ATK bass advice

[XtheDeadPawn]

Hey thanks for clicking this is a repost of a thread I posted in the BASSES [BG] part of the forum

Anyways I'm currently thinking of steping up from my current bass a RBX170 Yamaha and plan on getting a ATKEX1.

Since they don't make them anymore it'll be bought used.
But what I want to know is are they durable?

Anybody have any trouble of scratchy pots, truss rod rusting, neck bowing, action/set up trouble, or mostly importantly do they sound good compared to the new ATK 300/305 reissues with maple fingerboards???

Also do they sound mellow with the rosewood fingerboard I've come to like the feel and sound of it better but, then again I don't know what a maple fretboard sounds like so it'd be great if someone filled me in on that.

Thanks guys

 

[Mikebass6]

As far as I'm concerned, the ATK is the most durable of the Ibbys. Once mine was set up for the way I play, I haven't adjusted it once since then. The pots are solid and the body and neck are more heavy duty feeling to me than the BTB or SR series. I have the rosewood fingerboard as well, and the sound is still punchy and clear. If you are considering getting one, do it now while they are still affordable!!

 

[kesslari]

0 problems with mine. Very durable, giggable, playable bass.
Mine's the maple fingerboard - I haven't A/B'd the fingerboard differences. Gets a great slap and fingerstyle tone.
Get one, and enjoy.

 

[LaklandBass]

i owned one that basically got trashed. im in the process of refinishing the body. loved that bass. held up to sooooooooooooo much abuse and always sounded huge.

 

[Michael777]

I actually haven't had any Bad reports regarding these.

 

[ssbass]

I have this exact model ATKEX1. I gig with this bass. Once i get it setup i really don't have to adjust a thing.

FYI they still have one of these for sale (new) at the Knoxville, TN Guitar Center.

 

[huckleberry1]

I wrote the 1st review for the ATK805E at Guitar Center. I compared it to a stingray and it is a better bass and has a maple fretboard- fantastic sound

 

[Suho]

I have the ATK300 from the first run in the '90s. I have kept that bass even when letting go a custom shop Warwick. ATKs are about the best bargain in the bass world, imo. I went through several basses before getting it, and when my band heard it they were like, "that's the one," which I had already decided on my own anyhow.

I even used to have a USATK5 (made in the USA), which are kind of hard to find nowadays, and I will honestly tell you that the ATK300 just played and felt better, with no buzz etc. The ONLY problem I have had is the screw head on my low E bridge saddle is stripped out, but I can still turn it with a pair of needle nose pliers so it isn't an issue (and just haven't bothered to replace it).

Are they durable? You bet.

 

[Floridabwoy]

I had one... It was very heavy but very very good sounding with a great P neck.... I regret selling it.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Love my ATK400, nice backup for the Stingray at a fraction of the cost

 

[benthughes]

I got an Ibby 805 as part of a trade deal, the other bass I got was a Roscoe. I sold the Roscoe and still have the ATK. At first I wasn't blown away by it but it's really grown on me. It's very well built, has a chunky neck with fairly narrow spacing al-la G&L or Musicman and surprisingly versatile. It cops a nice Stingray tone without all the highend clack, a punchy jazz sound and a decent P-bass vibe. The tone is modern without being sterile or harsh.

The pickups sound good and the preamp is well voiced and not overwhelming. My only beef is that the pickup pan knob doesn't blend well. It's either both pickups at the center position or neck/bridge, very little blend. You may be able to remedy this with a better pot.