{"pageUrl":"https://comparethespecs.com/music-audio-production/bass-guitars/what-are-the-lightest-and-most-portable-active-bass-guitars","lastUpdated":"2026-09-01","totalProducts":12,"niche":"What are the lightest and most portable active bass guitars?","description":"What are the lightest and most portable active bass guitars?","products":[{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1135MS-SKL Bass Workshop","price_gbp":1035.02,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"45 mm","tuner_type":"Ibanez Custom Headpieces","scale_length":"33 in - 35 in","number_of_strings":"5","active_electronics":"Vari-mid 3-band EQ with EQ bypass switch","pickup_configuration":"HH"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"C&M Music Center","url":"https://candmmusic.com/products/ibanez-bass-workshop-ehb1135ms-5-string-multi-scale-headless-bass-guitar-silver-wave-black-low-gloss-gig-bag-194","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1499.99,"price_gbp":1107.36,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"},{"label":"Music Store Professional","url":"https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Ibanez-Bass-Workshop-EHB1135MS-SKL-Silver-Wave-Black-Low-Gloss/art-BAS0013069-000","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1402.0,"price_gbp":1035.02,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"}],"summary":"The Ibanez EHB1135MS-SKL is a lightweight, headless five-string bass with a chambered okoume body, ash top, and 33 in - 35 in multiscale design. It combines dual Bartolini BH2 pickups with a Vari-mid 3-band EQ, making it suitable for players who want portability, ergonomic comfort, extended range, and flexible modern tones.","ideal_for":"Its headless chambered construction, gig bag, and reported weight of about 7 lb make it a strong choice among portable active bass guitars, while the 5-string 33 in - 35 in multiscale neck and active Vari-mid EQ retain professional versatility."},{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1500","price_gbp":1255.01,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"41mm","tuner_type":"Ibanez custom headpieces","scale_length":"34in","number_of_strings":"4","active_electronics":"Vari-mid 3-band EQ with EQ bypass switch","pickup_configuration":"2 Nordstrand Custom Big Split humbucking pickups"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Guitar Center","url":"https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/EHB1500-4-String-Ergonomic-Headless-Bass-Cosmic-Blue-Starburst-Flat-1500000413442.gc","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1699.99,"price_gbp":1255.01,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"}],"summary":"The Ibanez EHB1500 is a lightweight, chambered, headless four-string bass with an African mahogany body, poplar burl top, and ergonomic design. Its two Nordstrand Custom Big Split pickups and bypassable 3-band EQ provide versatile active and passive tones, making it suitable for players who prioritize portability, comfort, and tonal flexibility.","ideal_for":"It suits players seeking a light and portable active bass because its headless, chambered body reduces weight while the 3-band Vari-mid EQ and compact 34in scale provide active tonal control and familiar playability."},{"brand":"SQOE","model":"SEBS990 Active and Passive Headless Short Scale Bass","price_gbp":1062.49,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"scale_length":"30 in","number_of_strings":"4","active_electronics":"Active and passive dual-mode","pickup_configuration":"2 JB pickups"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Guitarlicious Online","url":"https://guitarlicious-online.com/products/sqoe-sebs990-active-passive-headless-short-scale-bass","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1439.2,"price_gbp":1062.49,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"}],"summary":"This is a compact, headless four-string bass with a 30 in short scale and switchable active/passive operation. Its lightweight design and versatile tone options suit players who want portability, comfortable playability, and modern or vintage-style sounds.","ideal_for":"It suits players seeking a light and portable active bass because its headless compact design, 30 in short scale, and active/passive electronics make it easier to carry while retaining active tonal flexibility."},{"brand":"HILS","model":"NEXT HNB3 Short Scale Headless Bass","price_gbp":361.0,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"tuner_type":"Titanium locking headpiece machine heads","scale_length":"30 in","number_of_strings":"4","active_electronics":"Passive","pickup_configuration":"1 humbucker"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"HILS America","url":"https://hilsamerica.com/the-instruments/p/next-hnb3-black","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":599.0,"price_gbp":442.21,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"},{"label":"Thomann","url":"https://www.thomannmusic.com/hils_hnb3_black.htm","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":489.0,"price_gbp":361.0,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"},{"label":"Jumbo Music","url":"https://jumbomusic.hu/en/hils-guitars-hnb3-next-black-headless-bass-guitar-hnb3-s-bk","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":189100.0,"price_gbp":139602.63,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"}],"summary":"The HILS NEXT HNB3 is a lightweight 4-string short-scale headless bass with a mahogany body, a 30 in scale, and a single Alnico 5 humbucker. Its compact design and included gig bag make it well suited to guitarists, smaller-framed players, performers, and traveling bassists.","ideal_for":"It suits players seeking a light and portable active bass guitar alternative because it weighs approximately 5.5 lb, measures approximately 36.5 in long, and includes a headless design and gig bag, although its electronics are passive."