New MIJ ATK 1200 vs Used EBMM SR4 SH (can't try before buy)...please vote/share opinions

Thanks for checking the thread - I am hopeful of some thoughts on a couple basses I have a line on, but haven't played before.

Choices are:
* brand new Ibanez MIJ ATK 1200 Prestige
* used EBMM Stingray 4 SH (appears to be in very good condition)

I live in Chongqing China. I can order one of these two basses. Unfortunately, both basses are 600-1000km+ away, so trying before buying is not an option. (Also used GC or Craigslist etc are not options.) Shipping and import make ordering from US equally pricey plus potential for long delay in customs (even if I can find a willing partner) Been wanting to get a Bongo...but they are nearly double either of these in this market.

They are both about $1323 US shipped, which is a pretty good prices here (MIM Fenders are $1000US new...SBMM would be about the same) They would both normally be $2000 + here brand new - Used SRs are just starting to show up in the sub $1500 used

I own and play an ATK300 (MII) and a USA SUB Ray....(and have so confident both will be a good fit feel wise...two of my favorite neck profiles). But NO experience on these specific basses (or any multi PU ATK/SR)

So - any hands on experience? (opinions on the SR SH are popping up on my searches, but almost nothing on the MIJ ATK)

I am sure both are excellent basses, with top-notch construction. Really interested to hear thoughts on the single coil EBMM PU and the MIJ in general (the new pre-amp and CAP pick-ups)

Thanks!

 

I like, but don't need, the true Ray tone for this bass....it will hopefully be the bass that can cover enough Ray/bridge-ish and enough P/neck-ish sounding tones to be used for some stuff that calls copping a few different era-esque tones

 

Thanks for the reply. Have you found the ATK warm/thick enough? My original 90s MIJ ATK was thicker in my memory than my current MII ATK...

As far as appearance, the ATK 1200 almost seems like they forgot to label it...the 'ray looks better for sure.

BTW the ray is also natural.

 

Thanks for the reply...I agree on both...both excellent, well crafted basses...likely just need to choose one and make it work (although its always fun to hear from folks)

Thanks Dr. Cheese - will have to make a choice in next couple days, or one of these will be gone

 

Bump for (hopefully) a few more thoughts

Thanks

 

It's indeed active..and I too tend to prefer the 2 band Ray pre...and the painted neck the SUBs and Bongo have


But am tempted to try that neck pu

 

I was tempted to grab the premium...but it's only about $200 more for the MIJ (normally almost 2x the price)