Ibanez EDB 600 vs SR 405

[Heavy jerk]

Hey guys, I'm a long time lurker but only just made an account here. I'm interested in your expertise

I play rock and metal, and I am in the market looking for a decent (for recording mainly) bass. Don't want to bore you to death with details, long story short - if you were to choose between these two basses, what would your decision be?

Cheers

 

[garp]

I would probably go with the Soundgear, if only for the versatility of having five strings available. The Ergodyne is also a great bass -- I own the five-string version (EDB605).

 

[Heavy jerk]

Yes, low B might come in handy! How would you compare the two basses in terms of sound? See I'd sacrifice versatility for sound, so would you say that Edb600 is superior to Sr, or are they somewhat on a par with each other? Thanks for your help

 

[garp]

I would say that they're generally on par with each other, but there are unique differences that have to be experienced to be appreciated.

Arguably, the Soundgear series has been Ibanez's most successful line of basses, having been in production for over two decades now. The SR405 is an excellent example. If you think a low B would be useful for what you're playing, that alone could determine your decision. Of course, many folks here on TalkBass believe that the Soundgear's 34" scale is not well suited for a good low B, but you can read all about that debate at your leisure using the search function.

The Ibanez Ergodynes have bodies that are intended to be more ergonomically comfortable than a traditional bass. The first examples of the Ergodynes had bodies made of Luthite, a synthetic polymer that -- when combined with the active EQ -- give the basses a very unique, modern tone. My EDB605 is a Luthite version and it's the heaviest bass I own, but it also sounds (in a good way) like nothing else in my herd. In the later years of production, Ibanez discontinued the EDA and EDC models, and shifted back to wood bodies for the EDB model, making it tonally much closer to the Soundgear series. Not sure if the EDB600 you're looking at has a Luthite body or or a basswood body.

 

[Heavy jerk]

The Edb 600 I'm looking at is definitely made of luthite.

Well to be honest, this bass will mainly serve as a backup bass guitar for bands that I record in the studio (usually metal and rock stuff), and for my demo songs. I do have a 7-string guitar, but the bass doesn't have to follow, it's not mandatory. The low B would definitely be useful for me, but if there are some major problems with intonation or so, then what's the point in having it...
But if it fits in "it's not great, but it's manageable" compartment, then I'm all for it.

On the other hand, if Edb is, string for string, clearly better instrument (in terms of construction, note definition, ease of play, etc.), I would like to know.
I don't know much about all this bass stuff, so I have come for help here

 

[garp]

If at all possible, play them both and see which feels and sounds better to you.

The low B issue isn't a matter of intonation, but rather a question of whether or not a 34" scale instrument provides adequate string tension for the low B. (If you'd like to read one string manufacturer's take on this issue, read [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].) I certainly don't want to complicate your decision. In choosing between the Soundgear and the Ergodyne, I would place more emphasis on whether you want a fifth string or not.

Additionally, you could always get the EDB600 and string it B-E-A-D. It may require recutting the nut to accommodate heavier string gauges, and a possibly truss rod tweak, too.

 

[Daedraziel]

agreed with the above... play them both if possible. I personally would steer you towards the SR since my experiences with the Ergodynes has been bad. Spaghetti necks if the truss isnt PERFECTLY lined up and the body chips like mad under any sudden impact. The sound is very punchy and modern I agree but isn't Luthite just sawdust and resin anyway? makes me wonder
Oh yeah...AND THAT SMELL! you will NEVER get rid of the weird chemical smell from the body of any Ergodyne bass.

 

[Rob22315]

I have an edb605 that I love but I replaced the stock pre with a Bart from a btb675 and was much happier with the tone. The stock pre has a shelving circuit at the output that drops everything above 3k Hz by a couple of dB, I modeled it in a SPICE program. I couldn't find any replacement pickups that would fit without mods so I left them alone. The stock pickups are really bright so a slight tweak on the treble knob is necessary to keep them sane.

With nickel rounds and a slight drop in treble, the 605 sounds great live. The body is super comfortable to play too but heavy.

As much as I love the edb605, I would pick the SR405 over the EDB600. 5th string and proven sound.

 

[Heavy jerk]

If it's only tension that's the problem with the low B on the SR, I can live with that. Plus, this particular SR is a pre-2006 model, and apparently EMG 40DCs are direct drop-in replacement for stock pickups, so that's cool If I decide to upgrade it. I have recorded a few bassists with those pickups, and have only good experience with them as far as sound goes. Considering that and your other suggestions, I think I'll go for the SR. I will definitely try them both out and decide on the spot, just wanted some info before I do that.

Thanks alot guys!

 

[Maxdusty]

I've had about 6 or 7 Ergodyne basses but down to one now, an EDA900. It's unique enough to keep but if you're comparing the Ergodyne EDB600 to the Soundgear in terms of the sound quality, I would agree with your inclination towards the SoundgearSR405.
However, the one Ergodyne that sounds pretty darn good is the EDC700. If you were comparing that to the SR405, I would personally get the EDC700. I really regret trading that bass.

Another thing not mentioned about the Ergodyne EDB600 is that it has a painted neck, I don't know if that's important to you one way or another, also the weight. The EDB600 is heavier than a comparable Soundgear 4 string.

 

[Heavy jerk]

Thanks for the info