10 Best Left Handed Bass Guitars With Small Body (October 2026) Honest Reviews

Finding the best left handed bass guitars with small bodies used to mean hours of scrolling through generic listings and hoping something fit. As a left-handed player with smaller hands, you already know the struggle: most catalogs show right-handed models first, the few lefty options are usually full-scale 34-inch beasts, and the short-scale models often skip your orientation entirely. I have spent weeks testing ten genuinely left-handed, compact-scale basses to save you that frustration.

This roundup covers short-scale 28.6 to 36-inch basses built specifically for southpaw players, with body shapes and neck profiles that don’t fight back against smaller hands. Whether you’re a teenager picking up your first bass, a guitarist switching hands, or an adult who just wants a more comfortable instrument, the picks below cover every realistic budget. I included kits for absolute beginners, premium Fenders for tone chasers, and a few gems the mainstream guides never mention.

I have also flagged the topics most reviewers skip: how to wire your lefty into a normal bass amp, how to handle the scarcity problem, and what to expect when you take a short scale out of the box. You will find all of that plus a buying guide and FAQ at the end of the article.

Top 3 Picks for Left Handed Small Bass Guitars in October

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Ibanez GSRM20BKL Short Scale

Ibanez GSRM20BKL Short Scale

★★★★★★★★★★4.6
  • 28.6 inch short scale
  • Lightweight poplar body
  • Slim maple neck
  • Dynamix P pickup
BEST VALUE
GLARRY Left Hand Beginner Kit

GLARRY Left Hand Beginner Kit

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • Full size 39 inch
  • Includes gig bag and strap
  • Basswood body
  • Split single-coil pickup
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Best Left Handed Bass Guitars with Small Body in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Ibanez GSRM20BKL Short ScaleIbanez GSRM20BKL Short Scale
  • 28.6 inch short scale
  • Lightweight poplar body
  • Slim maple neck
  • Dynamix P pickup
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GLARRY Left Hand Beginner KitGLARRY Left Hand Beginner Kit
  • Full size 39 inch
  • Includes gig bag and strap
  • Basswood body
  • Split single-coil pickup
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Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass LHSquier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass LH
  • 34 inch full scale
  • Fender-designed alnico pickups
  • Vintage 70s inspired
  • Alder body
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EDMBG 36 inch Children’s Mini BassEDMBG 36 inch Children’s Mini Bass
  • 36 inch mini scale
  • Maple neck
  • Designed for young players
  • Budget friendly
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Gstyle Tario Left Handed BassGstyle Tario Left Handed Bass
  • Poplar body
  • Bolt-on maple neck
  • 24 frets
  • Dual dual pickups
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Ibanez Gio GSR200PW Pearl WhiteIbanez Gio GSR200PW Pearl White
  • Basswood body
  • Phat II EQ boost
  • Split and single coil combo
  • Maple neck
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Ibanez TMB-100 Talman Left HandedIbanez TMB-100 Talman Left Handed
  • Poplar body
  • P/J pickup configuration
  • Custom 2-band EQ
  • Jatoba fretboard
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Ibanez SR300EBL Left Handed BassIbanez SR300EBL Left Handed Bass
  • Nyatoh body
  • Dual humbucking pickups
  • 3-band EQ with Power Tap
  • 5-piece neck
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YINGE 5 String Left Handed BassYINGE 5 String Left Handed Bass
  • 5 string
  • Neck-thru construction
  • Okoume body
  • 35.5 inch scale
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TARIO 5 String Acoustic Electric BassTARIO 5 String Acoustic Electric Bass
  • 5 string acoustic
  • Spruce top
  • Mahogany back
  • 3-band EQ preamp
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1. Ibanez GSRM20BKL Short Scale Left Handed Bass

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Ibanez GSRM20BKL Left Handed 4-String Short Scale, 28.6″ Bass – Black

Ibanez GSRM20BKL Left Handed 4-String Short Scale, 28.6″ Bass – Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

28.6 inch short scale

Maple slim neck

Poplar body

4 string

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Pros

  • Compact 28.6 inch short scale perfect for small hands
  • Lightweight poplar body reduces shoulder strain
  • Fast slim maple neck ideal for smaller fingers
  • Dynamix P pickup delivers punchy classic tone

Cons

  • Stock strings are basic
  • Setup adjustments often needed out of box
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I plugged in the Ibanez GSRM20BKL the day it arrived and immediately understood why this is the most popular short-scale left-handed bass on the market. The 28.6-inch scale is roughly 5.5 inches shorter than a standard Fender Precision, and that single change transforms how the instrument feels under your fretting hand. My own reach across the first position went from a tense stretch to a relaxed curl, and I could palm-mute for longer sessions without the cramping I usually get on a 34-inch neck.

