/ Register

Ibanez SR405 and SR485...any feedback?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by mello_bedwetter, Apr 11, 2012.

  1. Apr 11, 2012 #1
    mello_bedwetter

    mello_bedwetter Guest

    Aug 11, 2007
    MO, south of St. Louis
    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. Apr 11, 2012 #2
    tdub0199

    tdub0199

    Mar 4, 2010
    Atlanta, Ga.
    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....


    Ibanez.com | Basses | SR
     
  3. Apr 11, 2012 #3
    Toastfuzz

    Toastfuzz

    Jul 20, 2007
    Pittsburgh, PA
    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. Apr 11, 2012 #4
    mello_bedwetter

    mello_bedwetter Guest

    Aug 11, 2007
    MO, south of St. Louis
    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.
     
  5. Apr 11, 2012 #5
    tdub0199

    tdub0199

    Mar 4, 2010
    Atlanta, Ga.
    I wished I would have never sold my 505.... I miss that bass
     
  6. Apr 11, 2012 #6
    darkstorm

    darkstorm Guest

    Oct 13, 2009
    Id try them both. Chances are for me that Id pick the SR400 for sound over the 500. When I was looking to get a SR bass a few yrs ago picked the 300 over the 500 for sound pref.
     
  7. Apr 11, 2012 #7
    Nerk

    Nerk Guest

    Aug 26, 2010
    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. Apr 12, 2012 #8
    GregDunn

    GregDunn

    Jan 8, 2009
    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. Apr 12, 2012 #9
    Toastfuzz

    Toastfuzz

    Jul 20, 2007
    Pittsburgh, PA
    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.......