Ibanez GSRM20B-WK

Short-Scale Bass Built for Real Players

The Ibanez GSRM20B-WK brings the miKro series philosophy to life: a compact, gig-ready short-scale bass that doesn't compromise on tone. At 726 mm, the scale sits well below a standard bass, making it ideal for younger players, guitarists crossing over, and anyone who finds a full-scale instrument physically demanding. The matte Weathered Black finish keeps the visual profile understated while the SR-derived body shape retains the contouring Ibanez is known for.

What Sets the miKro Apart

Two design choices make this bass stand out in the short-scale category. The Bound Purpleheart fretboard is unusual at this tier — a dense tropical hardwood that adds brightness and clarity to each note, while the binding gives the neck a finished look. The B10 bridge is fully adjustable for intonation and saddle height, rare on entry-level instruments and a real advantage for players who want to dial in their setup properly.

Short Scale, Easy Reach

At 726 mm, the scale sits in a sweet spot between a guitar and a standard 864 mm bass. Shorter string span means less stretching between frets, lowering the barrier for beginners and reducing fatigue during long practice or performance sessions. Bolt-on Maple construction adds rigidity and a bright tonal foundation, while the slim GSRM4 neck profile keeps the playing position comfortable for hands of all sizes.

• Scale Length: 726 mm — short-scale reach, easier on smaller hands
• Neck Width at Nut: 38 mm — narrow enough for guitar players transitioning to bass
• Fingerboard Radius: 350 mm — a flatter, modern feel for fast playing
• Frets: 22 medium frets — enough range for upper-position work

Lightweight Okoume Body

Okoume is a tonewood more commonly found in mid-priced acoustics, and its use here keeps the GSRM20B-WK light enough for hours of standing play without shoulder strain. The matte Weathered Black finish hides wear from regular handling, while the SR-style body shape provides the upper-bout scoop that makes the upper frets reachable from a seated position.

• Body Material: Okoume — light, resonant, balanced on a strap
• Neck Material: Maple — brightness and structural stability
• Fretboard Material: Purpleheart — dense hardwood with clear note definition
• Construction: Bolt-on — straightforward, serviceable neck joint

Passive P/J Pickup Setup

Passive Dynamix P/J configuration is the most widely used pickup layout in bass history. The split-coil neck pickup delivers round, fundamental-heavy tone for reggae and classic rock, while the bridge single-coil adds the bright edge needed for slap and funk. Individual pickup volumes and a master tone give full control of the blend without needing a battery on stage.

• Neck Pickup: Dynamix P (Passive) — split-coil warmth and low-end weight
• Bridge Pickup: Dynamix J (Passive) — brighter, more articulate single-coil voice
• Controls: Master Tone, Neck Volume, Bridge Volume — full passive control
• Bridge: B10 — fully adjustable intonation and string height
• String Gauge: .045 / .065 / .085 / .105 — light setup suited to short scale

Ideal for Beginners, Travelers, and Crossover Players

This model is the right choice for beginners who want a real instrument rather than a starter pack, and for younger players whose hands aren't ready for a 864 mm scale bass. It's also a compact travel instrument for working players who need something that fits in an overhead locker or a small studio corner. Guitarists will find the 38 mm nut width and short scale familiar, while the PJ pickup layout covers enough tonal ground for live performance in a band context.

The Ibanez miKro Series

Ibanez has built its reputation on instruments that solve real player problems, and the miKro series answers the demand for a properly built short-scale bass. The GSRM20B-WK sits in the GIO tier — Ibanez's entry-level line — but shares the same factory inspection and quality control as the brand's higher-priced models. The miKro range has become a favorite of bass teachers because the short scale lets younger students focus on technique rather than fighting the instrument.