What’s the best kid-friendly bass guitar?

Before starting this one, I have to define what “kid” is in the context of this article. Kid in this article refers to children between the ages of 8 and 12. If your child is interested in the bass guitar, you’re most likely not going to want to put a bunch of money into an instrument until you’re damned sure the kid is actually dedicated enough to warrant getting a better bass guitar later.

The goal here is to get an inexpensive bass that can stand being neglected and take a beating, but still play relatively well. Many kids are notorious for not taking care of their instruments whatsoever (no matter how well they’re taught), and they’re probably going to put stickers all over it, never put it back in the case and bang it around anyway, so you want to get a bass that can take that kind of punishment.

To note, we don’t sell any of the models below, but with any luck, your kid will take to the bass and come back here for some good upgrades. 🙂

Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special

This is a short-scale which is better for kids that have shorter arms. The offset body also makes it easier to play in the seated position. And it has a P/J style pickup set, so whether your kid is into funk or rock, this bass works. The Jag is a top-loader which makes for easier string changes.

Yamaha RBX 170

The RBX170 is something Yamaha has been making for several years now, and what makes it kid-friendly is how stupidly easy it is to set up. It has no string trees but rather a string bar that all the strings rest under before going to the tuners. It’s also a top-loader, and that makes for easier string changes. Lastly, like the Jag it has a P/J for a wide range of tones.

Kids like this one because it has 24 frets on it.

Ibanez GSR200

This is a bass with active electronics (“Active Bass Boost”, as Ibanez calls it), and also a P/J. String changes are the easiest on this one because it has no string trees or bar. However the active stuff is something you may not want for your kid because you know he’s going to forget to change the battery.

What’s the best part about all of the above?

They’re all just under $200, or at least they’re at that price point at the time this is written. In addition, all come in several good colors. Sunburst, black, red, blue, gray/silver, etc.

As far as which is easiest for a kid, that would be the RBX170. Just a plain passive P/J with 3 knobs (two volume, one tone), and 2×2 tuners so small arms have a much easier time reaching them.

As for which sounds the best, well, in this instance that really doesn’t matter. Were I to guess, I’d say the Jag would probably have the best tone mainly because it has the most tone options and does so passively.

As for which can take the most abuse, again it would be the Yamaha mainly for the reason the tuners are smaller, so if the kid knocks it on the floor (which you know would happen), it could survive a drop better than the Jag would. Also bear in mind that since the RBX170 isn’t an offset body, it can be put on the floor and leaned against a wall or amp easier. The Ibanez would suffer from kid-forgetfulness as said above, and the battery would stay in there too long, corrode and ruin the instrument.

Which one should you get for your kid?

If you think your kid will stick it out with the bass, get the Yamaha.

If you’re not sure whether will stick with the bass or not, get the Jag, because then you can reclaim it for yourself if the kid doesn’t like it. Yeah, sounds a little cruel, I know, but you should always have a “Plan B”. 🙂

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