Do Ibanez basses have bad reputations in general

[retslock]

Do Ibanez basses have a bad reputation with bass players, especially pro’s? I know there are a few signature models out there. I just read an article on redditt and it mainly said that outside of metal they are not really popular. Every music store I have ever been in sells them. I have owned a couple of their BTB line basses over the years that were great basses. I have noticed that NBD’s on here don’t usually consist of Ibanez basses. As a matter of fact, a line that receives its share of criticism, sterling by musicman seems to be more popular than Ibanez. Educate me with Ibanez. Is it quality control? Are they largely beginner basses? Is it their designs? As I’ve said, with my limited experience with the BTB series, those seem to be pretty solid.

Even though I own an SR655, I don't really like the body shape and it only exists in my collection as a backup if needed. It plays well and sounds great but I have other basses that do that too and look nicer so they get the gigs. I'll probably end up selling it because I have three other really good basses.

 

[Assumer]

Love mine. Plays and sounds great.

 

[Michael Jewels]

I've only read a few replies, but all I can say is, Ibanez builds good stuff at all price points.

I have 4 Ibanez basses and play them all.

I've also owned a Peavey Cirrus about 20 years ago, but sold it back to the seller when he asked for it back.

I then went on a slow search to replace it with another Cirrus, but came across a BTB1205E in 2006 and bought it.

The Cirrus was a top-notch bass, and the Ibanez is the same, except for having a more vintage sound.

There are some people who will only buy the top-selling basses, and that's fine; to each his own.

Ibanez basses, like Yamaha basses are very underrated.

Some people don't like cats.

You can't convince them otherwise, so don't bother.

Mike

 

[twinjet]

There are those on TB that would say that was a downgrade.

I am not one of those.

The way it plays and sounds definitely has me leaning toward an upgrade.

The Soundgear was good. Sustain was not bad, but on the Schecter Studio it was great.

 

[rayzak]

I've never owned an Ibanez, but, my Son has a beautiful Prestige that looks and plays fantastic. My Niece also bought a Talman 100? for a very reasonable price as her first bass. It's a really cool, fun instrument. I have never heard many bad things about them, even entry level. Two thumbs up from me!!

 

[Frank Kreber]

As you can see, I play the Ibanez SRMS - at first glance it looks a bit futuristic and metal-oriented. In the band mix (I play bluesy, funky, jazzy stuff) they give me exactly the sound that I've been looking for for years from various companies (Sadowsky Metroline, Fender American Pro, Cort, Yamaha). I tested the SRMS out of curiosity and was impressed... I sold everything else. The quality of the wood is not as great as the Sadowsky, but I think the overall package is very harmonious. I had no problems with the QC, but many people write about it here on TB - although I also read a lot of critical reports about Fender

 

[Gunga Din]

No.

 

[JRA]

lol at people saying “consider your source,” as if TalkBass is any more reputable than Reddit.

you make a good point...except that there are actual 'experts with experience' on TB who actually know something about the subject at hand: obviously, the OP's reddit source was making up. there's a difference. hope you can see that.

 

[SteveLo42]

Very happy with mine. It's comfortable, light-weight and sounds great.

 

[madmaskbass]

I think ibanez make excellent instruments but they just don't excite me. they make such a huge range of basses they cater for so many but as a brand I their biggest focus has been quality, flexibility and aesthetics at competitive price points but after growing up with one I have never pulled the trigger on one in favour of basses that i would rather more.

I honestly think we all owe Ibanez so much for driving the quality standards of basses in the market at most value points. Range of specs, colours, styles, limited runs, active electronics, new designs, They might not have been the first but they would never be far behind with an excellent product at a competitive price.