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Introduction to Bass Guitars for Kids
Bass guitars are an excellent choice for children interested in music, offering a unique pathway into the world of rhythm and sound. Unlike regular guitars, bass guitars typically have four strings, which are thicker and tuned to a lower pitch. Kids’ bass guitars are smaller and lighter than standard bass guitars, making them more suitable for younger players. This makes them ideal for creating the foundational grooves and beats that are essential in many music genres, from rock and jazz to pop and funk.
When it comes to selecting a bass guitar for kids, there are several factors to consider. The size and weight of the instrument are crucial, as they should be manageable for smaller hands and bodies. A full size bass guitar may be challenging for younger children to handle due to its larger size and weight. Short scale basses, which have a scale length of around 30-32 inches, are particularly suitable for young players. These instruments are designed to be lighter and easier to handle, making them a perfect fit for children and beginners.
Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of the bass guitar can significantly enhance a child’s enthusiasm for learning. Many brands offer vibrant colors and designs that can captivate young musicians, encouraging them to pick up the instrument and start playing. Additionally, the choice between electric and acoustic bass guitars can influence the learning experience. Electric basses are versatile and can be amplified for band settings, while acoustic models provide a more traditional sound.
Benefits of Learning Bass Guitar for Kids
Learning bass guitar can improve cognitive skills and self-confidence, as it engages both the analytical and creative parts of the brain. This dual engagement can enhance problem-solving abilities and boost self-esteem as kids master new skills.
Playing bass guitar can help develop musical rhythm and coordination. The bass guitar serves as the backbone of most musical pieces, teaching kids to maintain rhythm and timing, which are crucial skills in both music and life.
Bass guitar is a great instrument for kids to start with, as it has fewer strings and simpler initial patterns compared to a regular guitar. 4-string basses are the most common and can be easier for beginners to learn and manage. This simplicity makes it less intimidating for beginners, allowing them to focus on developing their musical ear and finger dexterity.
Playing bass guitar can be a fun and creative outlet for kids, enabling them to express themselves through music. It encourages creativity as they experiment with different sounds and styles, fostering a lifelong appreciation for music.
Learning bass guitar can provide a lifetime skill and open up opportunities for musical expression. Music education can cultivate children’s creativity and provide a balance against academic stresses. As they progress, kids can explore different genres, join bands, and even compose their own music, making it a versatile and rewarding pursuit.
Top Bass Guitars for Kids
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short-Scale Bass Guitar
- Medium frets
- Jatoba fretboard with White dot inlay
- Medium frets
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short-Scale Bass Guitar is a standout choice for young musicians due to its compact size and excellent playability. Designed specifically for smaller hands, the GSRM20 features a 28.6-inch scale length, making it easier for kids to navigate the frets and develop their bass skills. This model is part of Ibanez’s renowned Mikro series, known for its high-quality construction and affordable price point.
The GSRM20 is equipped with a mahogany body that provides a warm and resonant tone, while the maple neck and rosewood fingerboard offer a smooth playing experience. The bass is fitted with a set of Dynamix P and J pickups, delivering a versatile range of sounds suitable for various music genres. Additionally, the GSRM20 comes with a standard bridge and a set of reliable tuners, ensuring stable tuning and intonation.
One of the key features of the Ibanez GSRM20 is its lightweight design, which makes it comfortable for younger players to hold and play for extended periods. The bass is available in several vibrant finishes, adding a visual appeal that can inspire kids to practice and perform.
Overall, the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short-Scale Bass Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a combination of quality, playability, and affordability. It’s a perfect instrument to start a child’s musical journey, providing them with the tools to develop their skills and express their creativity through music.
Squier by Fender Bronco Bass
- Agathis body with gloss polyurethane finish
- 30 in scale length C-shape maple neck with 9.5 in radius maple fingerboard...
- 1 Special Design Single-Coil Pickup
The Bronco does not come as part of a beginner package for bass players, but that should not prevent you from considering it. The Bronco, like the PJ model, has an incredible level of craftsmanship for the price. It’s also a short-scale model, so it might be more suitable for a young player to begin with. There aren’t a lot of frills here, but you don’t really need them.
There is only one single-coil pickup on the Bronco, as well as a master volume and tone control. The hardware isn’t great, but at this price point, you can’t expect it to be. Although the tuners are sealed, extra flexibility on the bridge would be a welcome addition.
But, let’s face it, most first-time guitarists aren’t likely to notice such little features on their instruments. The Squier Affinity Bronco does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly alternative for a little beginning bass.
Ibanez TMB30 Electric Bass Guitar
- 4-string Electric Bass with Poplar Body
- Black Pickguard - Black
- Jatoba Fretboard
Let’s have a look at the Ibanez TMB30 to round things out. It’s another model in their cherished line of guitars that may be classified as a mid-to-high-level instrument cloaked in the form of a little youth-sized bass. Yes, the TMB30 features a 30″ scale length, which is standard for most small scale basses. Yes, it may be an excellent choice for a beginner bassist or even a seasoned bassist looking for something a bit smaller than a full-size instrument.
