Diving into the adventure of picking your first guitar is like exploring a treasure-filled ocean. Finding the right one can sometimes be tricky, especially when money’s tight.
Luckily, Ibanez swoops in like a hero, offering an array of affordable guitars that never compromise on quality.
Among their top-selling bass guitars, the Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro stands tall, striking the perfect balance between performance and price.
This bass is designed as a simplified, scaled-down version of the classic electric guitar, and it comes with all the features you need to make your music come alive. As you’ll find out in my Ibanez Mikro Bass Review.
Features of Ibanez Mikro Bass Guitar
The Ibanez GSRM20B belongs to the esteemed Mikro series by the company, explicitly designed to cater to individuals who may struggle with larger necks and find it challenging to handle a larger instrument.
One notable feature of this bass guitar is its shorter scale length, measuring 28.6 inches, which positions it among the most compact bass guitars.
Features of Ibanez Mikro Bass Guitar
Short Scale Length of 28.6″
Bolt-on Construction
Poplar Body with Walnut Flat finish
Maple Neck Profile GSRM4
Treated New Zealand Pine Fingerboard
22 Medium Frets with White Dots Inlays
Dynamix J & P Pickups (Passive)
One notable feature of this bass guitar is its shorter scale length, measuring 28.6 inches, which positions it among the most compact bass guitars.
The GSRM20B bass guitar
The GSRM20B bass guitar targets beginner players or enthusiasts who want a short-scale instrument for casual play, thanks to its affordable price range. Despite being budget-friendly, the bass is well-constructed and has the potential to be a reliable option for gigging purposes.
While it may not boast luxurious features, it still holds value as a valuable addition to one’s bass collection, especially for those who find smaller bass guitars more comfortable to handle.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone appreciates a smaller bass guitar, and this characteristic could be considered a drawback by some. Nevertheless, the GSRM20B remains a highly functional and ergonomic bass guitar, offering utility to musicians searching for a compact and accessible instrument.
Music Genres Best for Ibanez Mikro Bass
Ibanez Mikro bass is suitable for musicians who play a variety of music genres, such as funk, classic rock, jazz, blues, and soul. Its small size makes it an ideal choice for those looking to add versatility to their sound.
The bass’s shorter scale length provides excellent intonation and superior playability without compromising on tone. Its punchy sound is perfect for creating syncopated rhythms and precise lines, making it a great choice for bassists who want to explore their musical creativity.
Ibanez Mikro Bass Review
As the name suggests, this beginner bass guitar is a 3/4 size model. Although smaller-length guitars are often associated with children, they are, in fact, handy for beginners or travelers seeking a lightweight and portable option.
The Ibanez Mikro Bass is no exception, providing a great combination of sound and playability – all in a compact design. Below is a brief overview of the Ibanez GSRM20B GIO miKro Bass:
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Bridge: B10 (19mm String Spacing)
OTHER INFO: No Case Included
Ibanez GSRM20B GIO miKro Bass, Walnut Flat
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable yet high-quality option
- Beginner-friendly with a shorter scale length
- Excellent ergonomics for comfortable playing
- Good tone from Dynamix pickups
- Reliable tuning stability
- Lightweight and portable
- Low-quality strings
- Unpleasant tone control
- Problems with fret buzz
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Design and Build Quality
The Ibanez MiKro boasts an intriguing shape that’s both striking and comfortable. The body is expertly contoured and smooth, making it a pleasure to wield for extended periods, especially for your picking hand.
What’s more, the body and neck joints are optimized for maximum comfort in the higher fret areas, ensuring a seamless playing experience throughout.
The build quality and craftsmanship of the Mikro are top-notch, retaining its pristine condition for years to come.
Body and Neck
The Ibanez GSRM20B GIO MiKro is crafted from poplar wood for the body and maple for the neck. Combining these two tonewoods results in a well-balanced instrument with clarity and power.
The fretboard is constructed from treated New Zealand Pine, giving it an attractive finish that’s easy on the eyes and hands. The 22 medium frets are highly playable and perfect for intricate lead work.
The neck profile is a GSRM4 slim-C shape, allowing for comfortable and effortless fretting up the fingerboard. The nut width of 38mm ensures that even small hands will easily access higher notes on the fretboard.