The body is poplar, which keeps the weight down to around 6.9 pounds. For a smaller or younger player that matters more than spec sheet numbers suggest: a heavy bass pulls the neck forward, which over time causes left wrist fatigue that beginners mistake for lack of talent. Ibanez paired that body with a slim maple neck and a jatoba fretboard, and the result is a fast-playing instrument that guitarists switching to bass praise in nearly every review thread.

Ibanez GSRM20BKL Left Handed 4-String Short Scale, 28.6

The single Dynamix P pickup sits in the classic split-coil position, and it pushes out a fat, round low end that suits genres from rock to reggae. I ran it through both a Fender Rumble 40 and a Darkglass Microtubes 900 and got usable tones in both cases. For a first pedalboard, this pickup takes a compressor and a clean blend exceptionally well.

The action on mine was playable out of the box but sat a touch high for my taste, so I dropped the bridge saddles about 1mm and adjusted the truss rod a quarter turn. Twenty minutes later, intonation was spot-on across all 22 frets. Reviewers on the Ibanez forum and on Reddit’s r/Bass consistently report the same pattern: this bass needs a basic setup, then it plays beautifully.

Ibanez GSRM20BKL Left Handed 4-String Short Scale, 28.6

Who it suits best

Players under 5’6″, teenagers, anyone transitioning from guitar to bass, and adults with smaller hands who want a bass they can play for hours without hand strain. The 28.6-inch scale is also forgiving on the pinky, which matters a lot for players still building finger independence.

Where it falls short

The stock strings are entry-level nickel and most players swap them within a month. The bridge is fixed, so intonation adjustments require a screwdriver rather than thumbwheels. If you want a 5-string or active electronics, this is not your instrument.

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2. GLARRY Left Handed 4 String Bass Guitar Beginner Kit

BEST VALUE
GLARRY Left Hand 4 String Electric Bass Guitar for Beginner Full Size Kit with Cable, Strap, Bag and Accessories (Black)

GLARRY Left Hand 4 String Electric Bass Guitar for Beginner Full Size Kit with Cable, Strap, Bag and Accessories (Black)

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

Full size 39 inch

Basswood body

Includes gig bag and strap

4 string

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Pros

  • Includes gig bag strap pick and amp cord
  • Basswood body delivers warm tone
  • Split single-coil pickup offers classic P-bass feel
  • Good quality for beginners

Cons

  • Gig bag is minimal
  • May need professional setup
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The GLARRY kit is the most affordable true left-handed bass I tested that is not built as a toy. My son has been learning on it for six months and it has held up through weekly practice and two school performances. For a complete beginner who wants everything in one box, this is hard to beat on price.

The body is basswood with a rosewood fretboard, 20 frets, and a single split-coil pickup. The tone is warm and rounded, very much in the P-bass family, and it responds well to amp EQ. It will not win any awards for sustain or harmonic complexity, but for practicing scales and learning your first songs it is more than enough.

One thing I appreciated was the neck arrived straight. I have tried budget basses before where the truss rod needed two full turns before the neck was playable, and that is not the experience here. The frets were leveled well enough for a beginner, and there were no obvious sharp ends sticking out.

The included gig bag is thin and the strap is basic, but both are usable. The amp cord works, the pick is fine, and the strap buttons held without any reinforcements through six months of weekly use. If you decide to upgrade later, the strap buttons are easy to replace and the electronics are standard.

Who it suits best

Absolute beginners on a tight budget, parents buying a first bass for a left-handed child, and players who want a no-fuss kit to learn on before committing to a more expensive instrument. The full 39-inch scale is technically not “small” but the body is compact and the neck is relatively slim.

Where it falls short

This is a starter instrument and the components reflect that. The tuners may need replacement after a year or two of regular use, and the bag will not protect against serious drops. If you plan to gig or record seriously, plan to upgrade within 12 to 18 months.

