Ibanez GSRM20 SLB Starlight Blue Mikro Compact 4-String Bass - Short

In this review the Ibanez GSRM20 SLB Starlight Blue Mikro shows itself as an ideal first serious bass for beginners and a practical travel instrument for experienced players. Its main selling point is the short 28.6' scale that delivers full bass tone in a compact, comfortable package, making it especially suited to small hands, cramped stages, or tour bus use. The build quality follows the GIO series standards, so buyers get reliable setup, inspection, and playable action without the bulk or weight of a full-size bass.

Key Features

• Short 28.6' scale: Provides easier fingering and a familiar guitar-like feel for young players or those with smaller hands.
• Dynamix P neck pickup: Delivers a warm, clear bass voice that suits practice, recording, and light gigging situations.
• Jatoba fretboard with white dot inlay: Offers a smooth playing surface and a simple visual guide for fast position shifts.
• Medium frets: Make fretting comfortable and forgiving, helping beginners form clean notes and slides.
• B10 bridge with 19mm string spacing: Ensures stable intonation and a familiar string spacing for compact bass setups.
• GIO series quality control: Same setup and inspection standards as larger Ibanez models for consistent playability out of the box.

Who It's For

The GSRM20 is best for beginners, young players, and anyone who needs a compact bass for travel or tight performance spaces. Its short scale and manageable weight make it a strong choice for students moving from guitar to bass or for players who want a portable practice instrument without sacrificing tonal clarity.

Players seeking a professional, full-scale stage workhorse with extended low-end depth should look elsewhere, as the Mikro is optimized for convenience and approachability rather than deep sub-bass extension. Still, it covers rehearsals, home recording and small gigs very well.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact short scale makes playing more comfortable for smaller hands and young learners.
• Clear, versatile tone from the Dynamix P neck pickup suitable for many styles.
• Solid build and setup from the GIO line means reliable playability right away.
• Lightweight and easy to transport for travel and tight stage spaces.

Cons

• Shorter scale limits the deepest low-end presence compared with full-size basses.
• Limited pickup configuration means less tonal variety than multi-pickup instruments.

Specifications

Model	GSRM20 SLB Starlight Blue
Scale Length	28.6' short scale
Fretboard	Jatoba with white dot inlay
Frets	Medium frets
Pickup	Dynamix P neck pickup
Bridge	B10 bridge, 19mm string spacing

Our Verdict

The Ibanez GSRM20 SLB Mikro is a practical, well-made short scale bass that offers excellent value for beginners and traveling players. It delivers pleasing tonal clarity from the Dynamix P pickup and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the 28.6' scale and medium frets, making it a smart buy for those who prioritize portability and playability over extreme low-end depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this bass good for beginners?
Yes, its short scale and comfortable setup make it especially suitable for beginners and younger players.

Does it have a full bass sound?
It produces clear, usable bass tone for practice, recording, and small gigs, though it lacks the deepest lows of full-scale instruments.

What kind of bridge and spacing does it use?
It uses a B10 bridge with 19mm string spacing, which is stable and familiar for compact bass setups.