Ibanez SR305E (2016) vs Cort B5 artisan

[Parth saluja]

I am confused between the two bass guitars. I haven't played them side by side and thus couldn't decide. I'm gettingthe cort B5 for a price about 60USD (4000INR) cheaper than the ibanez sr305e. If you have played both of them please differentiate between the two on the basis of various categories like comfort, electronics, durability, pickups, etc. And the verdict. Thank you

 

[Aidil]

I don't have Cort Artisan B5 or Ibanez SR305E, but I own both Cort Artisan and Ibanez SR series, although mine are the 6 string version and the higher class of both (Artisan A6 and SRFF806).

Generally speaking, the Artisan series are equipped with higher grade parts compared to the SR series. The tuners, bridge, and even down to the knobs on the Artisan are Hipshots (the bridge in B5 is not marked as Hipshot's, but it resembles Hipshot's A Style Bridge in which user can change the string spacings), although they are licensed versions and produced in-house, by Cort facilities in Indonesia. The electronics (pickups and pre-amp) are also the same. Cort is licensed to make the Bartolini MK1 pickups and pre-amp, and now the Mark Bass pre-amp inside few of their latest basses.

OTH the SR series, although not all, are also produced in the same factory. Ibanez outsources the production of lots of their product to Cort Indonesia. Being the SR series have slimmer body, generally they are lighter in weight compared to the Artisan series, so comfort wise for long playing hours will go to the SRs.

 

[AndreasR]

I have owned a B4 fretless and an SR500. To me the B4 was the more comfortable of the two. But this was more due to preferences than differences in quality.

 

[winegamd]

Both basses have similar feels in every respect. Both are comfortable and well made for the money. For me, the new dual coils with taps in the SR's are much better sounding and more versatile than the Bart MK1's.