Question about Ibanez gsr basses

[VinKreepo]

I started out with a GSR190
I received a BTB305 as a gift
I bought an SR300DX
And finally I traded my BTB305 for a K5 (essentially an SR1305 signature bass)

So I'd say I've seen for the bottom to almost the top of the Soundgear line.

The claims above that the GSR series has more growl is TRUE... however, this is often because the electronics and pickups in the GSR basses are hotter than the SR series. The SR series gives you more tonal variations and control with the 3-band preamps but lacks the attack and drive that is characteristic to the simpler electronics in the GSR basses.

That being said, think of the GSR line as a trebly P bass sound with more growl and a tad bit higher mids while the SR series sounds like a Jazz bass with a blanket thrown over the amp

You'll notice that many members here replace their stock Ibanez SR electronics (which coincidentally I am doing now) to Nordies or Barts because after a while (and especially live) the dull flat sounding stock SR electronics just wont do. Their outputs are way too low and extremely compressed. Many GSR owners tend to be satisfied since for the money they spent, they have a bass capable of cutting through the mix although it may be a bit bass shy to some.

Plus, SR electronics sound very artificial not only because of the low output and compression but also because the controls themselves only boost or cut a small range of frequencies which will make some notes a lot stronger than others.

And don't be confused, the 'Barts' in the Prestige line of SR's are NOTHING like typical barts... they are MUCH more scooped in the mids and are not near as well shielded...

 

[BioDriver]

I don't see the point of paying full price for a GSR when you can find used SRs for the same price. That and I think the GSR's hardware is crap and the pickups are bleh, both things that are remedied in the SRs. Heck, for the cost of a GSR, new hardware, and better pickups you could probably get a used SR 600 or 700.

 

[IngerAlb]

That being said, think of the GSR line as a trebly P bass sound with more growl and a tad bit higher mids while the SR series sounds like a Jazz bass with a blanket thrown over the amp

You'll notice that many members here replace their stock Ibanez SR electronics (which coincidentally I am doing now) to Nordies or Barts because after a while (and especially live) the dull flat sounding stock SR electronics just wont do. Their outputs are way too low and extremely compressed.

SRs don't sound muffled at all; they cut really well in the mix and all notes ring out very clear & defined. The EQ Is also versatile - it does sound a bit compressed though.

As for swapping the electronics...I'd really like to see & hear some examples (with before and after audio examples, if possible), because many say they've done it, and yet all the basses that I see in the Ibanez/Soundgear clubs have stock electronics. I'm tempted to mod one of my SRs, but I'd love to see some examples before biting the bullet, 'cause it would be too expensive to just do it and see how it turns out.

 

[VinKreepo]

SRs don't sound muffled at all; they cut really well in the mix and all notes ring out very clear & defined. The EQ Is also versatile - it does sound a bit compressed though.

As for swapping the electronics...I'd really like to see & hear some examples (with before and after audio examples, if possible), because many say they've done it, and yet all the basses that I see in the Ibanez/Soundgear clubs have stock electronics. I'm tempted to mod one of my SRs, but I'd love to see some examples before biting the bullet, 'cause it would be too expensive to just do it and see how it turns out.

I've played everyone one of my basses through my friend's line 6 back to back with his P bass on the same amp settings. I have to turn the treble all the way up on my SR and use the Vari-mid on the K5 just to get the quiet pup's to sing high enough to come within the vicinity of the P bass.

Truth be told... the reason I mainly use a pick is to compensate for the lack of highs and drive in the SR basses in the past.

Just to be clear, in light of this thread, I am referring to SR's as the line under the Prestige and Premium lines and above the GSR. So I am not at all saying this the above is true with the Prestige line...they are SR's themselves yes, but extremely different altogether. And the same goes for the Premium series with the Nordies... lol... nordies is a funny word

Sadly, I already gutted the K5 in preparation, but since you asked I'll alligator clip all the electronics together and then show you what I mean.

 

[IngerAlb]

I've played everyone one of my basses through my friend's line 6 back to back with his P bass on the same amp settings. I have to turn the treble all the way up on my SR and use the Vari-mid on the K5 just to get the quiet pup's to sing high enough to come within the vicinity of the P bass.

Truth be told... the reason I mainly use a pick is to compensate for the lack of highs and drive in the SR basses in the past.

