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Best Ibanez Bass?

#21
TolerancEJ said:
Ergodynes were built 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.
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+1. Particularly the older Ergodynes with Luthite bodies. Ibanez really makes some great instruments — even the “modern” stuff — but short of the older Roadstar series, the now-discontinued EDA, EDB and EDC Ergodyne basses were some of the best instruments ever produced by Ibanez. Tough to find them these days still in terrific shape, but they’re definitely out there.
 
#24
TolerancEJ said:
lol I conveniently omitted Roadstar from my earlier list of basses. Nothing personal to those who may enjoy playing them, but they were just not my thing.
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A cheap Roadstar P-copy (with Musician-style 2+2 headstock, no less), took me far on the Boston pub-rock circuit until l could save for the real thing.
 
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#28
The SR series is definitely the logical step-up from your current model. The best two aspects of the SR line: light weight and thin, fast necks. If you like those qualities, check out an used Ergodyne--they're pretty cheap ($200-$300) when they pop up on eBay or CL.

I own an EDA900 (Ergodyne, made of Luthite) and it's probably the most comfortable bass I've ever played. Not to mention the EDA has an interesting sonic palette due to the magnetic/piezo pick-up combo. It's a very hi-fi sounding bass if you're into that. Plus it looks like nothing else out there!

(I might be a little biased. :ninja:)
 
#30
For me and for my preferances I really like my SR505. It fits me just right, it's got a TON of tonal variation and it practically plays itself. Very reasonably priced as well.

I'm not familiar with all Ibanez basses and when shopping the 505 was one that I didn't consider. Saw it, tried it and after playing it for about an hour and a half I bought it.

As said many times over, find the one that works best for you.
 
#31
The Soundgear series is without a doubt one of the most physically comfortable instruments on the planet, although due to the bigger/thicker body and neck I think the BTB's are just chunkier sounding with more natural bottom end. It's kind of a win win either way. The Soundgear will be easier to play and you'll have more options to choose from to get one that's just right for you, where the BTB I think just sounds better.
 
#33
I've owned a few Ibbys. I've kept my ATK throughout, so my pick woul dbe an ATK.

However, right now i'm GASing rediculously hard for a 70's Ibanez Lawsuit Jazz bass. Their Fender knock-offs sound amazing:

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...and i REALLY like their old cursive Ibanez logo:

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#37
Well...I personally only have experience with the SR and SRX series.
The SR your sound is more refined..a little more classy. But too bland for my taste.
They're light weight and very pleasing to the eye.

The SRX series are more aggressive in sound. The Construction is a little more basic with a flat top.

I know the ATK get a lot of love around here.
 
#39
dalkowski said:
A cheap Roadstar P-copy (with Musician-style 2+2 headstock, no less), took me far on the Boston pub-rock circuit until l could save for the real thing.
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I dunno, I think those Roadstar/Roadster basses are the real thing. I've seen nice examples of these basses go for as little as $125. I'd pick any one of these over the SDGR line.


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#40
I think the SR500 is one of the best bass deals PERIOD. I think for $550 (and you can find these around $300 used once in a while) you can't beat the quality and specs/materials.

If you like the way the GSR feels, this is the way to go. Slim neck, contoured lightweight body, Bartolini pickups and versatile active EQ.

And you can spend more and get the SR700 but this just has different body materials and fancier finish. Or the Prestige SRs which are gorgeous, made in Japan instruments.

If you're not looking to spend too much, the SR300 and SR400QM are great steps up from what you have.

However, right now Musicians Friend has the ATK300 for $299 which is a clearance price - they're $499 everywhere else so that is an awesome deal. Different feel and sound from the SRs though - fatter necks, more aggressive tones, larger heavier bodies. But that just seems like such a great price!!!
 

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