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Ibanez vs squire for metal

#21
charlie monroe said:
It isn't odd. As a metal bassist you likely haven't accrued a vast collection of Gretsch Hollowbodies or Steinbergers.

These things have a way of sorting themselves out. ;)
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I love me some steinbergers. The fact that they don't make a 6 string version of the new NS Designs Radius fretless is the only thing allowing me to have both of my kidneys LOL
 
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#22
you probably want one of these:
7f648aea-d7e7-4029-9cb2-0af414cf5cb8.jpg

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is that cousin itt?
 
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#23
Samus C said:
I love me some steinbergers. The fact that they don't make a 6 string version of the new NS Designs Radius fretless is the only thing allowing me to have both of my kidneys LOL
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I know the feeling!

bnolsen said:
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is that cousin itt?
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That's METAL Cousin It!

(In all seriousness, I'm pretty sure that's ICS Vortex, judging by the BC Rich and iron Cross tattoo...one of my favourite Dimmu Borgir bassists.)

Onto the topic at hand though. Take it from a guy who plays a lot of metal. Just about ANY bass will work. It's all in the EQ. What matters is what YOU like and how you want to sit in the mix. What's YOUR tone, or rather, the one you're after? Do you want to punch through the mix? Blend into it? A bit of both or somewhere in between? When I was starting out years ago, I heard someone say something that stuck with me. I can't remember who said it, so I'm just going to paraphrase. "My tone is the type where you don't know what I'm doing until I'm not playing"

Of the choices you've mentioned, I'd go with the Ibanez SR. Personally, I'd actually look at an ESP LTD F104 or 105, depending on how many strings you want, but that's me. Honestly, one of my ultimate basses would be a 6-string version of the LTD F-series with Bartolini pickups and pre-amp in it in the vein of the F5. (I love the natural look).
 
#24
I'd go with the one that feels right. The tone will change over time through playing technique, different amps, even simple "mods" to the bass a bit (new strings, different pickups, etc).

If the bass seems too heavy, then consider getting a very comfortable strap (preferably a thicker strap).

Not that my experiences should fully sway your choice, but my first bass is an Ibanez EX-404 (P/J). I still use it for many styles of music: jazz, funk, metal, pop songs. The tone and volume knobs don't even turn anymore, I just use the Blend knob (sometimes) and change my playing technique (lighter/heavier plucking, pluck near the neck or the bridge). Currently it has very bright strings, so I designate that bass for more pop-funk-rock situations nowadays.

I'd concentrate more on technique and the love of playing music than worrying about the finer details of tone. Over time you'll figure out what you can do and what you want to hear from your gear in a band setting.
 
#25
Onto the topic at hand though. Take it from a guy who plays a lot of metal. Just about ANY bass will work. It's all in the EQ. What matters is what YOU like and how you want to sit in the mix. What's YOUR tone, or rather, the one you're after? Do you want to punch through the mix? Blend into it? A bit of both or somewhere in between? When I was starting out years ago, I heard someone say something that stuck with me. I can't remember who said it, so I'm just going to paraphrase. "My tone is the type where you don't know what I'm doing until I'm not playing"

Of the choices you've mentioned, I'd go with the Ibanez SR. Personally, I'd actually look at an ESP LTD F104 or 105, depending on how many strings you want, but that's me. Honestly, one of my ultimate basses would be a 6-string version of the LTD F-series with Bartolini pickups and pre-amp in it in the vein of the F5. (I love the natural look).[/QUOTE]

My ideal tone would be something in the middle where im not constantly heard but you'd know I was in the mix.
And I'll try the esp ltd when I go back to guitar center and I'll see if my music shop or pawn shop has one first since its closer to where I live. I had one other question for all the ibanez people out there how does the ibanez handle slapping. I'd like to learn slap to eventually so I was wondering if it handles it well? Thanks for all the awesome advise and words of wisdom im getting here.
 
#32
IMO Ibanez, but buy used. SR300 is a good bass but for the same price of a new one you can get a used higher level Soundgear like a SR500 or above. DO NOT GET AN IBANEZ GIO (GSR)! Also consider other Ibanez basses that are heavy metal machines such as the SRX series or the ATK series.
You can't get a more ringing "metal" endorsement than this picture... lol
14.jpg
 
#34
Solarmist said:
Wow - that's interesting!

How well did the Ibby neck fit in the Squier pocket?

Does it intonate having a longer 24 fret neck?
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It was an amazingly perfect fit! Intonates perfectly! it is a 21 fret (Gio) The neck heal was the perfect width, and only slightly shorter, I had to drill new holes about a 1/4" lower and that was it!
All parts off of Ebay totaling about $150. Just before you order ask the seller (s) for the dimensions, and pay attention to the shape of the neck heal where it meets the body (curved or flat). The fingerboard is slightly higher than the previous neck was, it was just a matter of raising the saddles. Also, it is important That a 21 fret neck goes with a 21 fret body (or 24 and 24), or you will have to relocate the bridge. Easy peazy lemon squeezy.
 
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#37
onlyneedsone said:
I'd like to learn slap to eventually so I was wondering if it handles it well? Thanks for all the awesome advise and words of wisdom im getting here.
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Slap, huh? Again, this is all going to be a matter of preference. Whichever bass you ultimately decide on, you can slap to your heart's content.

It doesn't matter what you buy, as long as you like the tone and the way it feels. The music is in YOU, not the instrument. Personally, I like the idea that someone else suggested and buy used. Get more for the same amount, or even less cash. Definitely go out and figure out what tone you like, and don't be afraid to play something out of budget. Don't necessarily go in to buy, but go in to experiment. From there, go buy what you like, even if it IS used. As long as it's in your budget and you're happy, that's all that matters.

On a side note, some of my favourite instruments I've owned have been used. My trusty Jazz? I bought for $75. Never know what you'll find out there.
 

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