Overhauling Ibanez SDGR SR305 5 String Bass

PowerBob · #1 04-27-2009, 03:20 PM

Hey guys after playing a 4 string for about nine years i have finally bought a 5 string and im looking to overhaul certain aspects of the bass over the next few months. I need you suggestions and opinions for some of the parts im thinking about changing out

Pickups-Looking for a more modern sound but with clear harmonics

Tuning keys- Gotoh or Hipshot?

Active pre-amp- Is aguilar the best? or does anyone else have any other suggestions

Bridge- I have read reviews that the basses stock bridge has been known to have problems, any suggestions, Badass? Hipshot? etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

JustDavid · #2 04-27-2009, 04:51 PM

I'm not noting any issues with my Soundgear 400 bridges; 3 old & one newer. Not sure what the reported issues would be, but there might be extremely cheap & easy fixes.

That's a lot of upgrades. (I assume hot-rodding is part of the fun. It's not for me & my opinion comes from that; hence YMMV.) It reads like this is your first 5. I suggest you consider going with the bass as-is for awhile, & the upgrade $$ might better go towards upgrading the whole bass.

PowerBob · #3 04-27-2009, 08:01 PM

Yeah i know what you mean but i really think new pickups could do a lot for it and i still am wondering how much of a difference new tuning machines can make on a bass as opposed to cheaper ones

bassgod76 · #4 04-27-2009, 08:38 PM

I've updated tuners in the past, on my Fenders. I've only used Hipshot, but it was a nice upgrade. Tuning is more precise and better tuners are usually a little lighter.
If you find any bridges that fit an Ibanez SR 4 string bass, let me know.

PowerBob · #5 04-27-2009, 08:43 PM

thanks for the input, did you try looking at the bridges hipshot offers for basses for your soundgear?

bassgod76 · #6 04-27-2009, 08:48 PM

I was looking at the Trans tone bridge, but I'm not sure about the measurements. I emailed them this afternoon for further info.

bassgod76 · #7 06-12-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

I'm not noting any issues with my Soundgear 400 bridges; 3 old & one newer. Not sure what the reported issues would be, but there might be extremely cheap & easy fixes.

That's a lot of upgrades. (I assume hot-rodding is part of the fun. It's not for me & my opinion comes from that; hence YMMV.) It reads like this is your first 5. I suggest you consider going with the bass as-is for awhile, & the upgrade $$ might better go towards upgrading the whole bass.

Just David has a good point. However, I have an old SR that I really like. It has that hi-fi artificial tone that I like to have in my collection. I plan to install HS Ultralites, EMG P and EMG BQC system. Instead of the J pickup, I was going to rout out a larger cavity for an EMG 35DC.

I saw this bass and it inspired me.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ass?sku=520312