Am I strange for thinking this?

[Hevy T]

I have bashed Ibanez QC quite a bit lately, and have always been a Fender Jazz boy. However I wanted a light weight 5 string because my Ray was hurting my neck and shoulders so I bought a cheap Ibanez SR305 and just love it. This bass don't have any of the problems that I have seen in other Ibanez.

Well I went in to my local LandM today and they had a Fender active Jazz V there that just came in for $300, so I took it home. I put on a new set of strings, set it up with ultra low action, and cleaned it up. However I played it for an hour or so and could not wait to get back to the IBY I thought this JAzz sucked!!

SO I can't believe that I am saying this, but the Fender Jazz V is going to be returned tomorrow, and I will go on enjoying the cheap Ibanez 305, with a new 300 with the 3 band eq on it's way, should be here by weeks end.

I never thought I would live to see the day I would prefer a cheap Ibanez over a Fender. But I just can't get use to the huge necks on the Fender 5's. ANd my neck and shoulders just can't handle the weight any more.

 

[Sid Fang]

How dare you trust your own senses over generations of meticulous marketing!

 

[Ric5]

One of the best low B strings that I ever played was an Ibanez 305.

 

[Stevorebob]

People are strange, when you're a stranger.

If you like a 305, you'll love a 505.

 

[Epitaph04]

One of the best low B strings that I ever played was an Ibanez 305.

One of the worst low B strings I've ever played was on an ibby 305! Two of them in fact!

Truly amazing how one's experience can be so different from another's!

 

[Hevy T]

People are strange, when you're a stranger.

If you like a 305, you'll love a 505.

Tried 2 505's and had issues with them.

1. scratchy pots
2. bad input jack

Both were brand new. I do admit though that they had a beautiful feel, I love those Jabota/Bubinga necks but those issues were what started my love hate thing with Ibanez. Cause if I was paying $600 to $650 for these basses I thought they should not have such problems. But I am ready to dive in again

 

[jmattbassplaya]

One of my favorite tones came from a starter pack Gio Ibanez bass. Didn't play that great, but the tone was there!

 

[Epitaph04]

Try a Premium!

 

[Hevy T]

Try a Premium!

I have, they are really nice to play especially te 1200 I think, the one with the single coil nordys, however I can't afford it

 

[StephenDaRacket]

How dare you trust your own senses over generations of meticulous marketing!

+1 love my precision but this is so true. I'm looking at an SR 600 for my next bass

 

[Mike M.]

I play Fender Jazz basses (AM STD'S....4 & 5 string) and while they're my tried and true's I also have an SR505. While I don't play it that often it really is a great bass. Well built, fantastic action and I'll say it again....the low B on that bass will knock a wall down!

 

[msaone]

Gotta tell ya, I love my Fender basses but when I get another 5 string, it'll be an Ibanez sdgr.

The sdgr has a smaller neck. At least the ones I've seen.

 

[TinIndian]

I had an SRT805 I traded away last year. It was a great bass. No issues with the electronics in it, had a very comfortable contour on the back and for a 34 had a pretty solid b string.

 

[Bassdirty]

If you like a 305, you'll love a 505.

+505

i was gonna say the exact same thing...exactly.
the only prob is..once you get used to the sr5 strings...you cant go back to that gigantic spacing of..well ya know..a wider 5.

 

[stingray69]

How dare you trust your own senses over generations of meticulous marketing!

This made me laugh, lol.

 

[SteveC]

How dare you trust your own senses over generations of meticulous marketing!

Perfect response and a great thought to keep in mind when selecting an instrument. My wallet wishes I felt this way about "cheaper" basses but unfortunately, my senses lead me to Roscoe.

To each their own and happy playing.

 

[Stevorebob]

the only prob is..once you get used to the sr5 strings...you cant go back to that gigantic spacing of..well ya know..a wider 5.

Indeed. Especially those with 19mm string spacing.

 

[Abrahampost]

When I started searching for a 5 string I played an Ibanez with a great low B, an American Jazz V that played like a crap, a skyline that was nice, eventually I settled on a G&L that fit me right. I think sometimes the instrument just fits the person... if you love the Ibanez then rock the thing and be glad with all the money you saved

Really with the quality control with mass produced instruments being what it is Fender is just as likely to put out a crappy bass just as much as Ibanez.

 

[awilkie84]

One of the best low B strings that I ever played was an Ibanez 305.

That is VERY strange. I've found the 34" Ibby B string to be absolute garbage on everything from the GSR-205 to the SR705.

Now, the Active Deluxe Jazz V i used to own had a solid low B. You have to get the break point over the saddles & nut right, though. Ultra-low action is TOO low for that bass.

 

[Hevy T]

+505

i was gonna say the exact same thing...exactly.
the only prob is..once you get used to the sr5 strings...you cant go back to that gigantic spacing of..well ya know..a wider 5.

I think that's why I didn't like the Jazz 5. There is also a Fender Zone 5 there in showroom condition with the same spacing I tried it and decided it will never be mine, my short stubbies can't handle a 19mm 5 string, though I love 19mm 4 strings