Both are great short-scale basses; GSRM20 is bare bones, GSRM20B adds a bundled value.

You want a small bass that still sounds full. The Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B debate pops up for travel players and beginners. I tested both. I found the GSRM20 clean and simple. The GSRM20B brings a bundle and slightly different finish. I’ll walk you through real use, so you can pick the right Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B for your needs.

Is Ibanez GSRM20 Good?

I say yes. The Ibanez GSRM20 is a solid short-scale bass. It fits small hands well. It is light and easy to gig with. For beginners and travelers it is a clear choice. In my practice room, it sat comfortably on a lap and sounded fuller than I expected. I used it for a ferry ride jam and for late-night bedroom practice. The neck never felt cramped. The tone is warm and direct. The Ibanez GSRM20 gave me clear low end even with light fingers.

Anecdote time: I took the Ibanez GSRM20 on a weekend trip. I played simple grooves on a porch. Neighbors asked where my full bass was. The small body fooled them. Another time I taught a teen student on the GSRM20. She learned finger position fast. The short scale made stretches easy. These real moments showed me the GSRM20 is practical and forgiving.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Short 28.6″ scale that suits small hands and travel.
• Lightweight poplar body for easy carry.
• Single MM pickup delivering punchy, classic tone.
• Maple neck with rosewood fretboard for a warm feel.
• Simple controls: one volume and one tone.

What I Like

• Very comfortable for long practice sessions.
• Surprisingly full low end for its size.
• Simple setup makes it easy to maintain.
• Great starter bass for new players.
• Affordable and friendly to beginners on a budget.

What Could Be Better

• Pickup is basic; lacks tonal variety.
• Finish options are limited compared to higher models.
• Hardware is entry-level; may need upgrade for heavy gigging.

My Recommendation

If you want a compact, playable short-scale bass, the GSRM20 is a strong, affordable pick.

Best For	Why
Beginners	Easy neck and simple controls speed learning.
Travelers	Short scale and light body make transport easy.
Bedroom players	Quiet practice and full tone in small spaces.

Is Ibanez GSRM20B Good?

Yes, with extras. The Ibanez GSRM20B is the bundle version of the short-scale bass. It offers the same playability as the GSRM20. It adds a gig bag, tuner, cable, strap, and cloth. That bundle makes it beginner-ready. I tried the GSRM20B straight from the box. The included gig bag saved me a separate buy. The tuner was handy and accurate. The bundled cable worked fine for practice.

Anecdote: I lent the GSRM20B bundle to a friend who wanted to start bass. He plugged in and played right away. No extra shopping. The strap was sturdy enough for standing practice. He liked the weathered black finish. Later I used the gig bag for a subway commute. It fit nicely and protected the bass. The bundle aspect makes the Ibanez GSRM20B ideal for people who want a complete starter kit.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Same short 28.6″ scale for ease of play.
• Bundle includes gig bag, tuner, strap, cable, and cloth.
• Weathered black finish for a worn-in look.
• Poplar body and maple neck for balanced tone.
• Single MM pickup with simple tone control.

What I Like

• Everything you need to start is included.
• Sound and feel match the standalone GSRM20.
• Good value for first-time buyers.
• Gig bag is lightweight and practical.
• Tuner and cable remove the first-gear hassle.

What Could Be Better

• Bundle accessories are functional but basic.
• Finish may show wear faster if used heavily.
• Hardware is entry-level; consider upgrades for live bands.

My Recommendation

Choose the GSRM20B if you want a ready-to-play kit with no extra purchases.

Best For	Why
New players	Includes all starter gear in one buy.
Gift buyers	Ready-to-play package is convenient.
Commuters	Gig bag protects the bass on the move.

Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B: Side-by-Side Test

I ran both basses through practice, travel, and teaching sessions. This direct look at the Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B shows real differences. I compare tone, build, electronics, playability, portability, and value. Read each part to see which fits your life.

Tone & Sound: Which One Rings True?

Both models share the same pickup and woods, so sound is close. Here’s a direct view.

