If you’re wondering if Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is a good bass guitar or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right part of the Internet! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that inexpensive model. It’s a very popular bass among the beginners, but is it actually that good?
The truth is that Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass offers a great value for the money. It’s not the best bass in the world, but it sounds and feels really good. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best cheap short scale basses for beginners!
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the GSRM20 model so good and so popular among the amateur bassists. Firstly, we’ll start with the overview of the specifications of that bass. Additionally, we’ll have a look at the biggest pros and cons of that model. Hopefully, this guide will help you figure out if this bass is a good fit for you!
Specs & Pricing
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is an inexpensive 4-string short scale bass that exceeds all the expectations. This compact model is actually one of the most popular entry-level basses that are currently manufactured by Ibanez.
What makes it so special? Well, the guitar features a lightweight poplar body, a comfortable maple neck and Jatoba fingerboard. It also has a 28.6″ scale length, so it’s a really small bass – especially when you compare it with regular sized basses with 34″ scale length. There’s also a B10 Fixed Bridge which guarantees a great tuning stability.
The manufacturer equipped this model with really good electronics – Dynamix P and J pickups. These pickups guarantee a really enjoyable playing experience and they’re actually really versatile. Surely, musicians of all genres will really appreciate that kind of versatility.
When it comes to pricing, it’s one of the cheapest short scale basses available on the market right now. Despite of the low price, this is a really good guitar, so it’s a great proof that good and reliable bass guitars don’t have to cost thousands of dollars. Surely, this model is worth every cent!
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Pros And Cons Of Ibanez GSRM20
Although Ibanez GSRM20 is generally a fantastic bass guitar, just like all other cheap guitars – it has its own advantages and disadvantages. Don’t worry though – there’s not much to complain about, especially when you consider how inexpensive this guitar actually is!
Pros
- Great Tone
- Affordable Price
- Comfortable Neck
- Compact Size
- Lots Of Color Versions
- Lightweight
Cons
- Usually Comes Without A Gig Bag
- Sometimes It Needs A Setup
As you can see, the GSRM20 model has a lot of great advantages. It’s cheap, it sounds good and it’s really well made. Isn’t it all that really matters in the end? On top of that, it’s available in a lot of color versions, so anyone will be able to find their favorite model.
On the other hand, this is not a high-end bass, so you can’t expect it to be the best bass in the world. In addition, it usually comes without a gig bag, so you’ll have to get it separately if you’re planning on traveling or commuting with that guitar.
Who Is It For?
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass is an ideal choice for all beginners out there. This is a small, compact bass, so it’s also a perfect option for kids and teenagers who want to start their musical journey.
Nevertheless, this guitar is not only suitable for beginners – more advanced bassists will really enjoy playing on that model as well. It’s a great instrument to jam with on the couch. If you just want to play around on the Sunday afternoon, choosing this guitar will be a really good idea.
It is also worth mentioning that despite of the low price, this is actually a really good sounding and versatile bass. As a result, it can be used in a lot of different styles of music. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re into blues, rock or jazz – this bass won’t let you down.
Overall, Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass is a fantastic and reliable short scale bass. It won’t be that easy to find a better bass of this type at this price level. It’s definitely worth every cent, so I highly recommend checking it out!
Here’s an another sound demo.
Alternative Options
If you don’t like the sound of Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass or you simply have a feeling that it’s not the right fit for you, that’s not a problem! The market is full of other really good short scale basses anyway. Of course, it all depends on what exactly you’re searching for and how much are you willing to spend.
Here’s a few more bass recommendations based on my own experience.
Firstly, make sure to check out Ibanez Talman TMB30. This is a really cool and affordable short scale bass which sounds and feels like a much more expensive guitar. It’s a bit larger than the GSRM20, but it’s still a perfect choice for all amateur bassists. Considering how affordable it is, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Alternatively, you can also consider getting the Epiphone EB-0. This is a SG-style bass, so it’s a bit different than the guitar reviewed in today’s article. It has a very characteristic, muddy bass tone. Some people don’t like that sound, but if you’re into that kind of vintage vibe, this short scale bass will be perfect for you.
Lastly, you can also check out the famous Hofner Ignition Violin Bass. This is a really cool looking and great sounding vintage bass suitable for the most demanding bassists out there. It’s a bit more expensive than the Ibanez Mikro from today’s review, but it definitely deserves a lot of attention.
In my opinion, Ibanez GSRM20 already has everything that you need from an entry-level short scale bass. There’s no need to search for anything else – this guitar looks, sounds and feels absolutely fantastic. On top of that, it’s really affordable. Isn’t it all that really matters in the end?
FAQ
Where is Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro manufactured?
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass is manufactured in China.
Are short scale basses good for beginners?
Yes, short scale bass guitars are perfect for beginners! They’re really comfortable and enjoyable to play, especially for players with small hands and short fingers.
Is the GSRM20 bass good for kids and teenagers?
Yes, Ibanez GSRM20 is perfect for kids and teenagers.
Where can I find out more about Ibanez guitars?
If you want to learn more about this legendary Japanese manufacturer of guitars, make sure to check out the official website of Ibanez.
Summary
As you can see, Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass is a truly fantastic entry-level instrument. Although it’s not the best bass in the world, it’s definitely one of the coolest cheap basses that you can find on the market right now. It’s amazing that such an inexpensive guitar can sound and feel that good!
What do you think of that bass? Would you get it for yourself or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review at Bass Punch. If you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:
- Ibanez Talman TMB30 – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
- Hofner Ignition Violin Bass – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
- Dean Custom Zone Bass – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
Bass Punch
Bass Punch is curated by a group of passionate guitarists and bassists, offering a wealth of informational content. This collective of experts shares their insights, techniques, and knowledge with readers, aiming to educate and inspire enthusiasts across all levels of proficiency. The blog serves as a hub for those seeking to deepen their understanding of bass and guitar, providing valuable resources and guidance from seasoned professionals in the field.