Ibanez SR500 VS SR1200e Premium.

[Gilmourisgod]

As others have said, there is pretty direct correlation between the ascending series numbers, price, and the overall quality and fit/finish, more so than with a lot of other brands. They have so many models now that its more nuanced, but the basic construction is so good and well thought out that it becomes hair splitting based on personal preference. Id love to see a showroom with all the models arranged in series order for comparison, but that probably doesnt exist except in Japan.

 

[skeeler]

OK. Thanks for the clarification. The only music store near me doesn't have a good selection of higher-end basses; the most expensive 4-string Ibanez they have is an SR650. Thus, it's difficult I can't get a good idea of the workmanship of the Premium models. One thing I like about my SG Standard is the fit and finish, which is well above that of my SR500. I'm looking for an SR bass with similar attention to detail.

 

[Roadog66]

I own both but notice that both produce kind of a clicking sound when I hit a note which I think comes from the pickups. I can’t play these with my jazz group cause it drives me nuts. There isn’t fret buzz and strings are fairly new. Anyone else experience this?
May switch to a Fender Jazz.

 

[skeeler]

Since @Roadog66 resurrected this thread after 4.5 years, I feel that I now have experience to address this thread better for anyone coming upon it via search.

I've owned these Ibanez basses: GSRM20 Mikro, SRMD200 Mezzo, SR500, BTB33 Volo, SRSC805 Cerro, SR1305E, and SR1400E. I still own all except the SR500.

As mentioned, there's a general trend toward better fit and finish, quality control, and pickups/preamps as the price goes up with the Ibanez models. The higher-numbered Standard basses are a little better finished than the lowered-numbered ones. The Workshop basses are similar to the highest-numbered standard basses. I'd say there is a definite step up for the Premium models. The overall quality is excellent on those, and they have stiffening rods in the necks, which are not found on most of the Standard models. Given how slender the necks are on SRs and BTBs, the rods are a feature worth paying for. I also really like the Nordstrand Big Singles that come with most Premiums. The Ibanez preamp is good, in my opinion, and the passive tone control is a really useful feature.

If I were shopping for a new bass--and I am--and I wasn't looking something "weird" like headless or fanned frets, I'd take a hard look at the new-for-2020 SR110*B models. They are the cheapest Premiums. They give you the build quality, pickups, and electronics of the Premium line without having to pay for exotic woods (which look cool, but don't contribute to playability or tone. I'm thinking of picking up an SR1100B this year.

I'm also looking hard at the EHB1505MS, but that's a different story.

 

[neptoon]

Since @Roadog66 ...If I were shopping for a new bass--and I am--and I wasn't looking something "weird" like headless or fanned frets, I'd take a hard look at the new-for-2020 SR110*B models. They are the cheapest Premiums. They give you the build quality, pickups, and electronics of the Premium line without having to pay for exotic woods (which look cool, but don't contribute to playability or tone. I'm thinking of picking up an SR1100B this year...

I tend to agree...I had an SR675 for a few months, and I really liked it a lot...i'm also thinking of picking up an 1105B, super slick looking bass and I think it looks a lot better than the weird fade finishes and the hippie sandwich multilaminate bodies