Ibanez Basses (school me)

[SJan3]

It's my favorite bass out of the 10 that I own. 8 ibanez and 2 fender, and this thing just dominates them all! View attachment 4994634

Beautiful!

 

[Iridescentone]

Where do I start?

That's a big question. Start anywhere and everywhere, Ibanez is a pretty vast rabbit hole to explore. Some of their top-tier models can get kinda spendy, which has kept me away from those, so no opinions there but would expect very high quality with them. I've liked all the older SR models, especially ones with after market, name-brand pickups (EMG, Basslines, etc). My personal fave is the Doug Wimbish DW3 sig version with twin EMG's, which I still have (the PJ sig version is on my bucket list, too!). Nice Korean build, monster sound, cool woods combo. Took a while to find one with the bubinga board, can't seem to let it go when it's "thin the heard" time. Shameless pic blurt...

 

[Chris cook]

I've played Fender type basses all my life, (over 50 years). But I'm looking for a change. Ibanez seems to have so many models and all price ranges. How is the workmanship? Are there any models that are more desirable? I'm looking for a 4 string. Where do I start?

I've owned a few P basses over the years
I started using an Ibanez 5 string in 1990 .
I've never looked back
Fender basses and Ibanez basses are both great sounding.
I have 2 Ibanez BTB series right now.
Ibanez build quality - it's my experience is excellent
Check out an Ibanez BTB 33
Good price
Great looking
Sounds and plays even better
Ibanez basses are not like FENDER in any way
There better. Of course this is only my opinion
Buy one over 600.00 , I think you'll be happy ya did

 

[Snert]

Of course this is only my opinion

Mine too.

Check out an Ibanez BTB 33

FTR the BTB 845v and 846v are the current versions of the 33. Excellent basses.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

About the only Ibanez I didnt dig immediately was the Talman, i was surprised how heavy and chunky it is. Good sounding bass, but doesnt have that sleek racecar appeal of most of their basses. A lot of people like them, no knock there, just not my Cup O' Tea

 

[Chris cook]

Mine too.

FTR the BTB 845v and 846v are the current versions of the 33. Excellent basses.

Yes sir
I have a BTB 745 ntl and a BTB 846v
I call em the twins
Two of the best basses I've owned
But right now I'm playin my PEAVEY Foundation 5 str. mostly.
PEAVEY makes a really good basses , I got mine for 120.00 off FB marketplace. : )
I also do custom paint

 

[Sparky Mark]

Thanks, gang! Some good info here. I'm a bit concerned about comments such as skinny, flat necks. My Fenders and NASH have chunkier necks. I'm mostly concerned about fretboard radius as I don't care for flat boards. 9" to 10" is the sweet spot for me.
But, thanks for the feedback!

I was going to recommend the Premium SR1200 or later similar models that come with the amazing Nordstrand Big Single pickups. It's by a fair margin the most tonally flexible, lightweight and comfortable bass I own but has a slim (1.5" nut) neck with 12" radius fretboard.
If you've never tried an SR bass I highly recommend doing so just to confirm they're not for you.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Since 2007 I have been a dedicated six string bass player.
I would pass on Ibanez products because I didn't like the six string SR series.

But the BTB series caught my eye!
So two years ago I scooped up a used BTB676.
It is tuned in fifths.

 

[SJan3]

I was going to recommend the Premium SR1200 or later similar models that come with the amazing Nordstrand Big Single pickups. It's by a fair margin the most tonally flexible, lightweight and comfortable bass I own but has a slim (1.5" nut) neck with 12" radius fretboard.
If you've never tried an SR bass I highly recommend doing so just to confirm they're not for you.

I'll remember that, Sparky!

 

[Chris cook]

I'm thinking bout installing a 3rd pickup on my 846v
I'm not sure about changin the original Bartolinis
They sound too damn good, to me anyway
Your BTB 676 is a MoNStEr bass.
Have fun with that BAD BOY )

 

[Standalone]

I'm an Ibanez aficionado; mainly vintage Ibanez 1976-90's. The Fujigen factory that produced mine made excellent instruments. I have a dozen or so.

My recommended choice for a fender player is the SR2400. The Aguilar pickups sound fat and full and get that classic bass tone, with the option of dialing in more modern sounds. (To my ears and hands, the Nordstrand equipped 1200's and such are too bright, scooped and snappy. But it's a matter of taste, they are very nice sounding complex pickups.) There is also a passive/active switch; the pickups sound GREAT passive. But you'll get the very nice build quality of a modern Indonesian made Ibanez, as well as a comfortable and playable slim but substantial neck that the four string SR's are known for.

 

[Chris cook]

I'm an Ibanez aficionado; mainly vintage Ibanez 1976-90's. The Fujigen factory that produced mine made excellent instruments. I have a dozen or so.

My recommended choice for a fender player is the SR2400. The Aguilar pickups sound fat and full and get that classic bass tone, with the option of dialing in more modern sounds. (To my ears and hands, the Nordstrand equipped 1200's and such are too bright, scooped and snappy. But it's a matter of taste, they are very nice sounding complex pickups.) There is also a passive/active switch; the pickups sound GREAT passive. But you'll get the very nice build quality of a modern Indonesian made Ibanez, as well as a comfortable and playable slim but substantial neck that the four string SR's are known for.

Yea, I love it , I'm playing it now
: ? )