Ibanez Premium SR1605D vs. Prestige SR5005

[Emmy0505]

If you have the budget for the SR5005, buy one and don't look back.

Both nice basses.

Ha, what a good reply. Thanks!

 

[Emmy0505]

I think you can't go wrong with either. The 5005 has the Barts with 16,5mm spacing and the other one has Aguilars with 18mm spacing.
I am not sure if there is much quality difference between the both. So it comes down to which specs and finish you like better.
The SR1605D is 700$ cheaper or so.

A Yamaha BB 5 string (or other model) would be an option too. Yamaha BB Series · 5-String Bass Guitars Online Shop
There is a lot to be found in that price range.

Ooh interesting; thanks... I hadn't yet been thinking about Yamaha. BUT, we have a Yamaha piano and it is amazing, so there's that.

 

[ihixulu]

I'll throw in a vote for the SR2605. Beautiful top (if you like blue), typically excellent Ibanez craftsmanship, very versatile instrument with a big, clear voice all the way down to the B. 16.5mm spacing with some adjustability at the bridge.

I never could get with the look of the Prestige line.

 

[Les Fret]

I never could get with the look of the Prestige line.

I like the look of the wenge body but I understand what you are saying. It would be nice if Ibanez had more options for the Prestige line. Now there is only one, so if you don't like the wenge with gold hardware you are done.

 

[Emmy0505]

I'll throw in a vote for the SR2605. Beautiful top (if you like blue), typically excellent Ibanez craftsmanship, very versatile instrument with a big, clear voice all the way down to the B. 16.5mm spacing with some adjustability at the bridge.

I never could get with the look of the Prestige line.

Oohwee that is a beauty, and sounds like the specs I'm wanting. I will definitely be researching this one. Thanks!

 

[Emmy0505]

I like the look of the wenge body but I understand what you are saying. It would be nice if Ibanez had more options for the Prestige line. Now there is only one, so if you don't like the wenge with gold hardware you are done.

Yeah, the Premium and Prestige lines are so different aesthetically speaking.... my current 675 has that classic wood look, as did my old ESP... and now that I'm looking at the 5005, it's kind of like... do I want another with the same look? Or do I want my bass to "look cool" with a fun color and design? I'll be honest, there's a part of me that feels like a poser getting a funky and awesome looking bass, as if I am not "cool enough" or "good enough" to hold it and it be mine. But then again, the same can go for buying a bass that's $2500, so there's that. Ah, Imposter Syndrome... LOL!

 

[songwriter21]

Hi!

Looking for some advice on the pros and cons between the Ibanez Premium SR1605D and Prestige SR5005.

Background: I am a female 5 string player and I play primarily for church. (So I want something somewhat light but I sit down to play so it's not a make or break thing.) I played an ESP LTD 205SM for several years as my first 5 string... not because I loved the way it felt in my hands but because I loved having the low B string. I eventually decided that it was too grungy of a sound for me... I want a beefy but clean low sound, reminiscent of Geoff Castellucci's voice. On top of that, my husband thinks I should have an instrument that I truly love (and I am inclined to agree)!

So, a few months ago I went on the hunt for a new bass and saw the SR1605D online and I loved the Autumn Sunset Sky finish because, well, I am a female and the colors match the colors of the music room in our house. I had hoped for my new bass to be in my hands in time for a church event, but alas, I could not get it in time, so I ended up with an Ibanez SR675 -- Nice bass and I like it a lot, but the 1605 stuck in my head, despite never having the opportunity to play it (no brick and mortar stores around me carry it).

Being the wonderful husband he is, he encouraged me to go ahead and get it as well online... but for whatever reason something was holding me back and I never made the purchase.

I eventually also came across the Prestige SR5005 on Sweetwater, and now I just don't know what to do! Google and YouTube were generally unhelpful in helping me choose.

Any thoughts about one or both of them?
Alternatively, any suggestions for others? I'd like to stay at least reasonably close to this price range ($1,500 to $2,500). I definitely want a 5 string because my heart cannot stray from that low B. I don't want a metalish harsh growl and I also don't want a bright funk sound. In the most generic terms that will likely make all y'all experienced bassists that are also coffee nerds laugh at me, I want something "smooth and rich" sounding, something round, big, but clean.

Thank you for reading my novel and for your help!

I had this model, so good luck if you want to hunt down another, as they were discontinued.

 

[Emmy0505]

I had this model, so good luck if you want to hunt down another, as they were short-lived. (discontinued)

Good suggestion and video. Thanks!

 

[Les Fret]

Yeah, the Premium and Prestige lines are so different aesthetically speaking.... my current 675 has that classic wood look, as did my old ESP... and now that I'm looking at the 5005, it's kind of like... do I want another with the same look? Or do I want my bass to "look cool" with a fun color and design? I'll be honest, there's a part of me that feels like a poser getting a funky and awesome looking bass, as if I am not "cool enough" or "good enough" to hold it and it be mine. But then again, the same can go for buying a bass that's $2500, so there's that. Ah, Imposter Syndrome... LOL!

You have to like the finish or color of the bass you are going to buy. Otherwise you don't play on it with the same pleasure. At least in my experience. So it is important.

 

[kesslari]

Yeah, the Premium and Prestige lines are so different aesthetically speaking.... my current 675 has that classic wood look, as did my old ESP... and now that I'm looking at the 5005, it's kind of like... do I want another with the same look? Or do I want my bass to "look cool" with a fun color and design? I'll be honest, there's a part of me that feels like a poser getting a funky and awesome looking bass, as if I am not "cool enough" or "good enough" to hold it and it be mine. But then again, the same can go for buying a bass that's $2500, so there's that. Ah, Imposter Syndrome... LOL!

I promise, no one will ever come to your gig or to your home with a measuring tape and say "you must be at least THIS tall to play this bass"!
You're making a big purchase of something that is intimately personal and linked with your creative expression. Get yourself what pleases you.

 

[Emmy0505]

You have to like the finish or color of the bass you are going to buy. Otherwise you don't play on it with the same pleasure. At least in my experience. So it is important.

Definitely!

 

[Emmy0505]

I promise, no one will ever come to your gig or to your home with a measuring tape and say "you must be at least THIS tall to play this bass"!
You're making a big purchase of something that is intimately personal and linked with your creative expression. Get yourself what pleases you.

Boom. What a great response. Thank you!

 

[Ender011]

If you can wait and keep your eyes pealed, I bet you can pick up a prestige line bass for under 1,000. Recently Guitar Center had an SR4005, mislabeled as an SR3005, listed for $829. Once I figured that out I snapped it up. No case but it is in near mint condition and has become my absolute favorite bass. My vote is to wait until the right used deal comes along.

I loved it so much I went on a hunt and found a 6 string version