I have a red mini P bass on order right now, it's supposed to show up by the end of the week. One of the reasons that I bought it was that a lot of people on the various forums said that it was a good quality instrument right out of the box, whereas some people had complaints about the quality of the mikro out of the box. The other reason I bought it that it is about as light a bass as you can get in a solid body. That's important to me because of a bad back. I really can't handle the weight of the 34 inch scale bass guitars for any length of time while playing standing up. I played bass in bands all through the 1980s and 90s. In the early 2000s, the day job got in the way of playing the weekend gigs, so I had to quit playing, basically until I retired, early due to back issues. I've been playing tenor guitar and am getting back into playing some bass, so I wanted an instrument that I could handle the weight of. Your sound comparison gave me a good idea of what to expect from the bass when I get it, I don't think that I will be disappointed with it.
Good luck with the mini P! It’s a fun bass. The problem with all the lower priced instruments is variability in quality. Some can be great and some can be less so. But it is all way better than when I first started playing basses in the early 90s! Overseas basses have come so far in terms of playability and tone. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your story. I know what it’s like adapting physical limitations and illness to playing.
My pleasure! It’s been a rather unexpected evolution of my side musical life, but I’m having lots of fun making videos! Thank you so much for watching and for the encouragement!
Jonathan, your reviews are excellent to me as a short-scale bass enthusiast. You are very fair in your assessments, and the spirit in which they are done is quite edifying. Carry on and give us all you can for your love for the instrument is evident. About a year ago I picked up a new short-scale bass, the G&L Fallout. Sells for $649 U.S. dollars. This is a fantastic bass and I'd be eager to see your review of one of these beauties.
Thank you for such kind words! Thanks for watching! I had a G&L L2500 back in the early 2000s when I was still gigging a lot. It had such a beastly tone! And louder than anything else. When I get a fallout I will absolutely shoot a video! With that pickup, I bet it would sound good tuned down!
Oh I’m not that lucky! Some of these I have ordered in purely to shoot videos. Then they get sold off. Some are rentals. I am lucky in that I have friends who own a variety of basses I can then borrow! Thanks for watching!
So, I literally just got off the phone with a retailer : posing this exact question: I’m a total beginner for bass. 60 years old with creaky joints . Piano player who doesn’t like guitar intensity on hands. I went through the dimension differences and found it was SO close but the Squire was able to be customized for me with an amp- the associate said the same exact description as you. So, basically you just confirmed my first Bass will be the mini Precision- the mid range was the key.!!! Ty luv your straight forward videos. Plus the quality control over the squires is so heavy now because of public interest. Can you please go over some basics of intro to bass? Such as tuning or what I have seen, wearing gloves? Thank you.!
Awesome. Hope you enjoy the bass! I don’t currently have any intro to bass videos. Scott’s bass lessons has lots of that sort of stuff. I wear a glove to protect my fingers- autoimmune disease (dermatomyositis) almost totally destroyed my life in music….the glove keeps the strings from completely shredding my fingers apart, and keeps the pain better controlled. Thanks for watching!
This is an excellent and clear review. I believe that the Ibanez has a more central P pickup, so the tone can be impacted if you compare just that pick up. I believe the blending of pickups on the Ibaniz can make it more flexible. This said, I thing tha P (o PJ) basses are top choice for any musician.
I have both of these bass guitar's and they are two different instruments i really like the ibanez mikro bass it has twenty two frets. And the two pickups and weights more than the squier and the neck feels better i have semore duncan quarter pounders pickups in the ibanez mikro and a K.S.M music bridge from K.S.M music in Logan Utah 😮 it's an excellent bass guitar
Thank you for all your wonderful reviews on short-scale basses. I own six, and I have probably owned the total of ten different ones in my life. I'm only five feet tall and weigh 103 pounds, and I can barely reach the end of a 34-inch scale bass. I appreciate the rigor and thoroughness of your bass comparisons. Have you ever owned or done a video on a Jackson Minion 28.6?
@@jonathanwong458music I actually designed a pickguard for my Jackson Minion and sent my design to a guy in North Carolina who made it for me. I'll send you a picture if you want and you can use it in your video.
