Need Some Help. I'm stuck.

[Mannas]

So, about a month ago I bought an Ibanez SR300 and am not completely pleased with it. I love the look and the feel of the neck and playability is absolutely phenomenal but I'm not exactly loving the tone. I've played around with different settings and it just always sounds either too bright with almost piercing highs or completely muffled with no highs. So, this leads me to my issue.

I have a Fender P bass on the way and am looking to have a good solid Jazz type bass as well. I am looking to mainly record with it. I don't gig and am just looking mainly for a bass that will sound good but will sit well in the mix. The Ibanez at times sounds great but seems a bit too powerful in a mix.

So, I am thinking of returning the SR300 and getting either:

A. Ibanez SR530
B. Fender MIM Jazz
C. SX Jazz
D. Squier VM/CV Jazz

I'm trying to decide what is the best option. I think with the Ibanez SR530 I would have a much better quality bass but may be still in the same situation tonewise although I have read good things about the Bartolini pickups. I thought the SX would be the cheapest option but qualitywise I was not sure if it would be the best. I don't really want to go the Squire route but would not dip below the VM or CV series.

I want a good smooth sound. I play alot of Hip-Hop/R&B/Soul/Funk/Reggae/Motown/some rock/etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[yellofury]

Go used:

Obviously over the 400 dollar territory but to me at least worth the extra dough

MTDs Artists and Heirs
Spector Legends
G&L tribute L-2000s

The other bassist at my church had an SR700 and while it was comfortable to play and super lightweight the sound was thin to me. I dont mind crisp highs as long as their some deep deep bass to offset it. I think you have Motown/Funk/Reggae covered with the P Bass especially if you are doing Dub style but if you want to add a more balanced modern flavored bass to partner with you P I would do some more homework in what you want as far as sound and your budget

If you still want to go the Ibanez route
I would give the ATK a try especially for R&B and Funk


they are the antiSR series where the SR is light and thin, the ATK is built more SOLID in my opinion. Thick neck and big chunky pickup and solid build.

 

[PZapdos]

go around to all the local stores and try out used things and pick what you like the tone of best. It's all opinion so go around and play everything you can!

 

[MIJ-VI]

Have you tried lowering the Ibby's pickups a little to reduce the magnet damping of string vibrations-->a bigger, more dynamic response?

 

[Mannas]

Go used:

Obviously over the 400 dollar territory but to me at least worth the extra dough

MTDs Artists and Heirs
Spector Legends
G&L tribute L-2000s

The other bassist at my church had an SR700 and while it was comfortable to play and super lightweight the sound was thin to me. I dont mind crisp highs as long as their some deep deep bass to offset it. I think you have Motown/Funk/Reggae covered with the P Bass especially if you are doing Dub style but if you want to add a more balanced modern flavored bass to partner with you P I would do some more homework in what you want as far as sound and your budget

If you still want to go the Ibanez route
I would give the ATK a try especially for R&B and Funk


they are the antiSR series where the SR is light and thin, the ATK is built more SOLID in my opinion. Thick neck and big chunky pickup and solid build.

Thanks. I appreciate the help. I am trying to keep the budget down which is one of the main reasons I thought about the SX. Also, if I look at a MIM Fender it would be used and about the same as what I have in the SR300. I think I am set on a Jazz in some form or fashion. So I'm down to should I get the SX for about $120 or Squier VM for a bit more than double that, or a Fender for about 4 times that amount?

 

[danomite64]

What amp are you using?

 

[elgecko]

Have you tried a different set of strings? They're way cheaper than a new bass.

 

[Mannas]

I run through an Ibanez Soundwave directly in to record or sometimes through my IK StealthPedal with Ampeg SVX.

Yeah, I went to flatwounds because that's really what I want but I don't think flats necessarily bring the best sound to the bass itself. I love flats but it seems to sound best with rounds.

I wanted to look at exchanging or returning it since I'm still within my 45 days.