you took me wrong. I meant that the lack of brain on those that diss things just because it is made in Japan or wherever they perceive as unholy.
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you took me wrong. I meant that the lack of brain on those that diss things just because it is made in Japan or wherever they perceive as unholy.
Apologies, I was covering two separate ideas in one post. I was suggesting that people maybe go digging about for evidence to suit a pre-existing bias. The crux of the matter is "I don't like Japanese" instruments. My thinking is that Ibanez make way too broad a range of instruments to take a pot-shot at all of them. Neck's too thin? Active electronics sound weak? Basses are too light? It can't apply to them all, surely!
Having said all that, I don't agree with OP's wide-eyed loyalty to the brand. What has Ibanez done right? Quietly canned products that didn't sell (RIP Axstar basses), use offshore manufacturing and generic parts to keep costs down, offer a wide range of products to try and hit the 'something for everyone' target. Then again OP doesn't actually go as far as to say why they reckon Ibanez are doing it right.
I am starting to pay attention to these basses now after this thread. So the higher the number the better the bass?
There seems to be as many Ibanez basses as there are cars on the road. Saw this on CL in pheonix
looks as nice as any bass I've seen for a grand.
There seems to be as many Ibanez basses as there are cars on the road. Saw this on CL in pheonix
looks as nice as any bass I've seen for a grand.
Yes... and no
Usually the "better" models have a higher number, but in reality once you go pass the 5XX mark, it's only a matter of materials & finish: either different woods for neck and/or body, or different finish/colors. Electronics and hardware in general is the same. So (regarding the Standard SR) I'd say it's more like "under 5XX" and higher than "5XX". For example: my SR505s have mahogany bodies w/ jatoba/bubinga necks; the 605 has identical neck and electronics, but ash body; while the 705 has the same neck, but mahogany body w/ maple top. So it's more a matter of preferences (they do sound different though). To sum things up: you have the Standard SR (below and higher than 5XX), Premium SR and Prestige. IMO best bang for the buck would be SR 5XX Standard, and best overall - any Premium. Prestige... they seem awesome, but IMO there's no need to go that high (unless you can afford the stretch), 'cause the Premium line already offers top pro quality. I know some folks had some issues with some Premiums, but the ones I've played (in shops, mind you) were really flawless.
I've owned three Ibanez instruments:
1) A cheap (200 pound, new) electric guitar that was terrible; poorly put together, terrible floating bridge, switches didn't work - maybe just a Friday afternoon guitar?
2) An acoustic guitar - AW400 - that sounds and plays amazing; ridiculously good value. My wife had an equally priced Yamaha acoustic that she liked, but as soon as she heard the Ibanez she sold the Yamaha - night and day, and the Yamahas are supposed to be good in that price range. The Ibanez AW400 has a beautiful balanced rainbow of sound; maybe I was just lucky with that one, but it's superb value for money.
3) SR600 that I paid 435 Euros new and delivered on an ebay auction. It's comparable build quality to my $1000 MIJ Fender telecaster, but I'm not overly impressed with the pickups; just an OEM version; money for licensing the product; it's sales and marketing... It needs new pickups, imho, but at $200+ for replacements, that makes the bass quite a pricey one (and that's before changing the preamp which may or may not be needed after new PUs are in). Basically, it's a a Cort made bass (which is a good thing; Cort make great basses and guitars).
The SR600 is clearly very well made and excellent quality for the money, but I don't love the sounds (my cheaper passive jazz bass sounds better to my ears). I'm still unsure whether to spend $200 on new pickups and keep it or to move it on and spend the money on a Marcus Miller jazz bass instead.
1) A cheap (200 pound, new) electric guitar that was terrible; poorly put together, terrible floating bridge, switches didn't work - maybe just a Friday afternoon guitar?
2) An acoustic guitar - AW400 - that sounds and plays amazing; ridiculously good value. My wife had an equally priced Yamaha acoustic that she liked, but as soon as she heard the Ibanez she sold the Yamaha - night and day, and the Yamahas are supposed to be good in that price range. The Ibanez AW400 has a beautiful balanced rainbow of sound; maybe I was just lucky with that one, but it's superb value for money.
3) SR600 that I paid 435 Euros new and delivered on an ebay auction. It's comparable build quality to my $1000 MIJ Fender telecaster, but I'm not overly impressed with the pickups; just an OEM version; money for licensing the product; it's sales and marketing... It needs new pickups, imho, but at $200+ for replacements, that makes the bass quite a pricey one (and that's before changing the preamp which may or may not be needed after new PUs are in). Basically, it's a a Cort made bass (which is a good thing; Cort make great basses and guitars).
The SR600 is clearly very well made and excellent quality for the money, but I don't love the sounds (my cheaper passive jazz bass sounds better to my ears). I'm still unsure whether to spend $200 on new pickups and keep it or to move it on and spend the money on a Marcus Miller jazz bass instead.
I've heard so many folks say that. &, so many folks saying the preamp is ok once the PUs are changed. It's all quite confusing. To be honest, my ultra cheap jazz bass copy with $40 Wilkinson pickups sounds better (although the Ibanez does have far more tonal options).
