dougal Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 George, my son, plays a 1/2 size 'cello, and when we were talking about another instrument he wanted to play, he didn't say drums or keyboard (as I expected him to), instead he said bass. So now I'm on the hunt for a small bass for him. We already have an ashbory, which he messes about on, but I want a fretted bass, as we worry about intonation and the like on the cello already. I'm not made of money, but I don't mind spending a few quit, so I'd rather avoid the Harley Benton / toys'r'us plywood stuff. So far the options appear to be: Ibanez http://www.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_gsrm20ca.htm Warwick Corvette http://www.thomann.de/gb/warwick_corvette_basic_short_scale_nt.htm Squire Bronco http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_squier_bronco_bass_rd.htm Any more suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 (edited) Of those you've listed I'd go for the Ibanez. They have good fast necks and slim for small hands. The Warwick would be great, but knowing what kids are like it's a lot of money if his mates knock it over in his bedroom etc. You could also consider a Fleabass Junior. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLEA-JUNIOR-PUNK-3-4-SHORT-SCALE-BASS-GREEN-GIG-BAG-NEW-/251270148129?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3a80de3021"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3a80de3021[/url] Edited May 12, 2013 by Grangur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesBass Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 I started on a Bronco just before my 10th birthday, it's a brilliant bass for little hands! Plus it's a damn sight cheaper than the Warwick! Personally I'd go Bronco, it is at the end of the day something for the kid to learn on, it's not gonna be a bass that stays with him for years upon years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlloyd Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 Fender Mustang Bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 (edited) I`d go for the Ibby as I have never owned a bad one and it`s much cheaper than the Warwick. Or how about a Short scale Jag? Good looking bass and easily upgradeable if you so desire. [url="http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Squier-By-Fender-Vintage-Modified-Jaguar-Bass-Special-SS/FYZ?origin=product-ads&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+Squier&utm_content=di3hQLtr_pcrid_30132057679_plid__kword__match__"]http://www.gear4musi..._kword__match__[/url] Edited May 12, 2013 by jezzaboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krysh Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 I'd be careful with a fender, there is something in the laquer that seems to change the dna..... but seriously I 'd also recommend a mustang or the bronco. as an alternative, how about a kala-u-bass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BetaFunk Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 Either the Bronco or Ibanez would be fine. Both are excellent for the money. I'm amazed that no one has recommended a Stingray with the comment 'he'll grow into it'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapolpora Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 I recently bought the Ibanez for my nine year old. I cannot fault it in anyway. It's small, light and sounds huge with the PJ pick-up configuration. I had to lower the action and I'm going to buy lighter gauge strings as my son is very small for his age - but that's it. If you do go for this and buy from Thomann get the package with the gig bag. It's a tenner extra but is actually a really good case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BetaFunk Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 [quote name='lapolpora' timestamp='1368380948' post='2076329'] I recently bought the Ibanez for my nine year old. I cannot fault it in anyway. It's small, light and sounds huge with the PJ pick-up configuration. I had to lower the action and I'm going to buy lighter gauge strings as my son is very small for his age - but that's it. If you do go for this and buy from Thomann get the package with the gig bag. It's a tenner extra but is actually a really good case. [/quote] I agree with that. Thinking more about it the Ibanez has a slightly shorter scale than the Bronco and is lighter. Ibanez definitely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 For 8 years old I think these are all too big. An alternative is to look for a Tanglewood Elf, they have a 19.75 inch scale length and crop up on ebay from time to time. I think there was one for sale on here not long ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPBass Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 (edited) Flea bass Junior? http://www.thomann.de/gb/flea_bass_junior_the_wild_one.htm Keenly priced Edited May 12, 2013 by Voodoosnake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BetaFunk Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 (edited) I just remembered the Samick Corsair and it just happens that there is one on ebay at the moment. Ideal for an 8 year old i'd say. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Samick-Corsair-MCR1-Short-Scale-Bass-Guitar-/111070925572?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item19dc57d304"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item19dc57d304[/url] Edited May 12, 2013 by BetaFunk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junkyard Rocket Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 The Squier Vintage modified jag SS is a massive upgrade over the bronco. Its 30" scale like the bronco/musicmaster/mustang & mine is as light as my danelectro longhorn (another 30" bass which might be worth looking at) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 Does it have to be an electric bass? Have you considered an inexpensive acoustic / electro acoustic bass so there are no leads / amps to invest in and have lying around? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 The Ibanez looks good or how about an Epiphone EBO ? [url="http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=04042010345718&gclid=CMa04d26kbcCFfIPtAodcAkACA#main-product-overview"]http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=04042010345718&gclid=CMa04d26kbcCFfIPtAodcAkACA#main-product-overview[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 My daughter had a Flea bass junior when she was 10. She loves it. The Thoman price is good and the gig bag is a useful one. Black is cheapest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floFC Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 What about the Hofner Shorty? http://www.hofner-guitars.com/electric-basses/solid-body-basses/hct-shb-bk-0.html Small body but the neck might bo too long (30" scale). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1964 Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 The Bronco is an excellent little bass for the money. My son started on one when he was about 8, and got on fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Left Foot Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Personally Id go for a Westfeild small body bass. Really lightweight, playable neck, decent tone no fuss or hastle, plus fairly cheap and price but not build (from my experience). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoker Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 How about this as an alternaive? http://www.thomann.de/gb/gretsch_g2214_junior_jet_bass_sunburst.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 If you're going to ignore my advice and go for a 30", you want this: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/207578-squier-vintage-modified-jaguar-short-scale-for-sale-l150/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BetaFunk Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 I'm still amazed that no one has recommended (or rather been told) buying a Stingray............... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougal Posted May 13, 2013 Author Share Posted May 13, 2013 Thanks everyone for their input. Pete, to give you some scale, here is he stoof next to a fully grown young woman - I don't think 30" will be too large: I tried [i]really[/i] hard to convince him that the Squire on here is a better idea than the bronco, but he really likes the bronco in black / white, damnit. I may just have to play the 'daddy knows best' card. Perhaps someone will make me a white pickguard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougal Posted May 13, 2013 Author Share Posted May 13, 2013 [quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1368472756' post='2077543'] I'm still amazed that no one has recommended (or rather been told) buying a Stingray............... [/quote] He [i]would[/i] grow into it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jono Bolton Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Does it have to be a short scale? I started at the same age but on a full-sized P Bass copy. "Back in my day, blah, blah, blah..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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