Best Bass Guitar FOr Kids
As we continue “Our Guide To Bass Guitar“, we start looking at the next generation of musicians. Introducing your child to the world of music through a bass guitar can be an inspiring and enriching experience. Music has the power to shape young minds, and learning an instrument from an early age can have a profound impact on a child’s development. A bass guitar, often dubbed the “heartbeat” of the band, is a fantastic choice as a first instrument for kids. Its deep, resonant tones and rhythmic foundation can create a strong foundation for musical growth. It also shares a great progression path with guitar and piano.
Bass Guitar: A Great First Instrument for Kids
Starting a musical journey with a bass guitar offers a myriad of benefits. The bass guitar’s four strings and larger frets make it easier for small hands to navigate, allowing kids to quickly grasp basic chord progressions and notes. This instant gratification can boost their confidence and motivation to learn more.
Additionally, playing the bass fosters a keen sense of rhythm and timing, which are fundamental skills in music. As kids groove along with different beats, they develop their internal metronome and a natural understanding of musical structures.
Choosing the Right Size Bass Guitar for Kids
Picking the appropriate size bass guitar for your child is essential to ensure their comfort and enjoyment. Bass guitars come in various sizes, and selecting the right one can prevent discomfort and strain while playing.
A common misconception is that children need to start with a smaller bass, but in reality, choosing a bass that matches their age and height is more crucial. This allows them to maintain proper posture and technique, setting them up for success.
Bass guitars typically come in different scale lengths, and a shorter scale, such as a 30-inch scale, is more manageable for smaller hands. When selecting a bass for your child, it’s also essential to consider the weight of the instrument. Opting for a lighter bass can prevent fatigue during practice sessions.
Top Bass Guitar Brands for Kids
When it comes to bass guitar brands for kids, several reliable options cater to different price ranges. For those seeking an entry-level instrument without compromising quality, our two main go-to bass guitars we love are the Fender Precision Mini and the Ibanez GSRM or Mikro series as they are better known.
We’ve been hands on with both guitars and the feel and tone of each is unmatched. The issue with buying guitars or any instrument for kids is that you never know whether it’s something they are going to want to do. Having two kids myself I know that first hand, from sports to music they have had phases and you don’t want to break the bank which is why our top two picks are priced reasonably but also give you better resale value than an option from say Amazon or Best Buy we will cover those too. Teaser – save your money!
Fender Precision Mini:
The Fender Mini Precision Bass commonly known as the squier mini precision, is the ultimate companion for those who crave a top-tier kids’ bass that doesn’t compromise on classic style or that signature Fender® sound. This premium kids’ bass boasts an array of features that’ll have you strumming with pure joy.
The Fender Mini is all about combining the best of both worlds. Its thin and lightweight body not only makes it easy for young players to handle but also adds to its sleek and captivating design. The short-scale neck, featuring an effortlessly playable “C”-shaped profile, ensures that every note you hit is as smooth as butter.
But that’s not all – the heart of this bass is its Squier split single-coil Precision Bass pickup. This single-coil gem is like a treasure chest of sonic variety, offering you a range of tones that can span from punchy to smooth, and everything in between. With dedicated volume and tone controls, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to shaping your sound.
To top it off, the Fender Mini Precision Bass boasts a hardtail bridge that’s all about rock-solid tuning stability. No more worries about your strings going out of tune during your groovy sessions. And with sealed die-cast tuning machines, you can be confident that each note will resonate perfectly every time you play. At the price point its one of our must haves and can be found in a bass guitar pack with an amp if you look around.
Ibanez GSR Mikro Range
The Ibanez GSR Mikro series bass guitars has to be mentioned from personal experience. The first bass I ever played was an Ibanez and I remember my high school bass was also an Ibanez and that thing took a beating. While the GSR Mikro range is more expensive than the Fender you’re getting that same build quality for a great price.
As soon as you play any of the GSR Mikros, you’ll feel the perfect blend of comfort and playability that its compact body and smaller neck provide. Whether you have shorter arms or smaller hands, the Ibanez GSRM20 mikro ensures that you can effortlessly glide through your bass lines with finesse. But don’t let its size fool you – the GSRM20 is designed to pack a serious punch perfect for beginner bass guitars.
What sets the GSR Mikro series apart is its ingenious combination of one J-style and one P-style pickup, offering you the iconic tones of both worlds right at your fingertips. It’s not just about playing, it’s about sculpting your signature sound.
Designed for the next generation of rockstars, the Ibanez GSR Mikro series brings a massive sound experience to the table despite its compact package. Whether you’re a young student or simply someone with smaller hands, the miKro series is tailored for you.
Cheap Amazon Bass Guitars
Okay so now the hard part of the article, we still have to cover it. I know that we said earlier to remember to be cost effective when looking at a bass guitar for kids. Most people will probably hear that and run straight to Amazon’s but this really is buyer beware. Yes you can still pick up your name brand bass guitars but there are so many knock off brands things can get out of hand.
We will always recommend visiting your local music store and getting some guidance from a professional rather than just jumping online and making a purchase.
Why?
It’s simple, let’s say your child plays for six months and drops it like a bad egg. Trying to resell a knock off brand literally has no resale value. However you have a Fender or Ibanez, Yamaha look you’re getting very close to what you paid for it.
While some budget-friendly options may still take your eye there are factors to consider. The build quality, playability, and overall sound of a bass guitar can greatly impact a young player’s experience and progress. Whatever you decide, do your research like you are here. Check reviews on each bass guitar and ask questions on forums and groups because any investment in music equipment should be a smart one.
If you do decide to pull the trigger on one of the bass bundles from Amazon like the one to shown. Understand that they may need some setup. Adjusting string height and tension. The one we tested didn’t hold tune that well either. Use caution. If in doubt visit your local music store.
The Verdict?
If you have the money and the time introducing kids to the world of bass guitar offers them a fantastic opportunity to embark on a lifelong journey of musical discovery. With the right instrument size, a supportive learning environment, and a touch of enthusiasm, children can experience the joy of creating music and expressing themselves through the power of the bass.
Whether it’s playing in a band, jamming with friends, or simply strumming along to their favorite songs, learning the bass guitar can open doors to creativity and self-confidence that will benefit them for years to come. We’ve recommended certain brands like Yamaha, Squier, Ibanez, and more. Don’t rush in and buy a full-scale bass guitar as we’ve mentioned it will feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. But fear not!
In closing for those who are new to this, the industry standard long-scale bass usually measures around 34 inches. That’s significantly longer than a regular guitar, and it’s great for maintaining string tension and keeping that rich tone while grooving in lower frequencies. Sure, it might seem like a bit of a stretch at first, but trust me, once you get used to that long-scale bass, you’re opening up a world of possibilities for future upgrades.
And here’s the scoop on ‘tonewood’ – something every aspiring bassist should know about. When you’re on the hunt for the ultimate beginner bass guitar, understanding the type of wood used and how it affects your tone can make all the difference. Yes, we’re talking about ‘tonewood’. Check out a mahogany-bodied beauty like Epiphone’s EB-0, and you’ll experience a warmer, more rounded tone that’s just as inviting as your favorite cozy blanket. But these are all steps you can take once your journey has started.
Overall our verdict on the best bass guitars for kids is simple it’s a great instrument with so many differnet paths should they want to progress or even stick with it. While guitar has lost intrest in the past 10 years bass has continued to see growth. We look forward to hearing all those upcoming bass players in the next few years. We hope your kids enjoy the riff!
Missing anything else for your home studio?
We have an article that you can use as a checklist. Check it out here.
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