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Ibanez SR600 or old SR800. Which one would you get?

X

xantometapon

Jan 23, 2011
81
3
#1
Easy question.
Maybe not so easy answer.

I can get a used SR800 from the 90´s for about the same price of a new SR600.

Waiting for a second hand SR600 is not an option because I am lefty and it can appear tomorrow or never...

I can go to a store in my town and at least see and "play" a right handed SR600, but can not do a thing about the SR800 other that trusting the seller.

He says that everything is in working order and in very good shape for the age of the bass.

Which one would you get?

Is the SR800 (Japan Made) so much better?

Help please
 
#3
I had a SR800 from '90. Neck was really thin and easy to get around on. finish was spectacular, mine was jewel blue. Hardware was adequate; the bridge did have some good adjustment options, and the tuners did their thing.

Mine had a big gap in the neck pocket but from what I've seen that was just bad luck. The stock pickups were the weak link though. Their overall dynamic range was poor. I had them replaced with an EMG p/j set and the bass really opened up nicely.

That was my first bass and I learned a lot on it and from it. Overall it was pretty nice and on an objective scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it a 7 mostly for the stock pickups.
 
#4
I used to own a SR 800 that was a 95'. It was a good bass and the kid I sold it too still has it and he has never had an issue with it. With that being said, the 2010 and newer Soundgear basses are very nice and the technology is much better. If it was me, I was go with the new SR 600. I own a 2010 SR 500 Limited Edition and when I compare it too my 94' and 95' SR 500's that I also still own, it is simply a much better bass. Even comparing it to my old SR 800 it is a much better bass.
 
#5
Go with the new SR600. It has the new EQB-IIIS plus the mid freq switch which is an added plus to the mid-ranges, and they aren't bad on the eyes either.

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#7
No experience with the sr600's, but I can say for certain the sr800 in awesome. Played one for years, constantly got complimented on my tone. Actually had a recording engineer stop and come out of booth to see what I was playing. He couldn't believe it. I bought one again later. My only gripe is the slap sound can get a little "boingy" for lack of a better adjective. A very active slap tone.
 

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