Compare Ibanez vs Spector

[dbsfgyd1]

I voted Warwick because I own a 5 string Corvette. Freaking adore this instrument. I've played everything from fender to Yamaha, music man, steinberger, Ibanez, schecter, esp, hofner, carvin, Rickenbacker and probably a couple I forget about and some of those were really cool and I'd love to own certain models but the Warwick is my favorite. Best tone and fastest neck for me I've ever had. My advice is to try as many different basses as possible and see what you connect with. Everyone will be a little different and you'll find out what tone you're after and what feel you want. Warwick and Ibanez are both narrow string spacing necks and fender or Spector is a bit wider in spacing 16.5mm vs 17 or 18mm. Also neck profile will factor in. Tone is subjective so all I'm going to say is if you get a Warwick they have a growly tone that's distinct when you turn up the tone control and dig. It's the pickups and the neck that really makes it all happen. Amazing instruments. Spector is another special bass. They are awesome too in the right hands. Hopefully you get to try each of them and something will grab your attention. Best of luck!!!

I have A 2006 active MIG Corvette STS 5 string. And it's a great bass. A tremendous voice. Solid s a rock. A little heavy by today's standards, but you can find these selling for under a grand. I have the stock MEC pickups and preamp. I paid a little under $600 at GC in 2016 with case.

 

[Hevy T]

Specter Euro used would be my choice

 

[Bassiclees]

New Ibby is gastackular.
BTB805MS | BTB | ELECTRIC BASSES | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars

 

[edthebass]

Spector and Warwick are more about a signature sound so unless you're really into that specific tone that they get, go with the quiver killer, the Ibanez

 

[Outbush]

I voted Ibanez because I love mine and mine is very comfortable for me but an Ibanez might not be comfortable for you. Try them all before you make a decision and if you're not sure walk away have a cup of coffee and go back and play it again. And take your rig with you…

 

[KJMO]

If you look closer (shipping, non-rebop, etc.), I'd say the Euro is going to be closer to 1500 minimum, which is quite a bit more. It may be worth it, of course, but there's always something nicer for more ;-) At any rate, the pulse does not deserve to be pooped on.

 

[themickster]

What is it about the SR1305 that makes you want it so much? The SR600E is no less well made. The woods, bridge and truss rod metals are all that's different. I tried out an SR2600E and found no difference that mattered between it and my 300E/600E.

Buying the 1305 will get you a bass that costs 100s more and that's about it. Buy the 605 and you will get the wood-grain look and have 100s to spend elsewhere.

 

[Benj-jammin]

It's interesting, last year, Christmas season of 2020, I was walking downtown, doing a little shopping for the fam, when I waltzed by this well known, mom & pop store which carries a boat load of older vintage guitars and amps. Well, right in the front window as this Spector Re-Bop, with the killer Zebrawood top. Forgot about the family shopping for a minute, went in, tried it out, and yeah, sounded pretty damn good. However, lurking up in a corner of the store, was an Ibby SR 800, with the poplar burl cap, gorgeous looking bass. Tried that one out, and for me, it was just hand down had a better overall sound and ergonomic fit, plus, I love the Bart pups. This is JMO, I thoroughly tried both out, plus, the Ibby was $500 cheaper. Granted, we're not talking about a Euro or NS model here. I've also never played a top level Spector or Warwick as well, so, just comparing what I saw that day in the store. Put some $$ down, and bought it in late January of '21.

 

[basslifter]

I briefly owned a Warwick thumb 5 and a spector 5 string.
The smaller body and neck dive on both basses caused me wrist pain. Went to an ibanez SR bass and the balance of those basses made my wrist pain go away. Try everything standing with a strap before you buy.

I would double like this one if I could. Standing weight, balance and reach are big in this comparison.
If those things are important to you, then Ibanez without a doubt.

 

[Gearhead17]

I currently own five Spector 5 strings. 4 Euro's, 1 Korean from the late 90's. PLEASE, get the bass in your hands and test it with a strap! For me, I have longer arms than most people and the 35" scale, curved body, and different placement of the bridge compared to most basses makes Spector's PERFECT for my hands and shoulders. Playing other basses (like a Fender P) are uncomfortable because of the plucking and fretting positions.

I recently bought a used Ibanez SR 1405E and it balanced TERRIBLY on me. Even with a nice 3" wide leather strap. I was surprised to say the least. Again, get the bass in your hands and try it out! Everyone has a different preference with basses.

Lastly, I have sold and returned many Spector 5 strings because of poor balance. All Spector 5 strings I own were modified with Hipshot Ultra Lites or lightweight Gotoh tuners. I also adjust the strap pin locations and that has helped quite a bit. Good luck on your search - all three companies make wonderful instruments.

 

[Bill Murray]

These basses are all quality instruments buuuut they are very different from one another…

The Warwick will probably be the heaviest but will also have the tightest string spacing. It's got a tone that's kind of hard to pin down… I guess you could say it's low-mid focused? It's organic and not what I would consider modern. IMHO they sound kind of flat.

