Short Scale for my kid

[getBAK]

My daughter, at 10 years old is finally expressing consistent interest in playing an instrument. She's small, and my standard scale basses are way too big for her.
What a great excuse to buy another bass!

I've been looking at short-scale. This is a beginner bass, so keeping the budget in check - so no Danelectro or Mustangs. I've basically narrowed down to 3 - the all functionally cost the same.
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Ibanez TMB30

I know the miKro has a cult following around here. Thoughts on the other options are welcome. Happy to look at anything else in the $200-ish price range if folks have suggestions

 

[JKos]

Mitchell MB100
NBD: Mitchell MB100

 

[Snert]

Any SS should be fine.
Also must subscribe to Ellen Plays Bass on YT.

 

[Lowendchamp]

My avatar is my mini with upgraded pups and bridge and she sounds like the real deal P. I got it for the same reason and my son quit but I'm still happy.

 

[getBAK]

@JKos Gotta be honest dude - that post where you replaced 40% of the instrument to make it worth playing (with no truss rod) ain't exactly selling it.

 

[BassyBill]

I have a Harley Benton mini P bass. Short scale 30” - cost just £75 (about $105). Just amazing value at that price. I’m pretty sure they’re available in the US. There is a Harley Benton club thread here on the forum and you might find info from American purchasers in there.

 

[JKos]

@JKos Gotta be honest dude - that post where you replaced 40% of the instrument to make it worth playing (with no truss rod) ain't exactly selling it.

Not sure I understand. I only replaced the bridge pickup and strings by choice, not necessity. Everything else was normal setup work. I haven’t done the “To do” mods yet. May not.

And what do you mean by “no truss rod”? It certainly has a truss rod.

All three of the basses you listed will undoubtedly need some setup work to dial them in. That’s really quite normal for this class of basses.

Having played samples of the three you listed, I would buy the Mitchell again.

 

[Riff Ranger]

I can confirm that the MiKro lives up to the hype, no mods necessary.

If memory serves, my guy was six years old here, but he has also always been huge for his age. The MiKro is not a good bass for the size, or the money—it’s just plain good.

 

[getBAK]

Not sure I understand. I only replaced the bridge pickup and strings by choice, not necessity. Everything else was normal setup work. I haven’t done the “To do” mods yet. May not.

And what do you mean by “no truss rod”? It certainly has a truss rod.

All three of the basses you listed will undoubtedly need some setup work to dial them in. That’s really quite normal for this class of basses.

Having played samples of the three you listed, I would buy the Mitchell again.

I must have misunderstood, you
Talked about something missing and no hole for it, I assumed truss rod- which would be pretty ghetto. I’ll take a closer look

 

[elgranluis]

The squier bronco can be had all day used for 100 bucks. They’re pretty good basses.

 

[Lonnybass]

I bought the Mikro for my eight year old and I like the thing so much I’m tempted to get one for myself. Honestly it’s better than the Soundgears I’ve owned.

 

[TyBo]

I've been very happy with my SX shorty. Bought it some years ago, so the exact model hasn't been listed there for a while. Mine was $119, but they've gotten a bit more expensive ... last I looked, still could be had for under $200. I did some mods, naturally, but it was fine right out of the box. With many of these cheap basses, quality control is not tight, but I haven't encountered anything yet with SX instruments that I couldn't deal with fairly easily. All the brands listed look like viable options. I hear good things about the Harley Bentons, but never played one.

 

[skygzr]

I suggested a Mikro to a friend for her kid. I set it up for her. It’s a great bass. I’d play one!

 

[Gizmot]

Another option is the Sterling Stingray by MusicMan. It looks good, plays well and has more tonal variety than a P-bass thanks to its series / parallel switching. I bought one last year to play after I had shoulder surgery when I literally couldn’t reach the lower frets on a standard sized bass.

 

[HaphAsSard]

In before someone inevitably suggests a 38" scale, saying she'll "grow into it"...

 

[Zooberwerx]

In before someone inevitably suggests a 38" scale, saying she'll "grow into it"...

Not inappropriate provided she's a forward with UConn.

Riis

 

[buldog5151bass]

As someone who has helped several kids and teens get started playing, it's important that they have some say in the selection. Doesn't matter how good it is if they don't pick it up and play it.

 

[Durham52]

As someone who has helped several kids and teens get started playing, it's important that they have some say in the selection. Doesn't matter how good it is if they don't pick it up and play it.

Too true. Have a list of acceptable short scales and let her see and touch and play them. If a child doesn't like the look of it, or it feels uncomfortable to hold and play, they'll loose interest quicker than the time it takes them to answer a text on their phone.

 

[BarfanyShart]

The Mikro and TMB30 are both amazing basses for the money. For a small kid, the Mikro makes more sense with its overall ergonomics. The TMB30 feels like it's designed with a 5'2" adult in mind.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

My daughter, at 10 years old is finally expressing consistent interest in playing an instrument. She's small, and my standard scale basses are way too big for her.
What a great excuse to buy another bass!

I've been looking at short-scale. This is a beginner bass, so keeping the budget in check - so no Danelectro or Mustangs. I've basically narrowed down to 3 - the all functionally cost the same.
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
Ibanez TMB30

I know the miKro has a cult following around here. Thoughts on the other options are welcome. Happy to look at anything else in the $200-ish price range if folks have suggestions

Mikro cultist here. I have the four and the five and they are ready to rock, right out of the box. No upgrades necessary. Play really well and sound as good as my higher end basses. Also, look cool, stay in tune and are built well. Joinnnn usssss.