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Ibanez SR or ATK?

A

aussietc

Apr 14, 2010
158
53
#1
I've always had a soft spot for Ibanez basses - loved their playability and modern tone. None of my local stores stock them though - looks like I'll have to order online.
Thinking if either the SR600 or ATK800e.
How do the CAP pickups compare to the Barts?
Do any owners have sound clips or video demos of these models?
How does the SR compare to a similarly specked Lakland 44-01?
 
#2
I can't speak to any other SR models but the SR4XXV, but the playability, neck feel, and tone are great. I've noticed that the pickups generally give you more of a brighter tone, but the bottom end is still there (I have a few pedals that fill in the bottome end, so it's not an issue). I would recommend the playing both at a local vendor. I went in thinking I wanted to get a shortboard and left with that guy, I know Guitar Center has them in stock as well. Hope this helps!

http://www.gearhounds.com/ibanez-sr4xxv-25th-limited-edition-bass-guitar.aspx
 
#3
Atk = larger body and neck (think modern P bass) More aggressive sound

Sr = Small, slim, body and neck, Modern smooth sounding electronics.

I've only heard the CAP Pickups in the ATK800, one of the better sounding and playing basses I've played on a Guitar Center wall. The SR's sound pretty good depending on the series. Pickups and electronics can be upgraded.

Both are great but very different.
 
#4
Me? I'd go with the ATK all the way. The SR's are nice basses but the ATK's are, as stated above, a little more aggressive and their tone is just AWESOME. I own and play as my go-to an ATK 300. It has been my main stay for over 10 years and I havent had any urges to switch it up in all that time. The only other think Id want is a Fender P bass, but I have a modded Squier P that was my first bass and I love it. I play it often but the ATK is still my go-to. The onboard on mine is sweet too. Great low end, very clear highs and cutting mids. This bass has no issues being heard in the mix in a live band setting. It just rocks. proud said it well above, both are great but different. What type of music will you be playing? Genre of band you are in?
 
#8
The ATK has a thicker neck than modern P Basses. It has the thickness of the wide P Bass neck with the modern nut width. It also has a nice fat volute it you are into that, but it hinders the ability to add a Bass Xtender. The tone is definitely flexible and aggressive.
 
#10
One thing to note is that most ATKs weigh 10-11 lbs. They are TANKS.
The neck is also akin to an older Warwick or baseball bat.
The sound is neat, though, but I'd take an SBMM Ray34 over an ATK.

The SR are great basses, if you stick to the 4 strings. Their low B has been lacking for a long time. You could look at the BTBs, too. They're heavier than the SR, but tonally superior and are amazing basses for the prices.
 
#12
awilkie84 said:
One thing to note is that most ATKs weigh 10-11 lbs. They are TANKS.
The neck is also akin to an older Warwick or baseball bat.
The sound is neat, though, but I'd take an SBMM Ray34 over an ATK.

The SR are great basses, if you stick to the 4 strings. Their low B has been lacking for a long time. You could look at the BTBs, too. They're heavier than the SR, but tonally superior and are amazing basses for the prices.
Click to expand...

I like ATK's more than the SBMM's because you can get an SBMM sound out of an ATK but not the other way around. I always felt the MM was much more "clankier" than the ATK. The ATK can get clanky too, dont get me wrong, but it can warm up quite nice too. I dont feel the same way about the MM. And the ATK's are more versatile with that three way toggle. Even more tonal options the higher up the ATK line you go, 800, 805 to the 1200 and so forth.
 
#13
gregmon79 said:
I like ATK's more than the SBMM's because you can get an SBMM sound out of an ATK but not the other way around. I always felt the MM was much more "clankier" than the ATK. The ATK can get clanky too, dont get me wrong, but it can warm up quite nice too. I dont feel the same way about the MM. And the ATK's are more versatile with that three way toggle. Even more tonal options the higher up the ATK line you go, 800, 805 to the 1200 and so forth.
Click to expand...

I've always found the ATK sound to be too "metal" & sterile. Adding a 3-way to an SBMM is rather easy, too. It really opens up the tonal range of the pickup for like $12?

And I'd put up with the electronics of the SBMM to get away from that weight & bat of a neck.
 
#14
I find the thick bat like necks more comfortable to play. So the ATK wins there. I'm familiar with the Bart MK1's so I know I'll like the sound of the SR. I can get both basses are under 9lb. The SR under 8lb. I'm playing mostly finger style. Play mostly in the church band and the occasional gig where a bass player is needed - lots of genres.
 
#16
personally, atk. not sure if ive played that specific sr or not (they all kinda meld together in my head) but about a month ago, I played one of those atk's in a gc, and it felt really good, and sounded pretty good, plenty of usable tones, just not particularly a tone I was looking for/comfortable with. Looked incredible and felt incredible though. wish they came around used more often tho haha
 

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