13 year old girl wants to play bass

[misterdregs]

My daughter has decided she wants to play bass guitar. She is a pretty accomplished piano player. She has fairly small hands.

 

Any suggestions for a beginner instrument? I have a Mackie mixer and a pair of Mackie SRM-450s for my keyboards. Can she use this in lieu of a bass amp until we see if she sticks with it?

 

Do we want something like the Squier Bronco with the smaller neck to start on?

 

Thanks.

[sunburstbasser]

Have you checked out SX yet?

 

www.rondomusic.net

 

They have some short-scale basses that are a little cheaper than the Bronco, but at least as well made if not better.

 

You may also consider getting a full-scale SX, like one of the Jazz basses (The SJB-62 is a Jazz bass, in case you need a definition). Though the scale is longer, the neck is still relatively skinny and she'll likely grow into it without a problem if she keeps it up. I know Bassius, on this board, claims to have small hands and he plays 7-string basses. So if she really intends to stick with it a longer-scale instrument may be a better investment now. Its up to you and your daughter to decide on that, though.

 

Your keyboard gear should get her by just fine until you can afford a dedicated bass amp for her.

[Fran da Man]

Please whatever you guys do...don't let her get hung-up on the "small hands" pitfall, the mere mention of it boils my blood and chills my spine at the same time.

Not mad at you or anything; as this is way, way, way too common in beginners...it serves absolutley no purpose other than to sub-consciencely hold that persons progression down.

Look at it this way...before she even touches a bass you've already instilled an "i can't" because my hands are small...

It's "no fault" on anybody...but it is one very detremental thought.

I'm speaking from experience, i'm 5' 6" adult so you can imagine my size when i started full size at 12 yo. fought for years to overcome that small hands crap. sad part is "I did it to myself"

 

For basses of nice quality and cheap give Essex (SX) a look.

 

http://www.rondomusic.net/bassguitars4.html

 

I think they have some short scales too if you decide to go that way.

 

Best of luck to you's

 

 

 

:)

[pbass_groovin]

+1 for the SX p or jazz models

[DanTolen]

Well if I was a girl, I would definetely want a Daisy Rock bass. I want one of those butterfly ones.

[Sonar]

Watch your local Craig's List or newspaper classifieds for a used Jazz-style Fender.

 

Look for the Made In Japan Fender models from the mid '80s. Even look at the Made In Japan Squire models from the mid '80s. The pickups will be okay until she progresses to a serious semi-pro rig. These Made In Japan Fenders are holding their value quite nicely and are relatively easy to re-sell.

 

AVOID all Squire models made ANYWHERE else in terms of resale value. A Made In Mexico Fender at a low price would certainly be acceptable

 

Do consider a designated bass amp. I'd recommend the used Fender BXR model 1-15" combo amps because they appear often used and they still make a great home practice amp if she progresses. You can often find the 200 watt rig as cheaply as the 100 watt version, but both are solid workhorses for the beginner.......and they actually sound okay.

 

I wouldn't let my child loose with my Mackie speakers as their instructional bass amp. The potential cost of repairs/parts to the Mackie could buy you the bass amp you should have had to start with. I just wouldn't chance it.....I like Mackie, but I don't TRUST Mackie.

 

Buying these items used means you can re-sell at almost no loss at all if you buy good used equipment at a reasonable price.

[4string]

Fender makes a 3/4 size MIM Jazz that I am looking at for one of my sons.

[Phantasm]

Yamaha makes some decent beginner basses.

 

Your keyboad gear will be a good start for an amp.

[Deep Bass]

Originally posted by Fran da Man Please whatever you guys do...don't let her get hung-up on the "small hands" pitfall, the mere mention of it boils my blood and chills my spine at the same time. Not mad at you or anything; as this is way, way, way too common in beginners...it serves absolutley no purpose other than to sub-consciencely hold that persons progression down. Look at it this way...before she even touches a bass you've already instilled an "i can't" because my hands are small... It's "no fault" on anybody...but it is one very detremental thought. I'm speaking from experience, i'm 5' 6" adult so you can imagine my size when i started full size at 12 yo. fought for years to overcome that small hands crap. sad part is "I did it to myself" For basses of nice quality and cheap give Essex (SX) a look. http://www.rondomusic.net/bassguitars4.html I think they have some short scales too if you decide to go that way. Best of luck to you's :)

 

You know not of what you speak.

