Ibanez SR506 vs. BTB676

[Mikio]

I have the same problem as you, can't decide.

I too read about the intonation problem, but I've never heard this before, so I really don't know about that.

I too played both basses, and I totally LOVED the BTB. It was more comfy for me, and the EQ was more sensible than the SR's. But I like the SR tone better, though if I think about it, it's kinda weak in the 506 (its fuller in the prestige models). So I can't decide yet.

And I have yet another option that I totally love, except for the fact that it's not a 6 strings (which would be cool, cuz would be my first sixer if I get one); the Sterling Ray 35.

[Jester's Fury]

I have an SR506 (90s) that doesn't get played much. These are relatively cheaper than BTBs if you're considering that a factor in you purchase. I too, have problems getting any usable tones on it unless I use a pick. The bass seems to have the mids scooped out and it doesn't work for my current needs.

Overall, if you want a tighter string spacing then go for it. I definitely wouldn't call it a faster neck. It's just tighter and cramps my right hand. And yes, i DO have small hands lol.

As for the BTBs, I've never played one, but they look nice. As stated above, they have that wider string spacing and a 35" scale. I'm eventually going to trade my 506 for something with wider string spacing or defret it and turn it into a 5 (shoot me some ideas folks!)

[Mikio]

Originally Posted by Jester's Fury

I have an SR506 (90s) that doesn't get played much. These are relatively cheaper than BTBs if you're considering that a factor in you purchase. I too, have problems getting any usable tones on it unless I use a pick. The bass seems to have the mids scooped out and it doesn't work for my current needs.

Overall, if you want a tighter string spacing then go for it. I definitely wouldn't call it a faster neck. It's just tighter and cramps my right hand. And yes, i DO have small hands lol.

As for the BTBs, I've never played one, but they look nice. As stated above, they have that wider string spacing and a 35" scale. I'm eventually going to trade my 506 for something with wider string spacing or defret it and turn it into a 5 (shoot me some ideas folks!)

The 2010 model has a switch which works like a Mid's Q or something like that.

[Jester's Fury]

^ Cool! I have to hear one now. At one point I wanted to swap out the pickups and preamp to see what it would sound like. I just couldn't get passed the string spacing for finger style use.

I've still decided to get rid of my 506 tho. I'm not going to risk hurting my hands to justify keeping it.

[Rykashu]

does anyone know what the difficulty would be to add some kind of passive eq bypass to either of these basses

[churchpark]

IBANEZ SR506 Maple Neck Maple Fretboard

Are the string spacings wider or are they still narrow at 16.5?

[Solarmist]

I'd get the SR mainly because it's got a smaller lighter body, a 34" scale neck that's slightly thinner (front to back), but that's me.

[Epitaph04]

Originally Posted by churchpark

IBANEZ SR506 Maple Neck Maple Fretboard

Are the string spacings wider or are they still narrow at 16.5?

On what? The 506? Im sure the spacing is still 16.5 on all of them.

[atomicdog]

I have an Ibanez 750. Like it a lot, very versatile, but probably am selling it (too many basses) That said, it has a lot of the qualities of the 705. They're great feeling axes, very fast neck, endless tonal possibilities. I think the differences you laid out amount to $200; after all the company has a marketing strategy that calls on charging for apparent upgrades. Is it justified? If you are crazy mad about the BTB then, yes, it's a good deal.

[loopspin]

Just got back from Cosmo Music in Toronto, Canada. Was there to meet Hartley Peavey - great guy, great stories.
Anyways after the meet and greet (I had him autograph a few Peavey Cirrus basses from my collection, including a sixer). I went to the bass room to check out what was new. Mostly everything was there, Music Man, Fender Custom Shop, Shur, Fbass etc.

Of all the basses that I tried (I was there for a couple of hours), the two best basses in my opinion were (in this order):

1: Fbass VF5 (Sunburst finish, rosewood board, killer tones)
Price: $3500

2. Ibanez SR506 - you already know the specs but in terms of playability, weight and tone - this bass just killed, I could not believe the price $699. For me you really can't go wrong with this bass (rant it through a Markbass head and small Markbass 15''cab. The controls did what they were supposed to do - the bass sounded punchy, crunchy with tons of bass in your face if you need it!

Play both again and then decide but for me the SR506 just kicks butt !

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by Kink Rimson

In what way? The differences don't mean one is better than the other.
FWIW, I personally prefer the Soundgear, it's a true modern classic. The BTB is a fine bass but it just felt a bit 'stiff' to me, I always find 35 inch scale basses suffer a little bit in the higher strings.
All IMHO, of course.

I hate to say it, but this is my opinon as well. When I was looking at Ibanez basses (after being sold on them by my low end SR 206) I tried the SR506 and the BTB basses. The BTB was a VERY nice bass, mind you. It was very similar to some of my other "modern" 6ers. (Alembic, Modulus etc.) In fact, it was TOO similar. I already own those others and don't need another.

As Kink Rimson notes the SR506 was a true modern classic. JUST the sound/feel/ and playability I wanted. The BTB was a better bass on paper and in specs but simply was not what I was looking for. Soundgear won. Lovin' it ever after.

[PariahBass222]

I own an Sr506 and for the longest time I wanted a brb 6er, until I picked up an Sr506. I too play a lot of slap and honestly the thinner string spacing hasn't been an issue. And I have really big hands. The neck is insanely comfortable compared to thebtb. Also the Sr has a serious midrange punch and growl, almost warwicky. Brbs had this just kinda boom tone wich I was kinda meh about. Even when slapping. Just pay opnion though