I understand that there's no such thing as a 'best' bass in any category, but what Ibanez bass would you recommend? I want to upgrade from my GSR200, but I'm a little lost. There are so many models, and I really don't know where to start.
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Best Ibanez Bass?
- Thread starter FeistyMclovin
- Start date
Decide what it is that appeals to you about your current bass. Is it the thin neck, the light weight, the balance?
I have a GSR200 and found the SR series to be an excellent path forward. They're all light and comfortable, and the necks are thinner than the GSR200. You can find several models with increasing cost and features from $300 up. Go into a Guitar Center or Sam Ash and they should have a dozen or so hanging on the wall; play several and think about how they feel and sound.
I have a GSR200 and found the SR series to be an excellent path forward. They're all light and comfortable, and the necks are thinner than the GSR200. You can find several models with increasing cost and features from $300 up. Go into a Guitar Center or Sam Ash and they should have a dozen or so hanging on the wall; play several and think about how they feel and sound.
My first bass was an SR400. I love that thing and plan to mod the PUP's soon so I can bring it back in the shuffle.
Was playing it last night for the first time in a long time. My hands just fit that fretboard perfectly.
Was playing it last night for the first time in a long time. My hands just fit that fretboard perfectly.
Kinda depends on the dollar figure you have in mind. Go for Soundgear or BTB. Althought I haven't tried one yet, but people also seem to like the ATK's. Brand new, Ibanez's are really not very expensive.
Even better for a used buyer, you can always get a really good deal when you buy secondhand because they generally do not to retain their resale values. Decent quality, low prices.
18 years ago, I bought my 1992 SDGR SR885 & it still sounds great. I bought it as a special order, customized per my request, because my local music store didn't stock Ibanez at the time.
Even better for a used buyer, you can always get a really good deal when you buy secondhand because they generally do not to retain their resale values. Decent quality, low prices.
18 years ago, I bought my 1992 SDGR SR885 & it still sounds great. I bought it as a special order, customized per my request, because my local music store didn't stock Ibanez at the time.
Ergodynes were build very well, from the comfortable body style to the jack placement. They're not made anymore, but they actually are very good basses. If I had the money, I'd pick up a used Ergodyne.
Edit to insert video review:
I have a Soundgear SR500 and a BTB406QM. They're both about four or five years old, and the SR500 is easily my most played bass, even over my MM Stingray. I love it; sounds great, looks good, plays really nicely and is light as a feather.
The annoying thing about Ibanez is that they make SO many models that it's hard to keep track of them... There is something to be said for the simplicity of what Fender does...
There DOES seem to be a very bright dividing line, price-wise, between the MIJ Ibanez instruments and those made in the 2nd/3rd world. Heck, some of the MIC/Indo Ibanez's are downright cheap - and are decent basses.
If someone said "you can have any Ibanez bass they make..." I'd get the Gary Willis MIJ 5 string fretless.... Mostly because I like narrow string spacing for fretless, wider for fretted (Ibanez SR basses are pretty tight...)
There DOES seem to be a very bright dividing line, price-wise, between the MIJ Ibanez instruments and those made in the 2nd/3rd world. Heck, some of the MIC/Indo Ibanez's are downright cheap - and are decent basses.
If someone said "you can have any Ibanez bass they make..." I'd get the Gary Willis MIJ 5 string fretless.... Mostly because I like narrow string spacing for fretless, wider for fretted (Ibanez SR basses are pretty tight...)
Also, I watched a video review of the Iceman bass ICB300EX recently on YouTube. I was actually impressed with the sound produced during the demonstration.
There's supposed to be an ICB305EX (5-String) which was never released in North America. You have to find them in stores overseas.
There's supposed to be an ICB305EX (5-String) which was never released in North America. You have to find them in stores overseas.
I hear you on that. If you say Soundgear, you immediately have to ask which one (SR3xx, SR4xx, SR5xx, SR6xx, and it goes on and on)
I went from a GSR200 to a used SR505 and love it. I think it's a good quality instrument at a fair price, and I'm pretty sure it'll be a while before my playing ability gets to a point where I feel I need a better bass.
Thanks, everybody. I haven't played my GSR in quite some time, my other, nicer basses have been hogging the spotlight ^_^ I like the thin neck, and how light it is, but it just doesn't hold up to the rest of my arsenal.
I have a BTB 4-string and I really like it. Especially considering I got it in nearly mint condition for $300 with hardshell case.
I think you'd be well served if you checked out the SR series, I have a '05 SR505 and a '08 SR505, they both see alot of play time.
I like the thin neck, but as I'm sure you'll see if you read enough threads, many don't care for how thin it really is.
The string spacing is also a little tight, you can slap on it, but it will take some getting use to.
New SR500's start around $525 (more for the 5 & 6 stringers), and I've seen them in the "used bin" for as little as $295.
I like the thin neck, but as I'm sure you'll see if you read enough threads, many don't care for how thin it really is.
The string spacing is also a little tight, you can slap on it, but it will take some getting use to.
New SR500's start around $525 (more for the 5 & 6 stringers), and I've seen them in the "used bin" for as little as $295.
