Best value short scale bass? In-depth review Groove TM Mustang bass (vs. Squier Bronco bass)
In this unsponsored video, I will introduce and review the Groove TM 4 string Mustang-style bass. Can this be the best value/budget friendly short scale bass? Featuring an alder body, maple neck and board, ceramic Mustang-style split coil pickup, passive electronics, and black hardware, this bass far exceeded my expectations for the asking price of $289 CDN.
In the track comparison, I will put this Groove TM head to head with a Squier Bronco bass (which also retails for ~$290 CDN at time of filming).
Both basses were recorded direct with the same settings, direct through a Line6 Pod Go with my usual GK800RB model settings.
Level matched, but no EQ or compression was added in post.
*To best appreciate the sonic differences, headphones or quality speakers are recommended.
00:00 Intro
00:21 Background and features
02:25 Tones
04:50 Track – Comparison with Bronco
07:14 Tonal assessment
08:29 Wood grain
08:56 Truss rod access
09:40 Tuners
10:11 Nut
10:50 Frets
11:40 Neck
12:09 Pickup
12:46 Bridge
13:57 Setup
14:22 Weight & balance
14:52 Cut away
15:05 Conclusion
https://jonathanwong.bandcamp.com
#short #scale #bass #Indepth #review #Groove #Mustang #bass #Squier #Bronco #bass
Originally posted by UCesauVJ_xjbj7u539yf-lOw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGE6DPtHY4A
I'm honestly digging on my Ibanez mikro bass walnut finish
It's fun to play, pretty good action no fret buzz lowered the strings myself, higher register still manageable frets not obnoxiously close together, walnut finish with the black hardware is its best color option IMHO
Great little go anywhere practice bass
Jonathan, Groove thanks you on their EBay Ad for their remaining basses! Good job J!
Excellent review!
Hello Jonathan,
I really enjoy your in-depth reviews on the short scale guitars. Very informative! I am currently learning to play (pick style) using an Ibanez TB30. It plays ok but has neck-dive issues and the “forearm cutaway” is so-so for avoiding wrist discomfort. I am intrigued by the Groove short scale bass as an alternative to the TB30, even though the Groove is probably about 1lb heavier than the TB30. For your perspective, is the Groove much easier to play than the TB30? Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts. Cheers!
What pickup? Is it a 6 pole strat pickup?
Jonathan, thank you very much for your detailed and practical videos. I’m going down the rabbit hole in an attempt to pick my first short scale bass and you’re adding a lot of value in helping me decide on one.
Nice report on the bass. I'm looking for an inexpensive 4 string short scale bass. One that is at least built fairly well. This might be the one. Too bad i can't just go to my music store and try it.
Thanks for the video! I'm in Ontario.
Jonathan, I watch your videos all the time. great job! I have to ask….IF you HAD to choose either the Groove bass OR the Squire Sonic Bronco bass, which would it be? I'm not interested in mods or anything, just AS IS, out of the box. Honest Opinion?
Hi, nice demo video, thanks. Where are these manufactured?
Picked up one of these (in green) based on this review. Seems pretty good so far — thank you for the review, there's so little information out there on Groove.
Another great video. I’m trying to find out the nut width on the Groove TM bass. Would you know?
You do a great job with your videos. My takeaway from this one is that your Pod6 setup makes any bass sound good, if not nearly identical. IMO, guitar + cable + amp is the only way to hear a guitar's actual tone. Adding a processor or effects just colors the sound.
Very good review and you always does. What is your most favorite short scale so far out from the box?
Great job. Love your review format and excellent playing skills. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the great video's on the Shortscale basses! I am tossing up between the Harley Benton Shorty, Squire Mini P and Sonic Bronco. I have a full scale Fender bass already, but want something my 8-12 y kids can play too. I can't easily get the Groove here in Europe. The 30" scale may be easier to play in the long run. I'm kind of tending towards the Bronco, but would like to hear your thoughts. The HB is way cheaper, but all are still cheap, so I'd prefer something they still enjoy playing as teenagers. Thanks!
Have you tried their full scale P bass?
Great find and I always enjoy the level of detail in your videos. This review and comparison of the Groove bass is especially helpful because I’ve been thinking of buying the Fender JMJ Mustang bass and then saw your video on diminishing returns. So, buying a P-bass for around $200 (US) that includes shipping is outstanding.
Quick question on the radius of the neck and the width at the nut.
Thank you for your excellent contributions to the bass community.
Thank you for highlighting short scale basses. I wish this would have been what i started with instead of suffering with a full scale for so long. What a great, unsponsored review. Glad you found a gem! I know you're spending your time and money making these videos so I've subscribed and commented ????. Also, let's hope this company finds much success from your review. Cheers!
Jonathan, I just received one of these and one of the tuner gears was damaged. I might just upgrade the tuners instead of trying to get a replacement from the company. What tuners would be best to replace the stock ones? Or if you know which tuners they are I could just replace the one damaged one. Thanks for your time, and short scale reviews. Definitely helping me decide what to try.
There are brands that very few people know about….I just love that blue bass!!!!!????????????????
The Harley Benton MV-4MSB is out now again, including toggle switch. How do you compare yours (1st iteration) to this model?
Joe Biden ad (middle of video) begging for chump change when he has screwed our economy. Ugh
A 30-34" Dingwall would be killer! This would deliver the tight, solid lower string response of a longscale combined with the deep, warm upper string sound that often only short-scale basses can provide.
That has a really nice sound.
I've been looking for details on this bass for months after finding it on ebay while looking for a budget short scale bass. Awesome video. I'm still not able to buy a new bass at this time lol but this has a higher consideration on what I'd get now compared to a Squier CV Mustang or Ibanez TB30. Especially since it's passive, which is a big selling point to me.
You like it better thant the Harley Bentons?