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

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the best active bass guitars with a short scale length?

## Products

### Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short Scale ST-RAYSS4-CHG-M2-C Charging Green
```yaml
product: sterling-by-music-man-stingray-short-scale-st-rayss4-chg-m2-c-charging-green
brand: Sterling by Music Man
price_gbp: 553.71
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
nut_width: 1.5 in
tuner_type: Open Gear
scale_length: 30 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: Passive electronics with push-push volume boost
pickup_configuration: 1 neodymium humbucker
```

- **Price:** £553.71 [^1]
- **Summary:** The StingRay Short Scale is a lightweight four-string bass with a comfortable 30 in scale, roasted maple neck, and powerful neodymium humbucker. Its passive electronics, three-way rotary selector, and push-push volume boost suit beginners, players with smaller hands, and experienced bassists wanting a compact instrument.
- **Ideal For:** This bass is a strong choice among active bass guitars with a short scale length because its 30 in scale and push-push volume boost provide compact playability with extra output flexibility, although its main signal path is passive.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2]

### Mitchell MB100 Short-Scale Solidbody Electric Bass Guitar Powder Blue
```yaml
product: mitchell-mb100-short-scale-solidbody-electric-bass-guitar-powder-blue
brand: Mitchell
price_gbp: 140.27
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
nut_width: 1.652 in
tuner_type: Die-cast
scale_length: 30 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: Passive
pickup_configuration: Dual split-coil and single-coil
```

- **Price:** £140.27 [^3]
- **Summary:** The Mitchell MB100 is a comfortable short-scale bass with a compact basswood body, forearm bevel, and 30 in scale length. Its passive dual split-coil and single-coil pickups provide versatile tones, making it suitable for beginners, players with smaller hands, and experienced bassists seeking an easy-playing instrument.
- **Ideal For:** It suits players seeking an active bass with a short scale length because its 30 in scale is comfortable and its dual split-coil and single-coil pickup configuration provides versatile tones, although its electronics are passive rather than active.

### Jackson Concert Bass Minion JS1X Short-Scale Bass Guitar Satin Black
```yaml
product: jackson-concert-bass-minion-js1x-short-scale-bass-guitar-satin-black
brand: Jackson
price_gbp: 157.26
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
nut_width: 1.5 in
tuner_type: Die-cast
scale_length: 28.6 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: false
pickup_configuration: P/J
```

- **Price:** £157.26 [^4]
- **Summary:** The Jackson Concert Bass Minion JS1X is a compact four-string bass with a 28.6 in short scale, poplar body, maple neck, and passive P/J pickups. Its shorter neck and smaller body suit beginners, younger players, and adults who prefer comfortable reach and portability.
- **Ideal For:** It suits players seeking an active bass with a short scale because its 28.6 in scale is highly comfortable, although its P/J electronics are passive rather than active.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5]

### Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short Scale Black Electric Bass Guitar
```yaml
product: ibanez-gsrm20-mikro-short-scale-black-electric-bass-guitar
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 162.42
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
nut_width: 38 mm
scale_length: 28.6 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: false
pickup_configuration: Dynamix P neck pickup and Dynamix J bridge pickup
```

- **Price:** £162.42 [^6]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GSRM20 miKro is a compact four-string bass with a 28.6 in scale, poplar body, maple neck, and passive Dynamix P and J pickups. Its lightweight short-scale design suits beginners, younger players, musicians with smaller hands, and bassists needing a portable instrument.
- **Ideal For:** This bass suits players seeking an active bass guitar with a short scale length because its 28.6 in scale is highly playable, although its Dynamix P and J electronics are passive rather than active.
- **Additional Sources:** [^7]

### Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short Scale Natural Electric Bass Guitar
```yaml
product: ibanez-gsrm20-mikro-short-scale-natural-electric-bass-guitar
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 162.42
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
nut_width: 38 mm
tuner_type: Die-cast tuners
scale_length: 28.6 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: false
pickup_configuration: Dynamix P neck pickup and Dynamix J bridge pickup
```

- **Price:** £162.42 [^8]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is a compact four-string bass with a 28.6 in scale, poplar body, maple neck, and passive Dynamix P/J pickups. Its smaller size and comfortable neck make it well suited to beginners, younger players, bassists with smaller hands, and musicians who want a portable instrument.
- **Ideal For:** This bass suits players seeking an active bass guitar with a short scale length because its 28.6 in scale is highly comfortable, although its electronics are passive rather than active.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Sterling by Music Man, accessed 2026-09-03. https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/stingray-short-scale-charging-green
[^2]: Yandas Music, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.yandasmusic.com/products/ernie-ball-st-rayss4-chg-m2-c-stingray-short-scalecharging-green
[^3]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Mitchell/MB100-Short-Scale-Solid-Body-Electric-Bass-Powder-Blue-1500000281284.gc
[^4]: Music & Arts, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.musicarts.com/jackson-js1x-concert-bass-minion-main0423103
[^5]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.thomannmusic.com/jackson_js1x_concert_minion_satin_blk.htm
[^6]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/GSRM20-Mikro-Short-Scale-Bass-Guitar-Black-1275776901422.gc
[^7]: Bill's Music, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.billsmusic.com/gsrm20bk/
[^8]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-03. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/GSRM20B-Mikro-4-String-Electric-Bass-Guitar-Natural-1418660057507.gc