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Ibanez SR405 and SR485...any feedback?

mello_bedwetter

mello_bedwetter

Aug 11, 2007
1,343
4
MO, south of St. Louis
#1
I've been playing the 4-string but am considering getting a 5-string. I would like to go with an Ibanez for it's slim neck or a brand similar. Does anyone have experience with the SR405 or the SR485. I use to have a SR500 4-stringer. Would either one of these models have a similar tone(other than the B)?
I would most likely be using a 5er part-time or just practicing around the house. I guess what I'm looking for is a 5-string, slim neck that's has a good tone but not too pricey...I don't want to buy an expensive one and decide I don't like a 5.
Btw...right now I use either a Fender Jazz or Precision.
Thanks for any help.
P.S....there is an Ibanez dealer here in town.
 
#2
The SR 500 series have Bart pickups & pre-amps, the 400 sereis has Ibanez EXF pickups so they will sound different, here's a link... The SRA series have passive EMG's HZ's with an actice EMG pre-amp... I don't think the SR485 is still in production so you would have to go used....


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#3
I'd buy based on the pickups, and I have always been a fan of the Bartolini MK-1's in my SR506. I'd look for a used 5'er in the 500 or above line personally... if you get a deal on it used I bet you could sell it for the same price. My local Craigslist has at least 1 Ibanez 5'er pop up weekly, I'd hit that up.
 
#4
Toastfuzz said:
I'd buy based on the pickups, and I have always been a fan of the Bartolini MK-1's in my SR506. I'd look for a used 5'er in the 500 or above line personally... if you get a deal on it used I bet you could sell it for the same price. My local Craigslist has at least 1 Ibanez 5'er pop up weekly, I'd hit that up.
Click to expand...

I do like the "Bart" pickups. I had the SR500 and SR700. I sold the SR500 and the 700's electronics were all screwed up. I got somewhat of a refund for the 700. I'll have to check on some prices on the 505. I saw some on Ebay also. Thanks.
 
#7
just would like say... i had a 405 once.. didnt like it.. my cousin bought a 705 it was decent... just picked up a 1205... man... if you have the spare coin... that's the one to go with... picked mine up for $820 new... although i will admit... I think this thing was wrongly priced... as it roughly goes for $1100 online so I had to pick it up! loving it... i played a yamaha 4 string for the last 16 years... what a difference...
 
#8
I have a 2000 SR405. It's by far the heaviest bass I own, about 9.5 pounds. I like it, and it plays just fine, but given the choice I will pick up my 2001 SR645 because it's about 1.5 pounds lighter! Definitely consider a used SR505, as it's probably the lightest and easiest to play SR 5-string. It will hold its resale value too!
 
#9
My only warning with the 500 series is that the finish paint is thin and not clear coated and is prone to wear. I dig it cuz my modern 2007 SR506 is already taking on traits of a natural relic instrument. Some people like keeping their hi-fi instruments looking like new, in which case I'd shoot for SR400 or SR700 with the clear coat.

I originally had a GSR200, it was good but the tone/build was obviously beginner oriented. I have a SR400 PJ that I can't bear to get rid of cuz the tone is AWESOME, but the dang thing picks up AM radio stations and I'm a 6'5" antennae. The SR506 is noiseless and the pups pack a punch and are also very versatile tone-wise, but has the finish characteristic I mentioned that is good for some and bad for others. I hear the build quality between SR300 and 400 is a big jump, so I'd stay at 400 or above but thats from TB hearsay, not personal experience.

If you can't tell, I really dig Ibanez SR's. I've been debating for months now selling off some of my midrange equipment and bumping up to a new Premium or Prestige SR with the Nordy Big Singles.... mmmmm single coils.......
 

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