Anyone else think Ibanez should change their SR body?

[Steadfast]

From an instrument designer/maker's perspective, I've always really liked the SR shape.
It is very difficult to design something that is original enough to be identifiable, yet still "familiar"/"comfortable" looking
to the majority of players. Most original designs trend towards the "unique"/unusual shapes.

The SR manages to be both "normal" looking and yet clearly its own shape, which is no small feat.
In fact, my favorite variation (visually) on the SR was always the SRX / SDGR series, because the body binding really celebrated the shape of the instrument.

It also succeeds in some production-related parameters that are less immediately obvious. The rounder horns, more "open" cutaway angle, and sloped heel allow for simpler and more efficient sanding than traditional P/J-style bodies, which means a lot in a production environment.
Again, it's not easy to design in all these kinds of aspects while keeping something "familiar" looking.

There are a few other instruments I admire for the same reasons. The Zon Sonus is another good example of this.

Obviously, the proof is that the model has persisted for so long, and through so many variations.
While writing this post, I did a quick Google image search and came across the 30th Anniversary Premium SR
(with the oval soundholes) and couldn't help but think - "Wow, that's really appealing. I kinda want one."
Considering I make basses for a living, that's saying something, I suppose.

Cheers,
Martin

nice expert explanation of what owners feel but can’t explain.

 

[BrianShakeCondo]

Honestly I think the SR is one of the sleekest modern designs of any bass out there. An evolution of design that makes most commons bass guitars seem dated by comparison. The sound isn’t for everybody. But the different woods and pickups available across the line mean you can probably find one that works for you. The build quality and playability is outstanding. Maybe it’s just me, but I can never get a Fender (which I love) as surgically set up as an SR.

 

[bedrockhead]

Nope. It's not broke, don't try and fix it until it is.

 

[thegreenman78]

No need to change the body maybe a slightly larger headstock.

 

[DanGR]

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?

Can't beat the weight and feel. Just like that groupie at 3 am, it's all about the performance.

 

[BQFS]

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?

I have a really nice Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass 24 for sale on eBay right now. Definitely on the low end of your price range.

 

[dkelley]

No need to change the body maybe a slightly larger headstock.

ah, but it's that might add neck dive, right?

 

[thegreenman78]

ah, but it's that might add neck dive, right?

Potentially

 

[TheLurkerAbove]

Both my basses right now are Soundgear, 4 string and 6 string. I think it's a cool design that's definitely distinct, but still feels familiar and, most importantly very practical and ergonomic. It can fit into practically any setting. I'd quirk my eyebrow a bassist at a modern jazz fusion gig pulled out a Rickenbacker or something super pointy, but a soundgear can fit into jazz, modern rock, metal, hiphop and look good doing it.

If a Soundgear looks boring, I think it's more because of the finish and woods than the shape. If they're painted one solid color I do think they can look kinda boring. And some of them have woods or finishes that just don't look great compared to others in the same series (Looking at you SR50x)

idk. I think they look nice.

 

[dkelley]

Potentially

Yea.... so maybe not? I get the cosmetic point, for sure. But not at the expense of playability/balance. Not sure if it could be changes in shape with so little wood to work with there already?

 

[thegreenman78]

Yea.... so maybe not? I get the cosmetic point, for sure. But not at the expense of playability/balance. Not sure if it could be changes in shape with so little wood to work with there already?

Bigger headstock would be ideal to jab my drunken singer in the ribs so that he remembers his queues or when to stop babbling between songs.

 

[dkelley]

Bigger headstock would be ideal to jab my drunken singer in the ribs so that he remembers his queues or when to stop babbling between songs.

Just add a shiv to the end of the existing one, and make sure you attach it in a way that you can knock it off the bass quickly after with a good swing past your amp, so there's no proof/evidence it was you doing the attack.

No, I don't spend time thinking about ways to attack my band members. Nope.

 

[thegreenman78]

Just add a shiv to the end of the existing one, and make sure you attach it in a way that you can knock it off the bass quickly after with a good swing past your amp, so there's no proof/evidence it was you doing the attack.

No, I don't spend time thinking about ways to attack my band members. Nope.

Ha, you should delete your post- could eventually be used as admissible evidence.

 

[John Luka]

The SR300 one one of the few basses Ibanez makes left-handed. Any color you like as long as it's black. It sure would be nice if they made a medium scale Lefty SR.

 

[Andy Nolen]

Here is my new sr2600. I don't think it's boring.

 

[Doctor Roberts]

I love the SR shape. Very comfortable, and the sitting/standing change makes very little difference to your playing.
I bought my first SR in 2006 and the second one in 2008, only because the first one got stolen. I still play it to this day and I would only consider saying goodbye to it for a similarly ergonomic bass, such as an NS Design or Steinberger.

 

[Ian Lewis]

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?

Although I don't play mine these days, I believe the SGR body shape is one of the most comfortable available.

 

[Brent's Groove]

I think Ibanez basses are excellent and I own two SR instruments.

That said, they only really offer two body styles: boring and hideous.

 

[Drezy]

I thought those early 80s musician basses looked awesome.

 

[basscase666]

Like the SR shape, have always been uneasy about the horny BTB.