How Ibanez got it right.

[pica]

Now I know not everybody likes Ibanez basses and Ibanez basses are not for everybody but you have to give the Japanese credit for this one. Ibanez basses are fantastic. I play the SR models usually the 500 and higher because I like the Bartolini pickups so I can't really speak for the other models. But even the lower number SR's with the stock Ibanez pickups sound good.

I have not played one bad Ibanez bass. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing about other basses I've played. The Ibanez brand name has been around since 1929, 17 years before Leo Fender founded the Fender Musical Instrument Corporation. Whatever Ibanez is doing I'd say their doing it right.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I thought this thread was about them finally resolving that bridge problem...

Glad to hear your a happy Ibanez customer.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Also add Schecter to this category.

I thought this thread was about them finally resolving that bridge problem...

Glad to hear your a happy Ibanez customer.

What bridge problem?

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Also add Schecter to this category.



What bridge problem?

The SR series bridges were made out of a soft metal and would get bent out of shape. It was an ongoing problem for some time and, as far as I know, still is.

 

[Bass Viking]

They are fantastic! I'm on my third Ibanez bass, an SR1200, and have owned a Musician and an ATK. All were/are great. The SR1200 sounds and plays excellently and is a real bang for the buck. I just had it Plek'd and it's even better. I really like the exotic woods and the fact that it weighs less than 8 pounds. The other nice thing about Ibanez is that you can usually find them in local stores. Which reminds me, I saw a fanned fret model at Steve's Music. I should go down there and check it out!

 

[Aberdumbie]

I beat an Ibanez Roadstar to death working hard on the road for years. Put it in the attic in 1992. Pulled it out three years ago to play in the church and that old bass was still superb. Only last week did I hand it off to a young up and comer. He has texted me near daily saying it was the best bass he ever played..... Yeah given that bass I bought in 1985 was a budget to mid priced bass, it has proven the test of time. Even after being rode hard and put up wet for twenty plus years. No doubt in my mind Ibanez got it right.

 

[stingray69]

The SR series bridges were made out of a soft metal and would get bent out of shape. It was an ongoing problem for some time and, as far as I know, still is.

Could have been a bad batch of metal. In any case, there is a thread here on TB about it - in the thread an Ibanez rep stated they are replacing any defective bridges free of charge to owners.

 

[stingray69]

On another note, I've owned several Ibanez basses since the early 90's. They have always been fantastic sounding and performing instruments.

My most recent Ibanez is an SR1305 Premium - blown away by how incredible this instrument is on every level.

Lastly - as a company in general, i think their instruments are fresh, innovative and they do not blink twice to try things like fanned frets, unique body styles, single cuts, exotic woods, etc. They seem a lot more daring than other companies in that regard. They aren't everyone's cup of tea for various reasons, but they build a very solid instrument.

 

[PaulKaplan]

As the happy owner of two slightly modified SR605s, I couldn't agree more.

Now I know not everybody likes Ibanez basses and Ibanez basses are not for everybody but you have to give the Japanese credit for this one. Ibanez basses are fantastic. I play the SR models usually the 500 and higher because I like the Bartolini pickups so I can't really speak for the other models. But even the lower number SR's with the stock Ibanez pickups sound good.

I have not played one bad Ibanez bass. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing about other basses I've played. The Ibanez brand name has been around since 1929, 17 years before Leo Fender founded the Fender Musical Instrument Corporation. Whatever Ibanez is doing I'd say their doing it right.

 

[CryingBass]

For about $1k, the Portamento 5 fretless has exceeded my expectations. My first Ibanez, and while it is not perfect of course, it is very, very good

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I'm interested to try one of the high end models sometime

 

[MojoPenguin]

I have to add that in my opinion, fretwork and setup are generally good on Ibanez Basses or Guitars, even the cheap ones, and that makes a HUGE difference.

 

[Hounddog409]

The SR series bridges were made out of a soft metal and would get bent out of shape. It was an ongoing problem for some time and, as far as I know, still is.

Really? I have a couple SR's and know a bunch of others that do as well. Never heard or experienced this.

Have you owned a SR and experienced this or repeating something you read somewhere?

Are you talking 1983 or current production?

 

[bassstrangler]

I recently acquired a SR 700. It is an extremely nice bass and plays great. But, I think it will be going as it is the the bass I play the least and I'm more of a Fender guy.

 

[Davey28]

I just picked up a new SR 750 and really like it. most of my other basses are Fender-style so this gives me another option to play. I really enjoy the neck and wood combinations on the neck and body. Fun bass to play, for sure.

 

[muike]

I don't know how they do it, but even the lower end basses Ibanez produces outshine their lower end guitars.

 

[Antisyzygy]

Now I know not everybody likes Ibanez basses and Ibanez basses are not for everybody but you have to give the Japanese credit for this one. Ibanez basses are fantastic. I play the SR models usually the 500 and higher because I like the Bartolini pickups so I can't really speak for the other models. But even the lower number SR's with the stock Ibanez pickups sound good.

I have not played one bad Ibanez bass. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing about other basses I've played. The Ibanez brand name has been around since 1929, 17 years before Leo Fender founded the Fender Musical Instrument Corporation. Whatever Ibanez is doing I'd say their doing it right.

Ibanez is great. They have a knack for maintaining high quality control regardless of the price point you're shooting for. Some of their basses have features you would not expect at the price.

My main problem with their instruments is I don't really care for the SR or BTB series. They're modern instruments for certain, and many people like them, but I am not a big fan of super slim bodies or bulkier five stringers. I also tend to avoid preamps.

I blame it on being brought up as a bass player with Fenders. I know Fenders are bulky instruments but for whatever reason their four stringers always are in the comfort zone for me.

The Talman series gets closer to what I want in a bass. The preamp seems to not change the underlying tone too much, it more-so dials in your presence and the deep boom. The mids seem relatively untouched.

I own a TMB100 which is hands down the most surprising bass I've ever played. The quality is much higher than the price point would suggest. I picked it up for 150 dollars new at GuitarCenter and it's been set up and playing well since day one.

I wish they'd re-release some of the older Roadster models. Just any higher quality PJ or Stingray-esque basses that are predominately passive, or have at most a 2-band EQ.

 

[TuneIn]

I had a BTB 5 string back in 2002, that was perfect in almost every way; the bridge was way more solid then any fender bass I've owned. I did get rid of it due to a very shallow neck profile, just to thin for my long lanky phalanges.

 

[oldcatfish]

Now I know not everybody likes Ibanez basses and Ibanez basses are not for everybody but you have to give the Japanese credit for this one. Ibanez basses are fantastic. I play the SR models usually the 500 and higher because I like the Bartolini pickups so I can't really speak for the other models. But even the lower number SR's with the stock Ibanez pickups sound good.

I have not played one bad Ibanez bass. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing about other basses I've played. The Ibanez brand name has been around since 1929, 17 years before Leo Fender founded the Fender Musical Instrument Corporation. Whatever Ibanez is doing I'd say their doing it right.

I don't like Ibanez basses. Well, let me rephrase that. I don't like them for me. Nothing wrong with their quality or sound, but I personally prefer the feel of a Fender type instrument. I do have an Ibanez acoustic guitar that gets a lot of gig time though.

 

[JRA]

i've never really played any ibanez for more than a moment. but TB posts like yours tempt me to explore further. congratulations on your satisfaction with both the company in general and the specific models you go for: it's nice to have that satisfaction with our instruments!