Ibanez SR 1200 & Grooveline Basses

[sps500]

Thanks for the review... Would love to get my hands on the 1200 and grooveline! As for them allegedly not being in the same league as other boutique brands... IMHO Ibby's Prestige Line is as good as it gets but at less then half the price of others.

 

[west*coast*bass]

Thanks for the review Doc...I am gassin' for one of the new Prestige SR's with the Nordstrand pickups!

 

[IntrepidCellist]

I want an SR1205. Quite badly, actually... love that ultra-narrow string spacing.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Thanks for the Review DR. Cheese. I have some bad GAS for the grooveline and you're not helping at all!

How was the B string on that 5ver? And what did they sound like
? You said active jazz vibe. Could you expand on that?

Thanks.

The B string was a fine, 34' B string. It was like that of a SR5 or Sadowsky. The sound was not unlike that of any active Jazz style bass like a Sadowsky or a Carvin SB5000.

 

[Chansey]

I played both a Grooveline four and five. These basses are simply boutique quality, and they have boutique prices also. I played the five the most. It definitely has an active Jazz tonal vibe, but the bass reminds me of an Elrick on in terms of its neck and control layout. The body looks odd with its very short and protruding lower horn, but it is sheer genius when you play it sitting. It tends to put the bass in a position somewhat like the one traditionally used by classical guitarists, and it is extremely comfortable to play. The neck on the five is thin and flat. I am guessing that the string spacing is 18mm, but it might possibly 19mm.

You mentioned that the bass reminded you of an Elrick, hence I was wondering if you can make a comparison between the Grooveline and the Elrick NJS basses? Both seem very similar in terms of price range (about 2k+) and form (active jazz basses).

 

[Dr. Cheese]

You mentioned that the bass reminded you of an Elrick, hence I was wondering if you can make a comparison between the Grooveline and the Elrick NJS basses? Both seem very similar in terms of price range (about 2k+) and form (active jazz basses).

Those are the Jazz based Elricks? I never played one before. It reminded me of the more traditionally boutique Elricks that I have played.

 

[aproud1]

The B string was a fine, 34' B string. It was like that of a SR5 or Sadowsky. The sound was not unlike that of any active Jazz style bass like a Sadowsky or a Carvin SB5000.

Thanks.
Looks like string spacing is 18mm and the neck is Wenge/bubinga. Sweet looking basses for sure.

 

[KeithPas]

Nice reviews!!!!

 

[rayzak]

Great reviews! Not a fan of the look at all, minus the large body. However, I hated the Bongo at first too, now, it's one of my biggest creators of GAS.

And to go along with KeithPas' classic Sig..... "Looks good on you, though"!

 

[KeithPas]

Great reviews! Not a fan of the look at all, minus the large body. However, I hated the Bongo at first too, now, it's one of my biggest creators of GAS.

And to go along with KeithPas' classic Sig..... "Looks good on you, though"!

Lol!!!

 

[Chansey]

Just a heads up on the Groovelines...apparently Bassplayer Mag reviewed it for the May issue: Ibanez Grooveline Basses

 

[conqr]

clips: Ibanez Grooveline Basses by Bass Player Magazine on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Just like the Carvin SB series, the tone and functionality wins out overall for me.

 

[bottomzone]

The 5 string sounds real good, especially the low B!


A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

 

[powmetalbassist]

Anybody know if the premium basses will come in color in the future? I like the wood grain, but have a preference for some color on stage.

 

[jonandpug]

I went by my local dealer and he had three of the new higher end Ibanez basses. He had a SR1200 with Nordstrand Big Singles and a four string and five string Grooveline.

The SR 1200 very followed the typical Ibanez Prestige formula with a thin neck and small light body. The difference was the Big Singles! They gave a crisp and bright tone just killed for finger style or slap. It is $999 and worth every penny. Too bad the fives will have typical Ibanez 16.5mm spacing at the bridge. For me the five would be great alternative to something like a MIA Fender Jazz Deluxe.

I will talk about the Grooveline and post pics when I get home from this takeout restaurant.

Im the proud owner of the first grooveline bass in the uk and it must be said its the most comfatable bass ive ever held,....the different sounds you can get via the eq is simply best bass ive tried,...my stingray and wal and warwick havent been out there cases since march when i brought it from soundgear at the bass show march 13th....

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Im the proud owner of the first grooveline bass in the uk and it must be said its the most comfatable bass ive ever held,....the different sounds you can get via the eq is simply best bass ive tried,...my stingray and wal and warwick havent been out there cases since march when i brought it from soundgear at the bass show march 13th....

Congrats! Those Groovelines are totally topnotch!

 

[jonandpug]

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm itching to pay a Grooveline. They're not in the shops in the UK yet...

do you want one ?

 

[seungkoo]

The new premiums soundgears from indonesia are AWESOME!! I really want to get my hands on the new 5 string sr1205 with the nordstrands in it. I bet itll even sound better with an aggie pre

 

[JSmith]

Here's a great video of a grooveline demo:
Lorenzo Feliciati e Ibanez Grooveline - "Groove First" - YouTube
Playing starts at 30 seconds.

 

[Anthbass]

I played the G105 today, for about half an hour. It is a smokin' bass, and I think it would hold its own with many of the upper tier J style basses. I have no idea if there is much of a market for 2K+ Ibanez these days, but I appreciate the effort that has gone into making them. I'm not much of a slapper, but I loved diggin' in on one of these. Fingerstyle, it was smooth and tight, very nice B string. Hmm, what can I sell...