I would have never thought I would actually be an Ibanez owner, especially since my last purchase was a Status Empathy. But you know, if I plan on teaching the art of bass, most beginners may be too confused with my playing a 5, so I got this. (Yes, it was Brendan's and xcental's.) It's an Ibanez ATK 300 with a koa top and alder back. The picture is borrowed, but it's the same bass. Going from graphite neck to maple is QUITE a jump, I sure didn't miss dead spots, I can tell you that. But I also realized that for really authentic BEEF, wood is good. And just to throw in some analogy, going from my Status to the ATK is like driving a Jaguar, then stepping into a Toyota. Not all the bells and whistles and quite a bit less balls, but still a satisfying ride. After an intonation and some fret edging, not to mention a bit of electronics cleaner, this kitten PURS. I have had stingrays and they sound nice, but this is a little more down to earth. It doesn't have the rolling, crispy, high end snarl that the 'Rays have and I like that. It gets a nice soulful punch that isn't too natural for the graphite, so I must say, I am pleased. If you are a 4 stringer and are looking for a good bass with a killer price, the ATK is a great way to go. Take it from a gear snob. With minimal effort and money, it can be a sweet piece.
Sweet!! One of these Koa topped ATK 300s is a bass I am looking for. It is probably the only 4 banger I would buy. Geoff
You bought a hell of a bass. I traded my ATK away a couple months ago and, though, I'm quite happy with the trade, I miss the hell out of that ATK.
Played it at practice last night. For a 4 banger, it's pretty good. SO LIGHT! I still need to do some filing on the frets, I'm so used to my graphite necked basses with perfect frets that the sharper-edged playing is a bit uncomfy. Also, the dead spot is GLARING, but that's to be expected. Other than that, tone for days. I will stand by the story that the sound isn't any more than "Stingray-ish". It's a simple bass with a great tone for slap or rock or jazz or soul or whatever. It's what I wanted and I like it. I'd get a 5 if it wasn't so narrow spaced.
I love the ATK´s (Except the 100 Series) I had one In black, and I removed the finish and pickguard.. I have an old pic to show. The wood beneath the black finish was so beutifull I couldnt believe it. I also REVERSED the pickup, it gave me a nicer single coil tone. At least thats what I remember, I sold it about 3 years ago, and I do miss it.
I've tried the 400 and 405, theyre very nice mid range basses. The tone is like a Sterling with a different twist(seeing as the 400's have an ash body)and with the neck J pickup you can cop Lakland-y tones. The neck feels really nice, and the fit and finish of the bass is high. I can recommend one to anybody, although I don't think they sell them in the States?
