Gold Tone ME-BassFL/L Fretless Left-Handed 23-Inch Scale Electric MicroBass with Gig Bag

I’ll be honest — when Gold Tone first showed me the ME-Bass concept, I wasn’t sure what to expect. A 23-inch scale electric MicroBass sounds like it could be a novelty, but the moment I plugged one in, I understood exactly what they were going for. This is a genuinely playable, genuinely musical bass instrument that happens to be remarkably compact and light. And this listing is specifically for the left-handed version, the ME-BassFL/L — so if you’re a lefty who’s been struggling to find a short-scale electric bass that fits your needs and your budget, pay attention. At 5.5 pounds with a single-cutaway mahogany body, this thing is comfortable for long rehearsals and easy to toss in the car for a gig across town or across the country.

What really sets the ME-Bass apart is the engineering behind its adjustability. The specially designed bridge features long-throw adjustable string compensation, which means you can dial in the intonation whether you’re using the included Aquila Thunderblack rubber/polymer strings or a set of steel strings — genuinely versatile for different playing styles and sonic goals. The piezo pickup runs through an active MBass preamp powered by a 9-volt battery, giving you independent volume, treble boost, and bass boost controls. That active EQ makes a real difference; you get a BIG, present tone that cuts through a mix even at lower volumes. The mahogany neck carries a rosewood fingerboard with 24 frets, dot inlays, a 1-11/16-inch bone nut, and a two-way adjustable truss rod — solid, practical construction at every level. Butterfly bass-style tuners and black hardware finish the package cleanly. Standard tuning is EADG, just like a full-scale bass.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. At this price point, a proper setup makes an enormous difference in playability, and we take that seriously. You’re not getting a box-fresh instrument with unknown action; you’re getting something that has been properly prepared by someone who genuinely cares about how it plays.

This is the fretless model, built left-handed. The ME-BassFL has no frets — the fingerboard is smooth, with position markers inlaid flush where the frets would otherwise sit. That is what gives a fretless bass its singing sustain and its ability to slide between notes, and it means intonation is down to your ear and your hand. If you want the fretted version, that is the ME-Bass.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means you receive the full manufacturer warranty and the assurance that you’re buying a genuine instrument — not a gray-market unit or a refurbished return. We’re based in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and we ship carefully packed instruments nationwide. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4 and extended plans at 3, 6, 12, or 24 months — with no late fees, plus Afterpay. If you’ve been waiting on a left-handed short-scale bass because the options felt limited or out of reach, this is a genuine solution.

Gold Tone ME-BassFL/L Specifications

Handedness	Left-Handed
Scale Length	23″
Body Style	Single-Cutaway Solid Body
Top	Mahogany
Back & Sides	Mahogany
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Frets	24
Inlay	Dot
Nut	Bone, 1-11/16 inches
Truss Rod	Two-Way Adjustable
Bridge	Ebony with Long-Throw Adjustable String Compensation
Tuners	Butterfly Bass-Style
Headstock Buttons	Metal
Hardware Finish	Black
Body Finish	Natural / Satin
Pickup	Piezo with Active MBass Preamp
Preamp Power	9V Battery (Active)
Controls	Volume, Treble Boost, Bass Boost
Strings	Aquila MicroBass Thunderblack Rubber/Polymer
Tuning	EADG (Standard Bass)
Weight	5.5 lbs.
Gig Bag	Padded, Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular steel bass strings on the ME-BassFL/L instead of the Aquila polymer strings?

Yes — this is actually one of the instrument’s best features. The specially engineered bridge with long-throw adjustable string compensation is designed specifically to accommodate both polymer and steel strings. You’ll want to readjust the intonation when you switch string types, but the hardware is built to handle it. The included Aquila Thunderblack strings have a distinctive feel and a warm, round tone; steel strings will give you a brighter, more traditional electric bass sound. It’s worth trying both and seeing what suits your playing.

Is this a good bass for a complete beginner, or is it more of a travel/specialty instrument?

It’s genuinely both. The 23-inch scale and lighter string tension of the polymer strings make it easier on the hands than a full 34-inch bass, which can actually be an advantage for beginners or players with smaller hands. The active EQ gives you real control over your sound even through a small practice amp or headphone amp. That said, players who already own a full-scale bass often pick up a MicroBass as a compact rehearsal or travel instrument — it’s light, the bag is included, and it holds tune reliably. As a lefty instrument, it’s also particularly valuable simply because left-handed short-scale basses are genuinely hard to find at this price point.

Does the active preamp require a special battery, and how long does it last?

The preamp runs on a standard 9-volt battery, which is easy to find anywhere. Battery life depends on how often you play plugged in, but as a general rule it’s good practice to unplug the instrument cable from the jack when you’re done playing — this breaks the circuit and stops the battery drain. Most players find a 9-volt lasts many months of regular use with that habit in place.

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