Budget basses that will get you through!

[Corigan]

She has already tried an RBX170 and a 260 and they weren't it. I already knew the BB300 would be way too heavy, and plus I'm sitting on that one haha. I don't know a whole lot about the TRBX series, though!

I got a trbx504 not long ago and love it. super thin neck. weighs under 8 lbs. I got it as a slap bass. While I have instruments that cost 6x's the cost, I gotta tell you, its a quality instrument that I really enjoy playing. Like $500 new and has a super narrow neck with a small radius.

 

[SixtyCycleHum]

I got a trbx504 not long ago and love it. super thin neck. weighs under 8 lbs. I got it as a slap bass. While I have instruments that cost 6x's the cost, I gotta tell you, its a quality instrument that I really enjoy playing. Like $500 new and has a super narrow neck with a small radius.

I'll add it to the research list! Thanks man! I am quite aware of the low key high quality of Yamaha basses over the years. I have one from every era except the newest ones.

 

[jd56hawk]

Neither of which fit the 14 year old cousin's requirement for a skinny neck.

Which is why I deleted a right after posting it.

 

[SixtyCycleHum]

Agree with Ibanez in general. The bang/buck ratio on Ibanez is probably higher than any other bass you can get. And somehow they have always been that way - I don't know how they've managed to make such good basses at such low price points for all these years, but they have.

No specific recommendation off the top of my head, but basically you can't go wrong with any of them.

L

Ibanez, LTD (Esp's Squier, I guess) and Cort also seem to be in that same market of great quality, attractive pieces on the cheap. Kind of like a second step brand. The entry level brands to having a pro level instrument, and yet they're *definitely* pro level with a few twists and turns.

 

[40Hz]

Ibanez SR/Soundgear series. Available at a variety of price points. The 400 is a good choice. Not too heavy (Around 8 lbs average.). And very fast necks.

 

[SmokinJoe992]

Definitely a couple of Ibanez on the hunt list. I wish I knew more about them, but I only ever had the SR505 and that's from a while back, so I couldn't say what new Ibanezes are like.

I was going to suggest an SR505. I know they are not short scale, but the thin neck, and very light weight could help a lot. They are great basses and you could probably find a used one For $350ish.

 

[DJWhitJr]

I also recommend the Ibanez Meezo. I have one and really like it. It's light, the neck is slim and the 32" scale is perfect for me. In fact I like the 32" scale so much I sold my MIM Fender Jazz bass. It was too heavy for extended play and coming from playing guitar the 32" scale is perfect. I did eventually replace the pickups with a Geezer Butler set and went passive but it was due to personal preference, not out of necessity.

You may also want to check out the SX Ursa line from Rondo Music. I personally haven't played one but some on this forum say they are equivalent to the Squires. They also sell them in medium scale. I may buy one myself as I'm in the market for a medium scale jazz bass.

 

[Eilif]

The Ibanez Talman TMB30 is a good deal if she likes the look of one of the colors.

I also suggest the TMB 30.
An affordable bass that won't feel like settling.

The only thing is that it's not that much lighter than Fender style basses.

If she wants something even lighter, a Mezzo or even a MIKRO is probably the way to go.

 

[GodsLove66]

SQUIER BRONCO!!!!! My first bass was a Bronco and I still have her to this day!!!! It's a SUPER reliable short scale that is also SUPER friendly to mods!!!! It ticks all the starter bass boxes for sure!

 

[asolo]

SX makes a broad range of basses with a variety of shapes (including Jazz), specs and sizes that are excellent values. Stepping up in price, an Epiphone SG (Gibson copy) is a great choice, but not a Jazz-like tone. Fender Mustang and Squire Bronco are also good choices. All of these are available short scale. My son started playing bass at age 8 with a Bronco and an SX short scale jazz. Both lasted several years until he graduated to a Gibson SG and then finally a full scale Fender jazz.
FWIW, I believe well maintained used instruments are great sound and playability values. Nothing can be more discouraging to a new player than a poor sounding or uncomfortable instrument. Good luck!

 

[asolo]

Here is the SX website: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Read the history, it seems they are well respected in Australia. A used Fender short scale Aerodyne might be a good solution if you can find one.

 

[GodsLove66]

Heck! Laura Lee from KHRUANGBIN famously uses her trusted SX Jazz, and she's fairly huge! {As in well known, not in size lol}

 

[Bass4Brkfast]

Squier Bronco??

 

[Fender_Bender]

Since she's 14 years old, and may change her mind about playing bass in a week or two, I'd lend her the Yamaha or whichever one she likes best and see how it goes before spending money. She can practice sitting down if the weight bothers her shoulder. She should work her way up from 15-20 minutes at a time at first anyways.

 

[Dan_reeves]

OP, if memory serves you are in AUS, correct? So I take it stores in the States are not your jam? I am not sure what one of these go for over there, but these are actually awesome basses:

G2220 Electromatic® Junior Jet™ Bass II Short-Scale, Black Walnut Fingerboard, Torino Green

 

[DJWhitJr]

Heck! Laura Lee from KHRUANGBIN famously uses her trusted SX Jazz, and she's fairly huge! {As in well known, not in size lol}

Never heard of them. Now I'm listening to them on youtube and really digging them. Thanks for pointing them out.

 

[WillyW]

The Gretsch junior jet or the Danelectro 59dc might work.

 

[funkinbottom]

SX from Rondo music. Short scale, 8 lbs. comes with a bag.

 

[Old Blastard]

I had a Talman 100 that I loved but it was heavy and the neck was P-wide and beat up my hands. Traded it for a Hartke amp

 

[DJWhitJr]

What about a short scale Sterling Stingray? I believe the nut width is the same as a Jazz but the neck might be a bit chunkier. I'm not 100% sure.