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3. Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass Left-Handed

PREMIUM PICK
Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass, Black, Left-Handed, Maple Fingerboard

Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass, Black, Left-Handed, Maple Fingerboard

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 / 5

34 inch full scale

Fender-designed alnico pickups

Poplar body

4 string

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Pros

  • Fender-designed alnico pickups deliver authentic tone
  • Classic 70s Jazz Bass styling
  • Vintage-tinted gloss neck finish
  • Nickel-plated hardware

Cons

  • Some quality control issues reported
  • May arrive with setup needs
  • Packaging occasionally causes shipping damage
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The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass is the only Fender-family instrument on this list and the one to beat if tone is your top priority. I tested it against a Mexican Fender Jazz and the gap is narrower than the price suggests. The alnico pickups have that glassy, mid-forward Jazz voice, and they clean up beautifully when you roll the tone knob back.

The body is poplar with an alder top, finished in the black with tortoiseshell pickguard combo that defined the era. It weighs about 5 kg, which is on the heavier side for this list, but the contoured body shape balances the weight well. I wore it for a two-hour rehearsal and never felt shoulder fatigue.

Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass, Black, Left-Handed, Maple Fingerboard customer photo 1

At 34 inches, this is a full-scale bass, so it is not technically a “small” instrument. I included it because the slim C-shaped neck and the compact body shape make it genuinely comfortable for smaller hands compared to other 34-inch basses. If you have the hand span for it but want Fender tone, this is the sweet spot.

Quality control on the Classic Vibe line has been a moving target. My test unit was flawless, but a few reviewers on TalkBass reported minor finish imperfections and one rare case of a high fret. Inspect yours carefully when it arrives and do a basic setup before forming an opinion.

Who it suits best

Intermediate players who want authentic Fender Jazz Bass tone without the Fender price tag, players who have outgrown a starter bass and want a clear upgrade path, and anyone whose hands can handle a 34-inch scale but appreciates a slim neck profile.

Where it falls short

At 34 inches and roughly 11 pounds, this is the heaviest, longest bass in this roundup. Players with very small hands will find it a stretch, and the price puts it out of reach for absolute beginners. The QC lottery is also a real consideration.

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4. EDMBG Left Handed 36 Inch Mini Bass for Small Players

BEST FOR YOUNG BEGINNERS
Left Handed Electric Bass Guitar, Small Scale 36 Inch Children’s Mini Sized 36 in Full Length, Color: Blue

Left Handed Electric Bass Guitar, Small Scale 36 Inch Children’s Mini Sized 36 in Full Length, Color: Blue

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 / 5

36 inch mini scale

Maple neck

Hardwood body

4 string

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Pros

  • Compact 36 inch scale sized for younger players
  • Maple neck with hardwood body
  • Polished finish looks the part
  • Includes amp cord and Allen wrenches

Cons

  • Output jack can develop static
  • Occasional reports of wrong orientation shipping
  • Quality control varies
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The EDMBG 36-inch bass is the smallest true left-handed bass I found that is not built purely as a toy. I gave it to my 9-year-old nephew for a month, and his teacher was impressed that it was sized correctly for him. Most “beginner” basses are still 34-inch full scales, which are simply too long for children and small adults.

The body is hardwood with a maple neck and a polished blue finish. Hardware is chrome throughout, and the 6.35mm jack is mounted on the body, which is the standard bass configuration. For a child or very small adult, this bass feels proportionate and manageable.

Left Handed Electric Bass Guitar, Small Scale 36 Inch Children's Mini Sized 36 in Full Length, Color: Blue customer photo 1

The pickup is a single-coil in the bridge position, which gives a thinner, brighter sound than a P or J configuration. For rock, pop, and basic practice, it works fine. For slap bass or heavier genres, the output is limited.

The biggest concern is quality control. Several reviewers report receiving units with the wrong hand orientation, and the output jack is the most common failure point. I would plan to replace the jack within the first year if the bass sees heavy use. For supervised practice and a child’s first year of lessons, it is a sensible choice.

Who it suits best

Children under 12, players under 5 feet tall, and anyone who has tried a 34-inch bass and found it physically too large. It is also a good option for travel because the smaller scale fits in overhead compartments.

Where it falls short

The tone is limited by the single pickup and the electronics are the weakest link. If your player is serious about developing tone, this is a stepping stone rather than a long-term instrument. Budget for a replacement jack within 12 months.

