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Ibanez SR Necks vs. Other Brands

B

bassplayerdon

Nov 28, 2010
27
1
#1
I'm considering purchasing an Ibanez SR series bass (SR500, SR600, or SR700.)

I was wondering if there is anything on the market that compares to the Ibanez SR necks? I love the thin profile neck from the back of the neck, to the front of the fretboard.

I currently play a P-Bass, but I think my hand would be more comfortable with a thinner profile neck.

Are there any other basses I should check out that are similar to the SR series?

Thanks!
 
#2
There are other basses with comparable necks, but nothing identical to an Ibby SR. If that's what you want, go for it.

Prior to getting my 1st Ibby I was using a Fender Jazz - the difference was significant and I don't regret switching to the Ibanez "pencil" neck ;)
 
#3
ESP Necks are the thinnest, most comfortable necks ive played besides Ibanez. Not a big fan of the newer ones though and nothing is as quite as high end as what your looking at.
The SR500 is FANTASTIC especially for the money and I hear the SR600 and 700 are even better. Any reason you dont want to go with Ibanez, or are you just checking out the competition?
 
#4
The 600 is quite different from the SR500; overall I find the 500 model the best bang for the buck - amazing bass ;) The 600 sounds warmer, with huge bottom, but the tone is more on the mellow & "wooly" side, while the 500's tone has more meat and bark and it's right in your face, with aggressive low mids.
 
#6
Ibanez are very comfortable. If you already like them, go for it. Ibanez's are also one of the best valued basses for the cost.

Even better if you can get one at a used price. It's awesome for a buyer because used Ibby's normally do not retain a decent resale value, but it doesn't work out so nicely if you're the seller.
 
#7
Yeah I will echo that the only thing close that's easy to find are probably some ESP necks.

That said, if you are coming from a fat P bass, a lot of necks are going to feel slimmer. SR necks are just THE SLIMMEST.

Also keep in mind that they are different styles of SR. The "SR" is the thinnest, "SRA" and "SRX" are slightly thicker, and "SRT" are noticeably thick--but still not a baseball back. SRT also have deeper, rouder backside. Like a Capital D or something. Whereas the SRs are shaped to feel shallower.

The SR prestige goes even further, in addition to be thin, its also less wide in the higher frets than even the production SRs.


And finally, some people worry about the strength or behavior of such thin necks. and to this I say, not at all a problem. Most of them are five piece necks. They are rock stable and rarely have to be adjusted with the weather. I think the SRAs are 3 piece, but I imagine with Ibanez' consistant quality, they are probably as strong.
 
#8
I've played almost every bass you get recommendations for when you ask for thin necks and to me nothing quite compares to an SR neck, particularly when measured as you say "from the back of the neck, to the front of the fretboard". They really are standouts among all the thin necked models offered by various brands over the years. I loves me a super thin neck, its all I play and has been the number one factor I look at in a bass.
So I guess my answer to your question would be no, nothing on the market new or used compares to the Ibanez SR necks.
 
#11
That esp is a nice bass better than the b models. The SR neck is ibanez's claim to fame (like all their necks). Nothing quite compairs for playability. I think all but the prestige share the same profile, different build though. They are pretty Damn stable too. Their all multi piece (accept the bottom of the line) and very easy players. Nothing quite like em.
 
#12
If you're considering vintage gear, check out Hagstrom.
I have an Ibby and love it. I only have memory of Hagstrom necks, but I played them for awhile and as best I recall they are thinner than the Ibby - the thinnest I have ever played. Hagstrom's deal was that they put an I beam in their necks which was very stable so they could use less wood. Surprisingly, they weren't heavy basses.
 
#14
ESP ltd necks are very good slim fast necks that to me are also stronger then the Ibanez necks. Less give to them. The esp ltd B-1004, B4 series, and B334 series, along with the F4 and F414 would all be worth concideration for upper end esp ltd basses that are imo as good as most of Ibanez upper end imports imo. I like the pups on the esp's better then the barts on the Ibanez basses Ive tried.
 
#16
I have also loved the Ibanez SR necks nore than any other neck I've played on for the past 40 years...esp the SR900 and higher. Does anyone know where a person can find these necks and get them in fretted or fretless models as I'd love to mod one? Can the Dean necks be had in fretless or fretted models?? Thanks...Peace...DAcat :cool:
 
#17
I own an SR 750. I bought it for the neck, and it's sweet that way. But tonally, due to the active pickups, it can be real touchy dialing in a desirable sound. I'll probably part with it because of that, but definitely check them out. And, as others have said, shop around.
 
#18
atomicdog said:
I own an .SR 750 I bought it for the neck, and it's sweet that way. But tonally, due to the active pickups, it can be real touchy dialing in a desirable sound. I'll probably part with it because of that, but definitely check them out. And, as others have said, shop around.
Click to expand...

The MK1 pickups can be run passive. If you still don't like them, replace 'em! no reason to part with a great bass, because of changeable pickups ;)
 

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