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Am I crazy.... Ibanez SR Basses

#23
The Sr basses of the past few years have certainly been able to sound and play like much more expensive basses. The all rounded body edges can also add a bit of high end looks. I did find that all rounded edges made mine a little slippery onn me in a sense. Wearing wise. Not a deal breaker. But minor issue. Excellent value for the money basses imo.
 
#24
IMO, part of the process of maturing as a player is developing the ability to evaluate instruments - independently of the price tag. And to begin to appreciate that "boutique-quality instrument", does not necessarily equate to "the right instrument for me". :hmm:

There are many highly-accomplished pro players who presumably could afford to buy and play any boutique-quality instrument they want - even dozens of them - who have found their voices with much less fancy, yet nevertheless perfectly playable, perfectly functional instruments of lesser price tag: i.e. MusicMan (Tony Levin), Peavey (Jeff Berlin), Carvin (Bunny Brunel), Fender (Pino Palladino), etc. I myself have encountered entry-level instruments by Fernandes and Washburn, with retail price tags in the $300-$400 range, that were perfectly suitable for professional-level application.

To the OP: If you happen to have found your voice with Ibanez instruments, congratulations. Consider yourself fortunate to have been released from the cycle of constant striving for more, better...and mo' bettah. :smug:

You can now devote all the time and energy that would have been devoted to pursuit of your "dream bass" into becoming an even better player... :hmm:

MM
 
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#25
There's really nothing wrong with buying an Ibanez sr bass. these basses provides some great sounds that suitable for any genre. including hard rock and heavy metal. I'm planning on purchasing Ibanez basses after I purchase a new bass cab. I do plan to buy an Ibanez 4-string for my brother's band and an Ibanez 5-string for my band. right now I'm debating on either the Ibanez sr250/255, the Ibanez sr500/505, or the Ibanez srx590/595. any of these basses would be my next purchase after I buy a new bass cab.
 
#26
MysticMichael said:
To the OP: If you happen to have found your voice with Ibanez instruments, congratulations. Consider yourself fortunate to have been released from the constant cycle of striving for more, better...and mo' bettah. :smug:
MM
Click to expand...

+1

A lot of people have burned through money, and basses in search of that perfect bass. Some find it early on, and others might spend the rest of their lives looking. I've tried a fair share of basses, but always come back to the Ibby SR.
 
#31
I recently purchased an SR800le from a TBer, same model I had back in early 90's. The playability was the big thing for me...they are extremely "easy" to play. And the active electronics give a lot of options for tone.

With that said, I went to GC today to pick up some strap locks and played an SR705 and a few other 5 stringers. Definitely the 705 played and sounded great, but the tone of a higher end 5'er like a MM Sterling or Fender really caught my attention more. Granted they were almost $1000 more. Still, the 705 had a great tone, great playability, tons of tone options with active barts, nice looks, and a retail of only $800. I see them as a great value.
 
#33
Ibanez makes some fantastic basses. Not every bass they make is awesome, but some of them (not just talking about expensive ones either) rival basses two or three times their price.

Keep your eyelids peeled... you can come by absolute STEALS on Ibanez basses if you're patient. I picked up a killer Ibby ATK bass, listed for nine-hundred something, for $300 new. Watch for sales, end of model year discounts, demo models, you name it. If you're interested in used instruments, you can score a really nice Ibby and save boatloads of cheddar.

Happy hunting. :)
 
#34
I've owned a bunch of Ibby 5ers - probably close to a dozen - and they were all excellent players... One was an sr3005 SOL Prestige - for build quality, playability, and tonal quality, I'd say it matched up well with any $2k bass... I'd still have it, except I got an offer to buy a new EBMM BFR SR5 HH with an ebony board and roasted neck - with the factory hardshell case - for $1300, so I sold the Prestige to help raise the money for the new 'Ray 5er...

I currently have three 5ers: the EBMM SR5 HH, a MM SUB5, and an Ibby sr905 - and the Ibanez plays every bit as good as the more expensive Music Man basses... For the most part, I like the tone of the Music Man 5ers better, but the sr905 has very good tone, and works quite well in a band mix... Out of all the Ibby 5ers, it's the one I couldn't part with - just an excellent player, with an extremely stable neck, and very comfy on stage... Here it is, with the since departed Prestige:

IMAG0251.jpg



- georgestrings
 
#35
bigchad64 said:
played an SR705 and a few other 5 stringers. Definitely the 705 played and sounded great, but the tone of a higher end 5'er like a MM Sterling or Fender really caught my attention more. Granted they were almost $1000 more.
Click to expand...

That's what I'm talking about. And it's why I own an SR505 and not one of those others. Bought it new for $530.
 
#38
Good to see I'm not the only one that misses their Ibby sr! Sold my 506 because the Bongo just basically destroys it on every facet, but I still miss the feel of it. Been wanting to try a BTB 6er but not many of those around.
 
#39
I've been playing Stingrays galore this week shopping for my first non pawn shop bass, but during yesterday's rehearsal I realized how perfect my Ergodyne (!?) feels/plays for me. I'm still buying a Ray5, but I know my Ibanez will always be loved and played. I love it.
 

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