Bass for my 11 year old?

[Walking Man]

My eleven year old daughter played cello last year and now wants an electric bass. I don

[Thunderbroom]

SX Short Scale P: $110

 

My kids (10/12) have one.

[Undertoad]

I have a short scale Japanese Fender Precision, '89, in case you want that for $200.

[Darkstorm]

Regular 34" scale one. Todays american 11 yr olds are on average several inches taller then those of the 1970's, so no need for short scale. Prefers Esp Ltds for inexpensive qaulity basses. Several very nice choicesin active basses by them gettable for $350 and under.

[Mudbass]

Don't get her a short scale, it's not necessary. You want her learning on a real bass. My daughter was 11 when she started playing bass in the school band and she did just fine on a standard scale bass...infact, the school provided the basses for the kids to use and not a one was short scale. I'd recommend an Ibanez SoundGear. Not too pricey, standard scale but the neck is really thin so it's a little more comfortable for short fingers.

[bassman1956]

Originally posted by Darkstorm Regular 34" scale one. Todays american 11 yr olds are on average several inches taller then those of the 1970's, so no need for short scale. Prefers Esp Ltds for inexpensive qaulity basses. Several very nice choicesin active basses by them gettable for $350 and under.

 

 

 

 

 

You know, I'll play devil's advocate on this one, for both views...

 

Okay on the one hand, she's small, at 11, and I don't know how big she is. My Epi A260 is a 30.5" scale, and as much shiet as I hear about shorter scales here on this forum, I don't necessarily agree. 34" is the scale length standard NOW, but it wasn't always, and that includes some of your favorite classic rock anthems.

 

On the other hand, might be you that winds up using it, whether or not your daughter does. And, when I was just starting out, sometime in like in 5th to 7th grades, in '66 or '69 or something, one of the instructors of one of the groups I played with (there were a few, and Dad's gone now, so it's not like I can ask him), said don't bother with a 1/2 size bass, 'cuz adults don't play them, adults play 3/4, so find a 3/4, which he did. Still have it.

 

Either way, I think Rondo's a great way to go.

[DerekDRP]

I would sudest a J Reynolds 4 string basic bass *what I have* $199 or $159 at amazon.com free shipping. she will like it. the I have is very loud and very awsome.

[F0REST]

i'm playing bass and guitar over my
cheap johnson amp. with a mixer
it can handle both at the same time.
once it fell down from 1m high but it
never let me down.
so i think johnson have great cheap amps

[Walking Man]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I

[Dark Slide]

Originally posted by Walking Man Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I

[backwoodsbass]

The SX would be good if you want a Fender style. I also recommend the Hamer Slammer. I've got one, and at 52 I've tried all the cheap short scales out there, and I've got to say I like this one the best. It has 2 soapbars that really put out a good signal strength, and I think it plays really great. Good luck to you both. The wallet has just begun to shrink!

[isaac42]

I dunno. What does she look like?

Post pictures of her and her mother, and maybe someone will make you an offer.

[Red Cell]

Well I happen to be selling a full bass rig. I am not sure that you want to deal with a 6 string bass though.

[bassguy]

Originally posted by Red Cell Well I happen to be selling a full bass rig. I am not sure that you want to deal with a 6 string bass though.

 

 

what kinda 6er?

[Red Cell]

Brice HXB406. Trying to sell the whole kit off really. I don't play bass anymore and I could use the cash.

Drop me a PM and I will get ya the specs.

[Ole Man Blues]

Start her on an upright.........

[mrcrow]

there is a bass which is small with rubber strings

ashbory:)

[Cortfan]

I have a 24 fret jazz type main bass, and a short scale Fender Musicmaster for a backup. I would probably get a shortscale for a younger person. They are lighter, easier to play, and don't have any adverse sound problems.

[bassman1956]

Originally posted by Ole Man Blues Start her on an upright.........

 

 

 

Saw that in the other post too... Cool little bass! Looks a bit like a retrofitted cello. What is that, 1/4 scale?

[sludgebass69]

Check out the low end Yamaha, RBX 170 I think....


As for an amp, I'd go with a bass combo of some sort, maybe with 2 10" or 1 12" speaker. Don't try playing bass thru a guitar amp long term as you'll damage the speakers. If you're gonna play the taylor thru the amp, it'll sound o.k. on a bass amp anyways....IMHO;)

[The Insomniac]

I think I would start an 11 year old girl out on a short scale. It will be more comfortable to play and she will be more likely to stay with it. I started out on a Fender Musicmaster and it didn't take much time at all to progress to a 34" scale bass. If she liked bass and wanted to stay with the short scale bass in the future, it wouldn't be a crime.

[chubrocker]

If you go with a regular scale bass, I'd consider the Peavey Millenium BXP models. MF has them cheap and they go for cheap on Ebay. They come in a purple color that a girl would like and the Peavey necks are very slim. I have big palms but short fingers ( God blessed me elsewhere! ) and choose Peavey basses because of their slimmer necks.

Personally, I'd go short-scale. Let's assume she really likes playing bass. This first bass may only last her a year, maybe two. Then move up in quality of bass and by then she'll be 1-2 years older and transitioning to a regular scale bass won't be that big of a deal.

[batotman]

I just got that SX Short Scale and it kicks some serious ass. Not to mention its dirt cheap. It is barely too big for a guitar gig bag and the nut is not much further (maybe an inch or so) than my telecaster.

I recommend it 100% other than the crappy stock strings and a possible pickup change.

[batotman]

[bassplayinguy]

man your grass is green!