# What are the best 5-string bass guitars with a short scale length? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the best 5-string bass guitars with a short scale length?

## Products

### Ibanez GSRM20 5-String miKro Bass (5-string versions available)
```yaml
product: ibanez-gsrm20-5-string-mikro-bass-5-string-versions-available
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 164.14
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: B10 fixed bridge
scale_length: 726mm/28.6in
body_material: Poplar
neck_material: Maple
number_of_frets: 22
fingerboard_material: Purpleheart
```

- **Price:** £164.14 [^1]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GSRM20 miKro is a short-scale (28.6in) compact 5-string-capable bass with a lightweight poplar body, maple neck, bound purpleheart fingerboard, PJ Dynamix pickups, and a B10 fixed bridge. Its slim neck and 22-fret fingerboard make it highly playable for players with smaller hands or for travel and cramped spaces.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for players seeking a short-scale 5-string because it offers a 28.6in scale, slim maple neck, and 22 frets for easier fingering and comfortable playability.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3], [^1], [^2], [^3]

### Sterling by Music Man StingRay Classic 5
```yaml
product: sterling-by-music-man-stingray-classic-5
brand: Sterling by Music Man
price_gbp: 522.27
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Sterling by Music Man-Designed Bridge
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Nyatoh
neck_material: Hard Maple
number_of_frets: 21
fingerboard_material: Hard Maple
```

- **Price:** £522.27 [^4]
- **Summary:** A vintage-inspired 5-string StingRay with a nyatoh slab body, hard maple neck and fingerboard, a single ceramic humbucker pickup and a 2-band active preamp for classic punch and modern control. It has a slim, fast 34 in scale and 21 frets, offering vintage tone with comfortable playability for gigging and studio work. Priced as an affordable Sterling alternative to Music Man USA StingRays.
- **Ideal For:** Players wanting a short-scale-style 5-string option with vintage StingRay tone and playability-34 in scale, 21 frets, hard maple neck and single humbucker offer a compact, punchy 5-string setup.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6], [^4], [^5], [^6]

### Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light 5-String Bass
```yaml
product: traveler-guitar-ultra-light-5-string-bass
brand: Traveler Guitar
price_gbp: 282.77
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Under-saddle piezo
scale_length: 30 in
body_material: Eastern American hard maple
neck_material: Eastern American hard maple
number_of_frets: 22
fingerboard_material: Maple
```

- **Price:** £282.77 [^7]
- **Summary:** The Ultra-Light 5-String Bass is a compact, travel-oriented short-scale bass with a 30 in neck, neck-through construction, and an under-saddle piezo pickup for acoustic-like tone. It weighs about 3-4 lbs, includes a gig bag and removable lap rest, and is aimed at players who need portability without sacrificing standard string spacing and familiar playability.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for short-scale 5-string bass seekers because it has a 30 in scale length and standard 5-string spacing in a very lightweight, travel-ready neck-through design.
- **Additional Sources:** [^8], [^9], [^7], [^8], [^9]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: George's Music, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.georgesmusic.com/products/ibanez-gsrm20slb
[^2]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/GSRM20-Mikro-Short-Scale-Bass-Guitar-Black-1275776901422.gc
[^3]: Ibanez (official), accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.ibanez.com/eu/products/detail/gsrm20_2y_06.html
[^4]: Sterling by Music Man, accessed 2026-06-14. https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/stingray-classic-ray25ca-olympic-white-bass
[^5]: Musician's Friend, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/sterling-by-music-man-stingray-classic-5-ray25ca-bass/m08780000001000
[^6]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-by-Music-Man/StingRay-Classic-5-RAY25CA-Bass-Olympic-White-1500000419033.gc
[^7]: Traveler Guitar (official), accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.travelerguitar.com/products/ultra-light-bass
[^8]: Traveler Guitar (B-Stock), accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.travelerguitar.com/products/b-stock-ultra-light-5-string-bass
[^9]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Traveler-Guitar/Ultra-Light-5-String-Electric-Travel-Bass-Gloss-Black-1500000440848.gc