The TMB30 is made of poplar with a maple neck and a jatoba fretboard with simple dot markers. The hardware includes a fully adjustable B10 bridge and open gear tuners in the vintage style. The Dynamax pickups have a split single coil in the centre and a conventional single coil in the bridge position. Each pickup has its own volume knob and an overall tone control, making tone control straightforward.
The features are present, and the pricing is reasonable. You might find a shorter scale bass guitar with a performance level far higher than its physical size with the TMB30.
Squier by Fender Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ Beginner Pack
- Hand orientation: Right
Squier’s superb beginning bundle deservingly takes the top spot on my list. You’ll discover just about everything you’ll need to get started thumping, all at an even better price.
You will definitely get a lot of bang for your buck here. The Squier Affinity series of guitars is well-known for providing excellent quality without breaking the bank. No, it’s not a short-scale bass, but there’s no disputing that it’s a well-made beginner’s model that ticks all the boxes while evoking a classic Fender flavor. That’s not all, though. The bundled 15-watt Rumble amp has more than enough power to rattle the walls, and it sounds great while doing so.
A strap, a 1/4′′ cable, and a gig bag are all included. While there are a few items I’d like to see included (such as a tuner and some picks), I can’t deny that the Squier Affinity PJ Guitar Pack is one of the best starting points for learning to play the bass. This is the Best Bass Guitars for Kids in 2023.
Yamaha TRBX174 Old Violin Sunburst Agathis Body
- Incredible Quality and Value
- Mahogany Body
- Vintage Style Bridge
Yamaha guitars are well-known for their high quality. They’re also well-known and admired for their work with young musicians. This involves offering them with quality comparable to that of a beginner. This bass guitar is an excellent example of Yamaha’s high quality at a reasonable price.
The kids bass guitars is made of Mahogany and features a double-cutaway design. Some gentle bevels along the edges, as well as where your arm rests, help the body shape. The body is stained in a dark wood stain that allows the grain of the wood to show through. The short-scale Maple neck sports a slimline Maple neck with a Rosewood fingerboard and 24 frets. The deep cutaway allows access to all frets, and there are inlaid dots on the fingerboard.
The headstock has the same dark mahogany stain as the body, and there are four chrome-plated tuners up top. The hardware is well-fitting and incorporates a hardtail bridge made of die-cast metal. Each string has its own saddle that can be adjusted. Two single-coil pickups, a tone control, and two black volume controls are included. It is, however, a touch heavy at eleven pounds due to its solid wood construction.
A high-quality bass with a rich, deep tone and plenty of power from a reputable manufacturer. It’s one of the greatest bass guitars for kids because it’s simple to play. Set at a reasonable price.
Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-E, Mahogany, Small Body, Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar
- The Mini II Bass is here to expand your horizons and your registers!
- Features an extended 580mm (22 7/8”) scale length so it tunes perfectly...
- Keep it acoustic and the Mini II Bass's deeper body depth will provide a...
Electric basses aren’t the only ones that might be suitable for a toddler. A little searching will turn up several wonderful acoustic lower scale bass models (which, by the way, implies “no amplifier required”). The Cordoba Mini II is a well-made instrument that offers all of the advantages of an acoustic bass in a small package.
The body of the Mini II is built of mahogany, including the back, sides, and neck. Many full-sized guitars have this body configuration. It sounds fantastic on its own, but it also has a built-in pickup for when you want to plug it in and turn it up. It may appear to be a ukulele at first appearance, but don’t be misled. It’s a bit bigger than a ukulele, and it’s not even close to being a ukulele — the Mini II is all bass guitar, all the time.
Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Electric Bass Guitar II
- Basswood body with maple neck
- 20 fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
- Standard 4 saddle bridge, 30.3" scale, chrome hardware
Smaller adaptations of classic designs make for some of the best kid bass guitars. The Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass is an example of these. The G2220 has the same vintage vibe as its bigger sibling, the Electromatic guitar family. The G2220 features a basswood body with two Gretsch humbucking pickups and a maple neck with a walnut fingerboard. With an adjustable bridge and sealed die cast tuners, the hardware is similar to practically any full-size bass.
The G2220 is a little bass (which is perfect for kids beginning out), but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch. The playability is smooth and comfortable, and the sound is rich and full. The G2220 Electromatic is a great small-scale bass that delivers on everything from appearance to tone.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bass guitar for kids can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and information, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Learning bass guitar can have numerous benefits for kids, including improved cognitive skills, self-confidence, and musical expression. With the right gear and practice, kids can start playing bass guitar and enjoying the many rewards of music-making.