},{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1005MS Bass Workshop","price_gbp":948.65,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"45 mm","tuner_type":"Ibanez Custom Headpieces","scale_length":"33-35 in","number_of_strings":"5","active_electronics":"Vari-mid 3-band EQ with EQ bypass","pickup_configuration":"HH"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Motor City Guitar","url":"https://motorcityguitar.com/products/ibanez-bass-workshop-ehb1005ms-headless-5-string-bass-guitar-w-multi-scale-fingerboard-black-flat","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1399.99,"price_gbp":1033.54,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"},{"label":"Guitar Center","url":"https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/EHB1005MS-5-String-Multi-Scale-Ergonomic-Headless-Bass-Sea-Foam-Green-Matte-1500000310976.gc","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1399.99,"price_gbp":1033.54,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"},{"label":"Thomann","url":"https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_ehb1005ms_sfm.htm","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1285.0,"price_gbp":948.65,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"}],"summary":"The Ibanez EHB1005MS is a lightweight-feeling, headless 5-string bass with a chambered American basswood body, multi-scale neck, dual Bartolini BH2 humbuckers, and versatile active electronics. Its ergonomic design and included gig bag suit players who want comfortable extended-range performance for studio work, live playing, or long practice sessions.","ideal_for":"Its headless, chambered ergonomic body, multi-scale 33-35 in design, and included gig bag make the EHB1005MS a strong choice for players seeking a portable active bass with five-string range and flexible tone shaping."},{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1505SMS-FNL Bass Workshop","price_gbp":1032.81,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"45 mm","tuner_type":"Ibanez Custom Headpiece machine heads","scale_length":"812-762 mm (32-30 in)","number_of_strings":"5","active_electronics":"Vari-mid 3-band EQ with EQ bypass switch","pickup_configuration":"H-H (2x Humbucker)"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Thomann","url":"https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_ehb1505sms_fnl.htm","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1399.0,"price_gbp":1032.81,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"},{"label":"Todobajos","url":"https://www.todobajos.com/en/5-string-basses/10156-ibanez-ehb1505sms-fnl-4549763352644.html","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1690.0,"price_gbp":1247.64,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"},{"label":"Stars Music","url":"https://www.stars-music.com/ibanez-ehb1505ms-florid-natural-low-gloss_206386.html","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1448.0,"price_gbp":1068.98,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"}],"summary":"This five-string headless multiscale bass has a lightweight African mahogany body, Nordstrand Custom Big Split humbuckers, and active Vari-mid three-band EQ with bypass. Its chambered, ergonomic design and included gig bag suit bassists who want extended range, versatile tones, and easier portability.","ideal_for":"It suits players seeking a light and portable active bass because its headless, chambered ergonomic body reduces bulk while the 5-string 762-812 mm multiscale design and active Vari-mid 3-band EQ provide extended range and flexible tone shaping."},{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1675MS","price_gbp":1298.58,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"1.77 in","tuner_type":"Ibanez Custom machine heads","scale_length":"35 in - 33 in","number_of_strings":"5","active_electronics":"Fishman 3-band EQ","pickup_configuration":"HH"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Guitar Center","url":"https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/Ibanez-EHB1675MS-5-String-Multi-Scale-Ergonomic-Headless-Bass-Guitar-Natural-Flat-1500000444742.gc","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1999.99,"price_gbp":1476.49,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"},{"label":"Adorama","url":"https://www.adorama.com/ibanez-ehb1675ms-ergonomic-headless-5-string-electric-bass-guitar-natural-flat/p/ibehb1675msn","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1999.99,"price_gbp":1476.49,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"},{"label":"Thomann","url":"https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_ehb1675ms_ntf.htm","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1759.0,"price_gbp":1298.58,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"}],"summary":"The Ibanez EHB1675MS is a lightweight, headless five-string bass with a chambered ash body, multi-scale neck, and Fishman Fluence humbuckers. Its active EQ, voice selection, and single-coil mode provide broad tonal flexibility, making it well suited to modern players, extended performances, and studio work.","ideal_for":"Its headless, chambered design and ergonomic body make it a strong choice among portable active basses, while the 5-string multi-scale format and Fishman 3-band EQ retain versatile performance features."},{"brand":"Sandberg","model":"California VS Lionel Short Scale","price_gbp":1032.81,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"39.5mm","tuner_type":"Sandberg machine heads","scale_length":"30 in","number_of_strings":"4","active_electronics":false,"pickup_configuration":"One split-coil pickup"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Bass Central","url":"https://basscentral.com/basses/sandberg/lionel-short-scale/","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":2499.0,"price_gbp":1844.88,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"},{"label":"Music Store Professional","url":"https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Sandberg--Lionel-California-VS-Short-Scale-PF-Redburst-Satin-/art-BAS0010968-000","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1399.0,"price_gbp":1032.81,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:28.311455"}],"summary":"The California VS Lionel Short Scale is a German-made four-string bass with a compact 30 in scale, split-coil pickup, and straightforward passive volume-and-tone controls. Its shorter neck suits players who want comfortable playability and a punchy, traditional bass tone, especially in a portable format.","ideal_for":"It suits players seeking the lightest and most portable active bass guitars because its 30 in short scale and compact four-string design improve portability, although its electronics are passive rather than active."