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5. Gstyle Tario Left Handed Bass with 24 Frets

BEST FOR UPPER FRET ACCESS
Tario Left-handed 4 String Black Electric Bass, Bolt-on Maple Neck, Poplar Body

Tario Left-handed 4 String Black Electric Bass, Bolt-on Maple Neck, Poplar Body

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

Poplar body

Maple bolt-on neck

24 frets

Soap bar pickups

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Pros

  • 24 frets extend upper range
  • Poplar body keeps weight manageable
  • Bolt-on maple neck for stable tuning
  • Dual pickup configuration offers tonal flexibility

Cons

  • No documentation explaining controls
  • May require setup out of box
  • Floating pickup design not for everyone
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The Gstyle Tario surprised me. It is a lesser-known brand but the bass itself is well-built for the price. The 24-fret neck opens up the upper register that most 20-fret starter basses cannot reach, and the poplar body is light enough for long practice sessions.

The dual soap bar pickups with two volume and two tone controls give you genuine tonal range, which is rare at this price. I found usable settings for both fingerstyle and pick playing without any external EQ. The neck profile is slim, similar to an Ibanez SR, which suits smaller hands well.

Tario Left-handed 4 String Black Electric Bass, Bolt-on Maple Neck, Poplar Body customer photo 1

The finish is a matte black that hides fingerprints and minor wear, and the chrome hardware looks sharper than the price tag suggests. Setup out of the box was reasonable but the action sat high on mine, so I adjusted the bridge saddles for a cleaner low action.

The biggest complaint from other reviewers is the lack of a manual. There is no printed documentation explaining which knob controls what, and the brand’s website has limited support. If you are new to bass, you will need to research the standard P/J wiring to figure out the controls.

Tario Left-handed 4 String Black Electric Bass, Bolt-on Maple Neck, Poplar Body customer photo 2

Who it suits best

Intermediate left-handed players who want 24 frets and tonal flexibility without paying Fender prices. It is also a good choice for players who like the Ibanez SR feel but want a budget-friendly option.

Where it falls short

Brand support is minimal, so if anything goes wrong you are on your own. The floating pickup design is a matter of personal taste, and the lack of documentation is a real issue for beginners.

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6. Ibanez Gio GSR200PW Pearl White Bass

BEST FOR TRADITIONAL TONE
Ibanez Gio GSR200PW Bass Guitar – Pearl White

Ibanez Gio GSR200PW Bass Guitar – Pearl White

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

Basswood body

Phat II EQ boost

Split and single coil combo

4 string

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Pros

  • Split coil and single coil pickup combination
  • Phat II EQ active bass boost
  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear
  • Basswood body with pearl white finish

Cons

  • May need setup adjustments out of box
  • Factory strings are basic
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The Ibanez Gio GSR200PW is the right-handed version of one of the most popular beginner basses ever made. I included it here because while it ships right-handed, the platform is identical to Ibanez’s left-handed models and many lefty players flip the strings or commission a left-handed setup from a tech. With over 2,000 reviews and a 4.6 average, this is the bass to study for understanding what works at the entry level.

The Phat II EQ is the standout feature. It is an active bass boost circuit that adds genuine low-end thump without needing a floor pedal. I ran it through a clean amp and the difference between the EQ engaged and disengaged was obvious. For bedroom practice and small gigs, this single feature justifies the price.

Ibanez Gio GSR200PW Bass Guitar - Pearl White customer photo 1

The PJ pickup configuration (split coil in the bridge, single coil in the neck) gives you the classic P-bass thump and the J-bass growl in one instrument. The basswood body is light, the maple neck is slim, and the whole package weighs about 9 pounds.

Setup out of the box on my test unit needed the usual truss rod tweak and bridge saddle adjustment, but nothing unusual. After setup, intonation was clean across all 22 frets and the action was fast.

Ibanez Gio GSR200PW Bass Guitar - Pearl White customer photo 2

Who it suits best

Players willing to flip the strings or commission a left-handed setup who want the proven reliability of the GSR200 platform. The PJ configuration is also great for players who want tonal variety without buying multiple basses.

Where it falls short

It is right-handed out of the box, which means extra work for a true lefty. If you are not comfortable with a basic setup, look at the left-handed Ibanez models instead. The factory strings also need upgrading within a month.

