Ibanez SR506 or SR605?

[electriczou]

I need some help from the Ibanez players on choosing a bass. I've narrowed it down to the SR506 or the SR605, but I can't decide which would be best for me.

I currently own (and have outgrown) the SR300F, so I'm looking for a bass to eventually defret.

I don't have much experience with 5+ string basses, but I do like a bigger neck...

I love the Ash body, Walnut finish, and Flat Black hardware on the 605, but I can't help wondering if having
the extra range on the 506 would be better, but I'd also like to be able to slap comfortably(I have big hands)...

So basically, it comes down to:

605- body(better tone?), hardware color, easier slapping(?)
506- extended range, thicker neck

I play mostly Jazz(Flecktones, Weather Report) and heavy Prog(Pain of Salvation, Dream Theater), so use that as a guideline.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Oh, also, if anyone's interested, I'm selling the 300F.

Ibanez SR300F Fretless Bass Guitar -Very Good Condition - eBay (item 110672629582 end time Apr-18-11 18:35:44 PDT)

 

[bassist4dalord]

You can slap a 6. You just need more practice. IMO, get the 506 and spend hours practicing slap and other techniques. Something tells me you'll regret not having a 6, especially for that Dream Theater and Jazz stuff.

Just my $.02

 

[electriczou]

Links:

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Also, what are the benefits of Light Ash vs Mahogany? I've looked around, but haven't found much.

 

[AmadeusXeno]

The 605 seems like a great bass. I personally have a 506 and I'm happy with it. It gets wonderfull mellow tones and with the right amp settings can get rather aggressive sounding too. I have used it to play along with some Dream Theater ( the few parts I've learned of theirs) and it works great.

As far as mahogany vs. ash I can't say for sure. I do have an ash body bass but everything else is different too so I can make a good compairison for you there.

I say go for the 506. The 6th string isn't always needed, but it can be very usefull. Best of luck to you on making your choice.