Feature	Ibanez GSRM20	Ibanez GSRM20B
Pickup type	MM single pickup	MM single pickup
Tone warmth	Warm and rounded	Warm and rounded
Low-end presence	Good for size	Good for size
Volume headroom	Moderate	Moderate

Ibanez GSRM20 – 7/10 | Ibanez GSRM20B – 7/10

“Tone is essentially the same. Both give warm, clear short-scale sound. No clear tone winner.”

Build & Feel: Which One Is Better Built?

Feel and finish matter when you play long. The comparison below shows the details.

Feature	Ibanez GSRM20	Ibanez GSRM20B
Body wood	Poplar	Poplar
Neck	Maple	Maple
Finish	Standard	Weathered Black
Hardware	Entry-level	Entry-level

Ibanez GSRM20 – 8/10 | Ibanez GSRM20B – 8/10

“Build is the same. GSRM20B’s weathered finish adds style but not strength.”

Electronics & Hardware: Which Controls Are Better?

Electronics are simple. Here’s how they compare.

Feature	Ibanez GSRM20	Ibanez GSRM20B
Pickup controls	1 vol, 1 tone	1 vol, 1 tone
Bridge	Standard fixed	Standard fixed
Tuners	Standard	Standard
Mod upgrade potential	Good	Good

Ibanez GSRM20 – 6.5/10 | Ibanez GSRM20B – 6.5/10

“Electronics are basic. Both share the same limitations and upgrade paths.”

Playability & Setup: Which Feels Easier?

Short scale is the highlight here. Playability is key for beginners.

Feature	Ibanez GSRM20	Ibanez GSRM20B
Neck feel	Slim, fast	Slim, fast
Action out of box	Playable	Playable
Setup needed	Minor tweaks	Minor tweaks
Comfort for small hands	Excellent	Excellent

Ibanez GSRM20 – 8.5/10 | Ibanez GSRM20B – 8.5/10

“Both win on playability. Short scale necks make learning and jamming easy.”

Portability & Bundles: Which Is More Ready?

Here the GSRM20B shines because of included gear.

Feature	Ibanez GSRM20	Ibanez GSRM20B
Included gig bag	No	Yes
Tuner	No	Yes
Cable & strap	No	Yes
Ready-to-play	No	Yes

Ibanez GSRM20 – 6/10 | Ibanez GSRM20B – 9/10

“GSRM20B wins portability and value in the box. It’s ready to use out of the bag.”

Value for Money: Which Gives More?

Price and extras shape this view. Here’s a clear layout.

Feature	Ibanez GSRM20	Ibanez GSRM20B
MSRP vs bundle	Lower for body only	Higher, includes extras
Accessories cost saved	You pay extra	All included
Long-term value	Good if you already have gear	Better for new players
Resale simplicity	Simple	Good; includes extras to sell

Ibanez GSRM20 – 7/10 | Ibanez GSRM20B – 9/10

“GSRM20B offers the stronger immediate value thanks to included items. GSRM20 is cheaper if you already own gear.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Both the Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B give the same play feel and tone. Choose the GSRM20 solo if you already have a bag, tuner, and cable. Pick the GSRM20B if you want a ready-to-play package and better immediate value.

If you travel or teach, the GSRM20B bundle often saves money and fuss. If you want the lowest upfront cost and will customize gear, the GSRM20 is a fine pick. Both are reliable short-scale basses.

FAQs Of Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B

What is the main difference between Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B?

The main difference is the bundle. The GSRM20B includes a gig bag, tuner, cable, strap, and cloth. The basses otherwise share specs.

Do the Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B sound different?

No. Sound and electronics are essentially the same. Any tonal difference is from finish or setup, not the model name.

Which is better for beginners: Ibanez GSRM20 or GSRM20B?

GSRM20B is better for beginners. It includes accessories you need to start playing right away.

Are parts and upgrades the same for Ibanez GSRM20 vs GSRM20B?

Yes. Both use the same neck, body, and hardware design. Upgrades fit either model.

Is the GSRM20B worth the extra cost compared to GSRM20?

If you need a bag, tuner, and cable, yes. The bundle can save time and money. If you already own gear, the base GSRM20 may be the smarter buy.