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The 5 Best Ibanez basses Ever Made?
- Thread starter ZenG
- Start date
Black Eagles were nice looking basses, but they had a few problems. The routed headstock was very delicate, and broke easily. And they were VERY heavy. I don't mind heavy basses, but even for me, 13-1/2 lbs. is pushing it.
$220? Someone got a deal. I don't know if your bass had this configuration, but the Super J6 pickup and the tri-tone switch gave that bass a lot of tonal options.
The entire Roadstar line from the early-mid 80's are tremendous bargains. High quality, innovative, and (mostly) good looking basses.
My experience with Ibanez has been limited, so take my input lightly. That being said, my top 5 would be...
1) SR600 in Walnut Flat. Only slightly biased, because I own one. It's everything I wanted in a bass...light, thin neck, great sound, pretty good looking.
2) SRX2EX2 (preferably white with the black binding). Don't own one, but I've played a few used at GC and they're awesome basses. Plus they're a steal considering you can buy them for <$300 on eBay. Neck's a little different than an SR, but still super comfy, and the MM style pups are pretty good sounding...and binding is sexy.
3) The SR300/SR370 line. Almost snagged one of these as my first bass, but ended up with a Squier Affinity because it was cheaper and more "traditional." Great basses for the money, and a good introduction to the Soundgear line of basses. Not to mention the finish options on these lower-end models are (arguably) more interesting than the higher-end "coffee table" Ibanez basses.
4) ATK800E. Played one at a GC briefly. Doesn't have the Soundgear neck I'm accustomed to, and I don't care for the looks (so I'd probably never buy one), but I was blown away by the sound of it.
In all honestly, those are the only Ibanez basses I've ever played, but I like the idea of the SR1600 (with the awesome burl top and the Nordstrand pickups), and the AFB200 looks interesting (though I've read the tone control is lacking).
1) SR600 in Walnut Flat. Only slightly biased, because I own one. It's everything I wanted in a bass...light, thin neck, great sound, pretty good looking.
2) SRX2EX2 (preferably white with the black binding). Don't own one, but I've played a few used at GC and they're awesome basses. Plus they're a steal considering you can buy them for <$300 on eBay. Neck's a little different than an SR, but still super comfy, and the MM style pups are pretty good sounding...and binding is sexy.
3) The SR300/SR370 line. Almost snagged one of these as my first bass, but ended up with a Squier Affinity because it was cheaper and more "traditional." Great basses for the money, and a good introduction to the Soundgear line of basses. Not to mention the finish options on these lower-end models are (arguably) more interesting than the higher-end "coffee table" Ibanez basses.
4) ATK800E. Played one at a GC briefly. Doesn't have the Soundgear neck I'm accustomed to, and I don't care for the looks (so I'd probably never buy one), but I was blown away by the sound of it.
In all honestly, those are the only Ibanez basses I've ever played, but I like the idea of the SR1600 (with the awesome burl top and the Nordstrand pickups), and the AFB200 looks interesting (though I've read the tone control is lacking).
+1.... And often under-appreciated. My RS650, RS924 and Rb850 low imp were all 'rescue' jobs, all acquired for less than usd$200@ both 650, and 924 were fine when acquired except for weird DIY rewiring and the 850 was strung upside down and the saddles improperly extended - the 850 is such a great bass to play, almost too easy now it has been set up, sounds fantastic. Btw they are all lefty.
I would include an "Artist" One gas of a machine and was so dialed in.
Also an SR500PB 'cause I own one.
Also an SR500PB 'cause I own one.
I liked the SR405, and I owned a BTB405 at one point. That's all I can come up with but I'm sure I can get three others who read this to agree with either one.
I tried to sell it for 350 originally. No takers. Then 300. No takers. Then 250. Someone tried it and while they were, I hadnt noticed that one of the volume had a slight issue when you set it in the middle (it sometimes cut) and ended up cutting 30$ from the price because of it. It bears mentionning the bass doesnt originally come in wood grain, it had been sanded and refinished. The job was good though except for a little dent in the binding.
I personally didn't like the tones i was getting out of it. It sounded more suited for funk or something. It sounded too clean. And then, i really don't like wood grain or cared much for the body shape....
I've actually never known anyone who had a tr-70! Nice. What style of music do you play?
when i started playing i used to think it must not be that good and then i tried more expensive basses and found them lacking in comparison... I honestly wouldn't bother with getting other basses if it wasn't that i think aeshtetically it's just alright looking. I want a better looking bass.
I absolutely hate the way the SR series basses look, but they're great basses, so one of them has to occupy a spot in the top 5. Here are the remaining four -
Late 70's/early 80's Musican -
Bunker-built USATK -
Early 80's Roadstar -
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And even though it wasn't the best sounding bass, the 90's Affirma -
Just ran across this CL Denver ad and remembered this thread. No affiliation with the seller and can't afford the bass myself.
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Man, really hard to say since I haven't played all of them! I had an SR400 I liked but sold it and now have an SR530 that I love to death. Before Ibanez I had an old Peavey (a frikkin boat anchor), a Washburn ABT-15 and still have a Washburn ABT 10. I love the action and solid feel of my SR530 and the pewter finish with gold hardware looks really classy. The SR530 is just a solid piece of work. The Bartolini pickups work for whatever I want. I play 80's pop, old and new metal, and some blues on it (I feel like it could be a bit warmer for blues but thats prob an EQ issue) and it is just great. It seems to stay in tune forever and the action is perfect with no buzzing. Its lightweight, thin neck and so far just a great instrument. I don't know if its one of the best, but its one of the best I have owned.
There was a BB I tried out at one of the local shops (not a big name). It was beautiful and if I had the money that day I would have walked out with it... unfortunately not and now it's gone. For me, anything with an S is cool, but the BBs are my fav of the Ibbys.
The best Ibby I've ever played on was the RD 707. It balanced on my lap without aid. The thing was 100% flawless in assembly and finish, even had a three piece rock maple neck.
The second version of the Blazer, in '81, where they added the P pickup, is my fave of all-time. Any of the Blazers/Roadstars/Musicians in the '81-85 range are fantastic. There were a few variations in neck size and body shape, but all are built like tanks and sound nice and punchy. The Destroyer basses around '83-4 were well built and great sounding as well. I have tried liking their models since the '80s, but nothing seems to be built as well or sounds as good.
