So this last weekend I purchased the Ibanez GSR200. I've been eying it for awhile know and at my local guitar center where I bought it I thought it sounded pretty good and it was the only one in the store, in my price range that I liked. now that I have it home it has static that I don't remember hearing in the store so it's probable just my house, but I've fiddled with the nobs a lot and I just can't seem to get the Fender P bass sound, now I know I can't Get a Fender sound from a Ibanez for $199 but I just want a little more Growl. so I searched more and found the Squier Standard P Bass in the chrome color with a jazz and p bass pickup but is it really worth the extra $100, the Ibanez has so many good reviews and they don't have the Squier in the store for me to try out. so should I just use the Ibanez for a few years before I can get a fender or return the Ibanez and order the Squier? please is there anyone with experience with this kind of situation or thies basses?
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Ibanez GSR200 or Squier Standard P Bass? Help?
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I started on a Squier Affinity P. Shortly thereafter, I traded it in for an Ibanez GSR200. Then, a year later, I sold the Ibanez and now I'm playing another Squier Affinity P.
Answer your question?
Good luck!
Answer your question?
Good luck!Dude I totally know what you mean. I started out with a GSR190 and wanted more growl... the answer? NEW PICKUPS : D I got some cheap "Wilkinson" pickups off eBay and it was so much freakin better! I rarely ever used the bridge pup after that. I'd recommend you get some Basslines Quarter Pounder P pickups and put them in (they are the most commonly recommended pups for a P bass mod and have great tone and quality). It's not that hard and you'll have amazing tone. Of course, you'll probably want to change the bridge pup, but since a standard P bass only has one pickup, switching that P is most important.
The cost to switch both pups will end up being $50 if you have a soldering iron and solder, and $75 if you don't (if you don't I can help you with links on how to solder).
The cost to switch both pups will end up being $50 if you have a soldering iron and solder, and $75 if you don't (if you don't I can help you with links on how to solder).
The Ibanez are better build in this price range. I had a Ibanez GSR 200 and Ilked it. but it had more modern feel and look. If you are really after a P-bass you should go for a Classic Vibe Squier. They are better build and worth the extra cash. They also play better something that is a big plus.
Thanks for all the replies so far and the concept of replacing the pickups on my Ibanez but I do love the look of Fenders but can't really afford any good Squier, I tried the affinity in the store and didn't like it.
Just play it for a few months and see how it goes.
Don't get sucked into the idea of buying the tone you want--chances are that you'll soon learn to play the Ibanez in a way that gives you the sound you desire for free.
I play other guy's basses and amps all the time and have no trouble getting "my sound".
Practice, experiment, turn knobs, move your right hand closer to the bridge or further, play harder/softer...there are many ways to get the tone you like.
Don't get sucked into the idea of buying the tone you want--chances are that you'll soon learn to play the Ibanez in a way that gives you the sound you desire for free.
I play other guy's basses and amps all the time and have no trouble getting "my sound".
Practice, experiment, turn knobs, move your right hand closer to the bridge or further, play harder/softer...there are many ways to get the tone you like.
One little tip. Your bass is fine! You can actually consider just getting a Sansamp BDDI og VT bass or any other pedal which will kick some more life to your bass tone, you will be surprises how good is you bass actually running through a good preamp!!
I have a 2002 20th Anniversary Squier P bass, it's my number one go to bass. It played like ass at first, that is until I set it up and threw on some flats.
As others have said don't be afraid to experiment. turn knobs, try different strings, play with your amp settings, oh yeah and don't forget to HAVE FUN.
Althought I personally am a Squier fan, and have never played an Ibanez, I would advise you to play around with it for awhile, become familiar with it, and then, if it's still not what yo want, then maybe consider new pickups, and after a while, look into another instrument, all the while saving up as much money as you can to ge something better should you decide to do that. There's no real hurry to get the "perfect" bass right away. Some of us are still looking for it, haven't quite found it yet. Gotten close but not perfect. You may also want to consider looking into SX basses, if you get a good one, they have a very Fendery vibe to them, and they're super cheap. Do a search for "Essex" here on TB and you'll see.