 

I study human factors, biomechanics, and ergonomics for a living. A smaller bass will fit a smaller person better... period. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Telling someone to learn on a 34" scale instrument just because that is the norm is ridiculous. It's akin to what society used to force upon left-handed people.

 

smaller person + smaller instrument = better results and happier musician free of pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

[Jazz Ad]

Originally posted by Deep Bass You know not of what you speak. I study human factors, biomechanics, and ergonomics for a living. A smaller bass will fit a smaller person better... period. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Telling someone to learn on a 34" scale instrument just because that is the norm is ridiculous. It's akin to what society used to force upon left-handed people. smaller person + smaller instrument = better results and happier musician free of pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

So women should play cello and leave the URB to normal people, too ?

 

I thought ergonomics were about finding the right position for the task, not changing it. Learning over a 34" is a good idea because most basses are made this way and you need to be able to play any Pbass that comes around to gig.

Later on, if you feel better switching to a smaller scale, fine, but IMNSHO, you need to learn the basics on a standard instrument.

This can be different for classical music, mind you, because you start at such a young age.

 

As a good compromise, I suggest an Ibanez GAXB. Slightly shorter scale, good tone and LIGHT (now that's important).

[SteveyDevey]

Originally posted by Jazz Ad So women should play cello and leave the URB to normal people, too ? I thought ergonomics were about finding the right position for the task, not changing it. Learning over a 34" is a good idea because most basses are made this way and you need to be able to play any Pbass that comes around to gig. Later on, if you feel better switching to a smaller scale, fine, but IMNSHO, you need to learn the basics on a standard instrument. This can be different for classical music, mind you, because you start at such a young age. As a good compromise, I suggest an Ibanez GAXB. Slightly shorter scale, good tone and LIGHT (now that's important).

+1

 

Companies don't make very many shortscale instruments. There are good reasons for this; it takes a lot better instrument to be a decent shortscale. Low-end (read: beginner) shortscales are crap to their standard scale equivalents, and probably always will be. There's less demand, and higher cost to doing a good job.

 

Very few people start out with a shortscale and stick with it, keeping a shortscale as their main instrument. You can get a much better instrument for the money if you buy the "standard" version.

 

I've got relatively small hands, and have no trouble playing a 34" bass. I started on a shortscale, but not out of choice, it was just what I had at the time. I've still got it, but just because of the physics involved, it will never be as good as my other instruments.

 

I'm not saying shortscale basses have no place in the world, but saying someone should use one because they have small hands is like telling them that there's something wrong with them. Would you tell someone with large hands that they're only allowed to use +35"?

[FreestyleIntruder]

newsflash: you don't need mutant hands to be a musician

 

If she already plays piano she obviously has a fair amount of strength, dexterity and co-ordination in the hands and fingers which will be an INVALUBLE asset. In fact I think small hands can be an advantage (really when it comes to playing instruments with tight string spacing) and certainly is not something that can't be worked around with just a little thought abou left-hand technique.

[SteveyDevey]

Originally posted by FreestyleIntruder certainly is not something that can't be worked around with just a little thought abou left-hand technique.

I'm surprised the pics of the bassist from the Angry Amputees (or some similar name) haven't shown up. JA usually posts them, so I forgot.

 

The guy's got no fingers.

[Craig Vecchione]

Yes, a 34" scale bass can be played by a 13 y/o girl.

 

Yes, the Mackie stuff will work fine to start off. Consider a used Peavey Micro Bass or similar as another alternative.

 

Most importantly, get her at least a few lessons right from the start, so she can learn good habits rather than try to break bad ones later.

[greenshag]

Originally posted by FreestyleIntruder newsflash: you don't need mutant hands to be a musician If she already plays piano she obviously has a fair amount of strength, dexterity and co-ordination in the hands and fingers which will be an INVALUBLE asset. In fact I think small hands can be an advantage (really when it comes to playing instruments with tight string spacing) and certainly is not something that can't be worked around with just a little thought abou left-hand technique.

 

 

so true! just ask bassius, he has tiny hands, and plays his 7 stringers like none other...my hands are bigger than his ,and I have no idea how he plays the way he does...oh yeah I do...PRACTICE!

