Ibanez Mikro SS vs. Squier Vint. Jaguar SS

jgeary · #1 08-06-2011, 10:53 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for my first bass guitar. I already own an EUB but due to back and hand issues I need to go much smaller. I've tried a 34" BG and I really need a short(er) scale.
As this is my first BG, I'd like to keep the purchase price "reasonable" - something to enjoy and learn with until I decide if I can do this (still undergoing therapy for my left hand).
I've been comparing short-scale (around 30") basses online, and reading reviews on TalkBass. Can anyone help me understand the pros and cons of the Ibanez Mikro SS (about 28.5" scale) vs. the Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar SS (30")? They are both around $170 + or - street price. Of course I'm partial to the Squier b/c of the Fender name.
Thanks so much. Also, it seems like people prefer flatwounds on the short scale basses?
Jill
San Diego
(Note: I own a Kala UBass and it's alot of fun, and not stressful on my hand, but I'd still like a BG.)

The Impostor · #2 08-06-2011, 11:04 AM

The new Squier Mustang bass is also worth a look at.

jmbjandfam · #3 08-06-2011, 11:07 AM

I don't have any experience with the short scales you asked about but I recently picked up one of these for sit acoustic style sessions and it is really awesome.

Gretsch Guitars G2202 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass Guitar and more 4 String Electric Bass at GuitarCenter.com.

A-Step-Towards · #4 08-06-2011, 11:08 AM

I have owned both , still have the squier. The squier wins hands down , it overalll feels better , the hardware is more solid , except the Ibanez has a "better" bridge, better is subjective.

The squier sounds better , the mikro was ok and I didnt like how tiny it is.

My squier jag is solid its used everyday by me and my girlfriend for writing , its probably up to around 50 hours of playing time on it and not a single issue, no loose screws, nothing. I have not even set it up yet.

SouthportJim · #5 08-08-2011, 05:04 AM

I don't know anything about the Ibanez, but the Squier VM Jag SS is a great bass...especially considering the price. The neck is thin and really easy to play (I've got hand problems too) plus the clarity and definition on the open E was a pleasant surprise.

The setup on mine was good right out of the box (I only had to adjust intonation on one string), the fretboard is good and flat, it stays in tune, electronics are quiet - it's a great little bass.

As noted in the reviews around here, the Jazz pickup is kinda weak, but since I just use it to add a touch of 'spice' to the neck P pickup anyway that's not a big deal. It sounds really good thru both my Ampeg practice amp and larger combo.

I own three short-scales (the Squier VM Jag SS, a Gretsch G2202 Electromatic Junior Jet, and an Allen Woody) and the Jaguar is my hands-down favorite for sound, ease of play, and everyday practice.

BUT...with all that said, the little Gretsch Junior Jet is also a good choice. If you have a chance to play them both, sit down and spend some time with them. You can't go wrong with either...they're both light years ahead of the beginner basses I learned on.

;-)

mongo2 · #6 08-08-2011, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgeary

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for my first bass guitar. I already own an EUB but due to back and hand issues I need to go much smaller. I've tried a 34" BG and I really need a short(er) scale.

I currently use a 30" scale EUB.

GregDunn · #7 08-08-2011, 08:11 AM

You might visit the Mikro thread for a lot of discussion by actual users/owners: "Official" Mikro Bass Club

Yes, it's a small instrument but whether that's good or bad is for the player to decide; it's very light and easy to play for extended periods of time. I find it very comfortable for my small hands, and love having both humbucker and single coil pickups. I gig with it all the time, and have no problem getting any sound I need out of it.

Olde Axeman · #8 08-09-2011, 03:43 AM

I think one of the big downers for the Mikro is the availability (or lack thereof) of strings. Very limited selection of 28" strings in both flats and rounds. Otherwise, it plays and sounds great.

I think the string thing alone gives the nod to the Jag.

GregDunn · #9 08-09-2011, 07:44 AM

Really? I've never had a problem fitting standard short scale strings to my Mikros. D'Addario, Elixir, GHS and Ernie Ball make 30" sets which fit just fine (I have samples of each), and it's easy to get round or flatwound in that size from places like Just Strings.

Don't let people scare you based on string availability. Unless you're in the habit of buying strings from all-night supermarkets you can find whatever you need rather easily.

jgeary · #10 08-09-2011, 01:25 PM

Mongo,
Who makes the 30" EUB and what strings are you finding work with it? I'm assuming it probably cannot be played arco? (bowed).

