Anyone else think Ibanez should change their SR body?

[Passinwind]

Nope.

 

[eddododo]

I say VERY often that Ibanez makes the best cheap Basses in the industry, and it’s not close. I have two basses I built bodies for and used cheap GSR and Mikro necks.. for the GSR I used the same exact PJ position measurements from the original, as Ibanez has the best sounding PJ position, with the only downside being that the P is not in the exact traditional position, but of course that’s exactly why it sounds so good 50/50 blended, where most PJs have a characteristic ‘almost amazing but something is off’ tone.

you’ll note that I kept the necks and some specs etc, but built bodies.. now part of that of course is that I like building things, but there’s absolutely a reason that I didn’t use those bodies, and it’s because they’re DREADFULLY BORING.
The shape isn’t awful, and it’s pretty similar to a ton of the modern double cutaway basses, including boutique builds, but it’s just a little less cool, less dramatic, less beautiful than the nicer versions of that genre of body. The finishes/ colors are offensively dull for the cheaper side of the line, which is fair I guess, but other companies certainly manage some pretty nice, if not plain, finishes for cheap instruments... but honestly they have such a fascinating and in my opinion pretty nice variety once you get above the bottom, and with the nicer finishes, I think the body looks pretty perfect, especially for the
SRH with the f-hole

But here’s the real issue. How would they possibly change it? I look at the SR mezzo, and the body shape is just a *little* shaped and a tad more modern looking, so sure, reshape it a little. BUT HOW? The SR line is HUGE, it has more variety than some entire brands do.. so if you update the body shape do you Update all of the models? Do you just update a couple at price points? do you just release a brand new addition to the SR line? How many new ones, do you replace every model in the line?

 

[Meaculpa]

Why you dint ask " Anyone else think Fender should change their Jazz bass body ? "
It has body shape since 60's .......

I never found SR body shape boring myself.

This.

 

[proverbs10_4]

Hmm... interesting...

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I don't really care for it, but it's been around for 30+ years and is still selling. The only reason they'll change it is if they stop selling or they come up with a shape that shaves a few minutes off the CNC machine.

 

[wraub]

Nice.

I have 2 old 885s... no coil tap, but 5 string.

That's the last Ibanez body shape I liked. I played a Roadstar II Deluxe RB850, the one with two passive humbuckers and coil tapping, in fire engine red metallic, throughout the 80's. The poor man's Spector, awesome bass, regret selling it.

 

[ab2112]

As many have said before me it’s bordering on iconic if not there already. In my coming of age in the late 90s/early 00s, Soundgears were everywhere. A few of my friends had cheap ones, and they lined an entire row of wall at our local shop. SR’s seem a little less in vogue now, but they certainly carved out their niche and I don’t think drastic changes will happen to it soon.

 

[Altitude]

Exactly! Much the same way the Corvette Stingray or the Eames chair has a functional style that appeals to the masses. They just happen to be perfect and sexy at the same time. ;-)

Ironically, have you seen the 2021 Vette? It’s a total change in look - actually looks more like an Acura NSX than the last Vette generation.

 

[Altitude]

I think the BTB is their ugliest one!

The BTB is the best bass for metal. When I see one of those I can’t imagine it being used for any other style of music.

 

[equill]

Ironically, have you seen the 2021 Vette? It’s a total change in look - actually looks more like an Acura NSX than the last Vette generation.

It's only ever been the C3 series for me - Stingray or bust!

 

[Steadfast]

My ibby SR is so ugly I can hardly stand looking at it.

 

[DuluthDank]

I wish Ibanez would rerelease basses from the late 70s, such as the musician and roadster basses, but with lighter bodies and updated hardware. People these days prefer the 70s aesthetic, and Ibanez has some early examples to draw on.

 

[Rib 13]

My one and only Ibanez doesnt have a SR body

 

[Smooth_bass88]

I'm not bashing Ibanez! I played them on stage from 97- 2002 in my nu metal days. I'm looking for a 24 fret bass and every time I see a Ibanez I think.. Damn these are some boring looking basses. They are hella good basses, especially in the $700 price range, but the same body shape since the 80's. Am I alone in thinking aboot this?

They probably should just leave it as is. It's sort of 'classic' at this point. Remember in the late 80s/early 90s when Fender tried to change the upper cutaway of the Jazz Bass? Yeah, I'd like to forget about it too!

 

[Lagado]

I would prefer the older SRX shape, especially the models with the binding.

 

[micguy]

Should I point out that they also tried copying Fender’s design?

..and Rickenbackers, and probably a few others as well. i wouldn't say they tried to copy them, I'd say they succeeded in copying them. ;-)

 

[braud357]

My ibby SR is so ugly I can hardly stand looking at it. View attachment 3964538

I have been drooling over these Cerulean Blue models !!

 

[HearNoStevil]

My ibby SR is so ugly I can hardly stand looking at it.

I kinda agree, that looks like something growing in a petri dish, surrounded by dawn dish soap.

 

[Steadfast]

I kinda agree, that looks like something growing in a petri dish, surrounded by dawn dish soap.

lolol

grungy sounding for sure. Don’t buy one whatever you do. But, I will never sell mine. Lolol

 

[makanudo]

Dunno, fender hasn't changed in 60 years and people still pay mad cash for 60 year old design and technology.

I personally dislike the headstock on Ibby basses but the body is 3.6 roentgen.