I agree with fender , the conklin basses blow away any ibanez.. i played the edb600's and the edc 700 and most of the soundgear series and they all have terrible tone. ibanez could do so much better. u can get the same sound out of a sr305 that u can a sr885. i am getting a conklin gt-7 a mighty jump up from the 5 string i have .. lol. but the conklin basses are by far the best i have ever played...except maybe a nicholas tung.. i never played one. anyone know of these basses and where one might be seen for sale?
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Ibanez Soundgear or Ergodyne
- Thread starter numbnuts
- Start date
The only really good bass Ibanez makes is the SR3005sol. While you can crap on a lot of their other basses, the SR3005 is a rival bass compared to many other top brands. It is a great and beautiful bass. But it's way over your price, so, sorry. That would be my choice though. OMHO. laterz...
yeah bassisbest true i havent played the prestige soundgears , but the prestige btb seemed no better than their regular one which didnt impress me . but as i said i want that conklin gt7 lol but your preferences over mine how long have u been playing and how old are u? im 16 and played about 3 yrs
Maybe you should mention some of those basses for the benefit of numbnuts everywhere
$710 sounds high for those basses. You still haven't mentioned whether you've actually played either yet, that info is very helpful.
Other fives for $700 (or less)? Fender, Yamaha, Conklin, etc. Depends on what kind of sound you want, what string spacing you like, weight, finish, etc., lots of variables. Peavey has their version of a Lakland out, the Millenium, just saw one used for $650, nice bass.
We need more info
Help us help you.Ok, I hve a SoundGear and I love it to death, the ergodyne are ok but they aren't as versatile as a Soundgear. But the thing about Ibanez's are they are very good for there price, and with the money you have you should check out fenders, they are the best there is for around $1000.
For Under $1000.. I would look for a used Musicman Stingray or Sterling.. Or if your lucky a Modulus Flea Bass. Or maybe some nice MIA Fender Jazz. Thats just my opinion.. I mean Ibanez isn't the only road to go for bass around $710. Fender MIA basses aren't bad. Carvins are sweeet for the buck!! a nice bolt on 4 string for aorund $400. Since I own a Carvin, I know. They sound REALLY nice 
you gotta wait 2 months for the building, but its worth the wait
DM
you gotta wait 2 months for the building, but its worth the wait DM
WHATEVER YOU DO DONT BUY I B A N E Z !!!!! SORRY IF IM INSULTING ANYONE BUT I ALSO OWN ONE AND i REGRET EVER BUYING IT. i HAVE 3 BASSES, AN IBANEZ SOUNDGEAR 885, AN AMERICAN STANDARD JAZZ BASS, AND A B.C. RICH WARLOCK. FENDER IS MY FAVORITE!!!! BUT I HAVE TWO OTHER FRIENDS THAT ALSO OWN IBANEZ AND WE ALL HAVE TROUBLE GALORE!!!!!!! FIRST OFF ALL OF OUR INPUTS HAVE GONE BAD. SECOND ALL OF OUR ELECTRONICS HAVE FAILED AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER. AND THIRD, THEY GO THROUGH BATTERIES LIKE NOBODIES BUSINESS! I MEAN THEY HAVE A NICE SOUND, BUT THE BAD OUTWEIGHS THE GOOD IN MY OPINION.
I know the Soundgears aren't quite as good a value as they were 2 or 3 years ago, but has the quality really gotten that bad?
I have an SR506, it has quiet electronics, it was my main bass for 3 years, only replaced the battery one time, and I've never had any problems with the electronics, neck, hardware, anything. The only problem I have with the bass is that I have to change the strings every now and then, that really pysses me off, can't they make a bass that doesn't use up strings as fast?
Have Soundgears really gone that far down since I bought mine?
I have an SR506, it has quiet electronics, it was my main bass for 3 years, only replaced the battery one time, and I've never had any problems with the electronics, neck, hardware, anything. The only problem I have with the bass is that I have to change the strings every now and then, that really pysses me off, can't they make a bass that doesn't use up strings as fast?
Have Soundgears really gone that far down since I bought mine?
I happen to own both an EDC700 (4-string) and a GSR200. I bought the Dyne for I think $650, and the GSR for $189. Thank god for sales. But I have found that the style you play dictates which one to use. If you are more of a slap/pop guy, go with the Dyne. The action is wonderful, it has beautiful sustain, and looks good on stage. The GSR is what I use when I am just playing a sort of Jazz/soft rock back beat. It sounds nice. It's not very adjustable tone wise, but it still works. I like it for more of the slower stuff, and it is usually the back-up guitar if I break/snap anything on stage. I also use it when we have different tunings. But both are wonderful basses, and I am in love with them both (Ssshhh, don't tell my girlfriend!)
If they are the same price, wait a while, save up, and
BUY THEM BOTH!!!!
Rock on
Eric
If they are the same price, wait a while, save up, and
BUY THEM BOTH!!!!
