Thunderbird Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 Hi Guys I am looking for a short scale bass for my 11 year old son and and wondering if any of you guys have any suggestions? l know Epiphone and Squire do some short scale basses, He is using one of my P basses atm but it is just to big I really dont have much spare cash but if he is taking an interest in playing I want to encourage that so any suggestions would be good Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number6 Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 I believe the Squier Bronco isn't bad at all and i've just picked up a Gretsch Jet Bass ii for just over £200 which for the money is excellent. I did also try the Squier Jaguar short scale bass out and that was around 190 quid and played very nicely. Good luck with the search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 +1 on the Squier Jag. Cool finishes, nice neck, P/J pickups so potential to upgrade (as long as the string spacing lined up) I played a bunch of SS basses a couple of weeks ago because Ms Yellow was thinking about learning and my Precision would just be huge. The Jag was the one that stood out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 I was going to suggest Squier Bronco, the Gretsch Jet or an Epiphone EB0 which are all fairly inexpensive and obviously cheaper 2nd hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 (edited) How about this one? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/212024-epiphone-custom-shop-limited-edition-eb3-case/page__p__2429887__hl__epiphone__fromsearch__1#entry2429887"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry2429887[/url] I know he says local collection, but I could collect and bring to Northants as I travel for work, or I can collect and ship. Edited April 21, 2014 by Grangur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madshadows Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 How about one of these? [url="http://www.dv247.com/guitars/ibanez-gsrm20-mini-bass-guitar-candy-apple--82513"]http://www.dv247.com/guitars/ibanez-gsrm20-mini-bass-guitar-candy-apple--82513[/url] [url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/stagg-bc-300-3-4-mini-bass-black/16731"]http://www.gak.co.uk/en/stagg-bc-300-3-4-mini-bass-black/16731[/url] [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/cort_action_junior_bass_b_stock_3.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/cort_action_junior_bass_b_stock_3.htm[/url] Hope this helps John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyctes Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 (edited) Ibanez GSRM-20. From Thomann, about £170. 28.6" scale, fits a guitar bag. Change the strings, the factory ones are not very good. I've got one, I like it a lot. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_gsrm20gb_ca.htm?sid=3ac17caebd36d1cf89b625145ac9a81d"]http://www.thomann.d...9b625145ac9a81d[/url] Edit: Madshadows beat me to it, and cheaper too Edited April 21, 2014 by alyctes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 [quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1398072280' post='2430017'] Ibanez GSRM-20. From Thomann, about £170. 28.6" scale, fits a guitar bag. Change the strings, the factory ones are not very good. I've got one, I like it a lot. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_gsrm20gb_ca.htm?sid=3ac17caebd36d1cf89b625145ac9a81d"]http://www.thomann.d...9b625145ac9a81d[/url] Edit: Madshadows beat me to it, and cheaper too [/quote] +1 on the Ibby. That looks great value. You can't go wrong with an Ibanez IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted April 21, 2014 Author Share Posted April 21, 2014 Thanks for all those guys I am now thinking of putting one of my basses up for trade or sale to see if I can get him something nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted April 21, 2014 Author Share Posted April 21, 2014 [quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1398071821' post='2430008'] How about this one? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/212024-epiphone-custom-shop-limited-edition-eb3-case/page__p__2429887__hl__epiphone__fromsearch__1#entry2429887"]http://basschat.co.u..._1#entry2429887[/url] I know he says local collection, but I could collect and bring to Northants as I travel for work, or I can collect and ship. [/quote] Why thankyou for that kind offer but I am afraid that is a bit out of his price range and he is not too keen on an Epi I dont know why as they are great basses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubsonicSimpleton Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 Thomann also do a 30" hofner violin bass copy http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_beatbass.htm Maybe also consider as another alternative refinishing/customising something like a used bronco as a project that you can do with your son to create something unique that he will really value as he has invested time and effort into and made with dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 Or these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric-Violin-Bass-Guitar-LE-MARQUIS-N-Y-LM-VB-BK-/380293726016?