I like this Squire but would prefer the Squire Vintage Jaguar SC bass. They discontinued them about five years ago when they were 200 bucks but now they sell for 400 used.
As a guitar beginner I got interested to learn bass also and got this Ibanez miKro in red. It’s looking good, very well build and I like it very much. Because of very short fingers I swapped the bridge with 4 individual aluminum saddles mounted for 16mm string spacing. Due the aluminum the bass got more treble, wich is good. But with the little weight of the saddles I lost a bit sustain. Oh well, I play at home, so it does not matter. I‘m very happy with it!
Thirty plus years ago I had a Squire and it turned me off to cheap guitars since.I am glad they and cheap guitars in general seem to have greatly improved.I just received the Ibanez Mikro and am pleased.I will try to learn some Bass once again.
I played my first Squier (non-MIJ) in the late 90s and I agree that the quality then was not very good - more importantly, quality was very unpredictable as there was the odd good one. But now, the quality out of the box is much more consistent, more reliable hardware and the necks generally feel better. With a good setup, Squiers are totally giggable for most - maybe not for those who play rapid 32nd notes all night long:) Big improvement. Thanks for watching!
Great demo! Are the P pickups in about the same spot (other than the Mikro's being reversed) along the scale length? At first, it looks like the Mikro's is way far forward but then I realized that the Mikro has 22 frets and the Squier only 20 so it could be an optical illusion. Thanks!
Measuring the middle point of the P pickup (where the split coils meet, so it takes the reverse direction out of the equation) Ibanez Mikro placement is ~13.5 cm from the saddle Squier Mini P placement is ~11.5 cm from the saddle Indeed you are correct. The Mikro's positioning is further from the bridge!
Getting kids involved in music is awesome! I no longer have either of these in my possession - The mikro now belongs to a friend and the mini was a rental. If memory serves me correctly, both of these were very light in weight and both were under 8 lbs. That being said, with entry level basses, I have found quite a lot of variability in weight (within the same model) as lumber is inconsistent in this price range. I have dedicated reviews on each of these basses on my channel, if you want to check them out. Hear more sound samples before you decide to purchase. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the comparison. I enjoyed your playing examples, especially the "motown" sound. Was that an original composition? If I may, how would you compare the Jackson JS1X Minion Bass you reviewed more recently against these? I'm interested in purchasing a short scale bass, as I've found 34" scale instruments challenging at this time (I'm "relearning" how to use my left hand). I purchased a JS1X and enjoyed the weight and feel of it, but have to return it, as it was unfortunately damaged during shipping. I suppose I now have an opportunity to reevaluate options. All the best.
Thanks for watching! Unless cited otherwise, most of the playing examples are either originals or derivatives or variations on lines. Between, the mikro, mini P and the Jackson, I actually preferred the neck profile of the Jackson the best. It was the most comfy for my hand. The mikro came second. The pointy headstock may not necessarily blend with some gigs, but if you love it, then who cares what others think! The pick up in the Jackson was a little weak in comparison to the others but it sounds just fine/good enough for the price point. My best buying advice is always this: when you wake up in the morning, which do you want to play? Which makes you WANT to pick it up? Shape, colour, what other people think etc is far secondary. It has to inspire YOU. Good luck finding an instrument!
I am primarily a drummer with20 years experience and bought my first bass during convid lockdown to make loops to jam with. My mini P bass records well and is a lot of fun with my 30 watt ampeg. My main drumset is a sixties sonor teardrop beech 3 piece, unfortunate didnt come with matching snare. Your snare sounds great, is it birch, I like the cut of birch snares.
Interesting! I'm looking for a bass for my daughter and had this exact question - which of these is better. One question I still have, is because you played the comparison on the P pickup only, does the Mikro have a better range of available tones considering the J pickup option?
