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Advice re new fretless bass

Polkatronixx

Polkatronixx

Jan 28, 2019
689
957
Hornchurch
#1
I've been given an Amazon giftcard for my upcoming birthday and am seriously considering buying a fretless bass.

It will almost completely cover the cost of either:

1) A Squier Classic Vibe 60s fretless Jazz Bass, or

2) An Ibanez XXX SR370 EF BBT fretless bass (no idea what all those letters/numbers are for).

So...what's the better option?

I'll be honest - I really have never, ever liked the look of Ibanez basses. So on aesthetics alone, I am drawn to the Squier bass. But if the difference in quality was enough, I might be able to make my peace with that. Plus, the Ibanez is about £20 cheaper. Is there much difference between the two or, at this price point, is it basically a wash?
 
#2
Not being a fan of single coil hum, the only advantage I see for the Ibanez is the humbucking pickups. I'm a fan of passive electronics on a bass so I see the preamp in the Ibanez as a disadvantage.

The pickups on the Squier can be easily replaced with humbucking versions so I'd go with the overall sound, feel and playability I like best.
 
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#7
Polkatronixx said:
I looked to see if they had any Sire basses, as I've heard a lot of good things. Unfortunately, there is only one listed on Amazon (UK) and it's too expensive (it's about £200 more than the value of the giftcard).
Click to expand...

Put the other £200 in yourself then, you can use Amazon credit to cover part of the cost of a purchase and then pay the rest via a card or whatever.

A Sire will be worth the little bit extra over the other two.
 
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#8
Mastodon2 said:
Put the other £200 in yourself then, you can use Amazon credit to cover part of the cost of a purchase and then pay the rest via a card or whatever.

A Sire will be worth the little bit extra over the other two.
Click to expand...

But is it worth a marriage? Not so sure about that.

(Kidding, of course. But I don't want to spend £200 on a new bass at this moment in time - I think it would be hard to justify that).
 
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#10
Polkatronixx said:
I'll be honest - I really have never, ever liked the look of Ibanez basses.
Click to expand...

I would say you have answered this yourself. Go with what will make you happiest. Get the Squier.

I have a top end Ibanez and love it. I also have a vintage Fender fretless and an Alembic fretless. You really should go out of the gate with what appeals to you. Fretless is a cool thing. It can be challenging though.

Very nice you have been gifted this!
 
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#11
I suspect that if you've tried some Ibanez Soundgear basses before and haven't liked any yet, the SR370 EF is probably not going to change your mind. Soundgear necks and bodies are all pretty similar in shape. You're not going to get the variety in them that you do with, say, Fender necks.

As much as I'd go for the Ibanez if I had to pick one of those two options, my preferences are different than yours so I wouldn't feel good about nudging you towards something you're already wary of.
 
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#14
Thanks everyone. I am starting to wonder if buying a bass sight-unseen isn't the greatest idea. I suppose I could return it if there are any issues, but ideally I'd get the chance to play it, etc first.

Might end up using the card for some effect pedals. Or records.
 
#18
Polkatronixx said:
Thanks everyone. I am starting to wonder if buying a bass sight-unseen isn't the greatest idea. I suppose I could return it if there are any issues, but ideally I'd get the chance to play it, etc first.

Might end up using the card for some effect pedals. Or records.
Click to expand...
After running the rack on 5-string basses for almost a year, I decided on a Precision V. But, I didn’t want to suffer any store’s pawed over inventory so I ordered one. When it was delivered, right outta the box, it was the nicest new electric instrument I’ve ever owned, it’s still my main player for 11 years now.

New can be pretty awesome. YMMV.

I will add that in 11 years since, most non-American Fenders are pretty damn nice right outta the box. Technology has taken even 2nd tier materials and engineered them into great working instruments.
 
#19
You have the funds, you want a fretless, don't spend another minute of your life wondering 'should I???'

The playability of either bass will depend on the setup more than the instrument.

Listen to some sound clips on utoob, the jazz sounds very traditional 'j' The Ibanez has a different sound going on. I have a Lakland 'j' bass (fretted) and an Ibanez GWB fretless, they both speak my voice when I commit to them. Good luck, be patient until the choice is clear, or flip a coin.
 

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