Learning to play any instrument at a young age is thrilling, and the bass guitar could be a good place to start for someone that 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 appearing bass guitars anywhere!
A good starter pack’ delivers the best overall value when it comes to choosing an all-in-one choice. It’s difficult to know which model is the ‘correct’ one with so many options. I’ve looked at 5 of the best kid bass guitars and beginning bundles currently available.
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Squier Affinity PJ Bass Guitar Pack |
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Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short-Scale Bass Guitar |
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Dean Custom Zone Bass |
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Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass Guitar |
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Hofner Ignition Series Vintage Violin Bass |
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Squier Affinity PJ Bass Guitar Pack With Fender Rumble 15G Amp
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 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 much 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. Although there are a few items I’d like to see contained (including 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 that I’ve seen.
Positives
- A Squier Affinity bass patterned after a Fender Precision Jazz Bass is included.
- The Fender Rumble amp that comes with it packs a punch.
- Added attachments provide nearly everything a beginner might require.
Negatives
- Because it is not a short-scale bass, it may be more difficult for younger children to play.
- The lack of a tuner prevents the bundle from being as comprehensive as it may be.
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short-Scale Bass Guitar
If you catch my point, a “youth bass” can be a touch too ‘kids’ (Hello Kitty guitars spring to mind). With the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro series, this is not the case. Here’s an instrument with some pro-level features in a bass that’s supposed to be more compact ideal for a child’s tiny frame.
Many of the same features can be found in more expensive guitars (whether bass or normal six-string): an Agathis frame, a maple neck with a jatoba fretboard, independently voiced pickups, a fully adjustable bridge, and plus smooth tuners.
Okay, so it’s a fantastic instrument that in no way qualifies as a ‘toy.’ Did I mention it’s available in a whopping nine different finishes? Everything from a classic sunburst to something much more gaze-like Metallic Purple is available.
Expert Tip: The Ibanez GSRM20 has fantastic features, a great appearance, and a short-scale bass that should fit youngsters of all ages like a glove.
Positives
- The bass is designed to be a smaller size, making it easier for a child to play.
- It offers a lot of the same characteristics as more expensive guitars.
- Several different types of finishes are available.
Negatives
- Build construction can be hit or miss, but when ordered from a respected guitar company, it’s usually OK.
Dean Custom Zone Bass
Isn’t it true that when you’re a kid, being flashy can be the name of the game? You can’t get so much flashier than that of the Dean Custom Zone Bass, in my viewpoint.
There’s a sacrifice to be made here. It’s a full-size bass, but it has such a nice appearance that anyone might be enticed to grow into it. The Custom Zone is striking because practically the entire bass is one solid color, including the fretboard and body.
So, what’s the big deal here? It’s not every day that you come across a Fluorescent Pink or Nuclear Green bass, after all. These things could light up a dark room on their own.
What’s more, the instrument is quite nicely crafted, which makes a good thing much better. It has a basswood body and a maple neck, just like the more expensive variants. Furthermore, the competent hardware is also all black, adding to the overall visual effect.
So, if you’re looking for such a bass guitar that’s a little different, the Dean Custom Zone could be the answer.
Positives
- Neon font colors with a matching fretboard make for a striking color scheme.
- The attractive appearances are enhanced by black hardware and embellishments.
- Underneath the showy fa5ade is a very proficient bass guitar.
Negatives
- It may require a professional setup to get it to play comfortably without fret buzz.
Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass Guitar
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 this. 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 a movable bridge and enclosed 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.
Positives
- The classic Electromatic vibe is reminiscent of Gretsch’s legendary range of guitars.
- For a smaller scale bass, high-end tonewoods and humbucking pickups (frequently found in the more pricey guitars) provide outstanding tone.
Negatives
- The volume and tone controls might have a more uniform and consistent response.
Hofner Ignition Series Vintage Violin Bass
Unfortunately, so many children today have no idea who Paul McCartney is. The Hofner Ignition Vintage is an excellent kid’s bass to get for young kids who are cool enough to know who The Beatles are.
It’s a faithful replica of someone made famous by Mr. McCartney, all in a small-scale model that might be ideal for a younger child’s smaller hand. The Ignition has a feature set that is nearly identical to that of the real deal model. It boasts a spruce top. flamed maple back and sides, and a multi-ply neck with a rosewood fingerboard for added robustness.
The electronics are very similar, having two pickups controlled by a Hofner control panel in the antique style. That means each pickup has a single volume knob, as well as three slider switches for overall tone settings.
Yes, the Hofner Ignition Vintage Violin Bass is pricier than the majority of the other instruments on our list. But I’m here just to tell you that for a well-built bass that not only plays and sounds well but also has an iconic vibe, it’s a terrific deal.
