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Ibanez ATK 200 vs Sterling SUB Ray4

egomin

egomin

Nov 8, 2020
12
3
#1
I know there's probably a few other threads with similar questions, but I'd like to ask only about these two specific basses of similar price points and quality

I'm saving up for a good Stingray-type bass, and there's an Ibanez ATK 200 and a SUB Ray4(MII), both used, that are up for sale online in my country at around the same price(~$300 shipped). I found the ATK to be more versatile and punchy, but I've been told it's heavier than the average bass, which can be a slight dealbreaker. Meanwhile, I prefer the looks of the SUB and I think it sounds a bit closer to the real thing

I'm hoping to get some opinions on these two and maybe some advice from those that have tried both on what would be the better choice, especially at $300. Big thanks

ibanez-atk-200-nt.jpg
SUB-Ray4.JPG
 
Last edited:
#3
Either bass is a good choice.
The neck on the ATK is a lot thicker and wider than the SUB. Take that into consideration.
The SUB is easily modified and upgraded to sound just like a real stingray.
The ATK is pretty much what you get. Drop in replacement pickups aren't really available. The pic looks kind of like a std stingray size but I'm not sure. The one I had was not. You'd have to research that
The ATK is also out of production. Take that into consideration as well.
 
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#5
egomin said:
I know there's probably a few other threads with similar questions, but I'd like to ask only about these two specific basses of similar price points and quality

I'm saving up for a good Stingray-type bass, and there's an Ibanez ATK 200 and a SUB Ray4(MII), both used, that are up for sale online in my country at around the same price(~$300 shipped). I found the ATK to be more versatile and punchy, but I've been told it's heavier than the average bass, which can be a slight dealbreaker. Meanwhile, I prefer the looks of the SUB and I think it sounds a bit closer to the real thing

I'm hoping to get some opinions on these two and maybe some advice from those that have tried both on what would be the better choice, especially at $300. Big thanks

View attachment 4318863 View attachment 4318865
Click to expand...
What did you end up getting?

I'm having the exact same dilemma.
 
#8
egomin said:
I ended up buying an Ibanez ATK300RM for a good deal. Fantastic sounding bass for the price, but one of the heaviest I've owned. Pulls off the Stingray-sound quite well and it easily cuts through the mix

I've tried the Ray4 at a music store, wasn't that impressed imho
Click to expand...
Last November, I ordered a RAY5 HH when it went on sale. It hasn't shipped yet. In the meanwhile, I sometimes see ads for used ATK 200's for around the same price. I keep wondering if I should cancel the RAY while it's still time and grab an ATK instead.
I'm also not sure if I'd prefer a 4 or 5 string bass (I play and like both).
 

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