Learning to play any instrument at a young age is thrilling, and the bass guitar could be a good place to start for someone who is just getting started in music. There are many various bass guitar alternatives for kids, some of which are smaller at 3/4 scale (same as a short scale) to fit small hands and some of which are simply the greatest looking bass guitars around!
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Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short-Scale Bass Guitar
- Fast, slim Maple neck
- Compact, light-weight Body
- Dynamic P pickup
The Ibanez GSRM20 is one of the most popular beginner bass guitars on the market for any bass player, as well as one of the most recommended for kids. It’s inexpensive, simple to play, and, most importantly, it sounds fantastic. Ibanez is recognized for producing high-quality bass guitars, and this one is no exception. The Agathis tonewood produces a rich tone, and the shorter rosewood fretboard allows smaller hands to play comfortably.
The string tension is lower on the bass since it is shorter than typical, resulting in a very smooth sound. It has a Dynamix P pickup in the neck position and a Dynamix J pickup in the bridge position in terms of pickups. You can achieve pretty much any classic bass tone you desire by using the tone/volume settings and rotating between the different pickups. When compared to a full-size bass, the 28.6″ long neck makes it simple to reach for those with little hands, and it’s obviously lightweight, so holding it up for long periods of time shouldn’t be an issue. This is the Best Bass Guitar for Kids in 2023.
Squier by Fender Bronco Bass
- Slim and comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile
- Single-coil Bronco Bass pickup
- Short 30“ scale length
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
- 30” short scale for fast and easy playing
- Wide, Chunky Maple neck
- Classic Ibanez body style
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 to Standard E
- Keep it acoustic and the Mini II Bass's deeper body depth will provide a well-rounded tone
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
- Jet body shape
- Basswood body back
- Basswood body top
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for when buying a bass guitar for kids?
There are a numerous elements to consider, but the main goal is to maintain your enthusiasm and enjoyment of learning to play high above all else. When learning to play the bass (or, for that matter, the guitar), you have no idea what distinguishes a ‘good’ one from a ‘poor’ one. It takes a certain amount of experience to form such an opinion.
It’s easy to lose interest in a bass if it’s not pleasant to play. Kids already have enough trouble growing calluses on their fingertips, so having a bass that’s difficult to play can make things even more difficult.
The majority of beginner bass guitars available today are of significantly higher quality than those available in the past. It wasn’t uncommon back in the day for strings to be so high off the neck that fretting notes properly may be a real nuisance. That isn’t the case any longer. It should be relatively simple to locate one that runs smoothly. String movement is only one aspect of playability; body size and form should also be appropriate for a child’s body. It should be comfortable for them to use whether they are sitting or standing, and it should not be too large for them to hold.
The quality of a child’s bass tone may not be as essential at first as it will be as they progress in their playing. At this point, all you have to do is make sure the overall tone is good and distinct. That involves avoiding a muddy or mushy tone. It also means that the notes ring out loudly and clearly without fretting out at any point on the neck.
Having an instrument that just looks great is quite cool when you’re a teenager! And, while it may seem foolish, if someone is enthralled by the appearance of their bass, they may be more eager to play it.As we all know, the key to learning is practice.
What is the best way for kids to learn how to play the bass?
Learning to play the bass might be one of the most enjoyable activities for a child. However, I’d be lying if I said it was simple. Many adults, in fact, struggle with it! It’s almost as if you’re learning a new language. No matter how old you are, if you want to learn how to play the bass, there are a few essential things you should consider.
There are numerous learning tools available on the internet. Many of the beginner-friendly ones are also suitable for children, as they prefer to keep things simple. It’s true that a series of small victories add up over time. Keep practicing, and one day you’ll realize you’re a bass player! The most important piece of advise I can give is to avoid taking on too much too soon. Children have extremely short attention spans. Taking things step by step and at a slower pace may be the best option.