Rock on
Eric
Omarbass, have some courtesy and DONT TALK IN ALL CAPITALS, ITS VERY HARD TO READ ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DONT USE ANY PUNTUATION, OK?!
I think the only Ibanez that is really worth it is the Ibanez BTB. Quality. BIG quality. The Prestige sounds no different than the regular (everyone says), but its made with better quality (even though the regular are very well made!), and its looks prettier. Im getting one.
I think the only Ibanez that is really worth it is the Ibanez BTB. Quality. BIG quality. The Prestige sounds no different than the regular (everyone says), but its made with better quality (even though the regular are very well made!), and its looks prettier.
Im getting one.I have an EDC 700 and love it. The sound is great for what I play, and it gives me great flexibility.
I know there are Ibanez haters out there, but for me, it was a great buy. The sound of it is comparable to much more expensive Fenders. When I bought it I was looking at Fenders and I ran across the EDC. I compared the sounds and it was very close, the price is what made me go with the EDC.
Pros: Price, Sound, Comfortable, Versatile. (I play a funky kind of metal, so I can fly on the plucking and get a deep driving sound, and I pop and slap occasionaly and this instrument has perfect sound for both)
Cons: I have found a dead spot, the same one the reviewer here mentions, and yes the connection jack does come loose, I have added a nut to correct that.
In my opinion for the money it is a great bass. And get the EDC not the EDB, the EDB just doesnt seem to have the sound as the EDC.
I know there are Ibanez haters out there, but for me, it was a great buy. The sound of it is comparable to much more expensive Fenders. When I bought it I was looking at Fenders and I ran across the EDC. I compared the sounds and it was very close, the price is what made me go with the EDC.
Pros: Price, Sound, Comfortable, Versatile. (I play a funky kind of metal, so I can fly on the plucking and get a deep driving sound, and I pop and slap occasionaly and this instrument has perfect sound for both)
Cons: I have found a dead spot, the same one the reviewer here mentions, and yes the connection jack does come loose, I have added a nut to correct that.
In my opinion for the money it is a great bass. And get the EDC not the EDB, the EDB just doesnt seem to have the sound as the EDC.
Hmmmm, soundgear or An ergodyne huh? well, i think that the Dyne's got more midrange, no doubt. The soundgears (the lower priced ones) are not THAT great, but the soundgears as a whole are a respectable bass. Ive found (the ones that i have used anyway) is that the soundgears are not as versatile as the Dynes. if i where getting an ibenaz bass, and just wanted an all-round good bass, id get a BTB, but of your choices id say get the Dyne.
I also own an EDC700 and have had no problems with it whatsoever.Very light and comfortable to play,fast slim neck,nice tonal control.
I have the EDB605 Ergo and I think it is an awesome bass. Everyone who sees this bass likes it, those who have played it love it. When I first got ahold of it there was some dead spots, but a pro set-up & truss rod adjustment took care of that...but that could probably happen to any bass.I believe my EDB605 is a lower end model than you're talking about, but it has very good electronics nice sound very playable, comfortable, light, well balanced...IMHO no better bass at that price ...now if just wasn't made of plastic 
...now if just wasn't made of plastic 
between your two choices i would say play them both first. then decide. but as for my opinions on 5's for that price range...
i have a friend with an EDB600, four string version, so i cant comment on the B string. it does however sound great. it had a very deep midrangey tone that was great for the stuff he played (led zeppelin, pearl jam covers) i didnt like the playability much though, i thought the neck was too thick. electronics are very nice though in my opinion, and they are a steal. touch as nails too. that thing has taken a helluva beating with not a single mechanical or electronic failure. looks great too.
as for the soundgears, i have an SR800A. i found my soundgear to play nicer than my friends ergo. however thats just my opinion. it has a very fast neck, and was wonderful for slapping. that was its strong point. however, the neck was so thin it was relatively unstable in michigan weather conditions. the eq was better than the ergo, it has a sweepable mid control. at times though it just got in the way. its a great bass in my opinion, but it was also made about 5 years ago, and it sounds as if people dont like the current soundgear line. i have a feeling though that these people have played a lot of lower end soundgears, like the GSR series, or the SR300dx... oh well. opinions are oninions.. these are just mine.
someone else mentioned other basses. in your price range i would defenitly check out a carvin. i have a carvin fretless five and i love it. its got almost every upgrade option possible. cost me about 1100 dollars to the door, and i have yet to play an instrument i liked better. (yes ive played MIA's, warwicks, yamahas etc)
if you can find one i would also check out an ibanez ATK. i have a usa 5 string, and its great. touch as hell, and has a huge fat soud, especially great when slapped. the electronics are first rate with the triple coil humbucker and the 3 band active eq. nice big bridge too. great bass. i would compare it to a stingray, although it is no stingray. i have heard wonderful things about BTB's, although i have never played one in a gig situation. just messed around in stores. they are very well built, and can be best destribed as tight and deep.
