Is a new Ibanez GSRM20 worth $129?

[Mannas]

I saw that I can get an Ibanez GSRM20 for $129 brand new. Is it worth that price? I'm looking for something to mess around with. I mainly play guitar so it's not a main instrument for me. More something to play and record at times and just jam. I have a few areas of potential concern I'd appreciate opinions on:

Length/Playability - Does it feel crazy small? I've tried a GSR200 in the past and it felt great. Was light and felt easy to play with a lot being used to guitar. Does the GSRM20 feel a whole lot smaller compared to the 200? I have a full scale Yamaha that feels big.

Sound - Does it sound thin or not as full given the smaller scale? I love a good deep, punchy P bass sound with the treble rolled off that you feel in your chest. Will the Ibanez be able to get that deep P bass sound?

Strings - I normally have played flats and really liked them better. Are there any good sets of flats that do well on this bass given the size?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Whale]

One of my students has an Ibanez GSRM20. It’s not something that I would personally purchase (mainly because I prefer long scale basses and I have all the equipment I need), but for the price it’s a fun little bass. The key word in that last sentence is “little”. The GSRM20 is short scale and is quite small in overall size. It is maybe just a wee bit bigger than an average guitar… which makes it a great instrument if you have smaller hands or have a smaller stature than the average adult male.

As for the sound/tone, it’s not going to win many one on one contests. But at the same time, it’s certainly good enough if you’re looking for something inexpensive and usable. It has a PJ arrangement and to my ears it sounds as good as most low to mid priced PJ basses… maybe just a little more bottom end, if I’m to be exact. I’m a fanatic for “punch”, but I didn’t hear much more than the average amount coming from this model of bass.

Admittedly, I have huge hands (XXL gloves are usually too small for me), so the bass feels very much like a toy whenever I hold it. But for younger players and those looking for a tidy little bass, it will fit the bill nicely. In fact, for the price it’s a pretty fair deal.