rockstarbassist
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Ibanez K5 (an informed opinion)
- Thread starter K5 lover
- Start date
Yeah there have been a few versions of this bass, which is why I stated that it's the 2010 model.
Mine had the gold hardware on it, which I changed to the black Hipshot stuff. The Hipshot A Style has three screws, one of which lined up perfectly to an existing screw hole from the stock bridge, the other two needed to be drilled. I was reluctant at first, but it suited the bass so well when I lined it up that I could not resist! However I had this mod professionally done, was not brave enough to drill the pilot holes myself.
The saddles on the stock bridge rattled a bit, whereas the Hipshot A Style is completely solid. A massive improvement in function and appearance I reckon.
Just putting some black Grover strap locks on it then I will take some happy snaps for you. The screws on the strap locks are smaller than the standard ones, so I have to fill the holes and re-tap them. Should be done by next week sometime.
As for the comment made by 'rockstarbassist', that sort of thing does not contribute to the discussion in any way. Yes I have not been on this site for over half a year, what's it to you? Please stay off the thread if you have nothing useful to add Mr Rockstar.
Cheers
Mine had the gold hardware on it, which I changed to the black Hipshot stuff. The Hipshot A Style has three screws, one of which lined up perfectly to an existing screw hole from the stock bridge, the other two needed to be drilled. I was reluctant at first, but it suited the bass so well when I lined it up that I could not resist! However I had this mod professionally done, was not brave enough to drill the pilot holes myself.
The saddles on the stock bridge rattled a bit, whereas the Hipshot A Style is completely solid. A massive improvement in function and appearance I reckon.
Just putting some black Grover strap locks on it then I will take some happy snaps for you. The screws on the strap locks are smaller than the standard ones, so I have to fill the holes and re-tap them. Should be done by next week sometime.
As for the comment made by 'rockstarbassist', that sort of thing does not contribute to the discussion in any way. Yes I have not been on this site for over half a year, what's it to you? Please stay off the thread if you have nothing useful to add Mr Rockstar.
Cheers
That explains it
Thanks for the answer 
My current wishlist consists of a premium 1205E and a K5
So sooner or later I'll get one of these babies myself. I still don't know though why people bash this bass so much...just for a sig on the headstock and a freakin' inlay...
Haha, yeah Ibanez basses do cop a flaming!
Not sure if it's the K5 itself, but I think it's more because it's an Ibanez that it gets shot down alot, plus Fieldy is endorsing it! I used to make fun of Ibanez basses more than anybody, that was until I actually tried one!
I guess there's no real right or wrong answer when it comes to what you like, and some folk just seem to miss that point entirely! However if this bass was minus the signature and inlay, I'd like it even more!
Should have these strap locks installed Monday, hopefully take some pics after that. The existing ones are still gold, so it looks a little weird right now!
Thanks
Not sure if it's the K5 itself, but I think it's more because it's an Ibanez that it gets shot down alot, plus Fieldy is endorsing it! I used to make fun of Ibanez basses more than anybody, that was until I actually tried one!
I guess there's no real right or wrong answer when it comes to what you like, and some folk just seem to miss that point entirely! However if this bass was minus the signature and inlay, I'd like it even more!
Should have these strap locks installed Monday, hopefully take some pics after that. The existing ones are still gold, so it looks a little weird right now!
Thanks
I wish all the people bashing this bass would be at least as good / skilled as Fieldy - at least then their opinion would hold more credibility But haters will be haters I guess
Anyway, have fun with your K5 and when you finish modding it, please post some photos in the Ibanez Club thread
But haters will be haters I guess Anyway, have fun with your K5 and when you finish modding it, please post some photos in the Ibanez Club thread
Im an ibanez player, ive owned quite a few ibanez basses and guitars over the years, and have good experiences with nearly everything i bought from ibanez. My current main bass is an ibanez SR706.
Ive never tried a K5 because ive never seen a store carry one. I dont think i would buy one anyway, as the K5 inlay is kind of lame, and the looks overall arent that great (hey if im going to spend $900 on a bass, i think it should look good!). In the end, i just think their are better basses in the ibanez lineup.
That last comment doesnt just apply to the K5 though, some of the current signature basses by ibanez seem very... dumb. The PIB2 (Peter Iwers of In Flames) has only a single volume knob for the 2 pickups... same with the MDB (Mike D'Antonio of KSE). The tribute bass to Paul Grey actually seems worse than the sig they had for him while he was alive. Finally, the Gerald Veasley SR bass looks great, but the list price is like $5000!!
Ive never tried a K5 because ive never seen a store carry one. I dont think i would buy one anyway, as the K5 inlay is kind of lame, and the looks overall arent that great (hey if im going to spend $900 on a bass, i think it should look good!). In the end, i just think their are better basses in the ibanez lineup.
