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SoundGear owners Sound Off!

#21
Owning an Ibanez SR305DX was the *worst* bass decision I ever made. The preamp sucked, in every way, and the over all tone left a lot to be desired. And, owning a Spector NS2000/5, I know that the Spector smokes it in every department. As far as the 3 series SRs and the Spectors that I've played, it's no question as to which I'd buy.

-Ray
 
#27
Pruitt said:
A few months ago I purchased a new SR-506 and I love it. Mahogony body, 5 piece Bubinga/Wenge neck, Bartolini MK1 Pickups and 3 band EQ. It sounds excellent and it's easy to play! I'd buy it again. :)

SR506BM.jpg


Have Fun! :bassist:
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...But how is it for slapping?

I'm looking for a nice (affordable) sixer, and right now I'm leaning towards the BTB series, but I may check this one out if it's not too difficult to slap on.

The bass is a beauty, BTW.

Graeme
 
#28
deathbloomslife said:
SR500 and 400 are "entry level?" I'm sorry, I was under the impression that over $300 was no longer considered entry level... Oh and by the way, Ibanez's "entry level" basses, are the GSR series. ;)


~Ryan
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True, but there's entry level models in each series. +1 to avoiding all their entry level models in every series... that's the point I was trying to illustrate earlier. Become familiar with the entire product line in the series you're interested in, then look for a used midrange model for about the same price (or less) than the entry level model. You'll be glad you did.
 
#29
Random Basser said:
You can't judge Ibanez by its entry-level series.
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Actually the GSR200/205 is pretty damn good for an entry level bass. Way better than anything squire or epiphone put out.

I know a guy at my college who has a BTB 5 string and its pretty feckin' sweet. It doesn't sound over-processed like most middle "end" active basses.
 
#31
JC said:
Only thing about the SDGRs and BTBs is that extra 1" on the scale length. :hmm:
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Sorry, but no. Besides the scale length difference, BTBs have the much wider "standard" 19mm string-spacing as well as starting out wider at the nut, as opposed to the SoundGear's 16.5mm/tight nut spacing. There's also the MonoRail bridge and Neutrik locking jack on the BTBs, and that they had the upgraded Barts on their higher-end instruments years before being offered on SGs.
 
#33
I owned a SR400 for about two months. Althought I enjoyed it I just didn't love it. Before that I had a MIJ fender jazz fretless that was stolen. I found the neck of the SR to be like a pencil and the active electronics were very thin. I traded it in for a MIA Jazz which I love(biased). I also own an ATK 305 and that thing rocks you might want to find one of those if you want a Ibanez, IMO the best bass they made.
 
#34
I've got a SR885 and I think its pretty damn good. The pick ups are alright but I don't know what kind of pickups are in those damn soapbars. Anyone know that? I'd like to replace one day, or maybe just keep saving for a Ric
 
#35
That's my baby. Soundgear by Ibanez. I have had it for a while now and am quite happy with it. I have had some problems with it, involving wiring and stuff, but I love this bass. The one thing I dislike about it is the fact that it has a pick up booster battery. That's cool and all, but you are supposed to unplug it when you're not playing. It's okay at home when I'm practicing. But, it can be very annoying at band practice. But, I love Ibanez basses, and I totally reccomend them. Rock on. :bassist:
 

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#36
scarred2112 said:
Sorry, but no. Besides the scale length difference, BTBs have the much wider "standard" 19mm string-spacing as well as starting out wider at the nut, as opposed to the SoundGear's 16.5mm/tight nut spacing. There's also the MonoRail bridge and Neutrik locking jack on the BTBs, and that they had the upgraded Barts on their higher-end instruments years before being offered on SGs.
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Well having played both I already knew that.
The biggest issue in my case specifically though was the 35" scale length. I think that's the most noticeable difference between the two.
 
#37
Personally, the 35" scale does intimidate me a little, but at the same time, I also play down tune quite a bit, (I play hard rock, and some metal) so it could be a blessing in disguise.

But, I think I might be close to sold on the SDGR 505. Any qualms with that particular model??? If not that, then maybe a SDGR 405 and replace the p'ups and pre with the extra money to a Seymour Duncan setup.


~Ryan

PS. I made a bass comparo chart HERE.
 
#38
I went to Island Music in Merrit Island, Florida today...

... And just, am awestruck.

I walked in expecting to find nothing special, just the ordinary Ibanez's you see in every store, like ther Gio stuff. Well, I turned my head to look at the bass stock. Man oh man, I lucked out! Hanging side by side, EDA905, and SR506!!! I never thought of myself on a 6'er, but damn, I love that thing to death. The first thing that came to mind, was "Warwick." The wenge/bubinga neck and mahogany body make a B-E-A-utiful prescense. I plugged into a Backline setup (not to bad I might add) and blew the windows down with the Bartolini 3-band MK1's. Absolutely loved that lil' mis.

EDA905 was next up, painted neck slowed me down quite a bit, enough to qualify for "substatial" actually. But man, that piezo bridge pickup is awesome. I turned the standard pickup vol. down to 0, and the piezo up 100%, awesome tone! loved that bass. I think i would like it more in a four-string though.

So, today went from paying a speeding ticket = crappy
to playing some killer bass guitars = awesome!!!

I'm very hyper to get back and jam on this bass, as the little lady was with me, and was wanting to head over to the mall, so I was kind enought to limit my playing for her... Guess I'll return when she goes to work on Wednsday :D .

PS. Dont you hate it when the store's clerk stares at you.. especially when you know more about their stocked items that they do? :rollno:


~Ryan
 
#39
My first real bass was a SDGR SR1000 made in japan '95. It has nothing to do with the new SR1000. I was quite happy with it in the beginning with the standard pickups and electronics. But 2 years ago I changed all the electronics and pick-ups with EMG. What a difference, better tone and a lot less hiss. I thought it couldn't get any better, but last year I've put a new bridge (abm-müller) and new tuners (grovers) on it. Again a major improvement in sustain and sound.

Conclusion SDGR's are good but there is room for improvement.
Off course this comes always with a price tag :bawl:
 
#40
I've got a 2001 SR645, and yes I know that's redundant since they only made SR645's that year. It's quite good, but one thing and one thing only, the bridge is crap. For some reason they decided to install a cheap import bridge on it when cheaper SoundGears got better bridges. I had it replaced, but it was totally worth it.
 

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