Thanks for watching! Yes, the addition of the J pickup can add more tonal variety. There's not a lot of string orbit back by the bridge on these super-short scales, so the solo'd bridge p/u tone is too thin for me. But in combination with the P, could definitely give you more sounds. Really depends on whether it's the right sounds for you! Here's a link to a dedicated video I've made on the Mikro: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oMlnFMKhxWo.html
There's a used one of each of these at my local Guitar Center, both for $199. I've been debating picking one up as I'm primarily a guitar player and don't currently have a bass.
Transitioning from a 24-25.5” scale guitar to one of these 28.6” basses will hopefully feel less foreign than going up to a 34”! Good luck and thanks for watching!
Yes indeed! Thank you for sharing this info and for watching! For viewers who want to hear these Labella flats in action, here’s a link to a video: Squier Mini Precision bass mods Ep.5: Labella Flatwounds Deep Talkin' 760FM-P ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cEFUNxG-5ks.html
I've owned both and definitely prefer the Mikro. While I quite liked the tone of the mini P, the quality control was bad: the frets were really sharp. No bass should nearly cut you. I know you can file them, but I'm not in the market for a bass that requires work out of the box, other than a basic setup. The Mikro's body size, shaping, and balance also make it easier to play for me. And obviously, it's more tonally versatile with the two pickups.
My 10 year old picked up a Squier mini P ( red ) the last time we were in GC he really seemed to like it and it fit his body and hands very well the quality was good I may surprise him with it for Christmas if he's still interested in playing bass like dad 😁
Man your videos really helped me there. Lately my Arthrosis started kciking in harder and playing my longscales starts to hurt with the streches. Played a few times on a shortscale and it was better already. Now (after watching your videos, especially with the LaBEllas) I got a Mini P and I can practice waaaaaay longer before I start having pain. Do you think (with your modding experience) that the bass would be gig-able? Do you know if there are any brands that produce Mini Basses them in higher quality? Cheers and keep the good work going!
Thanks so much for watching and for your encouragement! Re: higher quality mini basses. There are several boutique-type builders who make short scales now (30"). But the 28.6" is more rare in the high quality tier. Although I have never played one, Form Factor makes a few 30" and a mini 27" basses. They are on the expensive side, however. In the lower tiers, CNZ and Flight both make mini jazz basses. You may have seen from my videos that it was medical issues and autoimmune arthritis and muscle problems that led to my journey with short scale basses. This is after owning probably 30+ 34" and 35" 4-5-6 string basses! Knowing what I know now, I think the G string sounds so much rounder and less pingy on a 30" compared to a 34". And they are so much easier for me to reach and play. With that in mind, in terms of a 'giggable' bass. Here are my perspectives - knowing that I am quite biased! a) A giggable bass is the one that allows you to play your best. The one that allows you to focus on the music instead of the instrument. It matters less if it's neon green, a 28" or a 35" scale, active or passive, made from a 'real' tonewood or chipboard etc. It is also the instrument that doesn't cause you physical pain, which in certain circumstances may not be reversible. *Most people in the audience do not care what instrument you play*. Except for maybe fellow guitar and bass players! The audience only cares about how convincingly you play and whether you are vibing the appropriate way, in the context of your particular gig. I play short scale basses 90% of the time these days and no one seems to mind (or notice). I play better on them, I can play longer on them and it doesn't hurt nearly as much. b) What you hear on my videos is the same Line6 patch I use in a live application. Direct to FOH. Same settings. So you're hearing the same thing the mix engineers get (and what I hear from my powered speaker). The Mini can be a giggable bass! The voicing/tone from the stock pickup is a bit aggressive and harsh sounding (for me), but EQ can tame that down. The right replacement pickup may help you achieve 'your sound' and may be a little more reliable. Similarly, a better bridge, pots and jack might help with reliability and adjustability, but there's nothing wrong per se with the stock setup. Hope this is helpful. Thanks for watching and reading!
@@jonathanwong458music Hey mate, thank you really for that answer! Actually didn't know about your state, that encourages me even more to keep playing :) ANd I guess you're right, as long as I can play, thats the best Instrument you can get. No matter the size,form or color! I appreciate that!
