Mini Basses

[Volker Kirstein]

Just curious: besides using it as a travel and maybe couch bass or child bass what reason is there to buy a mini bass?

And what type of strings does it need in order be not too flubby and still playin E tuning?

Besides being fun to play? Mine isn't E tuning, it's A. Ergo...

Sometimes, there's a whole slew of "blues in A" & "blues in D" songs in the setlist. The mini works perfect in these registers. Not that a "regular" bass presents difficulties. But... It's fun! It's something different! It brings gasps from the audience when such deep tones come out of such a tiny instrument!

 

[Les Fret]

Besides being fun to play? Mine isn't E tuning, it's A. Ergo...

You mean using regular EADG strings and tune them up a fourth to A?

 

[Volker Kirstein]

You mean using regular strings and tune them up a fourth to A?

Dunno. It came that way (ADGC) from the factory, I didn't change anything. No clue what gauges, either. I suppose I could measure them with calipers next time I'm there.

 

[cnltb]

I find these tinyboy basses really tempting!
...and they're Japanese, which instills confidence( I tend to like things made in Japan).

 

[nilorius]

Not a fun of small basses, but there could be some one out there who likes them.

 

[Nuage420]

I need one bad. I travel and have to keep it small.

 

[jd56hawk]

Just curious: besides using it as a travel and maybe couch bass or child bass what reason is there to buy a mini bass?

And what type of strings does it need in order be not too flubby and still playin E tuning?

Well, there's the humor aspect.
Not much different than playing this.
It looks funny.
I mean, can you imagine if Dee Dee Ramone, for example, played one?

 

[Max Bogosity]

If you’re wondering how weird this might sound, just remember that every 34” scale bass has a 25.5” scale bass lurking inside it at the fifth fret.

 

[pcake]

I guess you can bend three halve steps or so then with those flubby strings?

Can you also use them for slapping?
And is the spacing on the highest frets not becoming too tight?

not every bass is good for everything i want to do. i don't slap, but with my extra light strings, i doubt my MB2 would be a good bass for slap, and yes, the highest frets are pretty tight, although i play 'em and they sound pretty good. it may not be perfect, but when ye olde shoulder is acting up, i have a bass i can still play that doesn't have rubbery ubass strings.

besides, it's just so cute

 

[T-boneParish]

A couple of years ago I got a Shredneck to keep in the trunk of my car and take on airplanes. It needed a pro setup when I first got it. Since then it has been great. The neck is very comfortable. It has standard tuning, and the string tension feels similar to the feeling of TI flats on a long scale bass. Not sure if the company is still making these bases or not

 

[cnltb]

Here another one that looks fun!<>
But...Stradi...really... that's what they are called?!

 

[instrumentlevel]

Love 30’ short scales, but recently tried out a Squier Mini-P and ended up taking it back. I pluck pretty hard with my right hand, and I couldn’t get the action low enough to feel right without lots of clanking (without getting custom strings for it or unwinding my own). Which is too bad, because it really is a great bass, and it looks awesome. Nice to see a short-scale Fender with a proportional headstock and body.

All that, or maybe I just didn’t like that the small body failed to hide my expanding belly like my other basses do...

 

[SBassman]

Ok I’m here.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

I’ve posted this a couple of times. I made this mini for about $50. I’d say that the reason I like it so much is that the short scale gives it an entirely different tone. You have to look at it as a different instrument, like comparing a cello to a viola. The strings can be floppy, especially with rounds, but that only lends to the tone. It only takes a few minutes to adjust to the feel.

 

[nilorius]

I’ve posted this a couple of times. I made this mini for about $50. I’d say that the reason I like it so much is that the short scale gives it an entirely different tone. You have to look at it as a different instrument, like comparing a cello to a viola. The strings can be floppy, especially with rounds, but that only lends to the tone. It only takes a few minutes to adjust to the feel.
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You mean that mini Fender p-bass is a custom shop, or Your own custom shop ?

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

You mean that mini Fender p-bass is a custom shop, or Your own custom shop ?

My own custom (garage) shop.

 

[KohanMike]

All of mine are tuned standard EADG, some have poly strings, some have all steel flatwound. Having never played a bass before, I didn't have any preconceived idea, I will only play 25" and less. The string tension is perfectly fine for me. I've seen many examples of slap on the poly strings, this size is not just for at home practice or travel, I use them for all our gigs, from small meeting rooms to big outdoor tents.

 

[nilorius]

My own custom (garage) shop.

Nice, really a good job, i hope it sounds good, too !!!

 

[Sixgunn]

I'm all for having many basses.... oh... wait... wrong thread!

 

[monsterthompson]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Check this brand out.
Out of Malaysia, I think.
I have a Miezo coming soon, so I'll keep everyone posted.
But the thing that caught my eye is the prices! ~$450 for a 4 string 16" minibass? Yes please!!

I’m looking at a 5 string X3M with a 25” neck and an 18” neck option.