NHM Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 Hi all My drummer chum wants to get his young son started on bass (evidence of evolution at work!) and has asked for a recommendation for a cheap short scale. Any advice from your bountiful experiences? GAK has the Talman and Bronco which both look good for just over £150, but are there others to consider? And do you think it is better to start with flats rather than rounds? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Mark Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 (edited) Have a look at the Ibanez Mikro bass range. They are much better ergonomically than those you have mentioned in my experience. The Mikros are short scale, lightweight with slim necks and a very comfortable body profile. Rounds are usually much easier to play because most flats (TI flats ££££ excluded) are higher tension and tougher for beginners. Just about every new bass will be supplied with an adequate set of roundwounds on it already to go. Edited May 2, 2021 by Sparky Mark 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 If you can find one, the Tanglewood Elfin EB-18 is a great little bass. Short scale mini Precision style, no longer made but s/h around £75. I do believe Harley Benton do a similar one as well. ( You don’t mention the age of the child, which will affect what’s best too of course.) The Ibanez mentioned above is also a good call. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 Squier do a mini precision , and flats are smoother, which might be better 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Mark Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 11 minutes ago, Reggaebass said: Squier do a mini precision , and flats are smoother, which might be better 🙂 The problem with a single pickup P with flats isn't a particularly versatile set up. Okay if you want to play James Jamerson (not a bad thing of course) and other classics but a PJ set up with brighter sounding rounds might inspire a beginner a little more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 (edited) 16 minutes ago, Sparky Mark said: Okay if you want to play James Jamerson You can play more than James jamerson on a P bass, and I recommended flats because they are softer on young fingers Edited May 2, 2021 by Reggaebass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 8 minutes ago, Sparky Mark said: The problem with a single pickup P with flats isn't a particularly versatile set up. When does a child need versatility? Something they like the look of, and is easy, and fun to play is all that's required. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 1 hour ago, Sparky Mark said: The problem with a single pickup P with flats isn't a particularly versatile set up. 1 hour ago, hooky_lowdown said: When does a child need versatility? Something they like the look of, and is easy, and fun to play is all that's required. ...and there are controls on amps nowadays...😀😀 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crawford13 Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 +1 for the ibanez micro. I think Jackson do one too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Dare Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 (edited) Flats may be higher tension, gauge for gauge, than r5ounds, but less likely to cause sore fingers to a youngster and put them off. A light set of flats and low action should ensure that won't be an issue. Edited May 2, 2021 by Dan Dare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 Everybody knows a P bass with flats is the best way to be raised 😁 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 Neck of the Ibby GSRM20, but new may be a little over £150... Squier Mini P... £150.. Not sure if peoples have mentiond issues with replacement strings to fit the Squier, availability of flats.. Both great choices... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 As he is a kid and they can be a tad fickle, I would go for the Harley Benton short scale. I had one a few years back and it was great for the price. Being a HB you might need to do a set up but that can be true of most cheap basses. They are a fun little bass. (I`m talking myself into buying one!) At about £80 ish delivered to your door at least if junior decides it not for him then no big loss. https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbp90bk_shortscale_ebass.htm If you want to go more upmarket, get a Ibby Micro or a Mini P bass. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 You should get yourself - err, "the young person" - one of those ultra short scale Fingy Basses - Wing Bass alike. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FingyBass-Travel-Bass-Electric-Guitar-by-MihaDo-/293238238120 A set of headphones and you can noodle in front of the telly all night long. Alternatively you could try to buy one of Jezza's ( @Jabba_the_gut) amazing creations - good luck with that though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 4 minutes ago, jezzaboy said: As he is a kid and they can be a tad fickle, I would go for the Harley Benton short scale. I had one a few years back and it was great for the price. Being a HB you might need to do a set up but that can be true of most cheap basses. They are a fun little bass. (I`m talking myself into buying one!) At about £80 ish delivered to your door at least if junior decides it not for him then no big loss. https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbp90bk_shortscale_ebass.htm If you want to go more upmarket, get a Ibby Micro or a Mini P bass. That’s a great little bass jezza, I wouldn’t mind one of those myself 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 5 minutes ago, Reggaebass said: That’s a great little bass jezza, I wouldn’t mind one of those myself 🙂 For home use they are great. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 (edited) I found this in another thread, it wouldn’t let me post the link , I think they are still available and it looks like it might be an option 🙂 Edited May 2, 2021 by Reggaebass 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Mark Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 4 hours ago, hooky_lowdown said: When does a child need versatility? Something they like the look of, and is easy, and fun to play is all that's required. I own a quite a few P's including a CS Pino loaded with TI flats and as much as I love them I still wouldn't recommend a P with flats as a first bass. I'll get my coat. 🤐 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 3 minutes ago, Sparky Mark said: I own a quite a few P's including a CS Pino loaded with TI flats and as much as I love them I still wouldn't recommend a P with flats as a first bass. I'll get my coat. 🤐 It's not a first bass thread. It's a bass for a child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 Might be some info of use here @NHM 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr4stringz Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 For me the Harley Benton shortie mentioned above or, depending on the kid’s age a Danelectro Longhorn can be picked up cheap enough if you scout about. They’re stupidly light and offer a capable and non-cumbersome starting point. Seems to be fine for getting my 9 year old comfortable to the overall ‘feel’ of a bass anyhoo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NHM Posted May 2, 2021 Author Share Posted May 2, 2021 thanks everyone for your really helpful advice. What a great forum this is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 Mmm... I have been on the lookout for a Badtz Marou bass . Onky because it's odd abd collectible . One has come up for sale on fleabay . £150, but open to offers. Just listed today . It's good for metal 😼 No harm in looking . I'm more into synths these days or I'd probably had made an offer .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maude Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 The Ibanez Talman short scale is a great bass, but it is heavy due to it's relatively large body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Mark Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 https://www.talkbass.com/threads/best-cheap-short-scale-for-a-child-to-learn-on.1514116/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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