},{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1006MS-MGM Bass Workshop","price_gbp":1107.36,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"54mm","tuner_type":"MR5HS bridge with integrated tuning mechanism","scale_length":"32.5-35 in","number_of_strings":"6","active_electronics":"Vari-mid 3-band EQ with EQ bypass switch","pickup_configuration":"T1 humbucker neck and bridge"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"B's Music Shop","url":"https://bsmusicshop.com/products/ibanez-bass-workshop-ehb1006ms-ergonomic-headless-6-string-multiscale-bass-w-bag-metallic-gray-matte","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1499.99,"price_gbp":1107.36,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"},{"label":"Island Music Co","url":"https://islandmusicco.com/ibanez-ehb1006ms-6-string-multi-scale-bass-metallic-gray-matte-w-gigbag-1/","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1499.99,"price_gbp":1107.36,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:04:56.242192"}],"summary":"The EHB1006MS-MGM is a lightweight, ergonomic headless six-string bass with a chambered basswood body and 32.5-35 in multiscale design. It combines two T1 humbuckers with an active Vari-mid 3-band EQ and includes a gig bag, making it well suited to players who want extended range, flexible tones, and comfortable portability.","ideal_for":"Its headless construction, chambered body, ergonomic design, gig bag, and reported 7 lb 11 oz weight make it especially suitable for players seeking a light and portable active bass guitar."},{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1000-PWM Bass Workshop","price_gbp":722.74,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"41 mm","tuner_type":"Ibanez Headless Tuning System","scale_length":"34 in","number_of_strings":"4","active_electronics":"Vari-mid 3-band EQ with EQ bypass switch","pickup_configuration":"HH"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Reverb","url":"https://reverb.com/item/94097690-ibanez-ehb-1000-2021-pearl-white-matte","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":979.0,"price_gbp":722.74,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:02:17.348461"}],"summary":"The Ibanez EHB1000-PWM is a lightweight, chambered, headless bass with an ergonomic body, roasted maple and walnut neck, and gig bag included. Its two passive Bartolini BH2 humbuckers and active Vari-mid 3-band EQ suit players who need versatile tones for stage, studio, and extended practice sessions.","ideal_for":"This bass suits players seeking a light and portable active bass because its chambered headless body reduces weight, while the integrated headless tuning system and gig bag make transport more convenient."},{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1505MS-BIF Bass Workshop","price_gbp":1147.98,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"45 mm","tuner_type":"Ibanez custom headpieces machine heads","scale_length":"33 in - 35 in","number_of_strings":"5","active_electronics":"Vari-mid 3-band EQ with EQ bypass switch","pickup_configuration":"HH"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Thomann","url":"https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_ehb1505ms_bif.htm","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1555.0,"price_gbp":1147.98,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:02:17.348461"}],"summary":"The Ibanez EHB1505MS-BIF is a lightweight, ergonomic, headless five-string bass with a multiscale neck, chambered African mahogany body, and Poplar Burl top. Its two Nordstrand Custom Big Split humbuckers and Vari-mid active EQ suit players who need broad, low-noise tonal flexibility for studio work, live performance, and modern bass styles.","ideal_for":"This bass suits players seeking a light and portable active bass because its headless, chambered, ergonomic body reduces bulk while the 33 in - 35 in multiscale neck, 45 mm nut, active Vari-mid EQ, and included gig bag provide portability with five-string versatility."},{"brand":"Ibanez","model":"EHB1506MS-BIF Bass Workshop","price_gbp":1180.46,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"nut_width":"54 mm","tuner_type":"Ibanez custom headpieces with integrated tuning mechanism","scale_length":"32.5 in - 35 in","number_of_strings":"6","active_electronics":"Vari-mid 3-band EQ with EQ bypass switch","pickup_configuration":"HH"},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Music Store Professional","url":"https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Ibanez-Bass-Workshop-EHB1506MS-BIF-Black-Ice-Flat/art-BAS0010785-000","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":1599.0,"price_gbp":1180.46,"scraped_at":"2026-09-01T13:02:17.348461"}],"summary":"The Ibanez EHB1506MS-BIF is a six-string headless bass with a 32.5 in to 35 in multiscale design, lightweight chambered African mahogany body, and poplar burl top. It combines two Nordstrand Custom Big Split pickups with an active Vari-mid 3-band EQ, making it suitable for players who need ergonomic comfort and broad tonal control.","ideal_for":"This bass suits players seeking one of the lightest and most portable active bass guitars because its headless, chambered, ergonomic body reduces bulk while the active Vari-mid 3-band EQ and integrated tuning mechanism provide full functionality without a traditional headstock."}]}