Ibanez SR755 Issues

[NewCountryBass]

I recently bought an Ibanez SR755. Admittedly, I bought it on the specs without really trying out the bass (internet), but I was motivated by the relatively thin neck and light weight because it is the first 5 string I've owned. It was set up by the dealer with round-wounds.

First thing I notice upon playing is that the bass is very "klanky". It seems that I'm getting a lot of fret noise when pressing down on the strings, especially on the low-B. The noise is not from fret buzz due to clearance, or warped frets; it just klanks, which would be rather unacceptable during performances.

I'm wondering if other SR755 owners (or just SR owners) have had a similar experience, and am looking for advice on how to resolve the issue. Could it be a nut problem (too low), or strings too thick? Is that a common problem on 5 strings?

I'm also curious if other owners have replaced the MK-1's, and if so, with what.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mas502arc]

I tried a few of them in the store and I've had the same experience as you. I was almost going to drop down cash for the SR505 but decided not to.

Not quite sure why it's clanky, but I'm pretty sure the bass' inherent characteristics or maybe it requires a different setup has something to do with it.

 

[bassdaddyfive]

The strings that are on Ibanez basses aren't the best for this bass. All basses off the rack need additional setup, to work for you. I own 4 Ibanez basses and I'm very happy with them, once I got the setup done and proper strings installed, and it's all good now.

 

[NewCountryBass]

Thank you for that pointer; I'm going to see if a lighter set of strings is available. One other issue I forgot to mention is the tendancy toward treble. Wouldn't lighter strings make that situation worse?

 

[IntrepidCellist]

I've never played an SR755, but the SR600 and SR605 that I've lusted after for ages have smaller frets that allow a lower action without that sort of "fret meets string clank".

It's also a technique thing; you're basically playing a hammer-on, which means that your fretting hand is being a bit too energetic. Lighten it up a little bit, and cut some treble on the bass or the amp if you feel that there's too much.

 

[vince a]

I have noticed that clank on every Ibanez that I have played. Mine does, but it cannot be heard through the amp . . . I have decreased the treble adjustment on my amp a tad, and have lightened up my touch quite a bit, letting my amp do the work (yes- I did have to turn the amp up more) - but both have helped a lot!

I don't have your particular bass, but I just (10 minutes ago) had a fellow TB's tell me how to install strings on my Accu-Cast bridge . . . utilizing the forward slot versus using the aft slot. It made a big difference, decreasing that "clank" 50% or more . . . especially on the "B."

If your bass has this type of bridge, I highly recommend this string install adjustment!

I also don't have the MK-1 pickups, but am replacing the neck pup witha Bartolini MK5, and the bridge with a Delano Hybrid . . . if the such a swap can be done w/o too much of other modifications, i.e., EQ work!

 

[Moving Pictures]

String theory is my favourite. My SR505 came with Elixirs and they sounded terrible. I changed them out for ProSteels, did a setup and it sounded great with no clank. I also found that you can emphasis the clank with extreme EQ so I just set my controls flat, reduced the treble and bumped the mids a touch and it was great. You need to play with the on-board EQ to see where your particular bass shines.

 

[vince a]

Thanks again christle . . . and ditto on EQ'ing the clank out . . . I run pretty flat on the bass, as well as the amp . . . just decreased the treble a click or two and the bass about 4 clicks . . . the SRX with flats definitely has a powerful bottom!

Tomorrow, I use the SRX for worship. It's quite a bit quieter in church . . . so I'll play extra lightly! Probably as I always should do . . .

 

[NewCountryBass]

Thanks for the tip. My style was a bit too percussive for the SR755 on the fret hand; a softer approach was the key.

I've never played an SR755, but the SR600 and SR605 that I've lusted after for ages have smaller frets that allow a lower action without that sort of "fret meets string clank".

It's also a technique thing; you're basically playing a hammer-on, which means that your fretting hand is being a bit too energetic. Lighten it up a little bit, and cut some treble on the bass or the amp if you feel that there's too much.