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Ibanez old prestige vs new prestige
- Thread starter gusrb5
- Start date
I used to be a big Soundgear guy and have had all the variations. I do like big singles, but the USA bartolini in the prestige model were more my style. Both are great though
The Barts are smoother and fatter
The Barts are smoother and fatter
My 5006 is currently at Sweetwater getting a bart preamp AND a true stand alone tone control that functions in both active and passive mode. I’ll eventually get the pre swapped in the 1006, but you’re completely right about the stock Ibanez vari-mid preamps being thin sounding. Also, if you love the sound of the ANB205’s bart pickups/pre, you DEFINITELY need to check out the ANB306…..it’s insanely good sounding and playing (especially with a Plek!)
It’s definitely been on my list. I really like the 18mm spacing on the 205, and while the 16.5mm on the 1006 actually feels good I’d really like to check out the 18mm on the 306 comparatively. And that blue is so gorgeous! But unfortunately new gear is on the back burner at the moment as I’m looking to start my own business this year and I need to pretend I’m fiscally responsible haha!
Not everyone understands that Ibanez has 3 different ranges of bassesCurious. I'm brand new to Ibanez.
I just bought this 2019 SR5005 with Barts. From what I understand, Ibanez has been using Nordstrand since 2011 in their basses.
Would this 2019 bass be considered a newer or older model because of the Barts? What year do the new models start?
Just trying to learn. They are amazing basses for the money.
Their standard series like their SR505 is made by Cort and uses Korean made Barts, like Mk1, Mk2, Bh1/2/5, etc.
These are cheap basses, though probably the best money can buy in the $500 range.
But, these have also given Bartolini a bad name because people assume Korean made Barts are what all Barts sound like. But they don't have the Bartolini name on them. Real USA made Barts say "Bartolini" on the pickups cover and are some of the best pickups on the market
Then there's the Premium range of Ibanez basses. They have 4 numbers like SR1405, 2605, etc.
Made with better quality but made in Indonesia. A step up from the Cort factory, but not the US or Japanese made Ibanez quality.
These basses most all have Nordstrand
Then there's the top of the line Prestige series, made in Japan but sometimes made in USA.
These have top of the line USA made Bartolini.
The sound and quality is equal to basses double the price of Prestige.
Im curious about the Bart USA pickups in SR5005 Prestige basses.
I've always thought they split-p reversed humbuckers, but have seen a couple posts on TB saying they're single coils.
Anyone know for sure?
I've always thought they split-p reversed humbuckers, but have seen a couple posts on TB saying they're single coils.
Anyone know for sure?
Clarification - - Premium basses are also made in the Cort factory, which is in Indonesia, where the standard series is made, just in a different section of the mega-complex. You can tour the factory complex on YouTube. Also, some standard series like the SR300's do not use Barts, they use an in-house brand of p'ups, and Nordies are also used on the Premium line. Some, like the 700 series, use Barts and a Bart preamp too, though most of the other standard and Premium basses use in-house preamps.
I think it's a fair statement to say almost all Ibanez basses compare favorably to basses from other manufacturers costing 2X as much.
I’d say the Nordstrands. They usually sound more open and punchy, while Barts tend to be warmer and a bit darker. Just depends if you prefer clarity or a smoother vibe.
If I’m not mistaken, I believe they are dual coils. Bartolini is very responsive to email so I’d check with them to be sure. They are the “RT5” series.
I used to have a Prestige SR4600 with the Bart pickups. One of the best, most upscale basses I've ever owned (I parted ways with it because it's skinny pencil-neck wasn't to my liking). I prefer the Barts over the Nordie Big Singles for one reason. The Barts are humbuckers and the Nordies are single coil. I cannot stand single coil noise/hum (though the Nordies are pretty quiet for single coils). I wish Ibanez had used the Big Break or Big Split humbucking Nordies.
The downside to the US Barts formerly in Prestige models (the RTs 4-String RT Soapbars - Bartolini Pickups & Electronics) is that they're an unorthodox size, so if you're someone who likes to mod or who dislikes Bartolinis... good luck finding another pickup that will fit.
This video shows a guy getting some pretty killer tones from a Bart-equipped Prestige, including really close to a Spector sound. And one of the comments shares how to get a solid 70s disco sound that's kinda Stingray-ish.
The downside to the US Barts formerly in Prestige models (the RTs 4-String RT Soapbars - Bartolini Pickups & Electronics) is that they're an unorthodox size, so if you're someone who likes to mod or who dislikes Bartolinis... good luck finding another pickup that will fit.
This video shows a guy getting some pretty killer tones from a Bart-equipped Prestige, including really close to a Spector sound. And one of the comments shares how to get a solid 70s disco sound that's kinda Stingray-ish.
I have a ‘25 SR4500DST (serial #1). It was made in Japan and uses Nordstrand Big Single pickups.
I never owned one of the older Prestige models so I am ill equipped to compare/contrast them.
I never owned one of the older Prestige models so I am ill equipped to compare/contrast them.
I don’t think bartolini is superior to Nordstrand. Both companies are great and they both make killer electronics. It’s all down to tonal preference. For Ibanez it’s all down to money and contractual terms and who’s most competitive. It’s possible aside from that an exec or lead designer preferred Nordstrand to bartolini and the higher ups went ahead and made a deal with Carey Nordstrand for their redesign. Its business and what Ibanez feels will further the brand.
I think SR Prestige models in the 20'teens (especially the SR500X) with the titanium neck inserts were the best basses Ibanez ever built. Those necks are solid and are finished as well as any custom neck. The radiused Barts Ibanez used are also some of the best sounding pickups period. They are every bit as good as my Zon's parts and those used in MTD's.
I like the Nordstrands and their tone in the Ibanez basses, but I dont feel the newer more CNC'ed Instruments the Nordy's co.e in are made as well as the older made in Japan/Prestige models.
I like the Nordstrands and their tone in the Ibanez basses, but I dont feel the newer more CNC'ed Instruments the Nordy's co.e in are made as well as the older made in Japan/Prestige models.
I might just offer body parts in trade for the natural one!How about old Prestige vs old Prestige… with Big Splits upgrade ? Just love the titanium 5 piece necks.