Just to be clear, in light of this thread, I am referring to SR's as the line under the Prestige and Premium lines and above the GSR. So I am not at all saying this the above is true with the Prestige line...they are SR's themselves yes, but extremely different altogether. And the same goes for the Premium series with the Nordies... lol... nordies is a funny word

Sadly, I already gutted the K5 in preparation, but since you asked I'll alligator clip all the electronics together and then show you what I mean.

MY SRs (505/605/705/905DX) don't lack treble at all. And IMO these basses have a very hot output (which in my case turned out to be a problem more than once, since they tend to really drive the amps). Maybe that amp was the problem, idk...

 

[KingRazor]

Yeah, I've never played an SR that lacked treble. The bartolinis sound pretty dark, but that's more about how they're voiced. It's the lows that sound dark, the highs are all there and in fact I often turn them down on Ibbys.

Where they tend to lack in my case is mids. But, that's what the mid knob is there for. I leave the treble flat, boost the mids, and often times cut the lows. Tightens up the sound and brings out the clarity.

 

[Solarmist]

I started out with a GSR190
I received a BTB305 as a gift
I bought an SR300DX
And finally I traded my BTB305 for a K5 (essentially an SR1305 signature bass)

So I'd say I've seen for the bottom to almost the top of the Soundgear line.

The claims above that the GSR series has more growl is TRUE... however, this is often because the electronics and pickups in the GSR basses are hotter than the SR series. The SR series gives you more tonal variations and control with the 3-band preamps but lacks the attack and drive that is characteristic to the simpler electronics in the GSR basses.That being said, think of the GSR line as a trebly P bass sound with more growl and a tad bit higher mids while the SR series sounds like a Jazz bass with a blanket thrown over the amp

You'll notice that many members here replace their stock Ibanez SR electronics (which coincidentally I am doing now) to Nordies or Barts because after a while (and especially live) the dull flat sounding stock SR electronics just wont do. Their outputs are way too low and extremely compressed. Many GSR owners tend to be satisfied since for the money they spent, they have a bass capable of cutting through the mix although it may be a bit bass shy to some.

Plus, SR electronics sound very artificial not only because of the low output and compression but also because the controls themselves only boost or cut a small range of frequencies which will make some notes a lot stronger than others.
And don't be confused, the 'Barts' in the Prestige line of SR's are NOTHING like typical barts... they are MUCH more scooped in the mids and are not near as well shielded...

WHAT!!!

& your 300DX had cheap PU/electronics that put out virtuously no low end.

 

[Crystalman85]

Soapbars are standard on the 5-string GSRs, except the 105 which has a single MM style humbucker.

Most 4 string GSRs are P/Js.

Wait a minute...the Ibanez gsr105ex has a MM styled hunbucker? I was under the impression that it's a pole-exposed soapbar pick-up. the same kind of pick-up you would find in Ibanez srx basses. also I use to have that bass. it was a pretty decent bass, but I felt that it's more suitable for beginners.

Indeed the Ibanez gsr200 has p/j pick-ups. there's also an Ibanez gsr200 that has pole-exposed soapbar pick-ups. that Ibanez gsr bass in particular is known as the Ibanez gsr200ex.

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[Crystalman85]

All I'm saying is that if you go with a GSR - you might become unhappy with the sound over a couple months.
I've played a few GSR's, and they don't have the range (highs/lows mostly) or sound of an SR. Go go try them out at your local GC before you decide.

For the record, solarmist, I don't plan on purchasing an Ibanez gsr bass. I was simply asking if there's anything really wrong with these basses. judging from everyone's posts, I think my answer is some people like it, some people don't. anywho, I do have my eyes on a certain Ibanez soundgear bass. and I'm hoping to get one real soon.

 

[KingRazor]

Wait a minute...the Ibanez gsr105ex has a MM styled hunbucker? I was under the impression that it's a pole-exposed soapbar pick-up. the same kind of pick-up you would find in Ibanez srx basses. also I use to have that bass. it was a pretty decent bass, but I felt that it's more suitable for beginners.

Indeed the Ibanez gsr200 has p/j pick-ups. there's also an Ibanez gsr200 that has pole-exposed soapbar pick-ups. that Ibanez gsr bass in particular is known as the Ibanez gsr200ex.

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I guess it does look more like an SRX pickup than an MM pickup, but I still think it qualifies as "MM-style"

 

[Crystalman85]

I guess it does look more like an SRX pickup than an MM pickup, but I still think it qualifies as "MM-style"

I see what you mean. there was a musicman clone made by stagg and it has pick-up just like that one. I would of thought that a MM styled pick-up would be a little bigger than that, but yeah I understand what you're saying.

