Hey guys, I've been doing a lot of research for my 2nd Bass. I've been around asking peoples opinions for the Ibanez sr505. So far, I haven't received any negative feedback for this particular Bass. This will be my 2nd Bass and I play 80% Gospel music with the other 20% being funk on my own time. I want this Bass to last me awhile, so if you suggest I go with something else, please let me know. However, the Mahogany look of this Bass is the part that is pulling me; as well as the thin neck ( love that ). Well anyways, any info is nice. Thanks a lot!
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Question regarding Ibanez!
- Thread starter golfcart
- Start date
I just picked up an SR535, and am extremely happy with it. I think the only difference between that and the SR505 is that mine has a 5-piece maple neck (vs. wenge/bubinga) and the finish
It plays well, has a fast neck, a warm sound (with the Barts & mahogany) and the low B string is surprisingly tight (I've always been a 35" scale guy). It's a fairly light and comfortable bass, balances well. I'm fully impressed with this bass for the price.
In the research I did pre-purchase, it really seems like Ibanez has a pretty positive reputation around TB. I can't really think of anything wrong with mine and wouldn't have a problem buying more SR's in the future.
*cough* SR706 *cough*
lol
5sg.
It plays well, has a fast neck, a warm sound (with the Barts & mahogany) and the low B string is surprisingly tight (I've always been a 35" scale guy). It's a fairly light and comfortable bass, balances well. I'm fully impressed with this bass for the price.
In the research I did pre-purchase, it really seems like Ibanez has a pretty positive reputation around TB. I can't really think of anything wrong with mine and wouldn't have a problem buying more SR's in the future.
*cough* SR706 *cough*
lol5sg.
There is one at the shop here, though the only bass amps they have plugged in are a roland mini-cube. They have a All-tube Eden head plugged in, but not connected to a cab. 
I didn't want to mess with it as that could be an expensive way of passing the time before lessons.
I didn't want to mess with it as that could be an expensive way of passing the time before lessons.
Ibanez SR basses are, IMO/IME, consistently very nice. I would make every effort to play one before buying though- there are lots of nice basses that don't work for me.
I just picked up an SR535, and am extremely happy with it. I think the only difference between that and the SR505 is that mine has a 5-piece maple neck (vs. wenge/bubinga) and the finish
It plays well, has a fast neck, a warm sound (with the Barts & mahogany) and the low B string is surprisingly tight (I've always been a 35" scale guy). It's a fairly light and comfortable bass, balances well. I'm fully impressed with this bass for the price.
In the research I did pre-purchase, it really seems like Ibanez has a pretty positive reputation around TB. I can't really think of anything wrong with mine and wouldn't have a problem buying more SR's in the future.
*cough* SR706 *cough*
5sg.
I'd love a 706. Unfortunately, the best price I've been able to find for one has been over $1300. And that was from the other side of the country, I don't know what it would cost to ship a heavy mofo 6 string over here.
Thanks for the fast response guys, was really impressed wit the quick responses. The SR505 is pretty much right in my budget, which is nice. That's why I'd rlly like to find out as much as I can, because if I wasn't happy, I cant really afford to go out and spend more money on another bass like you all! =P
I love my Ibanez ATK 750 better than any other bass I have ever played. Click on my profile to check out what I am comparing it with.
/giant shill
Shorter: you want an Ibanez, just get one.
/giant shill
Shorter: you want an Ibanez, just get one.
I'm with you guys on the fast narrow/thin neck on Ibanez basses. I've owned an SR5, and SR4 (and still do) - both fantastic instruments.
If YOU liked it it will be a good choice. My 2 cts is that a friend of mine in a national act plays an SR505 and can afford expensive stuff if he wants but plays his 505 and loves it. Ive also played around on it in his studio and found it to be, well made, has a smooth fast nice playable neck, has endless tonal possibiltys with the "Bart" setup. But its your choice..
I love most Ibanez basses, however, I have never liked the lower end SR's that much, when you get to the prestige SR's, those are nice tho!
If it was my choice, I'd be looking into the BTB series, just much nicer all round IMO, or the ATK series, but thats a totally different beast
If it was my choice, I'd be looking into the BTB series, just much nicer all round IMO, or the ATK series, but thats a totally different beast
My SR505 plays and sounds great and I play it with a church group. The B string is good because it is not floppy.
Pull the plug and release the cash.
Pull the plug and release the cash.
If I were told to buy an awesome bass new for below $1000, an SR50x is probably where I'd look. I really love the crisp, sparkling highs that you can get through the Bartolini MK-1s, despite them being humbuckers. I never noticed the low B being overly floppy on the 5/6-string models, but I could see why some may think so.
My only concern for you would be that 20% of funk that you do. If you intend to learn slap/pop (or are already learning it), a 5-string Soundgear isn't the best bass to learn on. With some practice, you can slap on them with no troubles, but it takes quite a bit of work because of how tight the strings are. The 4-string models are slightly more forgiving, but you seem to want a 5.
So if you're up for the challenge, I say go for it. They're great basses!
My only concern for you would be that 20% of funk that you do. If you intend to learn slap/pop (or are already learning it), a 5-string Soundgear isn't the best bass to learn on. With some practice, you can slap on them with no troubles, but it takes quite a bit of work because of how tight the strings are. The 4-string models are slightly more forgiving, but you seem to want a 5.
So if you're up for the challenge, I say go for it. They're great basses!
Thanks guys for ALL your information! I think I'll be picking one up shortly, and I'll let ya know when I get it home. My piano player is biased towards Kingston and says "I should only buy a Kingston" lol. Well, I don't have that kind of money right now.
Plus, I haven't played any other bass, besides basses way out of my price range, that have the same fast smooth neck as the Ibanez.
Oh, and thanks for the tips about funk, I do enjoy funk and love the SR505 so I'll probably just work through it. Plus I'm still in the learning stages so maybe I'll work through it while I'm learning.
Again, thanks very much for all your responses!!
Plus, I haven't played any other bass, besides basses way out of my price range, that have the same fast smooth neck as the Ibanez.
Oh, and thanks for the tips about funk, I do enjoy funk and love the SR505 so I'll probably just work through it. Plus I'm still in the learning stages so maybe I'll work through it while I'm learning.
Again, thanks very much for all your responses!!
Play other basses. Thin fast necks Fender J- basses come to mind. Funk, ditto above, slap, ditto also. Price range? some models can be had in the $600-$800 range, signature, deluxe, mims etc. Also P,s with J style necks.
I did play other Basses, just nothing that felt like the Ibanez. Maybe GC didn't have them in stock. However, he did hand me a lot of different Fenders and Gibsons. To be honest with you, $550 is perfect for me because, I'm still playing on Backline 600 head with the 1x15 cab, so I'd like to upgrade that as well. I'l probably stick with GK heads for now, but go with a different cab. Anyways, I'm still shopping. =) Thanks.
I'd still say to at least check out one of these:
Also, they are a longer scaled neck, while the SR isnt exactly floppy, the 35 inch scale of the BTB def helps the tightness even more
Also, they are a longer scaled neck, while the SR isnt exactly floppy, the 35 inch scale of the BTB def helps the tightness even more
