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Ibanez SR705 vs SR505

jesterbass

jesterbass

Apr 20, 2007
366
132
#1
Hello guys,

I am thinking about purchasing one of these two basses by Ibanez. My local dealer does not carry them at the moment so I can't try them out right now and would like your opinions/input. First of all, it seems Ibanez are using a new wood for their SR necks lately called Jatoba, the necks are Jatoba/Bubinga. I understand this is a very hard and durable wood but what are its tonal characteristics? Is it closer to the open timbre of maple or to the darker sound of wenge that they used formerly? In my experience most of the final timbre of a bass comes from the neck wood and construction.

Another thing, the SR line models are pretty similar with the most important differences being the woods. SR505 is solid mahogany body, while SR705 is a mahogany back, maple center block, maple front wings. Do you think there will be a significant tonal difference between these two? Have you tested them side by side? What are your thoughts?

Thanks!
 
#5
Played a 505 and a 706 at GC a few weeks ago. The 706 did have a little more top end than the 505 with the EQ set flat but not a whole lot. The 706 was also a little heavier than the 505 but I'm not sure if that was due to it being a 6 or to the maple top.

As to the Jotoba neck wood, I'm sure it's just as stable as anything else, and with modern truss rods it probably doesn't matter anyway what wood you use. It felt nice and smooth, not oily or sticky. Liked the feel of it better than a wenge necked 'Wick I played the same day.
 
#7
I have owned both, the SR706 and 506. I like the 506 much better. I sold the 706, it didn't have the tone the 506 had. The new neck wood is very stable and provides a very stiff neck, it helps with tone. IMO save your self some cash and go with the 500series, and did I mention it's also a little less weight.
 
#9
I did a side by side comparison with the new 2010 706 and 506. The 706 is much heavier than the 506. The 706 does sound a little brighter than the 506. All and all I went with 506. It sounds some much better to me and is a lot lighter to. At the end of the day I am so happy I went with the 506.

Thanks

Shaun
 
#15
Hello

I have both the 505 and the 705 and I love both of them. Yes the 705 is a bit brighter, but I would not say either is better than the other. The 705 is slightly heavier, but is a very nice looking piece of art. THe 505 being lighter with a slightly darker tone is very comfortable to play. These bases would suit any style of playing IMHO.
I bought an LTD bass, and it was so damn heavy and was no where near the instrument of these Ibanez basses, Ibanez SR's totally rock!!
:bassist:

FYTHamer
 
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#17
Tone depends on the production year: my 705 is a 2008 model, while the 505 (and 505M) is a 2009 model with the mid switch. The 705 is significantly heavier (weightwise) and the tone it massive and brutal, raw and thunderous. The 505 sounds brighter (this goes for all SRs with the new EQ with mid switch - these have a more open tone than the older models), but in the same time more refined and with increased clarity.

Some might not agree, but to me Ibbys are perfectly built for pick playing - it adds more bite to it and makes them growl. In spite of their "fragile look", these basses can take a beating and allow you to really dig in.
 

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