another brand i would reccomend is yamaha. i almost bought a BB5GS as my fretted 5, but i came across the ATK. the yamaha is a great bass, very well built, and i liked the sound a lot. the neck was wide and flat too, which i prefer.
last but certianly not least is the MTD kingston. never played one, but ive heard great things. they do however, have passive electronics, and while active electronics would be fairly easy to add (theres extra room in the control cavity) you might as well buy active if thats what you want. i have heard they sound more like a P bass than a stingray, if youre after that bright funky tone you might wanna steer clear. but they are certainly a bargain at under 500 new.
all in all id say you have a lot of options at your price point. if i could choose any of them at teh 700 dollar range, i would defenitly go carvin, even if they arent the pimped out models. the construction is first rate, and i love the playabiity and sound. i would not reccoment fender, but i may be considered odd by many. if you are set on ibanez, thats cool too, as i love their instruments, and i think they are a bargain. if you are set between the ergo and the soundgear, id say it depends on what kind of music you will be using them for. if youll be slapping, or playing anything that requires fast fingering, id say go with the soundgear. if you are going to be playing more groove orientated low end rumbly stuff, or just good old rock and roll, id say go with the ergodyne. its heavier, and sounds like it.
im sorry if i ranted too much, but i hope i was of some help to you. good luck, and let us know what route you go as well as how pleased you are with it!
~Scott
i have a friend with an EDB600, four string version, so i cant comment on the B string. it does however sound great. it had a very deep midrangey tone that was great for the stuff he played (led zeppelin, pearl jam covers) i didnt like the playability much though, i thought the neck was too thick. electronics are very nice though in my opinion, and they are a steal. touch as nails too. that thing has taken a helluva beating with not a single mechanical or electronic failure. looks great too.
as for the soundgears, i have an SR800A. i found my soundgear to play nicer than my friends ergo. however thats just my opinion. it has a very fast neck, and was wonderful for slapping. that was its strong point. however, the neck was so thin it was relatively unstable in michigan weather conditions. the eq was better than the ergo, it has a sweepable mid control. at times though it just got in the way. its a great bass in my opinion, but it was also made about 5 years ago, and it sounds as if people dont like the current soundgear line. i have a feeling though that these people have played a lot of lower end soundgears, like the GSR series, or the SR300dx... oh well. opinions are oninions.. these are just mine.
someone else mentioned other basses. in your price range i would defenitly check out a carvin. i have a carvin fretless five and i love it. its got almost every upgrade option possible. cost me about 1100 dollars to the door, and i have yet to play an instrument i liked better. (yes ive played MIA's, warwicks, yamahas etc)
if you can find one i would also check out an ibanez ATK. i have a usa 5 string, and its great. touch as hell, and has a huge fat soud, especially great when slapped. the electronics are first rate with the triple coil humbucker and the 3 band active eq. nice big bridge too. great bass. i would compare it to a stingray, although it is no stingray. i have heard wonderful things about BTB's, although i have never played one in a gig situation. just messed around in stores. they are very well built, and can be best destribed as tight and deep.
another brand i would reccomend is yamaha. i almost bought a BB5GS as my fretted 5, but i came across the ATK. the yamaha is a great bass, very well built, and i liked the sound a lot. the neck was wide and flat too, which i prefer.
last but certianly not least is the MTD kingston. never played one, but ive heard great things. they do however, have passive electronics, and while active electronics would be fairly easy to add (theres extra room in the control cavity) you might as well buy active if thats what you want. i have heard they sound more like a P bass than a stingray, if youre after that bright funky tone you might wanna steer clear. but they are certainly a bargain at under 500 new.
all in all id say you have a lot of options at your price point. if i could choose any of them at teh 700 dollar range, i would defenitly go carvin, even if they arent the pimped out models. the construction is first rate, and i love the playabiity and sound. i would not reccoment fender, but i may be considered odd by many. if you are set on ibanez, thats cool too, as i love their instruments, and i think they are a bargain. if you are set between the ergo and the soundgear, id say it depends on what kind of music you will be using them for. if youll be slapping, or playing anything that requires fast fingering, id say go with the soundgear. if you are going to be playing more groove orientated low end rumbly stuff, or just good old rock and roll, id say go with the ergodyne. its heavier, and sounds like it.
im sorry if i ranted too much, but i hope i was of some help to you. good luck, and let us know what route you go as well as how pleased you are with it!
~Scott
Hey Numbnutz, I'm gonna be selling my blue sparkle (factory finish) SR-885...I have too big of hands for the thin neck. So PM me if you are interested.
I really believe that Ibanez are lousy basses... just from what Ive played. I would go for an MTD kingston 5, or if you can find a used MM Stingray5 for around $1000, you should definately get that. I think the 'Ray5 is one of the very best 5 string basses out there, even including those expensive luthier basses like Sadowsky and Lakland. The B is awesome, even for a regular 34" scale bass. Its really FAT sounding and tight. I know a guy who has one, and I cant get enough of playing it. I can even get it to sound good through a little 12 watt crate amp! Now thats a great bass! 
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