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Ibanez ATK initial impressions
- Thread starter BillisCool
- Start date
I have a prototype or something of the 305.... seems to be all the same, but has no logo on the headstock. Someone traced the SN for me and said it was one of the prototypes of the Korean line. It's a very nice bass; my only reservation is that I keep worrying that the selector switch will get smashed somehow.
My main interest is blues/rock, how would you guys say this bass would do in that style of music?
Me, too. I have a Soundgear 800 on it's way to me, and hopefully another one by week's end.
This weekend I used my ATK on stage for the first time. I have to say that I was slightly disappointed. Since a lot of people compare the two I brought my Stingray out as well to see how they stack up against each other.
What I noticed was that the ATK didn't have the zing or zest that the Stingray had. The sound of the ATK reminded me of a bass that has the pickups too far away from the strings. I'm going to readjust the ATK's preamp and try it again, I'm hoping that will solve the issue.
On the other hand the ATK is a very comfortable and easy playing bass. I'm very happy with that aspect. I'd say that it even more comfortable to play then the Stingray even though it weighs a whole lot more.
What I noticed was that the ATK didn't have the zing or zest that the Stingray had. The sound of the ATK reminded me of a bass that has the pickups too far away from the strings. I'm going to readjust the ATK's preamp and try it again, I'm hoping that will solve the issue.
On the other hand the ATK is a very comfortable and easy playing bass. I'm very happy with that aspect. I'd say that it even more comfortable to play then the Stingray even though it weighs a whole lot more.
I found that my preamp was adjusted kinda low from the factory.
Also... while we've all compared it to a stingray... it's absolutely not a > $1000 instrument.
I try not to compare my new girlfriends to my ex's... just enjoy them for what they are and what they can do.
Also... while we've all compared it to a stingray... it's absolutely not a > $1000 instrument.
I try not to compare my new girlfriends to my ex's... just enjoy them for what they are and what they can do.
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They are plenty close to the strings. My bet is that the preamp just needs to be cranked up a bit. Although I remember the preamp clip LED on my amp was lighting up quite a bit. Just going to have to experiment.
Well it came,so far its great.Its 11pm and I just got home from school.
First five stringer than felt comfortable to me.
I have a question about when it was made the serial is : C5051978.
i dont think this is new, or it was stored in a humid place. The frets are a bit greenish and the pickguard screws have a bit of rust. Still awesome, and almost FLAWLESS. I love it.
First five stringer than felt comfortable to me.
I have a question about when it was made the serial is : C5051978.
i dont think this is new, or it was stored in a humid place. The frets are a bit greenish and the pickguard screws have a bit of rust. Still awesome, and almost FLAWLESS. I love it.
Wish I could help you with that # man ... the frets and screws should clean up pretty well without too much trouble ...
Was this one made in Korea, does it say?
Congratulations ... I love both of my ATK's ... for the money they're very solid and playable bass machines, can't go wrong IMO. I ignore my fenders for my ATK's and that's sayin alot ... haha
Was this one made in Korea, does it say?
Congratulations ... I love both of my ATK's ... for the money they're very solid and playable bass machines, can't go wrong IMO. I ignore my fenders for my ATK's and that's sayin alot ... haha
+1
Ive played mine for a couple of practices and Im still let down with its sound a bit. It sounds great on combos but through an 8x10 its a bit thin. Im going to put it away and come back to it in a month or so. Maybe it will grow on me or maybe I will think of a fresh way to EQ it.
It plays great however and the build quality is awesome.
+1
I bought a new ATK to replace my 90ties model. I read that it was less heavy and thought that the rest (sound, playability) was the same, so I ordered one without playing it first.
Well, it doesn't sound at all like the old ATK's (electronics? wood?), the tone seems to be less 'solid', so I play with my old one again, no matter how heavy it is. I also don't like the fretboard (maple), I guess I'm used to rosewood (?).
Can anyone identify my old ATK, never seen it in those colors anywhere :
Peter.
Very cool man, thank you. That sure does explain the rust, and green tinted frets
The bass sounds a bit thin compared to my bongo ( which now im having a hard time selling, it sounds too good!)
I'm replacing the strings and batteries today, any one want to help me out with the control settings? My amp is flat witht he exception of a tiny bit of cut bass, and boosted mids (I may not have to cut lows with this bass, I had to do that with the bongo). I love a growly tone, so suggestions welcome.
Pics coming soon!
I've heard the same thing before, which is why I continue to play my orange 90's version. Interesting.
My new ATK is built better, sounds/feels better than my 90s one - YMMV. The B string feel and playability for sure is improved. Oh yes - it is NOT lighter than my old one - still heavy
And I notice the improvement (not night and day, but there nonetheless) ACOUSTICALLY most.....and don't be afraid to use the MID control - thickens it nicely IMO.That being said, I *MAY* do the same mod to it I did to my 90s one - replace the pickup with an EMG 40DC - that combo (at 18 volt) was IT!
Jamie
