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Ibanez discontinued models.

IconBasser

IconBasser

Scuba Viking
Feb 28, 2007
7,227
1,648
34
Fontana, California
#1
Why is it that Ibanez comes up with literally hundreds of exemplary models, but discontinues each after a few years of production?

the only one that's been around for any notable period of time is the SR500 series. All of the others have been demised.
 
#2
Not sure but I would imagine they want to keep pumping out new variations of their basses to sell more. That said the soundgear line body (sr) has been around for at least a dozen years and reincarnates itself over and over again.
 
#6
I would guess that rather than compete head-to-head with Fender, producing basses with designs that date-back to the 50s, they are doing market analysis and data-mining to see "what's hot". Grocery stores and other major retail outlets do the same thing - if it doesn't "move" it doesn't get reordered.
 
#8
An old (say 82) Musician Fretless is one of the few items I really GAS for.

ibanezbass1.gif
 
#9
I like the sound of the ATK and the Gary Willis. It looks though like the ATK might be around for a while this time.

In some respect, the Soundgears might be Ibanez's Jazz bass in the that model remains their consistent top sellers. Fender has introduced a ton of basses - some of them very good - but none of them have ever knocked over the P or J.
 
#11
ROON said:
What really pisses me off is Ibanez's "signature" basses. They're all just regular production line basses with some crappy graphics on them and maybe a different control layout.

BORING. :o
Click to expand...
They are usually constructed differently too, ie different materials.


I think the reason Ibanez go through so many models is to not let anything get stale, im glad i got my EDA905 tho, and all my other Ibbys :)
 
#15
Eric Perry said:
Sorry dude... Just my opinion. I think Ibanez had made some killer lines. I do NOT see the Soundgear line as one of 'em though.
Click to expand...

I would say Ibanez would have had a hard time if it wasn't for the SR series. It's the most accessible of the lines and allows all kinds of players to experience a fast, comfortable, good sounding bass.

I don't know why everyone judges the SR's according to the entry level models. :hmm:
 
#16
I play Ibanez basses beccause I am on a low budget and I like them!
If it weren't for the sentimental value of my Ibanez basses I would likely
play a Chinese Cyrrus. On the same note, I would not trade my Sb1500
for any other bass unless I could replace it!
 
#17
I love the Soundgear basses - not so much the older ones but the ones from the last 4 years or so: they're very comfy/ergonomic, are made well, sound good (and with the EQ you can really tailor your sound) and are great bargains.

I mean, come on, this is a great bass for $550 (and the SR300 is great for $300): http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargallery/bass/all/s211P04100810530/

However, I agree, they've made some other great basses that should still be around, most notably the Musician. They did bring the Musician back last year but come on, a limited edition $10,000 version? Lol. They could make a killing if they released an affordable (sub $1000) version.

But I give credit to Ibanez for continuously trying to update their line. And they've got one of the more varied lines of all the mass manufacturers: SR (and two SR-variations, the SRX and SRA), BTB, ATK, Artcore, and now the new Grooveline (which would have been killer if they'd modified that lower horn a bit... it just looks strange).
 
#18
I dig the old sr800. I got my first one in the early 90s. It wasn't the cheapest thing available at the time, but when I picked it up I could instantly play things that I could only hear in my head before. I've tried newer sr models, but none of them stand up, in my opinion. I love my Fender jazz basses, but the narrower neck of the 800 is quicker and easier for my short fingers.
 
#20
I have two ibanez basses, an SR885 and also an SR400. I completely stripped out all the electronics and pickups out of the SR400 and put in EMG stuff and made it an 18v system. Sounds a hundred times better. I didnt really like the sound of the stock SR400 pickups. I thought they sounded a little muddy.

Overall I love the way my basses sound now and play. I always felt comfortable on an ibanez. I think they are great basses to start on or if you are looking for something to modify on a budget.
 

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