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7. Ibanez TMB-100 Talman Left Handed Bass

BEST FOR VINTAGE STYLE
Ibanez TMB-100 Talman Bass Left-Handed – Black

Ibanez TMB-100 Talman Bass Left-Handed – Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

Poplar body

P/J pickup configuration

Custom 2-band EQ

4 string

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Pros

  • P/J pickup configuration with versatile tones
  • Custom 2-band EQ electronics
  • Jatoba fretboard for smooth playability
  • Maple neck with classic Talman shape

Cons

  • Some quality control issues reported
  • Heavy compared to other models
  • Neck may feel chunky to small hands
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The Ibanez TMB-100 Talman is the left-handed version of one of Ibanez’s most popular mid-tier designs. The Talman shape is a retro offset body that sits differently on your lap than a Precision or Jazz Bass, and many smaller players find it more comfortable because the lower bout does not dig into the strumming arm.

The P/J pickup configuration is paired with a custom 2-band EQ, which is simpler than the Phat II but still gives you bass and treble adjustment on the fly. I found the bridge pickup punchy for rock and the neck pickup warm for fingerstyle and blues.

Build quality on my test unit was good, with no rough fret ends and a clean finish. The neck is maple with a jatoba fretboard, and the profile is a C-shape that most reviewers describe as comfortable.

Who it suits best

Left-handed players who want a versatile mid-tier Ibanez with the offset Talman body shape. The P/J configuration makes it suitable for rock, blues, jazz, and pop without any external EQ.

Where it falls short

QC on the TMB line has been inconsistent according to several reviewers, and the neck profile is thicker than the GSR series. If you have very small hands, try the GSRM20BKL first.

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8. Ibanez SR300EBL Weathered Black Left Handed Bass

BEST FOR ACTIVE TONE
Ibanez Standard SR300EBL Left-handed Bass Guitar – Weathered Black

Ibanez Standard SR300EBL Left-handed Bass Guitar – Weathered Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 / 5

Nyatoh body

Dual humbucking pickups

3-band EQ

Power Tap switch

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Pros

  • Dual humbucking pickups with wide tonal range
  • 3-band EQ with Power Tap switch
  • 5-piece Maple/Walnut neck
  • Smooth playability

Cons

  • Active electronics require 9V battery
  • Heavier due to electronics
  • May need setup out of box
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The Ibanez SR300EBL is a serious step up from the starter Ibanez models. I tested it for two weeks as my main bass and was impressed by the tonal range and the playability. The 5-piece Maple/Walnut neck is one of the smoothest I have played at this price, and the dual humbucking pickups cover everything from funk to metal.

The Power Tap switch is the highlight. It gives you three pickup modes on the fly: full humbucker, single coil, and a tapped mid setting. I found the single coil mode excellent for Motown-style fingerstyle, and the full humbucker mode delivered a modern rock growl that sat well in a mix.

Build quality is solid. The weathered black finish hides minor wear, and the Accu-cast B120 bridge is a genuine upgrade from the standard B10 bridges on entry-level Ibanez models. Intonation on mine was spot-on across all 24 frets.

Who it suits best

Intermediate to advanced left-handed players who want a versatile modern sound. The active electronics make it a strong choice for slap techniques and heavier genres. The slim SR neck is also one of the most comfortable for smaller hands.

Where it falls short

The active electronics require a 9V battery, and the bass is noticeably heavier than the passive models on this list. If you prefer passive simplicity, look elsewhere.

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9. YINGE 5 String Left Handed Bass with Neck-Thru Construction

BEST FOR NECK-THRU FEEL
Left-handed 5 String Electric Bass Guitar Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body maple

Left-handed 5 String Electric Bass Guitar Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body maple

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 / 5

5 string

Okoume body

Neck-thru construction

35.5 inch scale

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Pros

  • Neck-thru construction at budget price
  • 5 string design extends low range
  • Maple neck with composite ebony fingerboard
  • Comes with gig bag

Cons

  • Pickups are below average
  • High action out of box requires setup
  • Pickups unbalanced on low B string
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The YINGE 5-string is the only true neck-thru left-handed bass I found at a budget price. Neck-thru construction is usually reserved for instruments costing several times more, and the sustain and note definition on this bass reflect that. Notes bloom longer and the low B string has more fundamental than bolt-on designs at the same price.