Thanks
Jill

jgeary · #11 08-09-2011, 01:32 PM

I'm leaning toward the Squier just because of the comment regarding the tuners on the Mikro being, perhaps, less than satisfactory?
I checked with one of our local Fender dealers and they said they would order-in the Squier but they want me to commit to buying it. I'd much rather purchase from the "smaller, family-owned" guitar store like this one, but I'm not crazy about buying without being able to try the bass first. (They suggested I could sell it if I don't like it. I'm thinking this is a bit too much hassle.) So I may just have to go to (gulp) Guitar Center (no offense to those of you who love big, noisey guitar stores) and see if I can try a Squier (or order one - but I know they will not obligate me to keeping it if I'm not happy with it). Would be nice to find a TalkBasser who owns a short-scale here in San Diego!
Jill

WildWes · #12 08-09-2011, 02:34 PM

I own both and prefer the Ibanez Mikro. I win!, I win!, I win!

WW

keenast · #13 08-13-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthportJim

I own three short-scales (the Squier VM Jag SS, a Gretsch G2202 Electromatic Junior Jet, and an Allen Woody) and the Jaguar is my hands-down favorite for sound, ease of play, and everyday practice.

;-)

What do you think about the Allen Woody? How does it compare to the Jag SS?

fuzzy beard · #14 08-13-2011, 06:49 PM

+1 for the mikro. No problems getting strings for mine!

Hock · #15 08-16-2011, 02:46 PM

I own the Jag SS. I have tried the Mikro, and thought the sound was pretty good, but it just seemed too small. Note: the Jag SS neck is even smaller (more cramped) than the Bronco which I own as well.

notverygood · #16 08-16-2011, 07:12 PM

I own the Ibanez Gartb which is 30" scale, you're interested in other options. IMO it's a great bass. The Les Paul style gives it a 34" feel but without the uncomfortable distance between frets. It also has 22 frets and has good access to them. I'm able to keep my thumb in the "correct position" up on the 16th fret, which is 3 frets higher than my bronco. FWIW. I would second the suggestion to look at the Squier Mustang when it gets out.

SouthportJim · #17 08-22-2011, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keenast

What do you think about the Allen Woody? How does it compare to the Jag SS?

This is gonna sound crazy, but so far I actually like the Jag better. I was a little disappointed in the Allen Woody...was expecting more of a woodsy hollow-body vibe. It's a beautifully built bass, and the neck is nice...but not quite the sound I expected. I'll give it some more time, though - might just be me.

But the Jag, that was right from the start. It's really comfortable when playing seated, the neck is fantastic, it SOUNDS like a little Fender (nothing like an old Musicmaster I once had)...it's just WAY above what I expected for $169. I'll probably change out the J pickup at some point, but I'm really happy with it just as it is for now.

staurosjohn · #18 08-22-2011, 06:23 AM

I just purchased the Squier... played both. The main deciding factor was the pickup positioning... the "P" p/u on the Ibanez is in the way- if you wamt to " dig & pluck"... if you don't do that, it won't matter. BTW- just picked up a Douglas hard case for the Squier Jag SS- from Rondo:
http://www.rondomusic.com/bgc200shortcase.html
- fits like a glove (not the sturdiest case- but for $49.99...)

mongo2 · #19 08-22-2011, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgeary

Mongo,
Who makes the 30" EUB and what strings are you finding work with it? I'm assuming it probably cannot be played arco? (bowed).

Thanks
Jill

I use a few of my own DIY instruments and some electric basses I've modded to mount on a NS EUB stand. Strings are stock 34 or 30 inch scale Labella Tapes.

So, no arco for me, pizz only so far, however I can use my NS CR4M for arco if needed.

Kydd makes a 30" scale EUB that can be played arco.

whanbury · #20 02-21-2012, 05:05 PM

If you are looking for a light, pro pass, you can't go wrong with the Ibanez Mikro. It's lighter, has a nice tone and Ibanez is known for their outstanding necks. I own 3 Ibanez basses, one's 32 years old and only comes out for concerts or special performances. For jam sessions I'll use the Mikro. Easy to pack, and I'll also buy some sort of small powerful combo amp... Amp in one hand, bass in the other, ready to go!

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