In the market for a 5er

[~Ethan~]

So since GC sold the used Tune TWX52SP that I was looking at even after I sent them an email. I've had to look elsewhere.
Anyways, I've always been fond of Ibanez but I'm torn between that and an ESP. Now I wrote down the pros (to me) for both and gave each a 1-5 value. The esp came up to 13 our of a possible 25, and the Ibanez 14 out of a possible 25. So that didn't really give me a definite decision.

The basses I'm looking at are an Ibanez SR405QM Trans Grey, and an ESP F-155DX.
The main reason I can't give up on the esp is mostly due to the fact that I like purple and flame maple and it's unique.
I have a feeling most the votes are going towards the Ibby but I'd like some feedback on both.

 

[madbassplaya]

I'd buy the Ibanez. I like their body shape better and I really don't care for the way the LTD looks.

 

[Eminor3rd]

They sound and play a LOT different. Plug them in and choose that way. Both solid basses for the money.

 

[ModulusQ5-122]

Hold out for a Tune. I had a Tune TWB53 and a Ibanez 405 and the tune sounded way better. You can find them used here or on Ebay for around $400. Cant help you on the Esp as I have never owned or really ever been interested in playing one.

 

[Righteous Thunderer]

I definitely prefer the way the Ibanez looks, and I think mahogany is going to give a better tone than basswood. Plus you can at least choose a couple of different finishes on the Ibby, that purple isn't very good looking IMO.

 

[ModulusQ5-122]

Whats you price range?

 

[mmbongo]

Do they still have the ESP Surveyor 5 strings for $299?

 

[~Ethan~]

Thanks for the replies!
Well so far it looks like the esp is out. I'd love to find a Tune the one on GC was $400 whcih is right at my max budget. I've never seen one before and from what I can tell they don't show up all that often. But I still need to save a little more money anyways soI'll try to be patient and wait for a Tune I guess. Don't want to have to settle, even if it is for an Ibanez.

 

[OOZMAN]

Esp f series is one of those basses that looks uncomfortable but really isnt, ive fiddled with one in a guitar shop. I just got an SR406, I tell you, Ibanez is like toyota, they make great quality products, but you will never fall in love with it, itll always just seem like a tool for your use. Im not 100% sure, but with an esp f series (especially in that beautiful purple they do) i dont think this will be the case.

 

[ModulusQ5-122]

They have a TWX51 on GC right now for 419.99. Im not too familiar with that model though.

 

[RBX4]

I just purchased a fender MIM active jazz from MF 12% off, comes next week I'll let you know how it sounds.. But with the right strings and set up you can't beat fender!

 

[bassbenj]

I just purchased a fender MIM active jazz from MF 12% off, comes next week I'll let you know how it sounds.. But with the right strings and set up you can't beat fender!

Sorry, but you CAN beat Fender. I happen to have a MIM Jazz and it's great, but it's definitely NOT the thing I'd sub for a Tune or Ibanez! Way too old school.

For some reason the local Sam Ash had bunch of Tune basses for a while (at great prices too!) and I got to play them. They are basically Alembic clones. And pretty good ones too (I actually own the Alembic) I almost bought one and then came to my senses (what do I need a clone for when I already own the real thing?) They were VERY impressive basses.

And I don't own any ESP basses, but I do own an ESP 7 string guitar. And I totally agree with OOZMAN. When you first get it you are thinking "well this is a rather odd instrument"! and then after you live with it for a while you start think, "Gosh this is really a MUCH nicer instrument than I thought and is really nice considering what I paid"! And I won't part with it now. I know it's weird but it happened to me!

 

[~Ethan~]

They have a TWX51 on GC right now for 419.99. Im not too familiar with that model though.

Thanks for the heads up! checked it out and it's just a plain black finish. I know it's about the sound, but the reason I fell in love with the tune bass I found was it's color. I just can't go for a plain black bass, it has to at least be transparent or something. Thanks though.

Sorry, but you CAN beat Fender. I happen to have a MIM Jazz and it's great, but it's definitely NOT the thing I'd sub for a Tune or Ibanez! Way too old school.

For some reason the local Sam Ash had bunch of Tune basses for a while (at great prices too!) and I got to play them. They are basically Alembic clones. And pretty good ones too (I actually own the Alembic) I almost bought one and then came to my senses (what do I need a clone for when I already own the real thing?) They were VERY impressive basses.

And I don't own any ESP basses, but I do own an ESP 7 string guitar. And I totally agree with OOZMAN. When you first get it you are thinking "well this is a rather odd instrument"! and then after you live with it for a while you start think, "Gosh this is really a MUCH nicer instrument than I thought and is really nice considering what I paid"! And I won't part with it now. I know it's weird but it happened to me!

Wow I didn't know they were that good! Now I want one evn more!

 

[tom once dead]

Huge ESP supporter here.
I just prefer the way they play, feel and sound.

 

[XtheDeadPawn]

If your into transfinishes Ibanez has quite a few models with trans on them. I think you'd be good with either ESP, Tune, or Ibanez personally. I have a Ibanez fiver and IMO Ibanez is what all five strings are measured by. I just feel they have the best B string tension and clairty than all the other fivers atleast the ones that come off assembly lines.