Which of these basses is best for me?

[ironfistx]

Hi,

I always see this forum in my search results so I figured I'd join. I'm a guitarist of 10+ years looking to get into bass playing for recording.

I've played a few basses here and there at different guitar stores. Generally speaking, I prefer the feel of Ibanez and Yamahas to the thicker necks of Fenders.

Here are the choices that are available to me (all used):

Ibanez GSR190 (Is this the same as the GSR200 except passive rather than active?)

Ibanez GSR200

Ibanez RD707BK (late 80s!)

Ibanez SR300LE (I cannot find info on this anywhere. What does the "LE" mean?)

Yamaha RBX170

Yamaha RBX270

I'm trying to do my research, but I don't want to get something and in a few months wish I had gotten something else. Is there anything that a new bass player should know regarding any of these models? Like are any of them notorious for breaking or having problems or anything?

Thanks for your input!

[samroon]

If you've been playing guitar for that long then I assume you know what a quality instrument feels like when you play it. What type of music are you recording? What sound are you going for? I personally wouldn't recommend any of those basses to a player of over 10 years.

[jpTron]

I have an Ibanez GSR200. Or maybe it's just an SR200. I don't remember, but it was my first bass and I loved learning on it. I always jam on it when I go to my mom's house because it's still in my old bedroom.

[ironfistx]

Yeah I know what feels good when I play it.

I'm recording metal (power/prog).

I'm trying to not have to spend a lot of money on a bass. It's been suggested to me that I could get what I need on an entry level bass but maybe that's not the case?

Why wouldn't you recommend any of those?

[samroon]

@jptron - The SR series is a GREAT beginner series!

@ironfistx I just think that as a seasoned player you'll notice very quickly that those basses don't have the quality someone who has been playing for a long time is looking for. In some session situations I'll receive a track with bass already written and recorded by a guitar player. They often expected the track to be useful... same situation, just buy a cheap bass and lay down the part. I'll go in and record nearly the exact same part with my warwick and the tone kills the old track. I play in a progressive death metal band as well so I know what you're talking about. I would recommend envisioning the exact tone your looking for to match your guitars / vocals etc. and head over to a local music shop with whatever your budget is and look for that sound. You don't want to be disappointed a few weeks down the road by only buying something used which is available to you. Remember that the pickups / electronics are key if you plan on recording direct.

[TolerancEJ]

If you're going with Ibanez, I might recommend at least a SR500. 200/300 are pretty much entry-level. I think you will achieve your desired results with a SR500. Buy used... Ibanez do not retain their resale values very well. This is good news for a buyer, not so good for a seller. You can always get a great used Ibanez bass for a low price.

[tdub0199]

If you like the thin necks on Ibanez, look for a used SR500... Great Basses!!!!!

[mizzou541]

You can definitely make due with an entry level bass...< $500.

I would also add to your list Peavey and Dean. People on here may not agree but I've played and been happy with a Peavey Grind and also own a Dean Q4 that is the smoothest playing bass I have (and a great looking quilted finish). Obviously you could spend 800-1000+ and get a great instrument but in your situation I can't see a reason you'd have to spend that much.

[mizzou541]

Originally Posted by tdub0199

If you like the thin necks on Ibanez, look for a used SR500... Great Basses!!!!!

^^^This! The SR500s are great.

[Wallace320]

Originally Posted by ironfistx

Hi,

I always see this forum in my search results so I figured I'd join. I'm a guitarist of 10+ years looking to get into bass playing for recording.

I've played a few basses here and there at different guitar stores. Generally speaking, I prefer the feel of Ibanez and Yamahas to the thicker necks of Fenders.

Here are the choices that are available to me (all used):

Ibanez GSR190 (Is this the same as the GSR200 except passive rather than active?)

Ibanez GSR200

Ibanez RD707BK (late 80s!)

Ibanez SR300LE (I cannot find info on this anywhere. What does the "LE" mean?)

Yamaha RBX170

Yamaha RBX270

I'm trying to do my research, but I don't want to get something and in a few months wish I had gotten something else. Is there anything that a new bass player should know regarding any of these models? Like are any of them notorious for breaking or having problems or anything?

Thanks for your input!

Roadgear basses are more than great in every declination but obviously, it needs to be in good operatin' order to serve you fine (especially in the studio)
Yamaha Rbx270 is a more plain/modern passive P/J, again, with its alder body and handy electronics, if everything's ok you'll be satisfied in studio recordings
Other option wouldn't be that fine even if new... Secondhand, you almost need a miracle!

Cheers,
Wallace

[ironfistx]

Appreciate the input. I'll check out an SR500 and see if I think it's much better than a 300.

Does anyone know what the "LE" on SR300LE means?

I know "L" is usually a lefthanded base, but this one is definitely right handed. I've seen "E" sometimes used on Ibanez to mean it comes with stock EMG pickups (RG321E, for example).

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by tdub0199

If you like the thin necks on Ibanez, look for a used SR500... Great Basses!!!!!

+1 on a used Ibby SR500 - you can't go wrong with one, and you'll be happy you did.

I'd stay away from the GSR line though - they have much cheaper electronics. The SR300 is a great beginner bass, but get a newer one.

[jwj1701]

Another vote for the sound gear, 300 or higher model.

[ironfistx]

I play 6 string guitars. Is there a reason to get a 5 string bass? Some of the models mentioned in this thread come in 4 and 5 string versions. I don't wanna get one and then wish I had gotten the other one in the future.