you if you want to become a metal enthusiast.

Squier Chris Aiken Precision Bass

Eye-catching looks plus excellent performance, this precision bass is known to deliver unmatched sound quality.

Overview

This bass is designed having maple neck and features Pearloid block inlays. It is greatly admired for having semi-retro look with a HiMass 4-saddle bridge featuring brass barrels. For bass lovers, Squier Chris Aiken Precision Bass could be one of the best options. Single knurled volume control knob in this bass eliminates the requirement of any extra electronics hence you will experience a great tone.

Features and Benefits

Attractive looks

Squier Chris Aiken is known for having stunning aesthetics that can be praised. Plus pure white body with acrylic background adds a synergistic effect to the beauty it has.

Exceptional sound quality

This precision bass delivers a great quality modern tone that can easily be adjusted with the help of single-knob volume control. You will experience speechless intonation & sustain which is provided by the HiMass Bridge having four brass saddles.

Duncan Designed split pick-up

This bass delivers dynamic & passive single-coil sound without any disturbances with the help of Duncan Designed PB-105 split pick-up. The clarity of the sound that touches your ears will be just breathtaking.

Solid built

With solid performance, it is also praised for having solid built. This bass has a Basswood body with medium-jumbo sized fret and PU body finish. It is designed having a double-cutaway style with right-handed orientation.

Hallmark logo

For all the admirers and fans of Chris Aiken, this precision bass comes with his signature on the back and the band’s hallmark “Astrolux” logo at the front.

Specifications:

• Dimensions– 51.5 x 15.2 x 4 inches
• Material– Rosewood made fretboard and Basswood body
• of strings– Four
• Orientation– Right-handed
• Neck shape– C

As a beginner, if you are looking to buy a bass then this Chris Aiken Precision Bass would be perfect. It is known for having an awesome tone with a loud pick-up. You’ll experience the time of your life with this bass. Great looks with magnificent performance, this precision bass could be the one for you. Not only excellent tone and appearance, but you will also get Chris Aiken’s signature on this guitar. What are you waiting for? Just go and grab one for you.

Schecter Stiletto Extreme-4 Bass Guitar

Solid-body, beautifully figured maple-top and lightning-fast maple-neck, Stiletto Extreme-4 Bass Guitar is always best in class.

Overview

You will never regret buying this bass guitar as it will always deliver a power-packed performance. It is made having a lower-cutaway Mahogany body, diamond bass pickups, and active electronics. You’ll always have great playing experience with this extreme-4 bass guitar. Each component present in this guitar of top grade and assures superior durability. It could be the deal for heavy sound lovers as extreme-4 bass guitar will not disappoint you.

Features and benefits

Great aesthetics

This bass guitar is always admired for having fantastic looks with cherry colored glossy finish and excellent detailing. It will appear great in the musician’s hands while matching with the persona.

Breathtaking sound

Having 24-jumbo-fret rosewood fingerboard and active EQ with 2 humbucker pickups in this bass guitar provide utmost sound control. It’ll leave everyone stunned when they’ll hear its amazing sound.

Strong body and quality components

With this guitar, you can always deliver worry-free performance. One of the reasons why this bass guitar is popular is its solid construction and top components. You will always experience a stable tune, which means there is no compromise with the quality of the component.

Better electronics

It features master volume controls with Schecter diamond bass made bridge & neck pickups. You can easily control the tone of the music you are playing with this Stiletto Extreme-4 Bass Guitar.

Specifications

• Dimensions– 52 x 19 x 4.5 inches
• Body material– Mahogany and Rosewood fingerboard
• of strings– Four

Schecter Stiletto Extreme-4 Bass Guitar is a great combination of superb sound and attractive aesthetics. Doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or play live, this guitar will add a unique touch to your collection. It gives maximum sound control so that it is easy for a guitarist to adjust the right tone for the kind of music he wishes to play. Vector inlays present on the fingerboard adds a synergistic effect to its existing beauty.

Yamaha 5-String Bass Guitar TRBX305 MGR

Performance is what TRBX305 MGR guitar focuses on, it’s astonishing aesthetics and mysterious sound quality will leave you stunned..

Overview

If you are looking to deliver a power-packed performance on stage then this Yamaha bass guitar will be of great help. It features a fast & comfortable 5-piece mahogany & maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. This 5-String Bass Guitar is solid in construction and provides a great balance to the players. It is one of the guitar models that give strength to perform in front of a live audience. This could be the choice of guitar for you.

