ESP LTD SURVEYOR 415 VS Ibanez SR505!

RivalBass · #1 03-07-2011, 05:18 PM

SO I am in the market for a new bass under $600usd that has 5 strings, active pickups, light weight, fast neck. I typically play rock, jazz, indie varieties. fingers 90% of the time.

I came across the ibby SR505 ($580usd) at the store and felt that it would be a good choice for the running. Good tone, size, feel. Not crazy about the finish, but it works. It is available with a maple fretboard which is a nice option.

After a bit of searching online, I saw that the ESP LTD Surveyor-415 has a new edition coming out,which seems to have marked down the old version quite a bit ($729 now $500). I haven't gotten a chance to play it but I have a feeling it is comparable to the SR505. Cant find how much it weighs.

The confusing thing is, it seems that the new version having the same model number is also marked down. Is that a limited time offer? Here's a link:

http://backstage.musiciansfriend.com...n=surveyor+415

Side note, is the MSRP any inidication of the value of an instrument...For example in this case, the Ibanez MSRP Is $773 while the Survey415 is $1142 (new version MSRP $1041, so something must be different).

Both basses are made in Korea.

My question is, has anyone played the Surveyor? How does it compare to the SR505? Is it a lot heavier? How is the string spacing? AND how do the EMGs compare to the Barts?

Here are the specs of the two for comparison.

ESP LTD Surveyor 415:

Bolt-on construction
34" Scale
Swamp ash body
Quilted maple top
Maple neck
Maple fingerboard
8mm standard nut
U-neck contour
21 XJ frets
Wilkinson licensed bridge

EMG MMTW bridge pickup
EMG25P4 neck pickup
active pickup with B-30 Rev-S
3-Band EQ and mini switch coil tap (bridge pickup)

Ibanez SR505M:

5-piece jatoba/bubinga neck
Mahogany body
24 medium frets
Rosewood or maple fingerboard
Accu-Cast B25 bridge

Bartolini MK1-5 neck pickup
Bartolini MK1-5 bridge pickup
Abalone oval inlay
Bartolini MK1 3-Band EQ

Thanks in advance for any advice!

mmbongo · #2 03-07-2011, 06:00 PM

These basses will have a totally different feel, so you should play each to see which you like better. For instance, they are on opposite sides of the fence on string spacing...what spacing do you prefer?

RivalBass · #3 03-07-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

These basses will have a totally different feel, so you should play each to see which you like better. For instance, they are on opposite sides of the fence on string spacing...what spacing do you prefer?

I have played the SR505 and was happy with it. I think the Surveyor415 is a good deal, but cant seem to find a dealer that has it in stock. Thats why I am looking to see if anyone has tried both.

This would be my first 5 string, so I don't have an exact preference for string spacing. I'll adjust. I suppose I dont want a massive neck.

What are some things to consider/that stand out for string spacing? Would I benefit more from tighter spacing if I like soloing/quick changing music?

JoZac21 · #4 03-07-2011, 06:50 PM

Just bought a ESP LTD B-406sm... after a few weeks of playing it, I'd have to advise anyone and everyone to pick up one of these basses (your # of strings based on preference) and take the extra money and mod the electronics... for $600 you WILL wind up w. a bass that plays and sounds like it cost over a grand... IMO, YMMV, etc.

mmbongo · #5 03-07-2011, 06:54 PM

Just keep in mind the Ibanez will most likely need a pickup swap for sure. Not so with the LTD.

BigOldHarry · #6 03-07-2011, 07:10 PM

Used...

JoeVictim · #7 03-07-2011, 08:07 PM

Lakland 55-01?

EdwardYSC · #8 03-07-2011, 08:24 PM

The EMG pickups on LTD are US made, you can swap other EMG pickups easier
mini switch coil tap also gives you more versatile

JimiLL · #9 03-07-2011, 08:24 PM

Used.....Id look for an older 5 string SR with real barts or EMG's in it.

Something MIJ would be nice for you.

JimiLL · #10 03-07-2011, 08:29 PM

Something like this :

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ibanez-SR905-Sou...item1e620b32ab

And this made me consider tradin my Warwick in!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-Ibanez...item2eb3b01e08

insomniac2295 · #11 03-07-2011, 10:24 PM

That LTD is saweeeet looking!

darkstorm · #12 03-08-2011, 12:15 AM

I like the esp ltds better overall in the end myself. But both are very nice.

aproud1 · #13 03-08-2011, 06:50 AM

I'd keep an eye out for a used MIA Peavey Millenium or a Carvin.

logicman69 · #14 03-08-2011, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeVictim

Lakland 55-01?

Agreed! You can find a used Lakland for about $600.

RivalBass · #15 03-10-2011, 11:26 PM

So after watching this poll for a week or so I have decided to definitely buy used. I am most likely going to opt for the sound gear based on the poll results. I did find a used SR700 for the same cost of the SR500 at my local guitar store. I want a 5 string, but that seems like a good deal.

Thanks again for everyone's 2 cents.

onlydead · #16 03-14-2011, 10:03 AM

SR is more brutal form,good for jazz,funk etc.But it has no own sound.The pick-ups are not universal.ESP is a good copy of jazz bass with humbs and bid number of possibilities of sound.EMG sounds better.
Mahogany is good for Les Paul,alder and ash is good for basses...so i vote for ESP!

energyflux00 · #17 03-14-2011, 02:46 PM

May I inject an opinion here? If you are going to buy an ESP at that price range, I would go with the ESP LTD D-5. 5 pieces maple/mahogany neck thru body. Rosewood fretboard. Merbau body. The ONLY thing I don't like about it is the merbau body as it is an endangered wood in Indonesia due to its use as a hardwood floor.

The ESP Guitar Company | 2011 USA Website

It is a heavy, very solid bass with incredible versatility and very good sustain and tone. It has a thin neck for a 5 string, which is nice for speed.

Its value is incredible. You can't beat it at that price range. It is around $430 bucks new.

Active ESP pickups.

The only thing that might get annoying is that it has this midrange-high honk that you CAN get rid of by including a 1-15 in your rig, but might prove to be a bit difficult with only a 2-10 or 4-10 cab. It gets a little annoying practicing by yourself, however it certainly is useful for cutting through drums and guitar in a live situation.

The lows are really sick, and you can tell they put a lot of focus on the lows in designing this bass. The highs are also really great... you can make it sound like a guitar if you want in the right range. Incredibly versatile bass.

Its an incredible value for a 5 string. I have no complaints. Action, feel, and sound is wonderful for a bass at this price.

At the very least play one and compare it to the Surveyor. The Surveyor is bolt-on I believe...

WingnutMax · #18 03-27-2012, 07:21 PM

I have played a similar Ibanez for years, and just recently started playing an ESP 415, and have about three weeks into it so far.

The first difference is the weight, although my Ibanez is poplar. It's taken a couple shows to get used to the heft if the LTD, but it's not unreasonable, and I can still do all the athletic stuff with it that I did with the Ibanez.

As for the playability, I prefer the Ibanez for the more technical songs, mainly because the strings are a little closer together.

The tone on the LTD seems brighter overall, and more versatile, too, having several more options for tone control. Since the Ibanez I play has flat-wound strings, it's mellow tone is more suited for subdued songs, whereas the LTD, with the roundwounds, works well for the higher energy rock and country-rock that we play.

I like them both. I recommend them both. To sum up, each has its value in different circumstances.