I want to buy a miniature bass. It isn't as chunky or uncomfortable as a large bass, and it's cheaper, but when I asked the salesperson about it, he gave me a strange look, that said "You're not a child, nor are you a midget. You should buy a larger, more expensive bass". What is the harm in playing small basses?
no harm, les you can do with them and you look less cool but might be better to start and learn with a smaller one, he could jsut want a larger commision on a more expensive bass
But that's the thing! Who says it's cool to play a big bass? It's different, peculiar. I'm going ahead and buying it.
dont worry about what other people think! and dont be ashamed about it, if its something you wanna do, then do it.
Basses are way too big, IMO, for the majority of average size musicians. Also, some people have pretty small hands, like myself. Smaller, short scale basses are the answer. If it's comfortable, you play it far better!