@derpderpson8796 My pleasure! I have a form of dermatomyositis. I've talked a bit about it in a few of my earliest videos. Life changing, for sure. Can't walk or breathe properly, so it puts things in perspective and has made me prioritize certain things differently. It's also the reason why I play with a glove on my fretting hand. I hope your joints calm down a bit and allows you to play more music!
Yes, the reverse P is supposed to give a tighter sounding E and A string while a warmer sounding D and G. Like Spectors and the more modern reverse P sound.
Thanks for this. Torn between these two for my son, who is just starting. Would you say that for a rather small kid, the slightly smaller mini P is more suitable?
That's a good question. In terms of body dimensions, they're pretty close, but the Ibanez has a slightly more pinched-in torso, which may affect how comfortable (or not) it is to hold and play. None of my kids are all that into playing instruments (heart breaking...), so from that perspective, I would actually say pick the one that visually and stylistically appeals more to your kid. It might be a factor in whether they stick with it! It seems so silly... but not that long ago, a P bass was seen as 'for old guys'. Granted there's a P bass renaissance, but depending on age and their musical preferences, it might make a difference! Best of luck and thanks for watching!
When he said he would only use the P pickup on both basses - to be fair. That right there was him admitting that the Ibanez is significantly better than the Squier. He gave the Ibanez a handicap to allow the Squier to compete. It doesn't even make sense. One product has more features as an advantage and you ignore the additional features in your comparison? And this is what you call being fair? Fair to whom? Fender or potential buyers looking for a short scale?
You make a fair point. These types of A-B comparisons can never truly be scientific as there are always multiple variables at play. In this case, a PJ setup can be more sonically versatile but only if those are sounds one actually uses. Sonic superiority is very subjective! However, I can assure you that I am free of sponsor influence. Just about everything I have featured or compared on this channel I have purchased or rented with my own money. Or borrowed from friends. I’m a nobody, so guitar companies are not knocking on my door! Thank you for the feedback! PS. I have individual reviews of both of basses should viewers be interested.
I currently play a 30-inch bass and the strings, especially the E, are fairly floppy, but I’m used to it. How does the Mini-P at 28.6 inches compare? Is it even floppier?
I didn't think the stock strings on the Mini P felt significantly looser in perceived tension compared to what I usually play on a 30", but I did find the overall scale length to be a bit on the tight side, for me. My happy, most comfortable scale length is 30". The Labella flatwounds I had on the Mini P certainly increased the perceived string tension and weren't floppy at all. You might be able to get a sense of what it could feel like by putting a capo on the 1st fret on your 30". It won't be perfect, of course, but it might give you a sense. Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks for the reply (in triplicate😅). I did what you suggested with a capo. It was helpful. Your reply also inspired me to try switching out the usual stainless steel flats for nylon tapewound on a 30-inch scale bass. The slight increase in thickness, from 95 to 105 on the E string, seems to make a difference, i.e., now it feels less floppy. Cheers.
The first time I listened to the video, I liked the Squier better. Probably because I play a long scale Squier P. Originally I had a Yamaha RBX 270... I bought it to start playing Base (coming from the guitar). I love the clarity and the playability of the Yamaha, and I love the mega power of the Squier! But now, after about a year, I find the Squier harder to play...and so I stumbled across your channel.... I am really torn! If I get a short scale and mainly play with it (I play in two amateur Rock Bands)....then I probably won't be playing the long scales anymore....then sell them? I have tested the short scale Hofner and Gibson SG....but both sounded too weak for my ears.... Now I am completely lost. But since I live in Germany, I could order from Thomann and test the Mikro....Do you have any other recommendations? It seems that the actual stores don't have short scales anymore....I guess they are out of style...