Hardware and Electronics
The Ibanez GSRM20B MiKro has durable hardware in a chrome finish. The precision tuning machines are exact for quick and accurate tuning, while the knobs are easy to use and responsive.
The classic Ibanez B10 bridge provides a solid foundation for low-end frequencies.
The MiKro also features two pickups: a Dynamix J bass bridge pickup and a Dynamix P in the neck. These passive pickups provide a well-rounded sound with plenty of punch and tight mids to cut through any mix.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Ibanez Mikro Basss
Cons of Ibanez Mikro Bass
Is the Ibanez Mikro Bass Worth Buying?
The Ibanez Mikro Bass is an excellent choice for novice bassists and those who value portability.
However, if you’re seeking more versatility from your bass guitar, you might want to consider other options. The limited range of tones and lack of tone and volume controls can make it challenging to create a distinctive sound.
Ultimately, whether or not to invest in the Ibanez Mikro Bass depends on your desired sound. If you’re after something effortless to transport that delivers punchy tones with ample low end; then it’s definitely worth considering.
Who is the Ibanez Mikro for?
The Ibanez Mikro Bass is primarily designed for two main groups of musicians:
The smaller scale and compact size of the Mikro Bass make it easier for beginners or younger musicians to handle and play comfortably. It allows them to learn and develop their skills without feeling overwhelmed by a full-size instrument.
The Mikro Bass is a perfect choice for musicians who require a portable option for rehearsals, small gigs, or travel. Despite its smaller size and lighter weight, it still delivers impressive sound quality and playability.
Similar Bass Guitars to Mikro Bass
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: String Gauge: 40-95
OTHER INFO: Scale Length: 34"
Chicago Bass Guitar by Gear4music, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- High-quality construction with bolt-on neck
- Comes with JB Linear Humbucker and PB Split Humbucker pickups
- Includes gigbag, jack cable, strap, plectrums, and allen keys
- Limited versatility in tonal options
- Large sizes may not be suitable for all players
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: 19 Narrow Tall Frets
OTHER INFO: .045-.105 Gauges
Squier Sonic Bronco Bass MN, Tahitian Coral
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Fender Bass guitar
- Excellent value for its quality
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing/practicing
- Vintage-style appearance
- Easy to adjust for optimal setup
- Short-scale bass is ideal for smaller or beginner players
- Tuners could be better
- Some prefer a heavier bass feel
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Fingerboard Radius: 10"
OTHER INFO: Body Material: Mahogany
Yamaha TRBX174 EW Bass Guitar, Root Beer
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Impressive build quality at an affordable price
- Versatile PJ pickup configuration for a wide range of sounds
- Decent playability for a full-sized bass
- Budget-friendly and easy to upgrade
- Mediocre strings
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez Mikro Bass Review
Summary
Considering all aspects, the Ibanez GSRM20 is an outstanding entry-level bass for aspiring rock stars. Quite simply, I love it.
Its shorter neck makes it ideal for taking on a tour. And if you’re a younger player, they are lovely to play on.
It offers an outstanding balance between budget-friendliness and professional-grade features.
What do you think?
Let me know in the comments section below!
And lastly, head over to my new article, ‘Bass Guitar For Small Hands‘.
I mean, you get what you pay for, right? This article, tho well-intentioned, feels like it’s glossing over the Mikro’s shortcomings. Low-quality strings and fret buzz sound like a headache. But hey, that’s just me.
Lewis Turner, any follow-up thoughts on addressing these in a budget-friendly way?
Those wide tonal options got me intrigued! Wondering if it’s jazz-friendly? Haha, looking for something to start those walking bass lines.
It’s encouraging to see affordable options like the Ibanez Mikro Bass being discussed. Your point about the lack of low-end punch and fret buzz, however, raises some concerns. Has anyone been able to circumvent these issues with aftermarket modifications or perhaps a different technique? It would be useful to delve deeper into potential solutions before making a purchase decision.
Hey, I’m kinda new to the whole bass thing and was thinking about getting the Ibanez Mikro. I saw in your article about the comfortable ergonomics, which sounds great for me cuz I got small hands. But does it really make a big difference? Anybody got experience they can share?
Absolutely, TravisG! I’ve been playing Mikro for a bit now and the smaller scale is perfect for ease of play, especially when you’re just starting out. You’ll love it.