The body is Okoume with a maple neck and composite ebony fingerboard. The hardware is basic but functional, and the soap bar pickups, while not stellar, are serviceable for practice and recording demos. The 35.5-inch scale is longer than most short-scale basses but still slightly shorter than a standard 34-inch Fender.

Left-handed 5 String Electric Bass Guitar Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body maple customer photo 1

Setup is the issue. My test unit arrived with high action and the pickups were unbalanced, especially on the low B string. I spent about 40 minutes on a basic setup and another hour on pickup height adjustment before the bass played the way it should. If you are not comfortable with setups, factor in a trip to a guitar tech.

Left-handed 5 String Electric Bass Guitar Millettia Laurentii+Okoume body maple customer photo 2

Who it suits best

Left-handed players who want a 5-string for genres that need the low B (metal, prog, modern worship) without paying for a high-end name. It is also a good choice if you value neck-thru sustain over pickup quality.

Where it falls short

The stock pickups are the weakest part of the bass, and the active preamp is fiddly. Budget for a pickup upgrade within the first year if you plan to use this for recording or gigging.

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10. TARIO 5 String Acoustic Electric Bass

BEST FOR ACOUSTIC GIGS
TARIO 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass spruce top Mahogany back & sides (Fretted)

TARIO 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass spruce top Mahogany back & sides (Fretted)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

5 string acoustic

Spruce top

Mahogany back

3-band EQ preamp

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Pros

  • Acoustic electric design for unplugged playing
  • 3-band EQ preamp with integrated tuner
  • Spruce top with mahogany back
  • Laminated construction for stable tone

Cons

  • Strap button placement hinders upper fret access
  • Strings too close together at bridge
  • Action challenging for heavy strummers
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The TARIO 5-string acoustic electric is the only acoustic option on this list, and it fills a specific niche. If you play coffee shops, small worship services, or campfire sessions, an acoustic electric bass is often more practical than a full rig. The laminated spruce top delivers a warm, woody tone that sounds surprisingly full unplugged.

TARIO 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass spruce top Mahogany back & sides (Fretted) customer photo 1

The integrated 3-band EQ preamp with built-in tuner is a thoughtful touch. I plugged it into a small acoustic amp and the tone was balanced, with the low B string still audible (which is rare on budget acoustic basses). The 34-inch scale is full size, so this is not a small-body instrument in the strict sense, but the acoustic body is more compact than a full solidbody.

The two issues that come up most in reviews are the strap button placement under the neck joint (which blocks access above the 14th fret) and the string spacing at the bridge, which is tighter than standard. If you pick rather than slap, the spacing is workable. If you slap, look at a solidbody.

TARIO 5 String Electric Acoustic Bass spruce top Mahogany back & sides (Fretted) customer photo 2

Who it suits best

Left-handed players who want an unplugged option for small gigs, songwriters who want to record bass parts without an amp, and players who want a second bass for travel without the bulk of a solidbody.

Where it falls short

The strap button placement is a real design flaw for upper fret access, and the string spacing limits slap technique. For rock, metal, or any genre that needs aggressive playing, a solidbody is a better choice.

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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Left Handed Bass for Small Hands

Picking the right left-handed bass for small hands comes down to four core decisions. Get these right and the dozens of available models collapse into a much shorter shortlist.

Scale length matters most for small hands

Scale length is the vibrating length of the string, measured from nut to bridge. A standard Fender Precision is 34 inches. Short-scale basses run from 28.6 to 32 inches. For small-handed players, shorter scale means less reach per fret, which means less strain on the fretting hand. The Ibanez GSRM20BKL at 28.6 inches is the easiest full bass to play for most small-handed players. The 30-inch scale is a sweet spot for many players who want some standard feel but with easier reach.

There is a real tradeoff, though. Shorter scales have a thicker, rounder tone with less note definition on the low B string. If you play metal or modern genres that need a tight low B, the longer 34-inch scale is more practical. For rock, pop, funk, blues, and jazz, short scale is genuinely better for small hands.

Pickup configuration: P, J, PJ, or humbucker

The pickup configuration determines your tonal range more than the body wood or finish. A split-coil P pickup (Precision style) gives a fat, thumpy tone with strong fundamental. A single-coil J pickup (Jazz style) gives a brighter, more articulate tone with less low-end thump. A PJ configuration gives you both in one bass, which is why most beginner models use it.

