# What are the lightest and most portable active bass guitars? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the lightest and most portable active bass guitars?

## Products

### Ibanez EHB1135MS-SKL Bass Workshop
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1135ms-skl-bass-workshop
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 1035.02
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £1035.02 [^1]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2]

### Ibanez EHB1500
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1500
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 1255.01
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £1255.01 [^3]
- **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.

### SQOE SEBS990 Active and Passive Headless Short Scale Bass
```yaml
product: sqoe-sebs990-active-and-passive-headless-short-scale-bass
brand: SQOE
price_gbp: 1062.49
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
scale_length: 30 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: Active and passive dual-mode
pickup_configuration: 2 JB pickups
```

- **Price:** £1062.49 [^4]
- **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.

### HILS NEXT HNB3 Short Scale Headless Bass
```yaml
product: hils-next-hnb3-short-scale-headless-bass
brand: HILS
price_gbp: 361.0
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
tuner_type: Titanium locking headpiece machine heads
scale_length: 30 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: Passive
pickup_configuration: 1 humbucker
```

- **Price:** £361.0 [^5]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^6], [^7]

### Ibanez EHB1005MS Bass Workshop
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1005ms-bass-workshop
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 948.65
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £948.65 [^8]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^9], [^10]

### Ibanez EHB1505SMS-FNL Bass Workshop
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1505sms-fnl-bass-workshop
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 1032.81
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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)
```

- **Price:** £1032.81 [^11]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^12], [^13]

### Ibanez EHB1675MS
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1675ms
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 1298.58
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £1298.58 [^14]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^15], [^16]

### Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale
```yaml
product: sandberg-california-vs-lionel-short-scale
brand: Sandberg
price_gbp: 1032.81
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £1032.81 [^17]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^18]

### Ibanez EHB1006MS-MGM Bass Workshop
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1006ms-mgm-bass-workshop
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 1107.36
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £1107.36 [^19]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^20]

### Ibanez EHB1000-PWM Bass Workshop
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1000-pwm-bass-workshop
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 722.74
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £722.74 [^21]
- **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.

### Ibanez EHB1505MS-BIF Bass Workshop
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1505ms-bif-bass-workshop
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 1147.98
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £1147.98 [^22]
- **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.

### Ibanez EHB1506MS-BIF Bass Workshop
```yaml
product: ibanez-ehb1506ms-bif-bass-workshop
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 1180.46
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £1180.46 [^23]
- **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.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: C&M Music Center, accessed 2026-09-01. https://candmmusic.com/products/ibanez-bass-workshop-ehb1135ms-5-string-multi-scale-headless-bass-guitar-silver-wave-black-low-gloss-gig-bag-194
[^2]: Music Store Professional, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Ibanez-Bass-Workshop-EHB1135MS-SKL-Silver-Wave-Black-Low-Gloss/art-BAS0013069-000
[^3]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/EHB1500-4-String-Ergonomic-Headless-Bass-Cosmic-Blue-Starburst-Flat-1500000413442.gc
[^4]: Guitarlicious Online, accessed 2026-09-01. https://guitarlicious-online.com/products/sqoe-sebs990-active-passive-headless-short-scale-bass
[^5]: HILS America, accessed 2026-09-01. https://hilsamerica.com/the-instruments/p/next-hnb3-black
[^6]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.thomannmusic.com/hils_hnb3_black.htm
[^7]: Jumbo Music, accessed 2026-09-01. https://jumbomusic.hu/en/hils-guitars-hnb3-next-black-headless-bass-guitar-hnb3-s-bk
[^8]: Motor City Guitar, accessed 2026-09-01. https://motorcityguitar.com/products/ibanez-bass-workshop-ehb1005ms-headless-5-string-bass-guitar-w-multi-scale-fingerboard-black-flat
[^9]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/EHB1005MS-5-String-Multi-Scale-Ergonomic-Headless-Bass-Sea-Foam-Green-Matte-1500000310976.gc
[^10]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_ehb1005ms_sfm.htm
[^11]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_ehb1505sms_fnl.htm
[^12]: Todobajos, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.todobajos.com/en/5-string-basses/10156-ibanez-ehb1505sms-fnl-4549763352644.html
[^13]: Stars Music, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.stars-music.com/ibanez-ehb1505ms-florid-natural-low-gloss_206386.html
[^14]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/Ibanez-EHB1675MS-5-String-Multi-Scale-Ergonomic-Headless-Bass-Guitar-Natural-Flat-1500000444742.gc
[^15]: Adorama, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.adorama.com/ibanez-ehb1675ms-ergonomic-headless-5-string-electric-bass-guitar-natural-flat/p/ibehb1675msn
[^16]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_ehb1675ms_ntf.htm
[^17]: Bass Central, accessed 2026-09-01. https://basscentral.com/basses/sandberg/lionel-short-scale/
[^18]: Music Store Professional, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Sandberg--Lionel-California-VS-Short-Scale-PF-Redburst-Satin-/art-BAS0010968-000
[^19]: B's Music Shop, accessed 2026-09-01. https://bsmusicshop.com/products/ibanez-bass-workshop-ehb1006ms-ergonomic-headless-6-string-multiscale-bass-w-bag-metallic-gray-matte
[^20]: Island Music Co, accessed 2026-09-01. https://islandmusicco.com/ibanez-ehb1006ms-6-string-multi-scale-bass-metallic-gray-matte-w-gigbag-1/
[^21]: Reverb, accessed 2026-09-01. https://reverb.com/item/94097690-ibanez-ehb-1000-2021-pearl-white-matte
[^22]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_ehb1505ms_bif.htm
[^23]: Music Store Professional, accessed 2026-09-01. https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Ibanez-Bass-Workshop-EHB1506MS-BIF-Black-Ice-Flat/art-BAS0010785-000