Our nephew's birthday is coming up and he's asking for a bass guitar. We decided that we'll buy him a brand new entry-level model. I'm honestly partial to the GIOs since I have tried a lot of them before and I am always amazed at their quality for the price. Not to mention they are crazy light. However, I also read a lot of good things about the Affinities but unfortunately I do not have much experience with them. Anyone else have extensive experience with both? What are the advantages of one over the other? TIA! (PS: He'll just be using an iRig for his amplification so no need for starter packs.)
I tend to lean to Ibanez at the bottom. I think the Affinity line has improved tons int last 5 years, but I lean to Ibanez. Is there a style you thin he'd prefer? That may make the choice for you
I think both are equally good. The Gio, as you said, it´s lighter and have a thinner neck wich can be good for a starting player. That´s my vote.
Are you able to bring him to a store that carries both? For a first-ever bass, it's important that the ergonomics agree with him. If it were me, I'd sit him down with both and let him pluck away, unplugged and maybe even with his eyes closed, to see which feels better in his own, two hands.
I'm a huge proponent of "Feel" over "Sound", especially for one's first instrument. "Sound" can be altered through all sorts of ways…strings, pickups, wiring, etc…but the "Feel" of an instrument, outside of tuners and bridges, is harder to tweak. In some cases, it maybe even damn near impossible without investing more money than the initial cost. Sometimes, one might luck-out with their first instrument. I know I did when I bought a Fender Aerodyne as my first-ever. But such luck cannot be counted upon or taken for granted. So, in cases like this, if it's possible to take the lucky guy or gal to a bunch of music shops, I strongly recommend they give as many models and brands an unplugged and unfiltered test drive. Think of it like getting fitted for a suit. Just because one outfit looks really snazzy, it doesn't mean it can be tailored to fit the customer or feel comfortable on their skin. I've also suggested taking notes. Lets say the lil' tyke has tried several instruments and taken notes on their collective pros and cons. After a while, one model stands out above the rest, but the color isn't to their liking. A little bit o' research should tell them if it comes in other finishes and if it can be ordered or found elsewhere. And while there is always the possibility the alternate isn't as well put together, the odds are in your favor you'll have something that, after a proper setup, will work for the prospective musician.
I understand what you mean but I doubt he'll understand what he needs to look for right now. Even I, I only became picky with basses last year. Before, give me any bass, I'll set it up and I can play it all night.
Most ibanez stuff (made in indonesia)is came from Cort Factory....... would you like to banned Ibanez ?
Depending on what the budget will allow, I would suggest the Squier Vintage Modified line over the Affinity. The VMs aren't expensive, but from what I've seen they're much better than the Affinity instruments. Based on my recent experience with the Ibanez GIOs (I own two Mikros and I've played some full-size GIO and SR basses in stores), I'm really impressed with their sound and feel. I think they deserve to be considered too. I agree that the best solution is to take the kid to a store that has both and collaborate with him on the choice. You both need to be happy; he needs to like what he's getting, and you need to feel comfortable that he's getting a quality instrument that won't frustrate him with its deficiencies as he learns to play.
I've tried them in stores, and I agree that they are exponentially better than the Affinities. But what we're trying to do is a simple strategy: If the kid wants an upgrade for Christmas or on his next birthday (and if he's been a good boy), then we can buy him the VMs or something similar. Still inexpensive but a hell lot better in quality and looks.
According to what you say it really doesn't matter what you buy him as he has no clue. So, throw any logical advice out the window and buy him the cheaper of the two. That way if he ignores it, gives up, breaks it, gives it to a friend, pawns it, trades it for a video game, or whatever else a kid may do with a bass if he doesn't play it, then your out less money then if you buy the more expensive of the two. From what I know that means buy him the Ibanez and call it a day.
Yes, maybe that whatever we give him doesn't matter to him but it matters to *me*. I understand that this decision involves many factors and I am good with most of them. This is why I am very specific about my question, i.e. the build quality of each instrument brand/model especially since I have no experience with Affinities.
It may also be a consideration to know how old this kid is. Is he old enough to handle a full size Affinity model? Ibanez models tend to be lighter and smaller. I'd say it's pretty much a toss up between the two. They are both pretty much equal on the spectrum. Personally, I'd go with Squier, the bass itself can be upgraded and modded if necessary. Plus I'd rather play a bass that is more classically styled like a Precision or a Jazz over the Ibanez. It's ultimately up to you, and what you think the kid will dig. Bottom line is you can't really go wrong with either.
It sounds like you are ordering the bass online, otherwise go to the store and check them out yourself. If you can't do this then it honestly is 6 of one half a dozen of another between the two in my opinion.
12 years old. Yes, I was thinking of the size/weight consideration but I am not sure if it's just me but kids these days seems to be a lot bigger than previous generations and they grow up so fast!
No doubt! If my first bass was as nice as your two options for your nephew, I would have been completely stoked. Quality for the dollar has really improved since I was a kid. Either choice you make, good job on being a great uncle!