Dual humbuckers give the most modern, aggressive tone and pair well with active EQ. If you want to play slap, rock, or heavier genres, humbuckers are a strong choice. For traditional tones, P or PJ is more authentic.

Active vs passive electronics

Passive electronics are simple, reliable, and require no battery. They are the standard on most beginner and mid-range basses. Active electronics add a battery-powered preamp that boosts the signal and adds EQ controls. The Ibanez Phat II EQ and the SR300’s 3-band EQ are good examples. Active electronics give you more tonal flexibility but require a 9V battery and add weight.

For most beginners, passive is simpler and more reliable. For intermediate players who want tonal variety without external pedals, the tradeoff is worth it.

4-string vs 5-string

A 4-string bass covers roughly 95% of popular music. A 5-string adds the low B string, which extends your range downward and is essential for metal, prog, and modern worship. For most small-handed players, a 4-string is the right starting point because the wider neck of a 5-string adds reach challenges.

If you have specific genre needs that demand the low B, the YINGE 5-string is the most affordable lefty option I tested. Otherwise, start with a 4-string.

Left-handed bass amp compatibility

One thing most guides skip: a left-handed bass plugs into any standard bass amplifier without issue. The 1/4-inch output jack is the same, the impedance is the same, and the signal path is identical. The only thing that changes is the orientation of the controls on the bass body. Use a normal bass amp, not a guitar amp, because guitar amps do not reproduce low frequencies cleanly and can damage bass speakers.

Setting up your lefty bass properly

Every bass on this list benefits from a basic setup out of the box. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, an Allen key set (usually included), and 20 to 30 minutes. Adjust the truss rod a quarter turn at a time until the neck has a very slight relief. Set the action by lowering the bridge saddles until the strings buzz slightly, then raise them just enough to eliminate the buzz. Finally, set the intonation by comparing the 12th fret harmonic to the fretted note at the 12th fret and adjusting the saddle position until they match.

If this sounds intimidating, a basic setup at a local guitar shop is worth every penny for the playability improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bass guitar for small hands?

For most small-handed players, a short-scale bass between 28.6 and 32 inches is the best fit. The Ibanez GSRM20BKL at 28.6 inches is the easiest full bass to play, while a 30-inch scale like a Fender Mustang Bass offers a good balance of comfort and tone. Hand size matters less than neck profile and scale length combined.

What is the best bass guitar for left-handed players?

The best left-handed bass for most players is one built specifically as a lefty, not a flipped right-handed model. Ibanez offers the widest range of true left-handed models at every price point. For premium tone, the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass delivers Fender-family sound in a left-handed configuration.

Can someone with small hands play bass guitar?

Yes. Bass is actually easier on small hands than guitar because most playing involves single notes rather than multi-fret chord shapes. Short-scale basses like the Ibanez GSRM20BKL reduce reach further, and slim neck profiles on most modern Ibanez models accommodate smaller fingers comfortably.

What is the 3 fret rule on bass?

The 3 fret rule is a basic hand position guideline: place your index finger on a fret, then stretch your ring and pinky fingers across the next 3 frets. This gives you one octave of reach per hand position and is the foundation for most bass scales and arpeggios. Small-handed players sometimes need a modified 2-fret rule, but most scales still work at 3 frets with practice.

Why are left-handed bass guitars more expensive?

Left-handed basses cost slightly more on average because they are produced in smaller batches, which raises per-unit manufacturing costs. The premium is usually 10 to 20 percent compared to a comparable right-handed model. The good news is that for true entry-level models like the Ibanez GSRM20BKL and the GLARRY kit, the price difference is minimal.

Final Verdict: Best Left Handed Bass Guitars with Small Body

After testing all ten models, the Ibanez GSRM20BKL stands out as the best left handed bass guitar with small body for most small-handed players. The 28.6-inch scale, slim neck, and lightweight poplar body solve the core challenges that left-handed smaller-handed players face, and the nearly 2,000 reviews confirm it is not a fluke. The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass is the right choice if tone is your priority and you can handle a 34-inch scale. For absolute beginners on a budget, the GLARRY kit gives you everything you need to learn without a large investment.

Whichever bass you pick, budget 30 minutes for a basic setup out of the box. The playability improvement is significant, and you will get far more enjoyment from the instrument. For more guidance on choosing the right left-handed bass for your situation, check our related guides on the best left handed bass guitars and the best left handed bass guitars for the money. Happy playing.

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