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Ibanez SR Prestige?

S

Sabin

Mar 27, 2012
56
0
#1
I do not need this bass - but I want it. What is your opinion of these things TB'ers? How about Ibanez basses in general? Any other ones worthy of note? I am thinking this would look great with my MArcus Miller Jazz.

I haven't had a case of GAS like this in a long time. I pretty much cured it for guitar, but picking up the bass has rekindled it with a passion. I can't help it, I just think basses are beautiful works of art.
 
#3
Yeah, that Fender tone is hard to contend with imo. I used to play Ibanez guitars exclusively, but always had to switch the pickups. Now I play a strat and a tele. Maybe I'll just stick with my Marcus haha.
 
#5
I don’t need one either but some day I will have a SR5005E.

Meanwhile I’ll have to be content with the SR1005EFM that’s currently out for delivery this morning :hyper:

I love the look of Fender basses but have come to realize Ibanez soundgears just fit me better and I really like the sound of the higher end ones.
 
#6
I personally don't care for them. I don't like the bridge and how it is designed and set up and when you compare them to their mid grade line like the SR 500-SR 700 models, there is not much difference in anything to justify the extra cost. Plus, for the money that the Prestige models go for, there are a ton of other brands that are much more better that I would choose instead. And they will have much better re-sale value as well.
 
#7
I have three SR series Ibanez basses; 4,5 & 6 string. The general finish, playability and quality is great but they cut corners on the electronics. I have installed Bartolini preamps from Best Bass Gear in mine and they are now superb. (If you have one with EMG DC40 active pickups swap out the blend pot for a 25K)
 
#8
Jay Ralston said:
I personally don't care for them. I don't like the bridge and how it is designed and set up and when you compare them to their mid grade line like the SR 500-SR 700 models, there is not much difference in anything to justify the extra cost. Plus, for the money that the Prestige models go for, there are a ton of other brands that are much more better that I would choose instead. And they will have much better re-sale value as well.
Click to expand...

I would disagree very much with this. I have an SR5000 and there isn't anything I would change about it. The bridge is sweet, quick release and has a node for each string. I would rather have that then have to put it through the holes and scrape my bass each time. They look fancy, are light, super fast to play, and sound awesome. I bought mine used for about half the price, which is hard to beat for contending used boutique basses if you ask me. The curved pickups really make a difference, so smooth in transition from string to string. The active/passive switch is also a plus most basses don't have.
 
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#9
I currently have in possession a 5006e Prestige and a 1206e Premium. Many of those who say the mid level SR500 & 700 models are not much different haven't even played the premiums and prestiges, except maybe in a store for a few minutes. I had a SR506 and I can tell you it's not in the same ball park. It's not even in the parking lot for that matter.

One suggestion though is try a premium as well; SR1200 & 1400 series with the Nordy singles. I'm really having a hard time deciding which one I'm going to keep . . the prestige or the premium. Both have advantages. If your into Jazz, a lot of studio work, chords, technical, etc., definitely go with the Prestige. It has has a subdued, thick, smooth, refined sound with lots of clarity. The dark wenge / mahogany combo is simply stunning. Probably one of the coolest, most unique looking production basses out there. That's where a lot of the price tag is at.

If your playing live, slap, rock, funk etc., the premium is the way to go. It has an aggressive, in your face. professional sound. I wish I could keep them both.

Not sure why but Prestiges do take a hit on resale (I'm glad I bought mine used) so I suggest doing the same. But, I played a lot of $2k basses. The prestige was just as nice or better. There's a lot of buzz on TB about the 1200 series. I could see the resale being better on those.
 
#10
Ibanez makes great bass guitars. I've played a couple of older Prestige models and theyre great. The Premiums play and feel very well too. Don't ever let anyone tell you theyre crap or that theyre only good for metal.
 
#11
SwagAttack said:
I would disagree very much with this. I have an SR5000 and there isn't anything I would change about it. The bridge is sweet, quick release and has a node for each string. I would rather have that then have to put it through the holes and scrape my bass each time. They look fancy, are light, super fast to play, and sound awesome. I bought mine used for about half the price, which is hard to beat for contending used boutique basses if you ask me. The curved pickups really make a difference, so smooth in transition from string to string. The active/passive switch is also a plus most basses don't have.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'd have to somewhat disagree, as well... I've owned over half a dozen sr Series 5ers, and one Prestige - an sr3005 SOL - and the Prestige was a top quality instrument: IMO, easily the equal of any $2k bass I've ever played... Certainly worth the money on the used market - I'd probably still have it, except I got an offer to sell it for a $200 profit, and put the money towards a killer deal on an EBMM BFR SR5 HH, roasted neck, ebony board...

Here's a pic of the sr3005 SOL:

sr3005SOLPrestige-2.jpg


It had many of the same nice touches one would expect on a boutique bass, including killer tone and fretwork, a wenge/bubinga neck, and wenge fretboard...


- georgestrings
 
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#13
I have several basses..a marcus 4str...victor bailey 5...couple of 4003 rics....5502 lakeland..a 1981 bc rich eagle..a couple squiers....and a sr1005efm pretige 5er....the sr has become my main bass....love the curved back and the neck...light weight...bart pickups gives a good tone in the mix...on brd eq allows some adjustments during songs...easy to play...and I like the bridge....could replace the preamp but not too much of an issue for me....I highly recommend this ibby....I have not had a chance to play others but was gassing for a btb..got the 4003 ric instead.....play one and see how it feels...neck is thin so string spacing is narrower than the bailey or lakeland but u get use to it.....good luck!
 