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item588b45bf40 always looked like they might be halfway decent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 30 inch scale is probably still too much for an 11 year old. The Tanglewood EB18 Elf has a much shorter scale length and they come up for sale on eBay occasionally at reasonable prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmmettC Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 I bought this for my partner, but replaced the electronics (mostly because I had all the bits already) it's a great little bass, I use it a lot for messing about at home. [URL=http://s214.photobucket.com/user/EmmettChristie/media/IMG_20512385210269_1_zps1bb9eebe.jpg.html][IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/EmmettChristie/IMG_20512385210269_1_zps1bb9eebe.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoham Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 [quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1398082049' post='2430175'] 30 inch scale is probably still too much for an 11 year old. The Tanglewood EB18 Elf has a much shorter scale length and they come up for sale on eBay occasionally at reasonable prices. [/quote] Think it depends on the 11 year old... My boy is 12 and can handle a full size bass just fine. His cousin of the same age would have no chance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted April 21, 2014 Author Share Posted April 21, 2014 Some good ideas thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 My son uses a small P bass called a Westfield or a Wesley. I'll have a look and take a pic for you in the next few days. It's very playable for younger kids (9-12) - and I can just about squeeze my fingers onto it too. It sounds and plays great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassHappy Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 (edited) [color=#888888][color=#888888][size=4]Here is some stuff off of my website. I don't know how readily available some of these are in the UK, as I am US based - but some of the "off the rack" short scale production basses are shown from left to right below. As pictured below, Gretsch has their short scale Electrotone and ThunderJet models - along with a JuniorJet and a Billy-Bo Thunderbird bass. Gibson has released a Les Paul Junior and an SG Faded short scale. Fender has recently released short scale Squier versions of it's Jaguar, Bronco and Mustang models to go along with the Fender Mustang, Bronco and Music Master models. Gibson's Epiphone division has an Allen Woody semi-hollow RumbleKat, an EB-0 and a Hofner type knock-off Viola Bass. Not pictured below, Gibson has released a short scale version of the popular Thunderbird bass [url="http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/Thunderbird-Short-Scale-Bass.aspx"]here [/url]- while Fender Japan has released - along with their full and medium scalers - a short scale version of their iconic 1962 Jazz Bass replica [/size][/color][url="http://www.fenderjapan.co.jp/jb62ss.html"]here[/url]. [color=#888888][size=4]There was also a Fender U.S. Precision Bass Junior - with an extra short 28.5" scale - but it has been discontinued.[/size][/color][/color] [color=#888888][color=#888888][size=4]Other manufacturers in modern times such as Ibanez, Yamaha, Guild, Kubicki, Aria, SX (Essex), Hamer, Dean, Cort, Warwick, C.B. Basses, S.D. Curlee, Alembic, Birdsong, and others - have offered some short scale basses - and even the occasional medium scale model over the years. [/size][/color][/color] [color=#888888][color=#888888][size=4]Website is here for those interested: [url="http://www.innertainment.net/"]http://www.innertainment.net/[/url][/size][/color][/color] [color=#888888][color=#888888][size=4]And my little commentary on short and medium scale basses is here: [sup][url="http://www.innertainment.net/medium.html"]http://www.innertain...net/medium.html[/url][/sup][/size][/color][/color] [color=#888888]Good luck with all![/color] [color=#888888]BassHappy[/color] Edited April 22, 2014 by BassHappy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 The guys recommending the Ibanez Mikro are bang on the button. I've one myself and they're good with really nice slim necks I've also got a Dean Evo XM which is 30" yet another nice bass though a wider neck. Both are very light weight so ideal for an 11 year old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grossey Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 My daugter (and I) have been more than happy with the Harly Benton PB-Shorty, at about 55quid you cant go wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maude Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 I don't know if you want to go down the second hand do-er upper route but this old Tele copy looks interesting, 25". If you're into a bit of restoration it could be a fun project for you both, or just keep it as it is, genuine (hate the word) 'roadworn'. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121323600542?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsgbass Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 One thing nice about a Gibson SG Spl. (short scale), it has twin Humbuckings, comes with a hardshell case, and is playable for a long time. [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/sShvW9x.jpg[/IMG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluRay Posted April 27, 2014 Share Posted April 27, 2014 I bought a squier jaguar (last month) for my 11 year old lad - and its fab. Plays really well, sounds and looks good, and right size. Recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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