NLBD

[jlepre]

Ibanez SR505TFF

New LIGHT bass day was this past Saturday. I bought this bass on a whim of finding a good quality LIGHT bass. She weighed in at 7 lbs 3 ounces, which pretty much makes her the lightest 5 string bass that I've ever owned. The fit and finish was perfect, and the action was just the way I want it. Sweetwater is my go to online vendor, and they never disappoint.

I had never considered Ibanez in my search for a light 5 string that has the punch and versatility needed for my cover band, and sub needs. This bass will be tested this month.

Here are the pics that Sweetwater provided me of my actual bass before it shipped.

 

[Sid the Kid]

Very nice! I recently snagged an Ibanez Premium that clocked in at 7lb 13oz. It is nice for the weight but is very neck heavy.

 

[jlepre]

Very nice! I recently snagged an Ibanez Premium that clocked in at 7lb 13oz. It is nice for the weight but is very neck heavy.

My bass balanced perfectly. Maybe it's the 5pc. Jabota/ Bubinga neck. Maple may be too heavy for these basses.

 

[Sid the Kid]

I'm not certain that maple is heavier than bubinga. I think the titanium rods in my neck contribute to the dive.

I am certain that small carved mahogany bodies are way lighter than jazz bass shaped alder bodies!

If the SDGR grows on you, the Premium series has Nordstrand big singles and sound like souped up jazz basses. They can also be quite light. Worth looking into!

 

[jlepre]

I'm not certain that maple is heavier than bubinga. I think the titanium rods in my neck contribute to the dive.

I am certain that small carved mahogany bodies are way lighter than jazz bass shaped alder bodies!

If the SDGR grows on you, the Premium series has Nordstrand big singles and sound like souped up jazz basses. They can also be quite light. Worth looking into!

Thanks for the tip. I'm going to give this 505 a good workout with gigs this month. If it doesn't cut the mustard I may look into premiums. Can you recommend a nice premium 5 string that won't break the bank?

 

[Sid the Kid]

I have a 1205e that cost $1100. I have seen them in the classifieds for $750, so they can be had for a decent price. I believe they have the same preamp as your bass so a pickup upgrade would probably get you into the same tonal ballpark.

Sadly they are a step up in cost, but you get high quality pickups and titanium reinforced wenge and bubinga necks. The real difference between all the premium models is simply the body woods and finishes. They have one neck through model snuck into the middle of the premium range and it is gorgeous.

 

[jlepre]

I have a 1205e that cost $1100. I have seen them in the classifieds for $750, so they can be had for a decent price. I believe they have the same preamp as your bass so a pickup upgrade would probably get you into the same tonal ballpark.

Sadly they are a step up in cost, but you get high quality pickups and titanium reinforced wenge and bubinga necks. The real difference between all the premium models is simply the body woods and finishes. They have one neck through model snuck into the middle of the premium range and it is gorgeous.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to stick with the stock pickups until I decide that the bass needs more, or I return it. I have 30 days to decide.

 

[jlepre]

@TheMartianBassist here's my thread

 

[TheMartianBassist]

@TheMartianBassist here's my thread

Thanks man. Curious to see what you think.
I played my 505 into the ground, the finish is quite delicate it will definitely blemish if you play aggressively or slap right in front and under the neck pickup.
I always got complimented on the tone, by professional musicians, mind you, not just the clueless audience member.
Never had a problem finding a tone with how versatile this bass is.

Eventually I upgraded to the 5006 Prestige which broke the bank but is definitely the sweetest 6 string I've played.
Then I'm planning to splurge further with the new limited edition. I absolutely love my ibby's!

 

[jlepre]

So I gigged her for the first set tonight, and here are my thoughts.

The feel was very nice, and the neck was very comfortable. Nice and fast. The first thing that caught my attention was the finish. I play mainly finger style (no pick and very limited slap) and the top finish feels very delicate. I worry that it will wear off over time.

Second was the overall tone. I felt that it was a bit dark compared to my SIRES and I may need to consider changing out the pups for Nordys maybe.

I have another gig this Friday, so lets see how things sound. I still have time to return it if I want, but I really want to like this bass for it's extreme light weight.

 

[stingray69]

Oil finishes are prone to playing wear, and the Ibanez SR505 is no exception - a pre-owned SR705 or SR-805 might be more protection for you, but both change the look dramatically.

The SR705 adds a maple top (may add some top end clarity over the SR-505). The SR805 adds a Poplar Burl top and both have a durable poly gloss finish.

My SR705 is exactly 9lbs - probably with a smidge of weight being added by the Maple top, but there are lighter examples of that model than mine out there.

Congrats on the bass or whatever model you may end up with.

 

[TheMartianBassist]

So I gigged her for the first set tonight, and here are my thoughts.

The feel was very nice, and the neck was very comfortable. Nice and fast. The first thing that caught my attention was the finish. I play mainly finger style (no pick and very limited slap) and the top finish feels very delicate. I worry that it will wear off over time.

Second was the overall tone. I felt that it was a bit dark compared to my SIRES and I may need to consider changing out the pups for Nordys maybe.

I have another gig this Friday, so lets see how things sound. I still have time to return it if I want, but I really want to like this bass for it's extreme light weight.

Glad you're digging the bass so far!
What kind of gig did you take it on?

As for the tone being darker, I mean you are playing a mahagony body and rosewood fingerboard so that will sound a bit dark. What kind of strings are you using? I would always use very bright stainless steels - I found that the brightness of the strings with the bit darker sounding woods would compliment each other into a nice full tone.
I've also heard of plenty of people switching out the Bart's for Nordy's so that's definitely an option.
Some of the SR's already come with Nordstrand's too.

The finish is most definitely 100% going to wear off... that was the only con for me with this bass. Gotta love the "road worn" look (-;

 

[jlepre]

Glad you're digging the bass so far!
What kind of gig did you take it on?

As for the tone being darker, I mean you are playing a mahagony body and rosewood fingerboard so that will sound a bit dark. What kind of strings are you using? I would always use very bright stainless steels - I found that the brightness of the strings with the bit darker sounding woods would compliment each other into a nice full tone.
I've also heard of plenty of people switching out the Bart's for Nordy's so that's definitely an option.
Some of the SR's already come with Nordstrand's too.

The finish is most definitely 100% going to wear off... that was the only con for me with this bass. Gotta love the "road worn" look (-;

It was just a 3 piece band in a small bar/restaurant, and playing mainly classic rock, soul and blues.

I know that the tone isn't going to be snappy like a maple board, but I have (2) SIRES with rosewood boards that sound alot more snappy.

I'm still using stock strings, as I am still within my 30 day return period. I usually use EBMM Cobalts and they have served me well with the aforementioned SIRES.

I have seen a set of Nordstrand Big Singles for $100 used, so they may be an option. What do you think of those?

The finish just felt foreign to me, as I have never owned anything but a poly finished bass.

 

[jlepre]

Well after a few gigs...and going back and forth about whether to keep or send her back, I've decided she's just not the bass for me. I tried to bond with her, but the tone and the finish of the bass just made it feel cheap to me. Plus it felt like a toy, and not a REAL bass guitar to me. The neck felt great, and she was light as a feather, and maybe that added to the cheapness factor. Well she goes back to Sweetwater tomorrow.