 

[BBox Bass]

Last summer I bought a beat-up GSR205 so I could practice my refinishing skills. It came out a lovely shade of neon green and, somewhat to my surprise, is a decent player. It's the only one of my 5 Ibanez basses with single-coil pickups, and I like the sound a lot. I think the preamp was added by a previous owner, so YMMV with the stock electronics.

 

[VinKreepo]

I was not just referring to my SR300DX, but also the Vari-mid present in MANY of the Ibanez basses (not just SR)... I have no idea what basses you three have been playing, but I've played many that sound a lot brighter, fuller, dynamic, etc. than the SR... if anyone here says the Ibanez EXF pickups are good... as in Nordy, Bart, or even EMG quality... ohhhh noooo... and yes, the 500, 600, and 700 series pretty much ALL use the EXF pickups

But then again... I don't change my strings every two months to maintain brightness...

I'll post vids once I get my second Bart pup

Hell, Bassline pups beat Ibby pups lol

 

[Crystalman85]

There's a guy on youtube who praises the Ibanez gsr200 and the Ibanez gsr205. he says that the Ibanez gsr basses are pretty decent bass guitars. here's one of his clips.

 

[Crystalman85]

I would like to add that I've bought an Ibanez sr255 and it sounded pretty cool. it has a smooth warm punchy sound. it's a real keeper for me. since I was impressed with the sound quality of the Ibanez sr255, I'm planning to buy an Ibanez sr250 for my brother's band.

 

[Yogen]

sorry for bringing back up the thread again, but I might buy a GSR 205, the problem is the second hand market offers only really bad quality instruments or $500+.
And, from a $230 GSR 205, next choice is $400, can't really find "cheap" basses in this city.

When you say growling what do you mean? I intend to play metal and such, so if by growling you mean a bit clanky, distorted, I wouldn't really mind. Also, I tried a GSR200 and it sounded good to me, but recalling, it did sound a bit "dead", but of course, profesionals use $1000+ instruments, so what the hell

 

[therev]

I just traded the bass on the right for the one on the left.

The GSR 200 was a nice bass. They guy that owned it before me put EMGs in it. It made it sound better but I got bored with it so I traded some kid.

 

[Stoom]

I've got an Ibanez GSR190, it comes with the jumpstart package and as far as I can tell is identical in build to the gsr200 apart from the 200 has an phat-II active EQ bass boost.

Its amazing value for money, it stays in tune, it has a nice range of tones and it has a slim smooth neck.

The only problem I have with it is that the neck is slightly too heavy for the body but there are a number of reasonably cheap and easy solutions to this problem so I wouldn't let this put you off.

 

[Crystalman85]

sorry for bringing back up the thread again, but I might buy a GSR 205, the problem is the second hand market offers only really bad quality instruments or $500+.
And, from a $230 GSR 205, next choice is $400, can't really find "cheap" basses in this city.

When you say growling what do you mean? I intend to play metal and such, so if by growling you mean a bit clanky, distorted, I wouldn't really mind. Also, I tried a GSR200 and it sounded good to me, but recalling, it did sound a bit "dead", but of course, profesionals use $1000+ instruments, so what the hell

The Ibanez gsr205 is really not too bad of a bass guitar. this bass actually sounds pretty decent. even though this bass has a lot mixed opinions, it's really a decent bass. the gsr series is actually more suitable for beginners, but this particular bass is really not too bad. if you want a better choice, there's the Ibanez sr255 and the sr305. I own the sr255 and it's really an awesome sounding bass. since I was impressed with bass, I bought the 4-string version for my brother's band. so the sr255($350) and the sr305($400) is what I would recommend if you're an advanced bass player.

As for the growl thing, the gsr205 does have a jazz-type growl. the electronics on the bass is kinda cheap, but it does seem to deliver a jazz type growl. perhaps this link would help you on how it actually sounds.

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And in case you're wondering how the Ibanez sr305 sounds, here's the link to sound samples of the bass.

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[the wako kid]

I owned a GSR 105ex 5 string,and it was a pretty sweet bass,it had a nice neck,a pretty nice sounding passive pup,light weight,and just a generally good feel. the only problem was that I had to adjust the truss rod once a week,that neck was not stable at all. I returned it after about 3 weeks. A damn shame that was,it was a pretty good cheap bass.

listen to star wars imperial march if you want to hear the tone
http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/iccarus