I guess it's down to what type of sound you prefer. All SRs do sound modern. That aside, no matter what pickups you end up with, they'll go through the same preamp. It will add to the natural tone of the instrument plus the sum of whatever electronics are used before going through it. If you want a significant tone difference, go for the preamp. For the record though: IMO the onboard preamp is just fine and sounds and works very well with the MIK pups. I wouldn't change them on any of my SRs. But again, it's just a matter ofpersonal preferences - I play them simply because they're perfect for me - sound, specs and all.
From my experience, you either love the SRs...or not
They feel so different from any other brand model that you either love every single aspect of them, or you're really gonna hate 'em. So there's no point in trying to force you into liking them. If they don't fit your style, then move on. They ain't any Fender, that's for sure.
There's quite a jump from anything lower than the SR500 to a SR500 and above imo. For one, the necks are different- the SR500 has a 5-piece jatoba and bubinga neck, so even though you can mod let's say a SR300 internally, you're going to have to switch the neck too, to get something similar to the SR500 in playability.
One thing I do recommend is looking for a used SR700 - it's identical to the SR500 but with a much better body finish that won't get dinged up easily (the main criticism of the SR500 is the finish).
I'd agree with Maxdusty.
I don't rate the preamp or pickups in the SR500/600, so you're just as well off with the SR300/400 in that respect. The bridge in the SR500/600 is decent, better than the SR300/400, but I don't think it's an amazing bridge - just a decent mid-priced bridge. The tuners on the SR500/600 do feel very good to me and keep tune well, and the nut is well cut - I'm not sure how they are in the SR300/400... But, the big areas are the neck and the body because you can't change these easily (it's not cost effective anyways). The neck is very nice on the SR500/600; it's not $1000+ good, but it's very decent for the price range and certainly much better than lower priced bass necks. Personally, I really like the inlays too. Bodywise, I've seen SR400 bodies that I like more...
So, for me, and other folks might differ, the SR500/600 is worth the extra money over the SR300/400 for the neck, tuners, nut and bridge - but mainly the neck.
I started with SRM300M, but I ignored it for awhile, as I was distracted by my Dean Hollywood Z, But then I got a BTB200 and I was hooked, love that bass, quickly went and found a BTB405QM, I'm learning to love, and rediscovered my SRM, which has become my #2, very happy with Ibanez products, Good bang for your buck, especially on the used end, always lots to choose from
I've owned gsr200 (sold), sr370 (sold), sr400 (modified to sound like a P bass), and a Mikro shortie. I kept the 400, but also have 2 sr700s which I've liked the best. I'm disappointed that lacquer finishes are getting harder to find on the higher end models. I don't feel comfortable exposing the instrument to the FL elements without that protective finish. What won me over was the comfort of the necks. I haven't bought another bass since acquiring the 700s.
The early Korean made Ibanez SdGr basses had three piece maple necks & later the Indonesian 5 piece necks even on the SR300 series..
I seem to be hooked on the Ibanez SdGr basses & there's so many bargains on them.. have a look at this $400 SR700 @ GC ----> [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
It seems to me that the secret to the SdGr bass is the feel of the neck.. I've even been looking at a fretless Ibanez.. ----> [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Should have snagged that SR400FL up a couple weeks ago for cheap.
Here's a higher end SR5000 for $1200 @ GC ----> Invalid Link Removed
There really does seem to be a lot of options available as far as woods, bolt on, neck thru, pickups/bartolini etc.
Gary/Hk
I seem to be hooked on the Ibanez SdGr basses & there's so many bargains on them.. have a look at this $400 SR700 @ GC ----> [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
It seems to me that the secret to the SdGr bass is the feel of the neck.. I've even been looking at a fretless Ibanez.. ----> [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Should have snagged that SR400FL up a couple weeks ago for cheap.
Here's a higher end SR5000 for $1200 @ GC ----> Invalid Link Removed
There really does seem to be a lot of options available as far as woods, bolt on, neck thru, pickups/bartolini etc.
Gary/Hk
I would love to get an Ibanez but it seems like they don't make anything affordable with a neck thru. Also the recessed cable jack kind of kills it for me since I've already got right angle 1/4th to shure connector wireless gear.
Here's a SR900 Neck Thru for $650 ---> [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Where are you gonna buy a neck thru for $650?
Where are you gonna buy a neck thru for $650?
Been looking and finding a lot lately in a 5 string... Ibanez just doesn't have one though I wish they did. :/
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I am exstremely happy with my Ibanez Mikro as well.
Playability wise I never owned a better bass.
It leaves some to wish for in the sound department and it badly needed a setup when I bought it.
But what could you expect for that price.
Other than that it's near perfect.
Really surprised by the overall quality of the build for even such a cheap bass.
I have no doubt a new pair of pickups, which I will invest in at some point, will do wonders for the sound though, and bring it on level with the quality of the rest of the bass.
Playability wise I never owned a better bass.
It leaves some to wish for in the sound department and it badly needed a setup when I bought it.
But what could you expect for that price.
Other than that it's near perfect.
Really surprised by the overall quality of the build for even such a cheap bass.
I have no doubt a new pair of pickups, which I will invest in at some point, will do wonders for the sound though, and bring it on level with the quality of the rest of the bass.