Features and benefits

Precisely engineered

With the trust of the brand and hard work of experienced engineers, this guitar is made to perfection. It is considered as one of the perfect instrument for bass players. Whether looks or performance, engineers have not made any compromise while designing this musical beauty.

Looks that need to be admired

This Yamaha guitar will look classy in the hands of any bassists. Perfect body finish, great detailing, and stylish aesthetics, it is a great option if you are looking for an elegant bass.

Exceptional sound quality

This guitar has oversized polepieces with magnets made of ceramic. What you’ll get with this combination are superb tone and spectacular definition & depth. This Yamaha 5-String Bass Guitar will always assure your clean performance that will be praised by the audience.

Additional features

This guitar also has ceramic pickups, die-cast tuners, solid mahogany body, and nickel hardware. It is full of features with the trust of Yamaha; hence you will never be disappointed.

Specifications

Dimensions– 47.83 x 17.91 x 3.74 inches

Orientation– Right-handed

Body material– Mahogany body with rosewood fretboard

No. of strings– Five

This Yamaha 5-string bass guitar offers remarkable playability that every bassist looks for. You will experience rich tone with outstanding adjustability according to the genre of music you are playing. Whether you play with slap, finger, solo, or pick styles, this guitar is tailored for you. It is up to the mark in terms of every aspect be it looks, sound, feel or durability. You will definitely love to have it in your kitty.

Washburn T24NMK Taurus 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

Made from excellent quality fine wood, this electric bass guitar is truly amazing in terms of its performance as well as appearance.

Overview

This 4-string bass guitar is always known for delivering professional-level performance. It could be the prime choice if you perform live on stage as this guitar will never let you down. Maple-mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, & laminated wood body give it a solid look and extended durability. It is so naturally finished that you won’t be able to resist adding it to your collection. It will be very difficult for you to find any flaw while playing this guitar.

Features and benefits

Marvelous aesthetics

Matte-finished mahogany body with appealing curves of this guitar delivers astounding appearance. You will be praised by everyone having this beautiful guitar in your kitty.

Performance that everyone loves

This guitar is tailored for all kinds of bassists. One can easily control the tone and volume just as per need. Professional-level performance is what you will experience with this Washburn T24NMK Taurus guitar.

Top grade hardware

It takes a lot in designing high-quality bass guitar and this T24NMK Taurus is not different at all. It features chrome die-cast tuners and all other hardware with a hardtail bridge. Hardware quality defines the overall performance of a bass guitar and this model will surely live up to your expectations.

Magnificent construction

No doubt why this guitar won the Bass Player Magazine Editor’s Choice award. It has a solid mahogany body with a maple-mahogany neck. Dual J style pickups and ebony fretboard are few other features justifying its amazing construction.

Specifications

• Dimensions-20 x 46 x 8 inches
• Bridge system– Adjustable
• of strings– Four
• Body material– Mahogany

Disappointments are not for you especially if you are using this amazing piece of musical instrument. Good ergonomics, exceptional sound quality, and superb aesthetics, this guitar will please you with its each & every factor. High-quality chrome components are what you’ll see in this guitar with a solid mahogany body. It could be the pick whether you are a pro or just a learner. All is to gain here, nothing there to lose.

Fender Squier Vintage Modified Electric Bass Guitar

This classic fender is best in looks and amazing in quality that will never disappoint you on stage.

Overview

Fender Squier Vintage guitar shows a great combination of superb aesthetics and clean performance. It has an attractive look that pleases every bassist. This guitar could also be the choice for beginners who are still at the learning stage. It features split single-coil bass middle pickup with an active bass-boost circuit. This electric bass guitar is never short in its top-quality components as it is designed having chrome hardware with a rosewood fretboard.

Features and benefits

Jaw-dropping looks

Forget about the performance for a while, the sharp and magnetic look of this electric bass guitar is what attracts customers. There is no question mark on its performance as well.

Best in class sound

Having an active bass-boost circuit provides additional low-end power to this guitar. Besides, it also features split single-coil precision bass and a jazz Bass single-coil bridge pickup. You will love playing on this guitar for sure.

High durability

This black model of Fender Squier Vintage Modified Electric Bass Guitar has Agathis body. Not only with performance and looks, but this guitar is also great when it comes to durability. It is equipped with all chrome hardware and slim fast-action maple neck for better performance.

Specifications

• Dimensions-3 x 15.1 x 4.1 inches
• Body material– Agathis body with rosewood fretboard
• Neck type– C shape fast-action maple neck
• Scale– 34”

If you are learning guitar or just completed all the lessons, then this one is best for you. It completely justifies its price and is a great option to brush up your skills. This fender delivers excellent sound and has superb looks as well. There is no doubt that this guitar will be a profitable pick for you.

Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar

Basswood body, C-shaped maple neck, and exceptional sound quality, this vintage electric guitar will increase your heartbeat when you’ll see its performance.

Overview

This modified Jaguar electric guitar is known for its best in class performance and authentic design. It has a solid basswood body with Duncan Designed pickups and a stylish fingerboard radius. This guitar could be a great choice for vintage-lovers as it comes with a new twist. Its vintage-tint gloss finish on the body adds few more points to the existing beauty. It will just deliver great value for the money spent.

Features and benefits

Design to be admired

Vintage is the new modern and this guitar has everything that has a vintage & modern model. No one can ignore the appealing aesthetics it has. Tuning keys of this guitar are also of vintage style and are made of chrome to add durability.

Better control

The range of sound controls this vintage model guitar gives is just amazing. You will find tone circuit switch, lead circuit volume, pickup on/off switch, circuit selector switch, and rhythm circuit volume & tone. With this guitar, you will have maximum control to adjust according to the music you are playing.

Excellent sound quality

Having named vintage doesn’t mean that you cannot play some jazz or rocking music with this guitar. It has got you covered with its breathtaking sound quality and smooth & stable tone.

Reliable and quality components

This Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar electronics guitar comes with trustworthy chrome hardware, single-coil pickups, non-locking floating vibrato, and tremolo arm. Though it is made on a vintage theme yet it never compromises with the quality.

Specifications

• Dimensions– 42 x 5 x 15 inches
• Body material– Solid wood body with rosewood fretboard
• of strings– Six
• Neck material– Maple

Best in design and excellent performance, this Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar electric guitar completely justifies the price you will pay. You will be amazed to hear its sound quality and the control it gives to adjust the right tone for your kind of performance. It is a good option for both professional players and beginners. This guitar has a unique combination of vintage design with the right modern modifications that you will admire the most.

Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Bass VI

Delivering the great combination of bass & baritone guitar, this Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Bass VI is unique in itself.

Overview

As the name suggests, this bass is the modified version of Fender Bass VI that was highly admired in its time. This 6-string bass will give a tough competition to all other models when you go out to compare it with others. It is designed having a non-locking floating vibrato with vintage bridge and tremolo arm. Modified Bass VI delivers an outstanding sound that you will love to listen to more. You can either consider it a baritone guitar or a bass, whichever you like.

Features and benefits

A great combo

This guitar will give new dimensions to your music with its superb combo of baritone guitar & bass. It will give boost confidence level if you want to try something new.

Easy to play

One of the best things about Fender Vintage Modified Bass VI is its smooth playability. It is equipped with a fast maple neck and 30” scale. No matter which genre you’re playing, you will feel right with everything.

Magnificent body

This guitar will also amaze you with its solid basswood body and attractive aesthetics.  It is as amazing with its look as it is with its performance.

Better control

Having a bass-cut Strangle circuit with three on/off slide switches this guitar offers great control over music and tone. Besides, it also has a non-locking floating vibrato with vintage-style Bridge.

Safe to play with

It is provided with tuning machines that protect fingertips from sharp strings.

Specifications

• Dimensions– 49.5 x 14.8 x 3.8 inches
• of strings– Six
• Body material– Basswood body with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard

Being an entry-level bassist or beginner, this bass Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Bass VI could be a great deal for you. Good sound quality and ease of playing are what you’ll get with this guitar. It completely justifies the price range it has been put in. You will experience a quality bass tone with the help of its Jaguar single-coil pickups. So don’t think much review it and get one home.

Conclusion

You just have gone through some of the best short scale basses that you can get within $500. Each of the instruments is unique in its own ways and has a great feature to consider. Each bass guitar produces an excellent quality sound that will be loved by the audience. But, you have to choose one according to your preferences and style. If you tell us to pick one from all, then our choice would be Squier by Fender 328900538 Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass. With a decent price, it delivers good aesthetics with superb sound quality.

This 4-string guitar is the modified version of its vintage look with some added features. Its ultra-slim fast-action neck smoothens the playability and delivers great control over fingers. You cannot take away the durability of this instrument with its top quality chrome hardware. You will also experience enhanced low-end power with this model, all thanks to its active bass-boost circuit. This Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass is a good example of musical beauty and will add new dimensions to your musical collection. That was our pick if you didn’t find it good for you then review another one from the list.