[Fran da Man]

 

Originally posted by Deep Bass You know not of what you speak. I study human factors, biomechanics, and ergonomics for a living. A smaller bass will fit a smaller person better... period. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Telling someone to learn on a 34" scale instrument just because that is the norm is ridiculous. It's akin to what society used to force upon left-handed people. smaller person + smaller instrument = better results and happier musician free of pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

So judging from your "studying" if a Family of Midgets came to your door hungry...they wouldn't be allowed to sit at your dinner table and eat because "it's too big"?

Is Mom midget only allowed to use an Easybake Oven?

Is Dad midget only allowed to drive "Power Wheels"?

So adaptability doesn't fit into your studying...find a new line of work please

[Weirdocat]

Originally posted by Fran da Man Please whatever you guys do...don't let her get hung-up on the "small hands" pitfall, the mere mention of it boils my blood and chills my spine at the same time. Not mad at you or anything; as this is way, way, way too common in beginners...it serves absolutley no purpose other than to sub-consciencely hold that persons progression down. Look at it this way...before she even touches a bass you've already instilled an "i can't" because my hands are small... It's "no fault" on anybody...but it is one very detremental thought. I'm speaking from experience, i'm 5' 6" adult so you can imagine my size when i started full size at 12 yo. fought for years to overcome that small hands crap. sad part is "I did it to myself" For basses of nice quality and cheap give Essex (SX) a look. http://www.rondomusic.net/bassguitars4.html I think they have some short scales too if you decide to go that way. Best of luck to you's :)

 

+1

 

pises me off when people say "my hands are too small to play it."

[greenshag]

 

Originally posted by DanTolen Well if I was a girl, I would definetely want a Daisy Rock bass. I want one of those butterfly ones.

 

 

they play quite nice actually, they are made by schecter..

[lug]

I got my kids a shot scale Hamer Slammer (about $170) because they were just too small to play a 34" at the time. Now they use My Steinberger Spirit (they thinks it's "cool" looking) but they played the Hamer for about 2 years. Never regreted buying it.

[FreestyleIntruder]

Originally posted by lug Never regreted buying it.

 

Yeah, but I bet everyone else has

[isaac42]

Originally posted by Fran da Man Please whatever you guys do...don't let her get hung-up on the "small hands" pitfall, the mere mention of it boils my blood and chills my spine at the same time. Not mad at you or anything; as this is way, way, way too common in beginners...it serves absolutley no purpose other than to sub-consciencely hold that persons progression down. Look at it this way...before she even touches a bass you've already instilled an "i can't" because my hands are small... It's "no fault" on anybody...but it is one very detremental thought. I'm speaking from experience, i'm 5' 6" adult so you can imagine my size when i started full size at 12 yo. fought for years to overcome that small hands crap. sad part is "I did it to myself" For basses of nice quality and cheap give Essex (SX) a look. http://www.rondomusic.net/bassguitars4.html I think they have some short scales too if you decide to go that way. Best of luck to you's :)

I have to disagree. It does serve a purpose. Just as with children learning violin on3/4 or 1/2 scale instruments, it allows someone whose hands are as yet too small to learn to play using proper technique. It's not for everyone, and most people who take up bass do so as teenagers, and don't really need a smaller instrument to play, but why the overwhelming bias against short-scale basses? They're not inherently inferior, just different.

[isaac42]

Originally posted by Jazz Ad So women should play cello and leave the URB to normal people, too ? I thought ergonomics were about finding the right position for the task, not changing it. Learning over a 34" is a good idea because most basses are made this way and you need to be able to play any Pbass that comes around to gig. Later on, if you feel better switching to a smaller scale, fine, but IMNSHO, you need to learn the basics on a standard instrument. This can be different for classical music, mind you, because you start at such a young age. As a good compromise, I suggest an Ibanez GAXB. Slightly shorter scale, good tone and LIGHT (now that's important).

Are you aware that almost no one plays a full-size bass? Almost all are 3/4 size. Kinda kills your argument, doesn't it?

[JacieFB]

Forget the short scale. Shell out for a Sterling. They're small. They have very thin necks. It'll sound great now on a small practice amp as well as on a "pro" amp. It'll likely last her the rest of her life. And if not, you're not going to lose any value, especially if you can find a decent used one.

[lug]

Originally posted by FreestyleIntruder Yeah, but I bet everyone else has

 

Careful, I have several MP3's I made with it.

[isaac42]

Of course, the flip side to that argument is the piano. No one learns piano on a 3/4 or 1.2 size instrument. They all learn on a full-size.