I want to upgrade my Ibanez GSR200 - what pu's can I upgrade to?

BahamaBass · #1 03-01-2009, 10:10 AM

I really like the action of my GSR200 but the sound is a little thin and was wondering if there were any pickups I could install than would upgrade the sound.

thanks.

Mad Russian · #2 03-01-2009, 10:16 AM

EMG P/J Actives. They run about $175.

fireintheskies · #3 03-01-2009, 11:04 AM

I have the same bass and am looking to do the same. Everyone's told me the same thing: EMG active

BahamaBass · #4 03-01-2009, 11:10 AM

emg...sounds like the best to go with. i don't mind spending $175 on good pu's if they'll make my bass sound better.

Mad Russian · #5 03-01-2009, 01:01 PM

If you are going to spend 175 on PU's - I may suggest just getting a new bass. I was checking out an Ibanez SR500 series the other day. Really nice bass for <$500.

I had a GSR200 that I put the EMGS into. When I went to sell it - I put the stocks back into it. It really wasnt THAT big of a difference in sound. Not worth $200 IMO.

BahamaBass · #6 03-01-2009, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Russian

If you are going to spend 175 on PU's - I may suggest just getting a new bass. I was checking out an Ibanez SR500 series the other day. Really nice bass for <$500.

I had a GSR200 that I put the EMGS into. When I went to sell it - I put the stocks back into it. It really wasnt THAT big of a difference in sound. Not worth $200 IMO.

thanks. I already have a GSR200 I spent like $300 on it over here in the Bahamas. would need to spend $200+ on airfare and around $80 on hotel and then there's taxi to the music store. that bass will end up costing me much more than $500. I can order some pu's online and get them installed over here. would be cheaper than buying another bass.

The GSR200 will just be my travel bass for now. I plan on immigrating to Australia in 6 months time and then once settled I can purchase a better bass guitar. and then have the GSR200 as backup bass guitar.

fullrangebass · #7 03-01-2009, 01:20 PM

What kind of tone are you after? This is the most important question

If the tone you are afer is huge, full with warmth and clarity, then look no further from Villex pickups

www. villex.com

BahamaBass · #8 03-01-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullrangebass

What kind of tone are you after? This is the most important question

If the tone you are afer is huge, full with warmth and clarity, then look no further from Villex pickups

www. villex.com

looking for my sound.

but something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6x--c9SZak

fullrangebass · #9 03-02-2009, 02:29 AM

"Looking for my sound" is VERY vague (yet very specific), and trust me, the ONLY way to find YOUR sound is to try mostly EVERYTHING that is out there. I've done it and it's an expensive quest.

Villex pickups give you that kind of tone (and then some)

There are couple of Villex clips on youtube. Here are the links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uetw...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlGTqOIU9qM

ashtray9 · #10 03-02-2009, 05:39 AM

Don't do it. I had the same bass and installed some barts... still sounded awful. No replacement for good wood and construction. Save for a better bass.

BahamaBass · #11 03-02-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtray9

Don't do it. I had the same bass and installed some barts... still sounded awful. No replacement for good wood and construction. Save for a better bass.

Thanks fullrangebass for the links.

Oh ok sounds like even with new pu's wont really make much of a difference. I do own a Yamaha RBX170 which sounds better. the action on it is good. little thicker neck to get my small hands around but maybe the extra wood makes a difference.

BahamaBass · #12 03-02-2009, 02:31 PM

I have to go to the states in a month or so and can upgrade. what do you guys think about the Ibanez SR530?

ashtray9 · #13 03-03-2009, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BahamaBass

I have to go to the states in a month or so and can upgrade. what do you guys think about the Ibanez SR530?

The SR530 looks pretty good. I'm sure you can get it at a steal if you look around. I just bought the SR750 new for $600 and am very happy with the construction... however on this bass I WILL be replacing the korean pickups with real barts. I hear they are a very big improvement.

BahamaBass · #14 03-03-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtray9

The SR530 looks pretty good. I'm sure you can get it at a steal if you look around. I just bought the SR750 new for $600 and am very happy with the construction... however on this bass I WILL be replacing the korean pickups with real barts. I hear they are a very big improvement.

it looks real nice.