Hi! Thanks for watching! I play short scale basses most of the time now. (my full scale P being the exception) Short scales are so much easier for me to play, given underlying medical illness. If an instrument is uncomfortable to play or gives you physical pain, look elsewhere for something that is more comfortable in shape or scale and ultimately more inspiring for YOU to play. With that out of the way, a 28.6" scale 'may' be easier to adapt to coming at it as a guitar player. But for me, I do find them a bit on the cramped and tight side. My preference is for 30 or 30.5" scales. They are the happy medium for me and it's now what my hands are used to. Both the Mikro and the Mini are solid at that price point. Maybe the Mikro is a bit more versatile tonally with the bridge pickup. So it might come down to which one fits your hands better or which body shape fits your physique better. I, personally, have a liking to mustang-style and shaped basses. For some reason, they just fit me. They're not perfect, but they work! If you're looking for something in the Mikro/Mini price point, might want to check out the Bronco bass too (same body shape). If clarity is what you're after, then the SG style and the Hofners are not going to fulfill that need. They both do woofy and tubby, but clear, articulate and defined, they are not! If you have a few more dollars to spend, the short scale Stingray is cool. And it lends itself well to the rock genre. Harley Bentons are a bit hit and miss. I've seen some surprisingly good examples and some less so. But their PB shorty is pretty affordable. Put a good P pickup in there and you're good to go. The stock p/u is weak and is the limiting factor. As for selling your full scale.....I would be afraid of seller's remorse if you're not sure which scale length and direction you're headed in yet. But if it's really not getting along with you, there's always a market for used squires and fenders. I've featured lots of different short scales on this channel so far - poke around and maybe you'll find something that appeals to you!
@@jonathanwong458music Thank you so much for your fast and thorough response! I will surf and listen some more and then maybe order one or two from Thomann and test them. It's always a big difference, when testing at home via Headset vs with the band.
Thanks so much for watching! Yeah, a maple board would be great, similar to how the sonic Bronco has a maple board option (which I liked better than the laurel).
@jonathanwong458music Yes sir. I have made a ton of Tele-basses using the Bronco necks. Then build a Telecaster body and you have something unique. My bass player played one forever. Now he plays the short scale Sterling Stingray. It is a fantastic bass. I would like to get a hold of a sub 30" neck to see how far I could push it. In my experience putting heavier strings gets the sound back up on par with 32 and 34 inch. We are currently running 105's. I think at this 28" I would run 110's. Probably have to drill the body and double the string back to use long scale strings but, that would be easy enough.
Sounds like a really cool project! 110s in such a short string wound length is a rare bird if not custom only, so increasing the string length at the body is a great work-around.
I saw this video come up and watched it right away, as I have the Squier. I was rooting for the P, but through my sound system - a big TV with a sound bar - and they sounded about the same to me, a reaction I frequently have to comparisons of similar basses. A question might be how would they sound in a performance environment. I'm starting to amass a collection of short-scales, so I might pick up the Ibanez, as well, if one pops up used. But i am trying not to duplicate. The CNZ mini jazz bass is also worth a mention - good indy company. Right now, I'd like to see a comparison the two Ibanez acoustic/semi-acoustic short-scale models, the AFB-200 and AGB-200. The also had a 5-string version. Related: the Epi Allen Woody. Keep up the good vids
I want to check out the CNZ instruments! The sonic differences between similar instruments are sometimes pretty subtle……and it still sounds like me in the end! Haha. Thanks so much for watching. I’ll keep an eye out for the models you’ve mentioned!
@jonathanwong458music Seems to me that in my little practice room, I sound about as good on the Mini P as any - EXCEPT the Jack Casady. That stands out from them all, even the Hofner Club Contemporary. It's long-scale but is easier for me to play than other 34-inchers, ii waonde why
Vibe and how inspiring an instrument is is hard to explain and quantify. It’s like my 1st Gen PJ mustang. There’s just ‘something’ about it and it wasn’t expensive. But comfort is paramount. Can’t play well if it’s not comfortable.
You said the same observations in the later part, which confirms my reaction. lol which is good indication my ears are still okay. @@jonathanwong458music
Thanks for the video. there is a new Fender Vintera II line coming out (Google) they are bringing back Rosewood Fingerboards on MIM models and there is a 70's Mustang bass model with the competition stripe in 2 colours also prices are going up.
Prices of everything’s going up, unfortunately. But rosewood boards would be great! I have not yet found a pau ferro board I liked more than rosewood…. Thanks for watching!!
