Ibanez Soundgear 406 (6 string)

Hey there, Nirvanafan.

I have an SR406 and I really like it. I traded in my older Ibanez SR885 5-string for it this past summer and I'm glad I did.

I find the neck to be extremely comfortable (a classic Soundgear trademark), and the pickups to be quite good (and thankfully extremely quiet). Although I've never been much of an active EQ fan, the simple 3-band active EQ on the 406 is very versatile. There is even something about the body wood on this instrument that is more substantial feeling than other Soundgears. (The woods on some other models just seem too light and contribute to a more inorganic tone.)

So far, I've been very pleased with the SR406. Just remember that the very fact that you love it really accounts for something. Regardless of what any of us have to say.

 

I havn't got an SR406 but I do own the five string versin of this bass the SR405, I have had it for 4 years now, and not a thing has gone wrong with it. My battery ran out after about 2 years and that's it. no probs what so ever. Has a nice sound, maybe a bit to quite for me I'm and active pickup man. but all nothing wrong with it at all. I have also played the SR406 and it's sounds exactly the same just with a higher string

 

You have a great 6 String there. You can really fly on that neck with the close string spacing. People really slam them on this forum and I don't get it. For the money a particularly good sounding one with a tight neck joint sounds great. I just did a recording session with mine and it sounded fantastic. I do wish the hi end was a bit beefier but that can be EQed. Enjoy. If you do a search under my user name you'll see what I've said about 406s before. I MAY sell mine, a few months old in new condition as I'm considering another Pedulla or F Bass. Email me if your friends like yours!
Jim T.

 

I used to have an sr406, I bought it solely to sell it, but thats a different story.

imo the soundgears arent the best sounding basses in the world. They lack pressence imo. however the necks on them are incredibly thin for a 6 string bass making it very easy to play, the string spacing is a bit narrow due to the smaller neck, making slap/pop stuff a bit difficult for me, but after enough time on it, you will adapt to that. tone wise as i said, it could be a bit better, but thats just mho and ymmv. For a person who has limited funds for a bass its a good investment.

Look around in the pawn shops, and every where else you can buy a bass, if you can find a used one in good condition you should be able to get a very good price on it.

amen to that one!

 

I had an SR406 for awhile - I sold it right after I got my Cirrus but sometimes I wish I still had the thing

They do have great necks - and as a couple of people have mentioned the string spacing is a little tight but I liked it. They're a little hard to play funk on but it can be done.

I really liked the tone - my 406 had more bite than most anything in that price range that I played, but the preamp was a little noisy if you cranked the treble EQ up very much.

I wouldn't have any problem recommending it as a first (or second) bass.

allan

 

i've got an SR405. i love it, but it's too quiet for me. i'm putting an EMG BQS preamp on order (replacement preamp) and i'll probably switch to active pickups. i'll let you know how it sounds. right now the playability is great, there isn't anything else i'd really want for that. the string spacing is great, i can slap pretty well (however i'm LEARNING on this guitar, so when i mess up i just attribute that to teaching myself), the neck is great.
once i get the better electronics in, i think it will be a guitar i will hold on to for a VERY long time. at least, until i can afford a wal or something. nothing less than that, money-wise has gotten my attention.

 

I change my battery about every two months, or before I play out.

Lee

 

ive got a 405 and love it. 406s are great 6ers. i love the necks. i, also, might change the pups and pre in mine to give it a little kick, but the tone is great! glad you like yours! enjoy

 

A fresh Duracell will last you about 3 years...but only on one condition:

Unplug the cable from the bass input!

When the cable is in there, the circuit is connected and the battery is draining away. Unplug and be happy! Just remember to pack spare batteries in your gig bag.

 

i think i may get one soon and rip all the frets out.


i can't find a fretless 6 string for that price...so i might as well



jason

 

Hi all of you SR406 ers. *and SR 405ers if they share the same pickup/eq systems... I would like to hear what pickups and preamps/eqs you have retrofitted your axes with and some descriptions of what you liked about the sound change.

I'd lean toward Barts but have you used Seymoru Duncans, etc? THANKS