Smoothing out the Ibanez SR505

[BassBob185]

My Ibanez SR505 is one of my favorite basses. I'm still trying to get the tone smoother for times when I want a 'P' type sound. I use a GK210 amp, no effects pedals. Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[danomite64]

I wouldn't describe a Precision as having a 'smooth' tone. If I were trying to get a P-bass sound with a 505, I guess I'd boost the mids a bit, keep the treble and bass flat, solo the neck pickup, and never touch the B string.

 

[NickRich]

I have an SR700 and with its stock strings (have been told they're Elixir ...) it sound too scooped (a lot of bass and treble). Then my luthier told me to put D'Addario nickel round wound. After a little while, the new D'Addario strings sounded more round (more mids, less highs).

Like danomite64 said, try playing only with the neck pickup. It works great for me.

 

[JustDavid]

Strings.

Going with D'Addario Chromes might nail whatever "smooth" is for you. Going with Tapewounds might be WAY too "smooth".

 

[danomite64]

Heh, I never thought about putting flats on my old Precisions back when I owned them......

 

[JustDavid]

I've heard of it being done

 

[BassBob185]

Once I used some Labella Deep Talkin tape wounds on a Fender P. They were black and smooth. The sound was great but may be too much for the Ibanez. Right now I have Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Roundwounds, the 2836 set. I have to admit that I like the Elixers that came with the bass better than any string I've had on the 505. I still have them, may be I should put them back on.

 

[danomite64]

I have LaBella tapewounds on my fretless Soundgear 800. It sounds great, and the bass handles them fine. I put them on to preserve the fretboard until Thor can epoxy it, but I might just keep them on forever.

 

[stuonbass]

"solo the neck pick up"

+1 danomite64

You might have to cut the treble a bit. Those barts have a lot of sizzle.

 

[BassBob185]

The barts seem to be crisp and gritty but provide a great sound. I'll try your suggestions
thanks

 

[Ach]

pre adds lot of sizzle, pickups by themselves are pretty P-bass'ish if run passive (i'd tried)