Ibanez GSR200 Quality?

[ronin614]

I posted in another thread that I've recently had somewhat extensive shoulder surgery and am looking for a lighter, inexpensive, lefty bass.

I've got a line on an Ibanez GSR200 in really good shape for about $100. I know they're not high end, but I also know that price isn't necessarily an obstacle to being a decent bass.

Overall, how is the quality and tone on these? Any input is appreciated.

 

[TyCobb]

$100? If it makes sounds and intonates, it's worth it!

Never played the GSR200. My first bass was an SR200 in like 2002/2003. That thing was fine. I didn't know enough when I sold it to really know if it was crap or not though...

 

[GreyBeard]

Back when I was still band directing, I bought one of those for use on the field. We parked a amp on the sideline and the bass player marched around playing with a wireless. Great bass for the money. It stayed in tune, the neck was straight, the action was low and it sounded just fine.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I could abide a GSR200 & almost bought the one with a single humbucker last year (natural finish), but I can't abide that Phat-II bass boost.

You can easily rip that out though, & install a bass cut knob instead.

 

[Solarmist]

Can you try it out first? Being a long time Ibby guy, I'd say the build quality is better than the tone.

 

[ronin614]

Well, apparently I missed out on the gsr200, but they still have an SR300 (p/j pickups and three knobs) for about $175. Any thoughts?

 

[Killed_by_Death]

bite the bullet & get a SR300EL, much better pickups
if possible, a SR370EL (maple body)

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[ronin614]

Killed_by_Death, you seem to know your ibanez basses. What are your thoughts on the TMB100?

 

[Clifford Lee]

I had the SR300 for almost one year. Really good bass, versatille and has a good resale value too. Mine wasn't staying in tune that well. I had to tune it every other day but it wasn't so bad as i described it. Great value for money, i'd say go for it.

 

[GrimTim]

I have a three knob gsr200 and a Squier jazz. I find the ibanez to be very easy to play and comfortable but it's tone is "normal". The Squier has a punchier sound but is also less forgiving to play.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

What are your thoughts on the TMB100?

I know Sweetwater has them listed as one of the lightest & Dr. Cheese has posted a video of him playing one at least once.
The bummer about P/J is the noise from the bridge pickup, which the TMB300 & TMB310 solve.

If you want really lightweight get a Mikro, or even lighter a Hofner violin bass, or a Danelectro...

 

[ruju]

I say go for the 300e..those power span pickups sound fantastic. I have a 305e and it’s killer..

 

[Bassquest]

Should do for now, your back and shoulders will be happy. Not sure if the GSR200 is active or passive but either will give a decent tone.

 

[corndog]

My teenage son saved up his allowance and bought the mahogany version. The neck is solid, I have never adjusted it for him. The tuners feel week but stay in tune. The pre is a little hot but can be controlled, overall a very decent bass. I thought it was a steal at $200, for $100, a no brainer.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Isn't the pre on there only for the bass boost?
I'm pretty sure the treble cut is passive.

Yes, here's the drawing for the controls:

 

[stigbeve]

I have 2 of the older passive ones with the straight tuners and 3 knobs. I love them.
They are noisy at high volumes but it's not noticeable when the band starts, just
buzzing in between songs when not playing.

 

[Kevin1960]

Picked up the GSR200TR (Trans Red) used in a pawn shop for $75.00 about 5 years ago. She had some rust on the hardware and pickups but has been a good and comfortable playing instrument once it was cleaned up and new strings put on. I don't play it as often as I use too but keep a set of nickle rounds on it that gives me something other than the flats on my Squire VM 70's jazz and nylons on my 5 string Dean ABG as far as different tone and feel to play with. It was made in 2010 in Indonesia according to the serial number and has the PJ pickups and phat EQ with 2 vol. 1 tone and the little phat EQ boost controls.

 

[Micah D]

I have a three knob gsr200 and a Squier jazz. I find the ibanez to be very easy to play and comfortable but it's tone is "normal". The Squier has a punchier sound but is also less forgiving to play.

Hi,

I'm brand new to learning bass and looking for an instrument. I'm in the market for a 4-string Squier Jazz Bass. What do you mean by "less forgiving to play?" I saw a picture of a pristine-looking deep blue 4-knob GSR200 on Craigslist for $50, but my research has narrowed my search for a used Jazz Bass because of the Motown and Funk sounds I hope to work up to. Was it silly of me to pass up on the Craigslist Ibanez that I saw?

Have a great day.

Thanks and Blessings

 

[GrimTim]

Hi,

I'm brand new to learning bass and looking for an instrument. I'm in the market for a 4-string Squier Jazz Bass. What do you mean by "less forgiving to play?" I saw a picture of a pristine-looking deep blue 4-knob GSR200 on Craigslist for $50, but my research has narrowed my search for a used Jazz Bass because of the Motown and Funk sounds I hope to work up to. Was it silly of me to pass up on the Craigslist Ibanez that I saw?

Have a great day.

Thanks and Blessings

I'd get the jazz. Of the two, it's all I play. I literally picked up the ibanez again today, and after ten minutes, decided I'm selling it. Lol. My Squier is awesome, I play it every day.the unforgiving part, is if you are noisy or sloppy, it will stand out with the brighter tones in the jazz. It's made me a better player.
The ibanez was my first, it did its job well. But then I picked up the Squier. Lol. Selling the ibby for seed money to upgrade amps. Lol

 

[Micah D]

I'd get the jazz. Of the two, it's all I play. I literally picked up the ibanez again today, and after ten minutes, decided I'm selling it. Lol. My Squier is awesome, I play it every day.the unforgiving part, is if you are noisy or sloppy, it will stand out with the brighter tones in the jazz. It's made me a better player.
The ibanez was my first, it did its job well. But then I picked up the Squier. Lol. Selling the ibby for seed money to upgrade amps. Lol

Thanks! Sounds like the Squier Jazz will keep my technique honest from the very beginning of my bass-playing journey. I really appreciate your advice! Already, I feel better about saving my pennies and investing in an appropriately more expensive instrument (even by Craigslist standards!).

Blessings : )