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Should I keep her...? (New Bass Day)

#21
If you decide that you like the Fender better, I'll take the Ibby off your hands for what you paid for it. You get all your money back and end up with what you want.

The end of the month I'll have some extra cash. I'm serious, I'll take it if you can only keep the Fender and need to move the other.
 
#27
I love wide neck 5 strings! If you play with your fingers you may want to keep the Ibenez. But that's just me, I like my 4 string Fender, and my wide custom 5. To me, the wide 5 makes me feel like I'm playing a 4 string, with 1 extra string. The narrow 5s feel like I have to re-learn all my muscle memory (technique). Almost like it's a whole different instrument.

Is the Ibanez a 35" scale? That's also something to consider. I think you are just going to have to play them both, and see which one suits you.
 
#28
chump stain said:
I love wide neck 5 strings! If you play with your fingers you may want to keep the Ibenez. But that's just me, I like my 4 string Fender, and my wide custom 5. To me, the wide 5 makes me feel like I'm playing a 4 string, with 1 extra string. The narrow 5s feel like I have to re-learn all my muscle memory (technique). Almost like it's a whole different instrument.

Is the Ibanez a 35" scale? That's also something to consider. I think you are just going to have to play them both, and see which one suits you.
Click to expand...

Well the Fender arrived today, and my wife brought it up to the firehouse so she could see my joy when I opened it. :hyper:

Unfortunately, it had some shipping damage because the seller was a little too sparing with the wrap. :bawl:

Aside from the disappointment of buying a "mint" bass that has two dents now, I was very impressed with the feel. Probably because it's a Fender, and that's how I roll these days.

The Ibby is 35" scale, which I've never played before. It has a great sense of quality and craftsmanship, but the neck will take some getting used to because it's incredibly thin, and when I play, it feels like I'm slopping all over the place. I suspect the sloppiness may have something to do with the super-slippery Elixer strings that came with it. They have some kind of coating that allegedly keeps them clean, but they're slicker than snot on the fingers! The Bartolinis and active electronics are awesome and about every EQ setting sounds superb, even through my little 30-watt firehouse amp. When I plug into my Marshall, it's pure thunder.

I can totally relate to ChumpStain when she says that playing the 5er feels like playing a Fender four, but with an added B. Although it will also take some getting used to, I'm not nearly as sloppy on the Fender. I wonder if my sloppiness on the Ibby is because it's thin neck and snotty strings feel so foreign.

Either way, my plan is to give them each an hour or so per day until the choice is clear. Each has clear advantages and disadvantages, so it will be tough...
 
#30
Elixers take some getting used to. I switched to DR Black Beauties, and Red Devils on all my basses. They feel much better then the Elixers, and I still get the extra life. Good luck with your decision!

I think things you should consider are;
How does the B string sound and feel?
How does the neck width, string spacing, scale length and thickness of the neck feel in your hands?
Which has the sound, look, or feel that inspires you to play?
 
#32
Gord_oh said:
they are both a steal....you cant keep both?
give me one.
Click to expand...

Speaking of steals...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]...depending upon how you define "normal wear & tear"
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For those interested in the conundrum of my original post, I changed out the "slippery as eels" Elixers on the Ibby for some Curt Mangan Fusion Matched Nickels (not as nice as my R. Coccos, but free) and it improved the playability hugely!

Leaning toward the Ibby now, but still need more time with both. :bassist: :D
 
#33
Engine207 said:
For those interested in the conundrum of my original post, I changed out the "slippery as eels" Elixers on the Ibby for some Curt Mangan Fusion Matched Nickels (not as nice as my R. Coccos, but free) and it improved the playability hugely!

Leaning toward the Ibby now, but still need more time with both. :bassist: :D
Click to expand...

Well, I made up my mind: After about 20 hours on each, I'm keeping the Ibby. The Fender V is on eBay.

In the end, I just decided that the BTB gave me more tonal options, lighter weight, active Barts and...really...it was different. Another nice thing about the Ibanez is that I don't feel like I have to do any mods. It's great the way it is.

Already having 3 Fenders, I figgered it was time to diversify. Once I got those Elixers off, I really started playing better, and the feel improved too.

Thanks for all the discussion!!
 
#36
J-Building said:
Hey if you don't mind me asking, what does the stack knob control?
Click to expand...

The outer ring of the stack is for the mid frequency center, and the knob is the boost/cut for mids.

I need to spend less time fondling the knobbage and just play my bass. I've been experimenting with the EQ by setting my Marshall totally flat and trying to get dialed in - just on the bass. With so many combinations it's gonna be awhile before I find my tone.

One thing's for sure - This bass rips for metal. I learned Metallica's Wherever I May Roam and Maiden's Wrathchild, just to see how the two different B's sounded...the BTB crushed! :bassist:
 

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