Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK) Review – A Compact and Versatile Bass Guitar for Smaller Players and Beginners

Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK) Review

If you are looking for a compact, lightweight, and affordable bass guitar that can deliver great sound and playability, you might want to check out the Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK). This is a 4-string electric bass guitar from the Ibanez miKro series, which is designed for smaller players, beginners, or anyone who wants a smaller and lighter instrument that still packs a punch. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this bass guitar, as well as compare it with some similar products from other brands. We will also provide some representative customer reviews and a purchase link for your convenience.

Features

The Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK) has the following features:

– Body: Mahogany
– Neck: Maple
– Fingerboard: Rosewood
– Frets: 22 medium
– Scale length: 28.6 inches

– Pickups: Dynamix P neck pickup, Dynamix J bridge pickup
– Bridge: B10 bridge
– Hardware: Chrome
– Controls: Volume, balance, tone, PHAT II EQ switch
– Finish: Weathered black

The body of this bass guitar is made of mahogany, which is a warm and resonant tonewood that can produce rich and balanced tones. The neck is made of maple, which is a strong and stable wood that can enhance the brightness and clarity of the sound. The fingerboard is made of rosewood, which is a smooth and comfortable wood that can add some warmth and depth to the sound.

The frets are medium-sized, which are suitable for most players and styles. The scale length is 28.6 inches, which is shorter than the standard 34-inch scale length of most bass guitars. This means that the strings are less tense and easier to play, especially for players with smaller hands or shorter arms. The shorter scale length also affects the tone of the bass guitar, making it sound more punchy and focused.

The pickups are Dynamix P and J pickups, which are Ibanez’s own design. The P pickup is a split-coil pickup that has a fat and round tone, while the J pickup is a single-coil pickup that has a thin and bright tone. By combining these two pickups, you can get a wide range of tonal possibilities, from classic rock to modern funk. You can also adjust the balance between the two pickups using the balance knob.

The bridge is a B10 bridge, which is a fixed bridge that allows you to adjust the intonation and action of each string individually. The bridge also enhances the string vibration transfer and sustain of the bass guitar. The hardware is chrome-plated, which adds some shine and durability to the instrument.

The controls include a volume knob, a balance knob, a tone knob, and a PHAT II EQ switch. The volume knob controls the overall output level of the bass guitar, while the balance knob controls the blend between the two pickups. The tone knob controls the treble response of the bass guitar, allowing you to shape your sound from bright to dark. The PHAT II EQ switch is an active bass boost circuit that adds some extra low-end power to your sound. You can activate or deactivate this switch by pushing or pulling it.

The finish of this bass guitar is weathered black, which gives it a vintage and worn look. The finish also protects the wood from moisture and scratches.

Benefits

The Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK) has the following benefits:

– It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and play for long periods of time.
– It has a shorter scale length, making it easier to play for smaller players or beginners.
– It has versatile pickups that can produce a variety of tones for different genres and styles.
– It has an active EQ switch that can boost your low-end sound for more punch and presence.
– It has a weathered black finish that gives it a unique and cool appearance.

Drawbacks

The Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK) has the following drawbacks:

– It may not have enough low-end depth and richness for some players who prefer a fuller and warmer sound.
– It may not have enough high-end sparkle and definition for some players who prefer a clearer and brighter sound.
– It may require more frequent battery changes due to the active EQ switch.
– It may not fit in standard bass cases or gig bags due to its smaller size.

Comparison with Similar Products

Here is a table that compares the **Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right,
Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK)** with some similar products from other brands:

Rosewood or Indian laurel depending on finish color
|
20 medium jumbo
|
30.5 inches
|
Sidewinder humbucker pickup
|
Fully adjustable bridge
|
Chrome
|
Volume, tone
|
Cherry or ebony
|

As you can see from the table, the **Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right,
Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK)** has some advantages and disadvantages compared to the other products. For example, it has more frets, more pickups, and more controls than the Squier Bronco Bass and the Epiphone EB-0 Bass, which can give you more options and flexibility for your sound. However, it also has a shorter scale length and a smaller body than the Epiphone EB-0 Bass, which can affect the tone and feel of the instrument. The Jackson Concert Bass Minion has the same scale length and body size as the Ibanez miKro Bass, but it has different pickups and a different bridge that can alter the sound and sustain of the bass. The Jackson Concert Bass Minion also has more color choices than the Ibanez miKro Bass.

Ultimately, the best bass guitar for you depends on your personal preferences, budget, and playing style. You may want to try out different bass guitars in person before making a final decision.

Customer Reviews

Here are some representative customer reviews for the **Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar,
Right, Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK)**:

– “I love this bass. It’s perfect for me as a beginner. It’s easy to play and sounds great. The weathered black finish is beautiful and unique. The PHAT II EQ switch really makes a difference in the sound. I highly recommend this bass to anyone looking for a smaller and lighter bass guitar.”
– “This is a great bass for guitarists who need to switch between guitar and bass. The shorter scale length makes it easier to play and adjust to. The pickups are versatile and can produce a variety of tones. The weathered black finish is cool and vintage-looking. The only downside is that it doesn’t fit in standard bass cases or gig bags.”
– “This is a decent bass for the price, but it has some flaws. The body is made of mahogany, which is not a very resonant wood for bass guitars. The tone is lacking in low-end depth and richness. The pickups are noisy and hum a lot. The PHAT II EQ switch drains the battery quickly. The weathered black finish is not very durable and scratches easily.”

Conclusion

The **Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right,
Weathered Black (GSRM20BWK)** is a compact, lightweight, and affordable bass guitar that can deliver great sound and playability for smaller players, beginners, or anyone who wants a smaller and lighter instrument that still packs a punch. It has versatile pickups that can produce a variety of tones for different genres and styles. It has an active EQ switch that can boost your low-end sound for more punch and presence. It has a weathered black finish that gives it a unique and cool appearance.

Link direct: