Ibanez GSRM20 SLB Starlight Blue Mikro Compact 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

Great bass

I almost didn't buy the Mikro but now I dont know if I'll ever pick up the full size again! The short scale fits me so much better and way lighter. Im not sure how ibanez makes such quality instruments at low cost, (Comparatively.) No set up needed. Just tuned and played

I ordered the blue Mikro bass from Amazon in late 2023 on a discount deal and did not receive it until late January. There appears to be some supply chain issues with these. That being said, I did finally get it and was happy with the overall look of the bass. I am a guitarist, but I like to play some bass now and then. I have a Squire P Bass but the scale length is a bit tough for me to get used to. I had played the short scale Mikro at GC and really liked it. There were some QC issues with the GC model like fret sprout, but I expect those kind of things with a sub $200 instrument. On first inspection, I did notice all of the tone and volume nuts were loose so I had to fix that. I played the one I got for a little while and it had a similar fret sprout issue that the GC one had. It also did not want to stay in tune very well. I finally pulled the strings off and carefully worked the fret ends with a fret file. The fret board was very dry so I applied some F1 oil. On the reassembly, i began to notice quite a few quality issues. First, all of the tuner nuts and screws were loose. Not a big deal, tightened. After seeing the tone knob issue and now this, I decided to check everything. All of the bridge screws were loose and some were not seated - a couple turns out (see photo). One was completely stripped out and would not tighten up. I went ahead and plugged the stripped hole and redrilled it. Everything is fine on it now and I really like the bass. The finish is great and feels good to play. If you have played guitar for any length of time you have probably fixed issues like this on your own guitars or have a good tech that can address them. If I didn't like the bass, I would have just sent it back. For the money and a little time put into it I'm still pleased with it. There are not many short scale basses out there to choose from. I like Ibanez products but I wish they would have put a little more care into the bass I bought.

Wanted something I could just grab and take to a friends to jam. Sometimes taking more expensive gear out can a hassle. Dealing with cases and prying eyes, etc. Not the greatest bass I own, needs better tuners. The electronics are what you can expect on a bass in this price range. Sounds decent, but won't make anyone forget my SR800 or even my SR300 for that matter. It does what I want that's the important thing.

Purchased this bass guitar for my grandchildren as a starter bass. But also serves me as a good sounding base for any occasion.