Looking for lighter beginner's bass for my wife

infotrad · #1 02-29-2008, 08:45 AM

I'm looking for a lighter bass for my wife (does a shorter scale exist in bass guitars?). I was told that the Fender Mexican P Bass is a good choice, but I'm wondering there are lighter basses around that offer good value for a basic instrument.
As a Beatle fan, I was wondering about the Hohner bass, since it seems light as it is a hollow-body). But regarding the Hohner line, I would need a recommendantion for a budget model.

Also, any recommendations on a small bass amp (maybe even tubes, if the tube sound makes a difference with the lower bass frequencies) would be welcome.

fenderhutz · #2 02-29-2008, 08:46 AM

Ibanez Mikro

Illbay · #3 02-29-2008, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infotrad

I'm looking for a lighter bass for my wife...

Fender Mustang. It was my first bass when I was 15. Short scale, and otherwise very "P-bass" sound.

rzm61 · #4 02-29-2008, 09:05 AM

Well if you want light, how about an acoustic?

Also, the Yamaha RBX-170 isn't all too bad.
Not to heavy, its right in the middle. It has the P-J style pickups and its got a pretty decent sound.

jgbass · #5 03-01-2008, 10:06 PM

Is there any reason your wife has to play a short scale? I started on a regular size bass. I am not that tall and make no claims to any female super strength. Right now I play an Ibanez model that is no longer produced. Its not the lightest, but the neck is very comfortable and it balances nicely. I think the balance of the bass, how it sits on your leg when you play and how the neck feels and plays is most important as well as relative lightness.

I would check out the Ibanez line. Even as a beginner, I think you should let her try out basses for herself and see what appeals to her. Knowing nothing about basses when I started, I really made some good choices by instinct. Just not a fan of chick designed or short scale basses.