I am having to switch to a smaller bass due to arthritis on my fretting hand. I can't use my pinky anymore. And the stretch of a full scale bass is too much. So I have been researching the short scale bass. I actually liked the Ibanez better all 3 examples. It was close on the first finger style. To my ears the Ibanez has a more smooth warm tone.
Right on! It was arthritis and joint issues that got me into playing short scales, myself. Has to be comfortable to play. Playing in pain sucks and only leads to more problems. Thanks for watching!
Hi Jonathan, Another highly informative video! I have both but my preference would be the Mikro. I like the shape and feeling of it and also the ability to add a bit of mix with the bridge pick up. Either way, both weigh in at around 6 1/2 pounds which is a great positive from my point of view! I think you were going to review the Squier CV Mustang ( My other Bass!) - Any update? All the best from the UK
Thanks for watching and commenting! Agree, the Mikro was more comfortable for me too. Not sure why as body measurements were similar. Re CV mustang. Missed out on getting a used one. Still looking! I’m still a tiny tiny channel so I’m limited to instrumentals I can buy, rent or borrow!! Always looking for instruments!
The tone and playability of entry level instruments now are waaay better than when I first started playing as a young teenager, that’s for sure!! Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@jonathanwong458music I don't understand the poster's comment. The tracks sound fantastic. Live drums make a big difference. I would have never thought that but you obviously did and you've mentioned your reasoning in other videos.
@@sethbrown8912 Thanks for writing! The overtone structure of real drums is very different compared to digital drums or samples. So I’ve been using real drums to get a better sense of how the bass tones sit together and interact.
I think the squier is insanely much cooler in looks. Also way easier to use as a mod platform. I swapped out the tuners, nut, pickup and bridge on mine and got a great playing and sounding bass for less than 300$.
Thanks for watching! For a guitarist used to a 24 to 25.5” scale, I think it’ll be an easier transition to go with the super short 28.6” than a full scale 34”. Either of these would be a good choice. A lot of bass in that Squier.
With a normal scale I will properly hit my equipment when sitting and recording :-) I guess I won't regret the Squier, It's A Good Price in my Country.
The Mikro is more versatile but that reverse P is not my cup of tea. I already have a Jazzbass and I’d like a P short scale cause I had for months a PJ and I could not play it for long periods I had cramps I have really small hands and short fingers. I think I’ll take as second bass for practis and P tone the mini squire is also so cute 😅
Hi. I am a beginner basist but have played acoutic electric guitar for years. I could immediately hear one clear difference between these two basses. I head some string noise from your fingers only on the Mikro. It may have been there on the Squier but I could not hear it. I was leaning Mikro for me and my 9 year old daughter who wants to learn, but not sure after hearing them both. Any thoughts? Oh, and your videos are great. Much appreciated!
Thanks for watching! These are essentially the same price, but look quite different, which may play a role if you wish to keep your 9yo inspired! In terms of string noise, the Mini P is a rental so the strings may be older. Likely stock fender strings. I’m not sure what brand of factory strings are on the Ibanez, so that may play a role on string noise. I wasn’t a fan of the bridge p/u on the Mikro. I think both would be just fine to learn on, construction and workmanship is pretty similar. In the context of a young student, it may come down to which one is more visually appealing to them. I remember learning violin as a young kid and even my orchestra friend’s cases influenced me, let alone instrument stain colour and fittings! Good luck and thx for commenting!!
There is going to be some weight variation among examples, but in this video, both of these basses were under 7 lbs! Very similar in weight. Thanks for watching!
Micro Bass can use for fine playing for solo intro on ibanez gio bass neck pickups if metal songs for has brighter metal sounds tone on strings sound effect chorus is quite nice :)
That’s a fair assessment. Sorry you didn’t like the drum track. However, that’s one of the points though - how a bass tone sits in a mix is where the differences really matter. But thank you for the feedback and for watching!
@cvanhetkaar96 Yes indeed! In a few subsequent comparison videos where the differences are very subtle, I have done both. For bass reviews, I almost always have the sounds solo first. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@jonathanwong458music I'm from Indonesia, in here the stock of red colour is sold out, what's left is the black, dark brown & sunburst one.. while for Squier the red & black colour are still available
