Used Instrument
Ibanez GIO miKro GSRM20 Short-Scale Bass Guitar – Starlight Blue
A brand-name short-scale bass with real P/J tone, a fast maple neck, and a 28.6" scale that makes playing feel immediately comfortable — now available used at Spotts Music Center.
Who It's For
The Ibanez GSRM20 miKro is one of the most well-regarded short-scale basses in its class, and finding one used is a genuinely smart move for the right player. It was designed from the ground up as a compact alternative to full-size bass guitars — not a toy or a downgrade, but a thoughtfully spec'd instrument built on Ibanez's Soundgear platform with real pickups, real hardware, and real playability. The 28.6" scale length reduces string tension and reach, which translates to less hand fatigue and a lower barrier to getting around the neck. That makes it an ideal first bass for younger students and smaller-framed players, but it also earns its place as a travel bass for working musicians who need something lightweight and packable. The Starlight Blue finish is one of the more striking color options in the miKro lineup — it stands out on a stage or in a bedroom studio without being over the top.
Key Highlights
- 28.6" short-scale neck — lower string tension, easier reach, less hand fatigue
- Dynamix P (neck) and Dynamix J (bridge) passive pickup configuration for versatile tone
- Individual volume controls per pickup plus a master tone knob
- Maple neck with satin finish for smooth, low-friction playability
- Purpleheart fretboard with pearl dot inlays — visually distinctive, naturally hard-wearing
- B10 bridge with 19mm string spacing for solid string anchoring and sustain
- Chrome hardware including die-cast tuning machines
- Compact 3/4-size body — lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions
- Passive electronics — no battery required
Why You'll Love It
The Short-Scale Advantage
At 28.6 inches, the GSRM20 is noticeably easier to play than a standard 34" bass — especially for younger players or anyone with smaller hands. String bending is more forgiving, chord shapes are more accessible, and your fretting hand doesn't have to stretch as far to cover the lower positions.
P/J Pickup Versatility
The combination of a Precision-style pickup at the neck and a Jazz-style pickup at the bridge gives you a wide tonal range from a single passive instrument. Dial up the neck pickup for warm, thumpy low end; bring in the bridge pickup for added definition and bite. Use both for a balanced, full-bodied sound.
Built Like an Ibanez
The miKro shares its DNA with Ibanez's full-size GIO basses — the same quality control, the same neck profile philosophy, and the same attention to fretwork and setup standards. Buying used doesn't mean buying compromised; this is a proven platform with a long track record of happy players.
Great Fit For
- Younger students and beginners picking up bass for the first time
- Players with smaller hands who find full-scale basses uncomfortable
- Guitarists doubling on bass who want a familiar, low-tension feel
- Traveling musicians who need a compact, packable instrument
- Parents looking for a quality first bass that won't be outgrown quickly
- Home studio players who want a lightweight bass for tracking
Sound and Feel
The GSRM20 produces a warmer, slightly rounder tone compared to a full-scale bass — a natural result of its shorter scale length and the P/J pickup combination. The neck pickup leans toward the classic Precision sound: fat, punchy, and rhythmically grounded. The bridge pickup adds clarity and a sharper attack. Blending the two gets you into versatile middle ground that works across rock, pop, funk, and blues. The maple neck with its satin back finish feels fast and smooth, and the purpleheart fretboard adds just enough brightness to the top end to keep individual notes distinct. At roughly 6.5 pounds, this is a genuinely lightweight instrument that won't wear you down in a long practice session.
Specifications
Model GSRM20
Series GIO miKro
Finish Starlight Blue
Scale Length 28.6" (726mm)
Number of Frets 22 Medium
Neck Maple, GSRM4 Profile, Satin Finish
Fretboard Purpleheart
Inlays Pearl Dot
Nut Width 38mm
Neck Pickup Dynamix P (Passive)
Bridge Pickup Dynamix J (Passive)
Controls Individual Volume, Master Tone
Bridge B10, 19mm String Spacing
Hardware Chrome
Strings 4-String
Condition Used
Used gear is one of the best-kept secrets in music retail — and this little miKro is a prime example of why. You're getting a well-designed, brand-name short-scale bass at a used price, in one of the best-looking finishes Ibanez offers. Whether it's headed home with a kid who's been asking for a bass guitar, or with a guitarist who finally wants to learn the low end, this one is ready to get to work.
Have questions about condition, setup, or whether this is the right fit? We're happy to talk it through. Give us a call or send a text anytime at 814-371-5666.
