N (to me) BD...

[Ronzo]

Got this at my local Guitar Center last Sunday.

Some backstory: I had a DeArmond Pilot Plus V that saw duty at my church when one of our former choir directors (and a former band director at a local high school) established a brass and woodwind orchestra - 40 pieces in a 150 member congregation. He had to step down for health reasons, and the orchestra disbanded.

Those who have owned a Pilot 5 understand that there are no worries about close string spacing. The neck is about as wide and flat as an aircraft carrier flight deck. After carpal tunnel surgery a little over a year ago, it became unplayable for me. When this Ibanez SR405 popped up on the GC used site, I traded the Pilot 5 plus a bit of cash for it. I wasn’t thrilled with the color at first, but it’s grown on me.

The playability is much better for me. I’m not a slapper, so the narrow string spacing works for me. After new strings, cleanup, and performing a full setup, I now have a happily playable 5-string.

 

[ONYX]

Nice looking bass.

 

[Ronzo]

Nice looking bass.

Thanks! Just happy that it’s playable.

 

[mikewalker]

That's a stunning Cobalt Blue

 

[Ronzo]

Thanks! Ibanez apparently calls that color “Jewel Blue”.

As I said, it’s grown on me.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Always wanted a Pilot Pro in natural to match my 4 stringer, but that neck whew!

 

[Spidey2112]

Love the color, and glad it's working for you! I have an SR805 (probably same 16.5 string spacing) and like you, the spacing isn't an issue... almost seems to play faster, IMO...

... Congrats!

 

[JRA]

Just happy that it’s playable.

jewel blue is cool...especially if it plays for you! congratulations on your new instrument!

 

[Ronzo]

Thank you all for your appreciation and good wishes!

 

[Keger Jupit]

Mmmm...bllluuuuuue!

 

[bassstrangler]

Nice bass, I'm happy you have something playable.

Did I read that right, GC took your pilot and cash from you? They should have taken your pilot and gave you cash.

 

[Wfrance3]

I like it! - If you play for extended periods and that bass feels heavy, maybe try a wide neoprene strap. I have one I got years ago that’s maybe 4” wide and is made similar to how they make scuba suits. Love that strap...

 

[Ronzo]

I like it! - If you play for extended periods and that bass feels heavy, maybe try a wide neoprene strap. I have one I got years ago that’s maybe 4” wide and is made similar to how they make scuba suits. Love that strap...

I don’t find it to be heavy. I have an Ibanez SR500FL fretless as well, and this one feels very similar.

I actually have a neoprene strap, and I use it on my all-maple Steinberger Spirit doubleneck. Now THAT’S a heavy chunk of wood!

 

[Spidey2112]

I don’t find it to be heavy. I have an Ibanez SR500FL fretless as well, and this one feels very similar.

I actually have a neoprene strap, and I use it on my all-maple Steinberger Spirit doubleneck. Now THAT’S a heavy chunk of wood!
View attachment 3392257

Man, that's cool! Didn't know one existed.

 

[Reedt2000]

Congrats, glad you found something that feels good to play. The Korean-made SR basses are really well made. If anything I never loved the electronics but that is easy to change. I agree that your pilot should have been enough to cover the cost without extra cash. Pilot basses don't get the respect they deserve on the used market.

 

[Ronzo]

Congrats, glad you found something that feels good to play. The Korean-made SR basses are really well made. If anything I never loved the electronics but that is easy to change. I agree that your pilot should have been enough to cover the cost without extra cash. Pilot basses don't get the respect they deserve on the used market.

I agree that they’re good instruments, but a case queen Pilot that wouldn’t get played helps no one. I had my eyes wide open about how much GC would give me for it; I wasn’t surprised or unhappy. I saw it as “the cost of doing business” after my carpal tunnel surgery.

It’s great that all you good people have understood that a 25 year old Korean bass can provide happiness. This is a wonderful community.

 

[Ronzo]

Man, that's cool! Didn't know one existed.

It is cool, for sure. I was in a 3-piece band that needed me to cover lead parts at the time. The guitarist was “strictly rhythm, didn’t want to make her cry or sing”.

Separate outputs for the bass and guitar necks. The bass neck has better tone than the guitar neck, but it’s all serviceable, especially with pedals on the guitar side.

 

[Reedt2000]

I agree that they’re good instruments, but a case queen Pilot that wouldn’t get played helps no one. I had my eyes wide open about how much GC would give me for it; I wasn’t surprised or unhappy. I saw it as “the cost of doing business” after my carpal tunnel surgery.

It’s great that all you good people have understood that a 25 year old Korean bass can provide happiness. This is a wonderful community.

I work for a small music shop and the owner is a bassist who almost stopped playing because of carpel tunnel syndrome. He had surgery on both hands and has been able to continue playing because of it. He too went through some changes in gear to find what felt right but he was just jamming at the store after hours last week and he hasn't been slowed down at all. Best of luck!

 

[Ronzo]

I work for a small music shop and the owner is a bassist who almost stopped playing because of carpel tunnel syndrome. He had surgery on both hands and has been able to continue playing because of it. He too went through some changes on gear to find what felt right but he was just jamming at the store after hours last week and he hasn't been slowed down at all. Best of luck!

Thanks! With some accommodations, I’m Back In Black.