Positives
- The Beatles’ vintage Hofner violin bass was the inspiration for this design.
- A little bass that is easy to play for kids and novices.
Negatives
- When compared to conventional guitars, electronics can be somewhat noisy.
Buyer’s guide to the best Bass Guitars for Kids bringing the next Generation Up
One of the most crucial concepts for every new bass player to grasp is his or her place in the band. They’re the foundation of sound. It has a solid base. And we’ve all seen what happens when a house’s foundations fail.
There isn’t a fantastic band out there that doesn’t have a terrific bass player. Even if the lead guitarist is engrossed in his pedals and the drummer is thrashing away, the bass is the glue that keeps everything together.
It isn’t designed to be played alone. Although some disgruntled ex-lead guitarists have transformed it into that. Jazz is the only genre in which the bass takes a significant solo section regularly.
When buying a bass guitar for a child, what should you look for?
There are numerous elements to consider, but the main goal is to maintain your enthusiasm and enjoyment of learning to play high above all else.
It’s Simple to Play
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.
However, one thing is certain. 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 much 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.
Expert Tip: 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.
Most beginner instruments these days are designed with young players in mind, so there is rarely a problem. When they’re seated holding it, the bass ought to be perfectly balanced. This implies it isn’t too strenuous on the neck.
The neck, on the other hand, will decide how easy it is to play. The ‘C’ shape slimline neck, in our opinion, will be the most manageable for a beginner. It’s also beneficial to have as many frets as feasible.
It Performances to Be Good
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 clearly and loudly without fretting out at any point on the neck.
It’s All About Appearances
To be honest, this one isn’t exactly a “must-have.” But let’s face it, having an instrument that just looks cool is pretty cool when you’re a teenager! And while it may seem silly, if someone is enthralled by the appearance of their bass, they may be more eager to play it (and this is true even for us adults, right?)
And as we all know, the key to learning is practice. In my perspective, anything that encourages a child to play is a wonderful thing. If all it takes is for someone to put some time into a beautiful bass. I’m all for it!
Things To Consider
The Size
Bass guitars are significantly bigger and heavier than regular guitars. For a young player, this is a problem. As a result, everybody under the age of 12 or 13 must consider their size (depending on their size).
The Hardware
For a variety of reasons, having good hardware is essential. You’ll need precise tuners to keep your guitar in tune. We must acknowledge, however, that not all student instruments are produced from the greatest quality materials. However, most will have a sufficient number of machine heads installed.
The bridge is quite significant. There will be times when minor modifications are required to aid the tune. If each of the four stings has its own saddle to sit on, they may be adjusted separately. Some beginner guitars have this feature, but others do not, it’s wise to check.
The Pickups
Most have the same single-coil arrangement, although several have two pickups, and one has a humbucker. The sound that the bass makes is determined by the pickup. Not only in terms of music, but also in terms of style.
The Financial Plan
In most cases, this will be their first bass guitar, so set a budget and stick to it. The majority of them are in the same price range. You might look for cheaper bass guitars, but keep in mind that they must be of good quality.
A terrible instrument will not be playable, and the young musician will give up before even getting started, resulting in the loss of another member of the next generation.
Another issue you may encounter is that they may desire a bass that resembles their hero’s instrument. Although this may be challenging in some circumstances, there are some impressive scaled-down replicas of the genuine thing.
Overall Best
The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is, in my opinion, one of the best kid’s bass guitars, especially because it will fit nicely in the hands of both smaller kids and adults. My top option is the Squier PJ beginning set, which is ideal for older children and is a steal given all the extras are included.
The Dean Custom Zone Bass and the Cordoba Mini II also made excellent showings in our roundup, indicating that competition is tight. 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 struggle with it! It’s almost as though 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. A series of small victories indeed add up over time. Keep practicing, and one day you’ll realize you’re a bass player!
Expert Tip: The most important piece of advice I can give is to avoid taking on something too soon. Children (and many adults I know) have extremely short attention spans. Taking things step by step and at a slower pace may be the best option.
Conclusion
It hasn’t been long since we’ve had to examine bass guitars for kids in terms of musical timeframe. The bass was virtually forgotten as jazz and blues, and later skiffle grew in popularity. Basslines were frequently performed on a double bass or, on rare occasions, a tuba.
There were guitar players and everyone else on stage when rock n roll was in its early stages. The double bass is tucked away in the rear. The volume was increasing. Something had to be done since amplifying a double bass was a nightmare.
As mentioned above details are the best kid bass guitar. I hope this helps you in finding a bass guitar that suits your young ones.