Ibanez SR505...or SR in General

[BigPappa985]

Can someone explain to me what is wrong with the SR series from Ibanez? I've had my SR505 for the last 6 (7?) years and used it with my Crate BX-100 combo in many different circumstances: touring with my college jazzband (from Vegas to Australia), playing in original & cover bands, and various recordings.

Now, all of a sudden, I'm in a new band from Denver, CO, and neither the bass or amp are "good enough" for the drummer (who is a former bass player). Is this a regional thing? Is there something I'm missing from the bass player underground blogosphere?

Verbatim from the drummer: "Not only do you play an Ibanez bass, it's an Ibanez Sound Gear."

** Yes, I do need a new bass rig...preferably a GK head with some major cab as defined by recent posts. But honestly, is an Ibanez bass really that bad??

 

[SuperSnake2012]

The SR505 is a great bass... just sounds like the drummer is being a gear snob. There's nothing wrong with it. You probably would benefit from getting a better amp though.

 

[Double Agent]

I have never cared for the SDGR basses myself. They just don't have a sound that I like and I don't care for how they feel. That said, lots of people, including a few on this board, have them and think they are great. Maybe they are associating the bass with the "nu-metal" image because Ibby sponsors a bunch of bassists in that style? Either way, if you dig it, it should be fine. Upgrading the amp is a good idea. But, maybe you should a few other basses out just to see if there is anything better out there. Try something you normally wouldn't and see what happens. If you are still in love with your SDGR afterwards, then its non-negotiable. Tell the drummer to take a hike. You don't tell him what drums to play.

 

[Snakeman1066]

Sounds like a gear snob to me......

If your playing is up to par and you like your Ibanez bass tell him to stick a cork in his pie hole

Or find a new band....

I guess if he's not playing Mapex or Sonor drums with Zildjian cymbals than he must not be good enough either...

People like this make me sick and make me want to bust their little narrow minds wide open..........

 

[Hawaii Islander]

A lot of local performers in Hawaii (especially on the Big Island) play Soundgears when they perform. I own an Ibanez SR506, and I like it just fine. IMO, there is nothing wrong with your bass. Your drummer is a gear snob!

 

[phillm47]

I wonder what that drummer would tell Gary Willis, or Gerald Veasley.

SR505 is a fine bass.

 

[MarkMyWordsXx]

i guess when he usto play the audience listened with there eyes. my how times have changed..

 

[Kwesi]

I'm not a fan of the SR series but it could depend on what you're playing. For example you wouldn't pull out a SR for country would ya'?

 

[peaveyuser]

I'm not a fan of the SR series but it could depend on what you're playing. For example you wouldn't pull out a SR for country would ya'?

If yah have balls you could

I have a BTB I love the bass and the sound, Ibanez makes very good basses, they don't cheapen they're product for the price (even though they easily could). Drummer is a gear snob. Ibanez isn't only for nu-metal (blegh).

 

[AdamR]

I just bought bought my second sound gear. I use to own a SR400, Sold it and years ago and just bought a SR300FM. Nothing wrong with them. I plan on picking up a SR900 soon.

Tell him you use to play drums and the sticks hes using suck.

 

[DWBass]

This gear snobbery has got to stop! I mean really!! This is the stupidest thing ever for musicians to waste their time over!

 

[RickenBoogie]

I'll agree with the general responses thus far. I used to play an SDGR along side a Ric, many years ago. The Ibby actually saw more play time than the Ric did alot of the time. Ask your drummer why he doesn't play "Trick" drums, (I bet he doesn't), then just roll you eyes and play your bass of choice.

 

[Curtybob]

I dig my SR500, and I want to grab a 505. Something about that wenge and bubinga neck... dead sexy, IMO.

And while I do share the opinion of upgrading your amp, don't do it because the drummer wants you to. If you like your bass and are happy with your sound, stick to your guns. Otherwise the drummer will have the idea that he has control over you. Teamwork. Not control.

As far as playing a Soundgear in country, that's fine. The only real no-no in choice is if you play Death Metal, don't bring a rainbow colored guitar in the shape of a man's Daddy parts.

 

[woodenskillet]

I had a 2006 SR500 for a while. I love sleek, fast basses with modern tones, and I tried a bunch of basses in the price range and none could compete.... (at least in terms of what I was looking for). In my opinion, you'd need to spend some serious money to get a bass that is noticeably better (which I did, which is why I no longer own one).

If a bass feels good and sounds good, then I'm not sure what the issue is. Sounds like brand-snobbery to me. Maybe the drummer would be happier if you bought a cheaper bass - like a MIM P or J bass - that way it would say Fender on it, so it would be a better bass. Name recognition = better quality, right?

 

[flakeh]

Can someone explain to me what is wrong with the SR series from Ibanez? I've had my SR505 for the last 6 (7?) years and used it with my Crate BX-100 combo in many different circumstances: touring with my college jazzband (from Vegas to Australia), playing in original & cover bands, and various recordings.

Now, all of a sudden, I'm in a new band from Denver, CO, and neither the bass or amp are "good enough" for the drummer (who is a former bass player). Is this a regional thing? Is there something I'm missing from the bass player underground blogosphere?

Verbatim from the drummer: "Not only do you play an Ibanez bass, it's an Ibanez Sound Gear."

** Yes, I do need a new bass rig...preferably a GK head with some major cab as defined by recent posts. But honestly, is an Ibanez bass really that bad??

Step one: Buy a Squire P bass
Step two; Go to practice
Step three: play kick ass
Step four:....
Step five: Profit.

 

[DWBass]

Step one: Buy a Squire P bass
Step two; Go to practice
Step three: play kick ass
Step four:....
Step five: Profit.

Word!

I gigged a SR505 for about 5 years! Not once did anyone have anything bad to say about it, it's sound or my playing! Had several recording engineers say it was one of the best sounding basses he's ever recorded! If you go to my myspace page (link in my sig) and listen to the Jon Phelps-Steele demo (recorded several years back), that is all Ibby SR505 baby!

 

[anonymous278347457]

Tell him both he and his opinion are invalid, and then proceed to make remarks about how his gear is not "good enough"

Make sure you use the same sentance structure as he did when he insulted your gear, to make him feel extra bad

 

[IotaNet]

Can someone explain to me what is wrong with the SR series from Ibanez? ...

Not a danged thing. As a matter of fact the SR505 is an excellent bass.

** Yes, I do need a new bass rig ...

You probably do but you recognize this. so act on it.

If your drummer doen't like the SR505, politely suggest that he has the option of buying you one that he likes. If he's not interested in that course of action, tell him to get lost.

 

[BassBob185]

I've had a SR505 for a few years. Great bass, very different from my USA Jazz but that is why I have two different basses for different sounds. Tell they gear snob that if you and he agreed on everything then one of you isn't needed, most likely him!

 

[charliet]

Tell him to buy you a new bass....