• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Ibanez....how do the models differ with regards to tone?

#21
IngerAlb said:
1. if the "arched top" term was used as opposed to a flat top like the SRX have, then yes, all SRs have very slightly arched top bodies. BUT if you were reffering to a true arched body (front to back - like a W Thumb, for ex), then no, the SRs don't have arched bodies since the back is flat.
Click to expand...

I think the term arched top means the top is arched, just as it says. The top of my SR505 is arched and the back is not flat though it does have a flat area that straddles the neck attachment area and then arcs down to the electronics bay cover behind the knobs. Much of the back is curved and roughly symmetrically so with the front. Ibanez says this about the SRA:

SRA SERIES BASICS
Arched tops with flat back bodies

While their description of the SRT (I don't see an SRX in their current lineup) sounds like what you call an arched body:

SRT SERIES BASICS
Ergonomic arched top with scooped back body

Ibanez does not describe the SR body shape, possibly because it varies with model. The SR250's appear to have slab bodies. I think the SR300 body is similar to the SR500 but there could be differences in detail.

I like what they did to the SR305 for 2012: better pickups, better preamp, and better bridge. Unfortunately I dislike one thing they did to it, dropping the starlight blue color, and I like the SR505 preamp better otherwise I'd have gotten an SR305. I don't think you can go wrong with one. I'd have preferred a painted body bass actually.

Ken
 
#23
scottfeldstein said:
Dont' get me wrong, I'd go higher than a 505 model-wise. I'm just not sure I'm willing to pay the retail difference for those higher models.
Click to expand...

It is probably different in the Premium and Prestige lines but in the ordinary SR line the only thing you are paying for as you go above the SR505 is aesthetics. There is nothing wrong with that, just no reason to go that way unless you valuethe appearance of the the nicer woods. I actually do not, I like the SR505 appearance better than the higher priced models and I'd like it better with a painted finish! BTW, I am talking only about 2012 and to some extent 2011 models. Both of you seem to be looking at used basses too and I know nothing of older SRs.

Ken
 
#24
khutch said:
It is probably different in the Premium and Prestige lines but in the ordinary SR line the only thing you are paying for as you go above the SR505 is aesthetics. There is nothing wrong with that, just no reason to go that way unless you valuethe appearance of the the nicer woods. I actually do not, I like the SR505 appearance better than the higher priced models and I'd like it better with a painted finish! BTW, I am talking only about 2012 and to some extent 2011 models. Both of you seem to be looking at used basses too and I know nothing of older SRs.

Ken
Click to expand...

Yes and I haven't seen any of the older models with the body I am looking for! (LOL If that comment was by itself it would be just WRONG :D)

I am looking at lightly used, newer models.
 
#26
This is one of those times when the OP should state what type of music they play - style, sound required, etc.

The SR500 is going to sound a whole lot different with the Elixir Nanos on it than some stainless steels.

I like the low-end thump and can get it in spades from my SR500. I don't want any pop or sizzle from my bass, so I'm happy.

If you want that pop-sound, then with the steels and all the LOWS out of the EQ - then I think the SR500 can do it too.

It's pretty versatile, and it IS a shred-metal styled bass for that genre as far as I know. At least that's what all the videos on Ibanez's site has it being touted as.
 
#27
FWIW, I just picked up a used SR485 for pretty cheap. Sounds awesome, but I may be biased. It's my first 5-string, and it has Rotosound strings on it. Neck doesn't feel too much larger than my GSR-200. It isn't as fast as my EDC-700, but then that's what I have the most time on.

YMMV. Good luck.
 
#28
The Premiums are killer basses and in a league of their own. They can get very growly, and yet maintain crystal clear quality to each note. Very nice and balanced EQ. They're totally worth the money.

As for the regular SRs, there is more than just looks to them, each model does sound different: the 505 sounds aggressive and in your face, the 605 is mellower with a huge wolly bottom, while the 705 has a thicker meatier tone with a bit tighter B. No experience with the models available only in US though...
 
#30
I have an SR400/SR405, and an SR600. Both basically sound the same - like a Ibby SR. The only difference in sound between the two is that the Bart system (500/700 series) is a little clearer sounding, and a bit louder than the EXF system (300/400 series).

Like someone else said; D'Add Prosteels really bring out the Ibanez SR sound.
 
#31
Not really whistling material - but I think the SR500 is right up your alley - of course, you'd want the 5-stringer.

Have you had the chance to actually play the SR series yet? Remember that they ship new with the Elixir Nanos on them and are quite old school for tone though.

I'm not experienced in your musical style - I can only say that I don't understand prog/operatic metal/industrial but it's interesting. Is that a theatrical soundtrack?

Ooooops! I see that you have played the SRs at the store. Just went back and re-read your statements in #1 post. I still think the SR with the right strings will articulate brightly and provide what you need very well.
 
#32
Solarmist said:
Like someone else said; D'Add Prosteels really bring out the Ibanez SR sound.
Click to expand...

I think that was me. And I do like the way they sound on my 300. But I'm interested in others' experience. I provided one example of my current group's style, but that's not totally representative. I usually slap a lot less and do finger style. I like some woof on the low, root notes, but I also like some middy definition on my higher note attacks.

I guess you'd say it's a "modern" sound, and one with some grit and growl.
 
#33
SurferJoe46 said:
Not really whistling material - but I think the SR500 is right up your alley - of course, you'd want the 5-stringer.

Have you had the chance to actually play the SR series yet? Remember that they ship new with the Elixir Nanos on them and are quite old school for tone though.

I'm not experienced in your musical style - I can only say that I don't understand prog/operatic metal/industrial but it's interesting. Is that a theatrical soundtrack?

Ooooops! I see that you have played the SRs at the store. Just went back and re-read your statements in #1 post. I still think the SR with the right strings will articulate brightly and provide what you need very well.
Click to expand...


As I stated in my first few posts I really do not care for the SR500. Even if I liked it's tone I wouldn't be able to make myself like its look.

As far as our music... Silent Prayer was not written with "theatrical soundtrack" in mind but we have been told that a few times.

BTW- I included the samples because I was asked what type of music I will be using the bass for. It's ok if you "don't get it". :)
 
#34
Just went back and watched your video again! I'm diggin' the orange color! Very nice:)

scottfeldstein said:
I think that was me. And I do like the way they sound on my 300. But I'm interested in others' experience. I provided one example of my current group's style, but that's not totally representative. I usually slap a lot less and do finger style. I like some woof on the low, root notes, but I also like some middy definition on my higher note attacks.

I guess you'd say it's a "modern" sound, and one with some grit and growl.
Click to expand...
 
#36
EagleMoon said:
To me they sound more defined. Wider tone spectrum. Can get growly, crunchy if needed, but can also sound pure, clear and clean. The Ibanez Barts to me sound generic. No definition about them.
Click to expand...

I have the SR1200 with Nordstrands and I must say this is by far the best tone I ever had on any bass. It's like a refined fender jazz, very open and natural. With the tone control capabilities of the pre-amp you can get any tone you want. It can give also the meanest slap/pop sound, ones you play one you can not put it down...
I also had a BTB670 with the MKII barts, but it sounded cropped and midrangy by far not the quality of the nordstrands.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back