Bass guitar for a child ?

[Huw Phillips]

Hi a friend has just asked me about a bass for his son I recommend looking at squires, MIM fenders, Yamahas and Ibinez did I miss anything out.
An amp is not so important as I have offered to donate my first combo a 15 W fender
Thanks h

 

[Gorn]

A longer list of brands isn't gonna help the guy make a choice for his kid.

 

[Tex Bass]

Hi a friend has just asked me about a bass for his son I recommend looking at squires, MIM fenders, Yamahas and Ibinez did I miss anything out.
An amp is not so important as I have offered to donate my first combo a 15 W fender
Thanks h

How old is his son? I recently purchased a Greg Bennet Corsair Samick mini bass for my grandson. Can't recall, but I think its only 25" and very light. so its definitely a mini rather just a short scale. Perfect for young child but probably not for early teenager.

 

[two fingers]

My daughters picked out this one. It's actually well build and plays/sounds great.

That's my younger daughter hamming it up in the second pic.

I believe it's 28 3/4" scale? Either way, it fits them fine. They love it. I have to admit I will likely rock it for a few songs at our next gig.

 

[Malcolm35]

Take him to the local music store and let him try some on for size. If he is comfortable the brand need not be that important. Anything in the $300 range is out of the junk stuff.

Good luck.

 

[Les Fret]

You have special child or 3/4 basses. A few of my really young students have them. They are cheap and pretty good. Good enough to start with if you set them up right. Invalid Link Removed

 

[Groove Master]

A cheap Hofner

 

[Ostie]

How old is the child? There are some short scale basses that might be appropriate.

 

[buldog5151bass]

1. The best bass is one they like, so they will play it more. Best to let them make the final choice (I've been through this).
2. Unless they are very young, there is no reason they cannot play a 34" scale instrument.

Same advice as with an adult. Get a budget, and pick from a name brand.

 

[Les Fret]

2. Unless they are very young, there is no reason they cannot play a 34" scale instrument.
.

34" is too much for almost any child. From 7-10 years I would not recommend anything above 28.6" scale. From 10 maybe a 30" but not more.

 

[buldog5151bass]

34" is too much for almost any child. From 7-10 years I would not recommend anything above 28.6" scale. From 10 maybe a 30" but not more.

Look on YouTube. You'll see plenty of kids absolutely crushing it on 34". When I started playing, about all there was was 34". Somehow I managed.

 

[Gorn]

Look on YouTube. You'll see plenty of kids absolutely crushing it on 34". When I started playing, about all there was was 34". Somehow I managed.

I always think the same thing when someone asks for a small instrument for a kid. Those little YouTube bass players navigate a full scale bass with no problem. Same with the tiny little drum prodegies.

 

[J Gold]

My guy is 10 and is average size.

I started him at age 5 on the Ibanez mikro, two years ago he got the Epiphone Viola, which I also use to practice on late at night. We also have the Ibanez Mezzo which is a great kid bass but actually too small for his liking. I’m selling it now in the classifieds.

I think Ibanez is best bang for the buck.

 

[Gorn]

My guy is 10 and is average size.

I started him at age 5 on the Ibanez mikro, two years ago he got the Epiphone Viola, which I also use to practice on late at night. We also have the Ibanez Mezzo which is a great kid bass but actually too small for his liking. I’m selling it now in the classifieds.

I think Ibanez is best bang for the buck.

Has he ever played a full scale? How did he manage?

 

[J Gold]

Yes he plays all my basses from time to time. He can hang. The only difference that may give him trouble is string spacing while finger picking.

 

[sotua]

Yamaha makes great budget instruments. I'd look at the TRBX or BB lines for sure, basses to be had for about $300.

If size is a problem (e.g. it's a smaller child), the Ibanezz mezzo series is very light and the 32" scale makes it less of a challenge.

 

[Les Fret]

Look on YouTube. You'll see plenty of kids absolutely crushing it on 34". When I started playing, about all there was was 34". Somehow I managed.

You might see them on YouTube but that does not mean it is the right size for them. I teach several young students between 7 and 10 and I can tell you that they can't play a 34" or even a 32" at all. Why make it harder for them if we have other more suitable options nowadays? They will sure get frustrated when they have to play a full size instrument and it is also bad for their technique.

It is the same as with other string instruments. That's why there are 3/4 or even 1/2 size guitars and violins or cellos and even 1/2 size upright basses. But for bass these 28.6" children basses are relatively new.

 

[Geddaric]

It`s all about what`s more comfortable for the player. What`s he using now? I agree with the $300 range for a beginner. Take him to a music store where he can figure what feels better (short or long) and also as stated earlier, let him pick it out.

 

[buldog5151bass]

No matter what, let the kid have a part in picking the instrument, even if you narrow down the choices. About a decade ago, my nephew wanted his first electric guitar, partially because he wanted to play in the middle school jazz band. I went shopping with him, and showed him some Squiers and such. But his eyes lit up when he saw a Warlock type model. Exactly NOT what I would have picked, but it was what he wanted. He played it every day. Had I made him pick an "old man's instrument", he might not have done so.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Look on YouTube. You'll see plenty of kids absolutely crushing it on 34". When I started playing, about all there was was 34". Somehow I managed.

For example, this young fella is playing a Fender Jazz:



Humbling.