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Ibanez SR675 vs MTD K Z5 ?

rapha

rapha

Sep 18, 2012
40
14
#1
Switching to 5-string.
Budget 700 max.
Currently there’s a local listing for an
Ibanez SR675 (360.00)
and a
MTD K Z5 (700.00).
I play Improv, Prog, Jazz, Rock… Mainly finger-style, on rare occasions slapping, rarely ever plectrum.
I currently play 4-ers only:
- ‘67 Rick 503
- Custom-built Jaguar/Jazzmaster (w/Schaller pickups + hardware)
- Heartfield DR-4 (w/Nostrands)

As far as sound goes I like versatility, from a Jaco to a deep piano-string like MM HH growl, but the MMs I played are rather heavy. I like fast necks.

I test drove 4-string MTDs years ago, and recently a lower Ibanez (305?).
Unfortunately most stores are low in inventory these days. I can’t really test the two particular models right now.

I remember being mighty impressed by the MTDs but the ones I tried a couple years ago may have been American produced models, not sure. From what I understand the K Z5 is mass-produced in Korean. Not sure what difference that makes in quality. MTDs have good reviews. The only negatives I heard were thin sound and neck dive. Not sure if that’s true.

The Ibanez was ok, but I heard that models above 500 are a lot better?
Most Ibanez SR reviews praise the value for money ratio.

While I’m very intrigued by the price for the 675 (I think they’re over a grand new) I’m also excited to see an MTD listed (not a bad price either I guess).
Both listings are in different places, both a couple hours away from where I am.
So I’m looking for opinions on the two basses before I arrange for a testing.

I wonder if there are TB-ers who played both or have experiences with one of the two models.
Thank you!
 
#2
The Ibanez SR675 is basically a SR505 with and ash top. The KZ5 is a completely different beast. I like both basses but they are very different from each other.

Ibanez:
  • Probably lightweight 7.5 - 9 lbs
  • Small body and neck
  • Tight (16.5mm) string spacing at bridge
  • Plain but usable electronics
  • Standard 34" scale length
MTD:
  • Probably average weight 9 - 9.5 lbs
  • Larger body, bigger but flatter neck than the Ibanez
  • 19mm string spacing at the bridge
  • Comparable, electronics to the Ibanez, Maybe a little better
  • 35" scale length
Both are priced well. Both are solid choices that are equally versatile. The Ibanez is a solid, economical choice if you can deal with the tighter string spacing. I would personally pick the MTD because of the way they hang on a strap and the wider string spacing at the bridge. I don't love 35" scale but could get used to it and it is executed well on the MTD.

Really going to come down to price and personal preference.
 
#3
Thank you, aproud1!
Valuable advice.

Seeing the specs listed against each other I now understand why the Ibanez felt a bit “cheap”. It’s the small body size and the light weight. Unconscious perception of light and small equals cheap I guess.
But if the build quality is good otherwise the lighter weight can be an advantage - given it hangs well and doesn’t neck-dive or require constant lifting/pushing/adjusting of the neck that is.

If it wasn’t for the price, and with no test driving, I may lean towards the MTD. But I think part of that is branding and looks. I dreamed of buying a more premium US built 4-string MTD for a while, but so far couldn’t justify the premium price tag (I‘m far from being a pro).
For a first 5-er $700 is at the top of my budget.

Like aproud1 pointed out, it comes down to preferences. More home work to do.
I may have to test drive basses (available at local stores) with similar specs to the two favorites to have a better idea what string spacing, neck shape and length, body weight… I’d prefer for a 5-er.


I’m also seeing other interesting listings. How would these compare?
- An early Korean-made Cort B5
- Cort Action 5
- Some nice-looking LTD ESP
- An older Esh (bit pricey)
- G&L Tribute 2005
- A nice looking Tino Tedesco (sold though)
- Blues Lee
- Tanglewood

Also, there seems to be a cheaper MM HH model now, new under $400.00. Comes in one color/wood version only. Is that worth looking at?

Another bass I liked when test driving was the Fender Dimension HH. Expansive though. And they rarely show up in listings. Stores don’t have them in stock anymore - I wonder if it wasn’t the success they expected?

Thanks!

Correction: my ‘67 Rick is a 4003 of course
 
#6
Some of the ESP models have 18mm string spacing which is what I prefer. Kind of boils down to what you like. I believe the G&L has 17.5 and the tribute are highly regarded. I didn't care for the lower priced MM I played but people seem to like them. I liked the Dimensions I played.

Seems like you could benefit by narrowing down what you are looking for, then seek out a new bass. Pickups, nut width, spacing at bridge, electronics, looks, woods etc.
 

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