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Ibanez or Squier

J

joe4string

Jan 7, 2008
23
10
#1
Hey guys,
Im finally going to take the plunge and buy my first bass. Ive already decided on an Acoustic B20 amp, but cant decide between a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz or an Ibanez SR300. Ive watched several videos of each and they both sound great. What do you think? I'm placing my order tomorrow afternoon.....if I can make up my mind. Thanks
 
#4
JetBlackJazz said:
Ibanez sr300 is the better choice. Lighter, sleeker, more available tones, etc.
Click to expand...

The tones of the two are completely different so "more" doesn't really say much at all. OP, if you've played a jazz bass, you know what to expect from the VM Squier. IF you've played any Ibanez Soundgear you pretty much know what to expect from the SR300 though I suspect the agathis body would be bit a bit brighter than the typical mahogany.
 
#5
Cant really go wrong with either one. I would really recommend trying them or similar models in a music store so you can get the feel for both. If you cant try them out, id suggest looking at what bass your favourite bassists use, and get something similar.
 
#8
Ibanez SR300 diffinately. Nicer neck, hardware, pups, electonics, & fit. For my bass interests anyway. Lol. I think Ibanez is better bang for the buck to. I like the soapbar pups better then J & P type. And the style sweeper eq is very useful combined with the bass/treble stack knobs. Light weight, agathis body has excellent balance with no neck dive. And gets excellent to me modern bass sounds that also work excellent with effects processing when wanted. I cant say the same for the squires. Partly cause theyre passive basses, If I was for some reason, going to get a squire. At the very least Id upgrade it with 2band preamp and diff bridge.
 
#9
You could look at what people are playing in your style of music. More Ibanez and Ibanez-style basses in some metal genres, more Fenders in classic rock, country, etc. But there are lots of exceptions to any stereotype you find in that area.

Meanwhile, instrument choices are highly personal, and music is supposed to be about self-expression. If there was one type of bass that was objectively "better", then there would only be one type of bass.

Travel as far as you need in order to try them out in person, then see which one floats your boat.
 
#11
I like Squiers myself. I think the Squier VM Jaguar is one of the best basses around regardless of cost. Don't rule out a Dean Hillsboro J bass. GC is running them 100 dollars off right now. The Epiphone Les Paul for $299 is a pretty good bass as well. i would not place an order until you've had a chance to look at any basses you like in person. Ask if you can have a strap and see which feels best standing up. For example, I like thunderbirds sitting down but if I stand up they become unplayable. JMO.
 
#14
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The red bass in the back is an Ibanez Sr 300m. As my first bass, I learned so much on it. As an entry level bass, its fantastic.

Pros:
Slim and fast neck
Extremely light weight
Huge array of tones to dial in
Nice appearance

Cons:
Average hardware
Eventhough the tones are nice, they leave you wanting more....which leads me to the P-Bass


I wanted a more reliable and professional instrument. I wanted the Ibanez Sr700 but I wanted a change of sound/style/feel. I can't be happy enough with my Fender P-Bass Deluxe Special.

You made a wise decision with the Ibanez SG.
 
#15
I would advise trying any sr before you buy it, in my experience they cam have issues with the bridge, the saddles kept stripping their screws and sinking down to the bridge. Try before you buy, this issues seems to be a common complaint on the Ibanez forums.

Having said that, I would buy the Ibanez over an entry level squire
 
#17
Two differnt worlds. You HAVE to play them and see what's for you.

As a QUALITY issue I would determine where / what was made. Generally the less expensive; the less consistency. That doesn't mean that you can't get a standout great low priced bass. It means that something made in slave-labor conditions is often going to have less consistency. If the company skimps on paying it's workers; it also tried to save money through QC. However there are basses made in China that sound and are built great. but they generally cost more than you'd expect.
 
#19
john grey said:
Two differnt worlds. You HAVE to play them and see what's for you.
Click to expand...

+1
Neither are in short supply in music stores, so the best thing the OP can do is go to a store that has both and then play them both to determine which is a better bass for him.

I will also say the Ibanez neck is not nicer than that of the Squire. What it is, is different. That does not make it any nicer or worse than the Squires. Same goes for the basses tone. As far as overall quality goes, I'd they're both about on par with each other.

The Squier's tone IMO is much fuller than that of the Ibanez though.

As John said, you just need to get out there and play the both of them to determine for yourself. Because what some like you won't and what you like some won't. So the ONLY way you'll know what you like is to play them both.
 
#20
I own an SR500 and a few different Squiers (VMs and an older Affinity P) and frankly, the Ibanez SR500 is awfully close in voice and feel to my Fender Deluxe Jazz active.

I can use either the SR500 or the Deluxe Jazz interchangeably - but certain audiences hate to see a plastic bass (their words, not mine) in a Jazz-Dinner-Wine Tasting venue. In those stiff shirt atmospheres, I use the SR500.

Same-o, same-o in my opinion with just the slightest difference in necks and (especially moreso) - the weight.
 

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