That last comment doesnt just apply to the K5 though, some of the current signature basses by ibanez seem very... dumb. The PIB2 (Peter Iwers of In Flames) has only a single volume knob for the 2 pickups... same with the MDB (Mike D'Antonio of KSE). The tribute bass to Paul Grey actually seems worse than the sig they had for him while he was alive. Finally, the Gerald Veasley SR bass looks great, but the list price is like $5000!!
I think once you get the hang of it, a semi-parametric eq for mids (Varimid) is a very powerful tool, especially combined with standard bass, treble and pup blend. Because of it I always look for some kind of extended mid control on an active if I can get it.
I had the same problem, no local stores had a K5 in stock. I literally had to pay for it first, then see if I liked it later!
That 6 string Ibanez in your picture looks beautiful.
Is your name here (thrill house) a Simpson's reference? Hahaha!
I did take some pics but the file size is too big, and they wont upload. I don't have another camera, so there's not alot I can do right now!
Cheers
Put the pictures in Picasa and chose the normal settings and they'll be able to upload to a free almost 8 GIG large net page that's tied to your GMail or Google account (again, free) and then you can link to them.
I really wonder why so few use the Google-Picasa-GMail accounts for their pictures.
They will NEVER get deleted for lack of activity nor for age - they can be there forever or until Armageddon at least. Maybe longer.
I can see why such a sig bass would have only one knob: if you really want a specific bass in order to emulate a specific tone, then why would you need the EQ? These basses are built under the artist's strict specs, so they're created primarely to the artist's liking.
If you need a more versatile instrument (as most normal players) then you're better off with a standard series model. Ppl should understand once and for all that playing on an identical bass with a certain famous player doesn't mean they will sound the same, because the tone is made of multiple puzzle pieces (amp, speakers, effects, cables, etc.) and because the tone comes from the player's hands.
A lot of guitarists go like "one pickup in bridge position, fixed bridge, 1 volume knob = heaven" while us bassists go like "just one knob? ***? Is this thing broken or what ?!?", LOL
I was watching just the other day a video showing Myung's rig and at some point his tech explained that John was so pleased about his latest prototype basses that decided to keep just the volume knob on while the rest of the EQ knobs were fake - I thought it makes sense, I mean if the bass sounds exactly the way you want it, it seems logical to keep the settings exactly the same everytime and just boost the volume knob
Hi, I've been playing a K5 for about 7 years now, and for my money, it's a incredibly versatile bass. It only has one volume knob and a pan control to mix the two pickups, which in my mind is the ideal configuration. You can balance the pickups with one knob instead of two, without impacting on your volume. This, combined with a excellent eq gives a huge range of sound from one instrument. I also own a USA build Fender Jazz, which is a lovely instrument with a smashing tone, however, the K5 is my "go to" instrument and my primary instrument for gigging. Aside from the tonal range of the K5, its action is also much lower than I can achieve on the Jazz, and the full two octave neck does no harm either. Just for the record, I had never heard of Fieldy before I bought the K5. Just to end my contribution, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so to speak, we all have our personal preferences, they are neither right or wrong, just ours!!
I guess bumping an old thread but saves starting a new one?
I have a 2010 k5 too ( and in south Australia like the OP) - I've kept mine In decent condition and use my eq as a low mid and bass bump to get a quite roaring b string tone - use my amp to then play with top end to get it bright and even and a good too end for slap and pop... My issue is last few times at band practice it feels like the bass has just dropped right out randomly at certain times... Still has volume so not thinking its a pedal or cable issue and then it will cut back in randomly.. Playing with eq knobs did nothing and it has a week old brand new battery in there so doubt that is the culprit. Would the actual eq pots/ knobs themselves need cleaning or maintenance after 5 years?? Sucks cos the k5 has been my main bass for ages... Light, easy to play slap or fingers, can get a nice almost Warwick tone without their baseball bat necks!
I have a 2010 k5 too ( and in south Australia like the OP) - I've kept mine In decent condition and use my eq as a low mid and bass bump to get a quite roaring b string tone - use my amp to then play with top end to get it bright and even and a good too end for slap and pop... My issue is last few times at band practice it feels like the bass has just dropped right out randomly at certain times... Still has volume so not thinking its a pedal or cable issue and then it will cut back in randomly.. Playing with eq knobs did nothing and it has a week old brand new battery in there so doubt that is the culprit. Would the actual eq pots/ knobs themselves need cleaning or maintenance after 5 years?? Sucks cos the k5 has been my main bass for ages... Light, easy to play slap or fingers, can get a nice almost Warwick tone without their baseball bat necks!
