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Ibanez SR5BBLTD: Poor Man's Fodera

#41
Woods and Pickups. That will always be user subjective but the Prestige uses Bartolini custom pickups that to me are amazing. The Premium uses Nordstrand Big Singles which in there own right are very good pickups. The biggest difference for me is the Premium uses Mahogany for the body wood. Both are really nice but there is a difference in quality build to. The Japan made basses are hand made.
 
#42
Dr. Cheese said:
I checked, and it was made in Indonesia. That said, I can't imagine the Japanese doing a better job on this bass.
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Agreed, but as stated elsewhere - there is a premium on stuff made in Japan/USA/etc because the labourers cost more - and the re-sale on MIJ is greater - helping to offset the $1000 for a nice piece of vaneer and matiching pickup covers.
 
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#44
I've always been a Music Man and Warwick guy in the past but my first intro to Ibanez was a Premium 1605 and it changed things for me. They are worth every dime for the money of the Premium and Prestige models. Great basses that really have a tone of their own and stand out well in the mix.
 
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#45
Speaking of Prestige, I had to post these few photos...This was my SR 7105 Prestige,(Japan,Fujigen,1997.) Talk about materials and construction! Bartolini,Gotoh,wenge...
But like said,I couldnt stand string spacing. And I am not keen on mono rail bridges too. But the bass itself were the beast!

IMGP0017_zps7530592e.jpg


IMGP0019_zps93523d3f.jpg


IMGP0020_zpsde90ccfa.jpg
 
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#47
Oh wow... I would NOT mind one of those!

I'm actually in the market for a really top-notch bass and looking at a few (radically different) options. I've narrowed it down to a Stingray 5 or a Spector USA 5, but I'm seriously considering adding an Ibanez Prestige to that shortlist. I really, really liked my Ibanez basses and do miss them, and they were standard Korean-made ones.
 
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#51
I can't speak for the Spector because I've never played or owned one but the Prestige ibanez blows the Stingray out in my opinion. I was a big stingray man but the clarity and tone shaping abilities of the Prestige just adds so much more than what the Stingrays do and they won't break your back with the weight like the Stingrays do.
 
#56
"Poor man's" made me lulz.
I get it in comparison to the price of Foderas, but find it wrong to compare the two,
rather in favor to regard it on its own merits.
Ibanez, as a mass-production company, really is in it to blend the traditional, fold in the tech du jour, and push the envelope a little more
than just about any mass-producer these days. Willing to take a risk, balanced out by what will actually sell.

Good on ya Ibby.
 
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#57
Bassworship1 said:
Woods and Pickups. That will always be user subjective but the Prestige uses Bartolini custom pickups that to me are amazing. The Premium uses Nordstrand Big Singles which in there own right are very good pickups. The biggest difference for me is the Premium uses Mahogany for the body wood. Both are really nice but there is a difference in quality build to. The Japan made basses are hand made.
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I have a Prestige 4005 and now I'm thinking about buying a Premium 1805. What is the difference in tone? Is the 1805 weight less?
 
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#58
dralionux said:
I have a Prestige 4005 and now I'm thinking about buying a Premium 1805. What is the difference in tone? Is the 1805 weight less?
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I've actually sold everything else I had and now have the 1805 and 4005. They are the best basses I've ever played with live or recorded with. The 1805 is a little more aggressive with the single coil Nordy's and really stands out in the mix better than probably anything I've used. The Nord's are crystal clear and crisp. In my books I think the 1805 is the best looking Premium of the bunch. The 4005 I own has a little bit more tone shaping and the sound is a little more refined to me than the 1805. Neither will ever leave my collection unless I get in a rough spot and then I would probably sale a kid first lol. My band mates told me to never get rid of either because of the sound they produce. That's saying something with all the basses I've owned over the last couple years. You will love it.
 
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#60
Dragan said:
Nope,I sold it for above mentioned reasons...
@NeonVomit - Spector USA (Euros too) are OUTSTANDING basses!
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I've heard... the Euros I've played have been pretty awesome, but I figured I might as well spend more and get the real deal since I'm already splashing out (been saving for about a year now). I'm looking for a really good 4 or 5 string to compliment my Warwick - something of similar quality - and to be honest I sort of... well, 'forgot' about Ibanez stuff. This thread has really gotten me thinking about them again. From what I gather the Prestige line is up there with the very best in terms of quality and craftsmanship, and with the additional advantage of being cheaper than either the MM or Spector.... as well as lighter, since the W is pretty damn heavy.
 

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