The Ibanez plays like butter. Super smooth neck. Lightweight too. The pickup and preamp are great but it definitely has a treble/mid forward voicing.

The Spector will probably be between the two weight wise. The string spacing for some reason feels weird to me. The body is almost too smooth, I needed a strap to play comfortably while sitting. I think this bass will give you the widest tonal variety and it definitely has the most low end on tap out of the bunch.

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[BarfanyShart]

I love Warwicks, and have also played around with buying another one, but my recent acquisition of a Ibanez EHB has scratched that itch tonally and feels better than my old Streamer. I think you are going to get the most bang for your buck from Ibanez in terms of weight, features, component quality, comfort, etc. - but you gotta go with your heart, right? These are all the same brands I was looking at for my "modern" bass, and you really can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Thorsoundcore]

Glad you're choosing a premium SR, I really didn't like the feel/tone of the cheaper models. I don't know much about the new Pulse basses, but if that's your choice I'm hoping it's not a far cry from my Rebop (Has both a thinner neck and lighter body than the typical NS basses).

BTW, if you think the weird strap peg thing with Spector could be an issue, I highly recommend a Comfort Strapp. I struggled trying other straps at first as I'm a stubby guy, but I couldn't have asked for a better match for my Spector than Comfort strapp.

 

[Bright Midnight]

I can't comment on the Ibanez and Spector, but I did have a Warwick Corvette $$, and it's a top notch bass. No neck dive, no flaw whatsoever. Playability, finish, electronics and sounds are all very high level. You've got 2 humbuckers and a 3-way switch per humbucker giving you a nearly endless palette of sounds. You can't go wrong with a German Warwick.

 

[BaltBass5]

I recently switched from America Fenders and Laklands to Spector Euro 4 LT's. I'm never looking back.
I will say that the Euros are a significant step up from the Pulse and Ethos models (which are also great basses)

 

[Relayer71]

I have to agree with those saying get a used Euro. They are fantastic basses and well worth the money (yes, even at new pricing!).

However, if buying new and with $1500, I would say get an Ibanez Premium.

I say this not having played any of the lower end Spectors (though I hear they are also great instruments), and having previously played Ibbys which are some of the best basses at their price points (lots of bang for your buck).

 

[scuzzy]

This would be my pick.

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[Treeviper]

You can't go wrong with any of them. Over the Years I owned several Ibanez (SR-Series) and Warwicks and a friend of mine has some Spectors which he lends me from time to time. (But none of the exact Models you mentioned).

From what I have experienced, they all fall into the same category of "Modern-Activ" Basses and to an unexperienced ear the probably sound very similar.

The main difference (soundwise) in my opinion comes from how the active electronic/pickups are voiced and which frequencies they affect. But that really is a matter of personal taste.

However in regards to handling, Ibanez is the winner. There Necks are super smooth and easy to play, since they are so slim. They are well balanced and usually on the lighter side. That being said, I never experienced Warwicks and Spectors as uncomfortable. (Well except of the notorious neck heavy Thumb, which I love nonetheless).

As for which Bass to buy, the first advice (as always) is to try to check out as many of your options as possible. If there is no chance to play any of these instruments, go with what majority of your heroes play.

One thought to the Spector in question: One of TB's Members @LowEndLobster recently made a review of the Spector pulse. Turned out that it's preamp was quite noisy, so maybe you you like to take a look at one of the other models Spector has to offer.

Did they fix that with a hum cancelling jazz pickup?

 

[Klangfarbe]

Did they fix that with a hum cancelling jazz pickup?

I don't know. But if it was the Preamp that was noisy, a different Pickup wouldn't change anything, since it comes after the Pickup in the signal chain.

 

[JC Wood]

I haven't voted for any you put up, cause I found myself at the same issue looking for a new fiver. I will say that I've owned each brand and this really is a tough choice. I had a corvette that was my work horse for 12 years until I sold it to up grade my rig and started playing my p bass more. My first 5 string was a spector legend neck thru and it was deep. That bass had low end for days, and I kick myself everyday for pawning it, but it was either that or rent. Now for the old faithful ibanez, I've had an sr655e with the split coil nord pups. It was an awesome bass, but I let it go because once again I was working more with my fender pbass and I really got a good trade on an aggi sl210. The one that I'm really looking at seems to get a bad rep, but im liking it the more I play it at my local shop, the Ibanez SRMS805. The fan on it isn't crazy! Having a normal 34" scale on the G let's it ring out right, and a 35.5" B keeps it real tight. I'm seeing them used now on Reverb and GC for like $800 and that would leave you (I mean me) enough cash left over to put a set of EMG TW's or AGGI DC4'S with an OBP3 pre if you/I want.

Damn i think I just bought another bass now. I would like to try the new pulse first before I pull the trigger though.