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NBD - Ibanez ATK805E Premium (Correcting a Past Mistake)

#41
Ampslut said:
I had a black ATK205 that I really liked but sold it in a stupid move. I had been looking for an ATK805 ever since. I bought this one from GC a few months ago and I think it does what a Lakland 5502 (which I also own) tries to do. I agree with everything you wrote about it. They are the most versatile basses I've ever played. I changed out the PG for a custom made cream one just because I liked it better.
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I also have a 95 SR5, a Pbass Pro V, and a new Ultra Jazz V. The ATK805 can cop the SR5's tone in parallel if I solo the bridge pup, switch in the middle and turn down the treble and mids about 1/2 while leaving the bass centered. With the switch towards the bridge, bass and mids centered and the treble down maybe 1/4th it has a very convincing Jazz bass tone. With the neck pup soloed, bass and mids centered and the treble clear down it is a pretty convincing p-bass. There are other combinations that I like but don't resemble anything I've played.

None of this means much if it feels and plays like crap and it doesn't, it feels and plays with a solid, refined feel. 18mm spacing and a rather flat, fast radios. Although I prefer a medium setup, I can set the string height lower on this bass that I can on any of my other basses. Congrats and enjoy (jmho)
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Been way too long since I owned my early/mid-ninties SR5.

I know that ATK sounds killer to me when it's in Stingray Mode, and instantly takes me back to my Stingray days and that tone I love so much.

But sadly, I don't have anything to do any direct A/B testing. I just know it sounds incredibly close to my ears.

Thanks for your take on how to cop an era-correct tone on the ATK805! :thumbsup:
 
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#43
stingray69 said:
The ATK has tons of tones available & all of them sound fantastic! So thrilled to have this ATK back again!
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I'm trying very hard not to GAS over anything, especially with my thread yesterday, but that is one of the few basses that would have me opening my wallet if I could find one, simply because it's tonal flexibility and that it's different to my SRs and BTB.
 
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#44
ElectricBass72 said:
The 800 models of Ibanez ATK are sweet! I have the ATK305.... and it has a unique sound and narrow string spacing compared to my other 5-strings. Agree with those who say Ibanez should make ATKs permanently sold like the SRs.
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I can't say ever had the opportunity to play any of the ATK models other than the 805. I wasn't sure what the spacing was, but the 18mm spacing on this model is very comfortable.
 
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#45
Snert said:
I'm trying very hard not to GAS over anything, especially with my thread yesterday, but that is one of the few basses that would have me opening my wallet if I could find one, simply because it's tonal flexibility and that it's different to my SRs and BTB.
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I've been checking Reverb, GC used, and various market places for several years and mine came up on GC for $669.00. Best money I've spent on a bass in a long time. Keep looking, one with come up sooner or later.
 
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#46
Snert said:
I'm trying very hard not to GAS over anything, especially with my thread yesterday, but that is one of the few basses that would have me opening my wallet if I could find one, simply because it's tonal flexibility and that it's different to my SRs and BTB.
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Yep, I think if I find another at a good price I'll be having another one too. I've had my share of SR basses by now, and they are great - but this ATK is much closer to my heart in terms of tone and power that it puts out. It definitely has me vibing back to my MM Stingray days. :)
 
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#47
jmlee said:
I just welcomed an ATK800e here and I agree with everything the OP has said. Beautifully put together and the stained ash finish, rosewood pickguard, and maple neck give it a unique look which I prefer over the natural finish of the 810 series. Weight is fine, with the lightweight Hipshot tuners the balance is excellent, and the chunky-ish neck is very comfortable. (Can't speak for the 5-string version.) The authority and tonal range are remarkable. The only quibble is that the pickup balance is pretty quickly all/none. These are absolutely superb basses, maybe a hair too unorthodox at Ibanez to have survived. A shame, really.
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Congrats on your ATK800e!

This is one of those instruments that stands out among instruments, for sure. At least it sure has for me, as compared to anything & everything I've ever owned to date.

I've been on vacation all this week and playing the tar out of this ATK805e since Monday, but tonight I get to take it to a Christmas charity gig (4-bands, each band gets an hour) to give it a test drive in a live mix!

Super excited to hear this again in a live setting at stage volume after more than 10-yrs away from it. :bassist:
 
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#48
stingray69 said:
Congrats on your ATK800e!

This is one of those instruments that stands out among instruments, for sure. At least it sure has for me, as compared to anything & everything I've ever owned to date.

I've been on vacation all this week and playing the tar out of this ATK805e since Monday, but tonight I get to take it to a Christmas charity gig (4-bands, each band gets an hour) to give it a test drive in a live mix!

Super excited to hear this again in a live setting at stage volume after more than 10-yrs away from it. :bassist:
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Thanks so much—back atcha! Should get a chance to give her a whirl at a fusion-y session over the holidays. Meantime, here's a couple of pictures of my 4-string edition. I like that the neck appears to be quartersawn—a very nice additional touch.:D

Ibanez ATK800e - 4.jpeg
Ibanez ATK800e - 7.jpeg
 
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#49
jmlee said:
Thanks so much—back atcha! Should get a chance to give her a whirl at a fusion-y session over the holidays. Meantime, here's a couple of pictures of my 4-string edition. I like that the neck appears to be quartersawn—a very nice additional touch.:D

View attachment 5290303 View attachment 5290304
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Beautiful! :bassist:

I dig how the Rosewood pickguard on yours is darker than the body. Gives a very nice contrast! :thumbsup:
 
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#53
Just checking back in after playing a live gig last night with the ATK805. It was incredible - just unbelievably good tone, best live tone I've had in years!

Got unsolicted compliments from other bass players on my tone - even the soundman commented on how good it sounded. Can't ask for much more than that - can't wait to get it out on a full-length gig! :bassist:
 
#54
Just adding to the thread to say that I picked up another ATK805e - mainly because it's my main instrument and they're getting very difficult to find.

I found an ATK on E-Bay (I know, I know), and took a gamble. It was in Japan, but the price was actually good & free international shipping - and a 60-day return window. Other than a failing output jack (barrel-style) that I replaced, all was well. Instrument is in very good shape overall and sounds amazing!

The new one is about 2-3 shades darker than the ATK I posted about earlier in this thread. I'm thrilled to have found a 2nd ATK-805 Premium so quickly - usually it's not every day these things pop up. :bassist:

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