#14
Still playing my SR5000E after 5 years and I'll be the first to tell anyone that resale value has never, not once, entered my mind. It's still the most comfortable bass I play, for the most part my "go to" bass, and I will never get rid of it. :bassist:
 
#15
I'm new to playing the SR5000E and I also recently bought an unused SR905 and the difference between them is like night and day. The 5000 has a deep, ever-sustaining, established sound, one that you would hear in a soul or blues recording while the 905 is punchy and loud. The low B on 905 growls very deep but can't imagine how the B string of an SR5005 would sound. The necks are both easy to play but the 905 has finish over it which makes it a bit less slippery, while the naked grain 5000 neck fits my hand perfectly and moves like -I hate this term but it's so appropriate here- butter. The action is always lower on 5000 without any buzzing at all, but 905 starts causing buzz on around 5 and 12th frets when I try to lower. So all I can say for now is that there is a distinct difference in sound and playability between the long discontinued 2007 model standard SR905FM-TKF and the 2009 model SR5000E-OL I have.
20180310_165042.jpg 20180114_143642.jpg
 
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#16
Bassist Jay said:
I personally don't care for them. I don't like the bridge and how it is designed and set up and when you compare them to their mid grade line like the SR 500-SR 700 models, there is not much difference in anything to justify the extra cost. Plus, for the money that the Prestige models go for, there are a ton of other brands that are much more better that I would choose instead. And they will have much better re-sale value as well.
Click to expand...

I will completely disagree with you on the quality difference from the standard Ibanez basses being close to the prestige basses. I've owned more Ibanez Premium and Prestige basses than probably anyone on here and there is a huge difference. I will also say the Prestige basses as far as quality of build, tone and playability is as good ass any bass I've owned in the $2000-3000 range. I like to feel I've tried and played a pretty diverse list of basses as I've owned 25-30 basses in the over $2000 price range.
 
#17
SwagAttack said:
I would disagree very much with this. I have an SR5000 and there isn't anything I would change about it. The bridge is sweet, quick release and has a node for each string. I would rather have that then have to put it through the holes and scrape my bass each time. They look fancy, are light, super fast to play, and sound awesome. I bought mine used for about half the price, which is hard to beat for contending used boutique basses if you ask me. The curved pickups really make a difference, so smooth in transition from string to string. The active/passive switch is also a plus most basses don't have.
Click to expand...

So, i have an SR500 and SR5005, these basses are both great with the SR5005 being far superior in build quality. The neck, general setup and sound of the custom Barts on the 5005 is incredible. The SR500 still has a really special place in my heart and i still play her from time to time. After playing many top end basses, without considering the headstock name, i had to choose the 5005 - i am sure many have their preference, this bass is just perfect for me. Very fast and sleek neck, great and versatile sound, and exceptionally articulate. I got my 5005 new with a good deal as a demo guitar so i should be fine on resale, however, i have never bought a guitar that i am not totally inlove with - there is no thought of selling her ever...
 
#18
I ordered a 2023 Ibanez SR 1355 premium and sent it back. The neck was amazing but I wasn’t very happy with the tone and build quality. The tone was awesome but I felt it was lacking in heaviness a bit. Big gap on top side of neck pocket. You could have put a credit card in there and charged a bunch of stuff. You could fit a card reader reader in there. Hated looking down and seeing the nuts in between the knobs and the body. I thought that was total BS and they should change that. An audience wouldn’t see it but cmon man that’s cutting corners on a 1600$ axe after tax. It would drive me crazy looking down and seeing that steel on my bass. Gaudy is what I say. I was turned off by the fretboard wood. Deep natural grain “ veins of uneveness“ wich I felt could break down eventually and create potholes on my fretboard? Wasn’t going to chance that. I really dig the playability and do love the tone but it’s not IMO as heavy and solid as Stingrays.I feel the lower priced 749$( Black Friday sale price) mahogany body Ibanez had a better build and didn’t have the nut/ hardware ugliness problem. So, stupid me Iam going to order the Prestige Bubinga model that is on back order that isn’t available until late January. Let’s throw money at the problem. If it’s not quality it’s going back. Iam being stupid I think. I should rev a Stingray or a 1951 telecaster reissue. I want the Ibanez playability though, hopefully this thing throws some hammer down. Don’t want to be standing at the counter asking where the damn beef is. Wouldn’t mind getting a used high end Warwick Streamer. Played a used one but it was over 4k but it was one of the most incredible sounding basses I’ve ever played. It spoke to me. Said let’s do this. You and I. It’ll make you feel good. I said “ but my wife” and it said- seriously was talking to me. She buys a ton of makeup you think that stuff is cheap? You see the stock price of Ulta lately? Hellooo buddy! The Botox stuff for the cracks in her forehead she’s cracking up. You just need to get me the heck off this wall because it’s sucking my will to live.
 
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#19
Just on the subject of Ibanez but about the Prestige series it would be interesting to compare the old series with the new one recently released... I noticed that they use different woods, the electronics seem more modern and up to date... I'm perplexed by the use of Nordstrand pickups to the detriment of the Bartolini USA ones... the 5 string model but also the 4 has always remained in my head... opinions?
 

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