Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Electric Bass Guitar: A Comprehensive Review
The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Electric Bass Guitar is a compact and lightweight instrument that packs a powerful punch. It’s a bass guitar that doesn’t compromise on quality, sound, or playability, despite its smaller size. This review will delve into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this particular model.
An Overview of the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro
The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is a short-scale bass guitar that is part of the Ibanez miKro series, designed specifically for beginners or players with smaller hands. Its compact size and lightweight make it incredibly comfortable to play, even for extended periods of time. Despite its scaled-down size, this bass guitar delivers a full, rich sound that can compete with larger models.
Key Features
Design and Construction
This bass guitar features a poplar body with a maple neck and a treated New Zealand pine fingerboard. The 22 medium frets are well-spaced and easy to navigate, making this bass ideal for those just starting out or those who prefer a shorter scale. The overall construction of the GSRM20 Mikro is solid, ensuring its durability over time.
Pickups and Electronics
The GSRM20 Mikro is equipped with two pickups: a Dynamix P neck pickup and a Dynamix J bridge pickup. These pickups deliver a diverse range of tones, from bright and punchy to deep and warm. The bass also has two volume controls and a single tone control, offering further tonal versatility.
Hardware
The hardware on the GSRM20 Mikro includes a B10 bridge with 19mm string spacing, standard open gear tuners, and a plastic nut. The bridge is sturdy, maintaining tuning stability and enhancing the overall sustain and resonance of the bass.
Performance and Sound
Despite its small size, the GSRM20 Mikro delivers a robust and resonant sound. The Dynamix pickups provide a good amount of punch and clarity, while the tone control allows you to shape your sound to your liking. Whether you’re playing rock, jazz, blues, or any other genre, this bass can handle it all.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: The GSRM20 Mikro’s small size and light weight make it ideal for younger players, travelers, or anyone who prefers a more compact instrument.
- Versatile Sound: With its two Dynamix pickups and tone control, this bass offers a wide range of tones. It can deliver anything from a bright, punchy sound to a deep, warm tone.
- Durable Construction: Despite its affordable price tag, the GSRM20 Mikro is built to last. The poplar body, maple neck, and treated New Zealand pine fingerboard ensure its durability and longevity.
Cons
- Limited Low-End Response: Due to its shorter scale, the GSRM20 Mikro may not deliver as much low-end response as a full-sized bass. However, it still produces a full and rich sound that is impressive for its size.
- Basic Electronics: While the pickups and controls on this bass offer a decent amount of versatility, they are fairly basic. More experienced players might prefer a bass with more advanced electronics.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Electric Bass Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners, players with smaller hands, or anyone looking for a compact and lightweight instrument. It offers a great balance of comfort, sound, and durability, all at an affordable price point. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a high-end bass, it delivers where it counts. The GSRM20 Mikro is proof that big things can indeed come in small packages.
