Bass Guitar for an 11 year old

mullet123 · #1 05-14-2010, 11:43 AM

My son is learning to play the Double Bass in school. His orchestra teacher has told him he will teach him the bass guitar if I buy him one. I haven't a clue what to buy and I don't want to break the bank in case he get fed up! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ZENBASSGUY · #2 05-15-2010, 11:36 AM

i'd look in to something by Fender or Squire, i believe the even make a 3/4 scale for younger players with smaller hands. you can usually find a used squire for around $200 or so..

mellowgerman · #3 05-15-2010, 11:39 AM

SX short scale bass. excellent value. just search "essex" in the TB search and check out all the rave reviews these basses get.

http://www.rondomusic.com/ursa1rn3ts.html

sidd_laroy · #4 05-15-2010, 11:40 AM

i started playing when i was 12, and my dad bought me one of those squier packages or whatever, with a p bass and a little 15 watt amp. the bass lasted me 3 years until i decided to finally get a new one, which was another squier. i love that bass.

tdub0199 · #5 05-15-2010, 11:41 AM

Ibanez MIKRO bass, click on the link below...

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....tar?sku=516148

Atomik Rooster · #6 05-15-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdub0199

Ibanez MIKRO bass, click on the link below...

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....tar?sku=516148

Excellent choice.

Todd Johnson · #7 05-17-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mullet123

My son is learning to play the Double Bass in school. His orchestra teacher has told him he will teach him the bass guitar if I buy him one. I haven't a clue what to buy and I don't want to break the bank in case he get fed up! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Guys!!

Mullet....the guys beat me to it. There are several short scale basses under $300 that are good little instruments.

Check out the suggestions above and you'll be in good shape.

Have fun....and let us know what you end up with.

**peabody** · #8 05-20-2010, 03:40 PM

My son started playing at 12 and I started him out on a Fender Mustang. It fit him perfectly, and it was nice bass to boot.

bertbassplayer · #9 05-21-2010, 07:47 PM

I'd say if your son's arms are long enough to go ahead and start playing a full scale bass, there's no need for a short scale. Ibanez GSR 200 is a good starting point because of it's thinner neck, it's good for smaller hands.

Otherwise the basses others have mentioned are good. Another to add to the list is the Hofner Icon Violin Bass, it's a little more expensive but I think it's one that could be kept around longer as well.

M0ses · #10 05-21-2010, 07:50 PM

When will people stop assuming that smaller people need to play short scale, or that only short people can play short scale??

Get him a full scale bass, it's better to start on something more mainstream.

MIJ-VI · #11 05-22-2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

When will people stop assuming that smaller people need to play short scale, or that only short people can play short scale??

Get him a full scale bass, it's better to start on something more mainstream.

Kid-sized clothes, kid-sized bicycles, kid-sized basses etc.

PimasterPearson · #12 05-22-2010, 10:55 AM

Give him a challenge. Start him on the Mothman bass.

Beginner Bass · #13 05-22-2010, 11:03 AM

I got a used Squier for $170 at the same age 2 years ago. It was a pretty good bass.

hey jude · #14 05-23-2010, 07:18 AM

Mullet123
Lots of great options that others have suggested. I prefer the Ibanez Mikro as a starter. Nice and light and has the narrow Ibanez neck. Not too bad out of the box, price is right. Ask your bass instructor, too. Mine suggested Mikro. I loved it. Then moved on to other Ibanez basses. Finally settled on Gibson SG Re-issue Short scale...but down the road. Will love the difference between upright and electric bass!

T-MOST · #15 05-26-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

When will people stop assuming that smaller people need to play short scale, or that only short people can play short scale??

Get him a full scale bass, it's better to start on something more mainstream.

+1

**peabody** · #16 05-26-2010, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

When will people stop assuming that smaller people need to play short scale, or that only short people can play short scale??

Get him a full scale bass, it's better to start on something more mainstream.

I'm not sure I agree. I guess it depends on the kid. I tried going with a full scale bass with my son when he was starting out (a couple of them actually....a Jazz and a Precision) and he found them difficult to play. When I bought him a Mustang, it was much easier for him.