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The Ibanez Club (Part 5)

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#102
radarrider said:
Hi,

Been looking for a 5 string and found a BTB sound to my liking, but the 6 string I was actually able to lay my hands on had spacing that threw me. I play a sr500 now and wondered what this scoop is on string spacing.

One post said BTB had narrower string spacing. One BTB 5-string prestige for sale says 19 in its spacing. Please point me to the place to understand what is what with the IB SR/BTB string spacing.

I really want to be able to seamlessly switch between my axes and am a newbie on this. Thanks--RR
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Ibanez Japan lists the BTB Sixers with 17mm string spacing and the Fivers with 19mm spacing: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#106
[QUOTE=JoeVictim;12143836

Is there any other bass you might recommend? I have played mostly passive instruments. Love my Jazz but it's way too heavy. Thanks for the help.[/QUOTE

If you're leaning towards Ibanez, you should keep saving and get the Premium SR1200E or SR1400E. Some of them do weigh under 8 lbs. Sweetwater.com shows photos of the actual bass you buy and lists the weight and has a generous return policy.

The SR500 is never going to sound passive or like a Jazz. The Premiums have an active passive switch and Nordstrand Jazz pickups.

By itself the Korean Mk1 Barts in the SR500 seem OK. But side by side with the good American quality Nordy's in the SR1200E or SR1400E, you can really hear and feel the difference in tone presence and touch response. And from first hand experience with my SR600 with MK1's, the bass is lost in the mix with a band live.

I'd bite the bullet and get something professional. Entry level basses just end up costing you more in the long haul.
(FWIW)
 
#107
SR500 is overall the best bang for the buck from the entire SR line.

BUT the Premiums are totally worth their price tag; the tone is massive, can get quite growly and it's very even on all the strings, while the B is crystal clear and tight (IMO normally the B on most Ibbys - including 5ers - tend to sound a bit loose). Some folks say these kind of sound like a Fender - I personally don't hear that, they still sound very modern & hi-fi to my ears, but hey :) You may think of the Premiums as Prestige quality basses at an affordable price.
 
#108
JoeVictim said:
Hey Ibby TB club. I heard that the SR line was fairly lightweight. This is good because I have back issues. I need a sub 8lb bass. The closer to 7, the better. Anyways, is the 500 series worth the extra 200 bucks over the 300? I noticed the real differences being the 500 has the accucast 300 bridge like the 700's, fancy oval inlays, and the barts. How about weight? I played a blue sparkle 300 last night and it was fairly light. Is the 500 any better or worse?

Is there any other bass you might recommend? I have played mostly passive instruments. Love my Jazz but it's way too heavy. Thanks for the help.
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The 500 is much better than the 300. Better pick ups, just as light and everything about the bass just seems better built. If you are interested, I am selling my 2010 SR 500 that is a Guitar Center Exclusive. I bought new and it has pretty much sat in the case because around the same time I bought it I started using Music Man basses. Here is a picture of it. If you are interested, pm me for details.

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#110
IMO, the jump from the 300 to the 500 series is significant because the 300 is really a budget line that sacrifices on every other aspect to reach it's price point. With the 500 series, you begin to see a good balance between cost versus functionality and quality. Durability is an issue with the 500 series instruments. I've seen a bunch that look rough after only a year or so of being gigged. The finishes aren't well protected on those basses at all.

The 600 and 700 series SR's IMHO are where you start seeing more of a lean toward professional quality without neglecting the budget of non-professional players. The Premium line would be even more solidly in that latter category with professional quality production yet meeting a good price point because of the Indonesian cost benefits. The Prestige goes a bit further toward professional quality but the quality benefits over the Premium are minimum in terms of build quality. The only reason to go Prestige over Premium in my mind is if you like the aesthetics or electronics better, and are willing to pay a premium amount to get them. IMHO it would be nice of both the current Premium and Prestige models came in both Indonesian and Japanese models with price-points to match.

None of this is to say you couldn't gig and be successful with a 300 series instrument, but they defintely aren't made with that type of musician in mind. But again, "worth" is only something that the buyer/listener and determine.
 
#111
Eublet said:
IMO, the jump from the 300 to the 500 series is significant because the 300 is really a budget line that sacrifices on every other aspect to reach it's price point. With the 500 series, you begin to see a good balance between cost versus functionality and quality. Durability is an issue with the 500 series instruments. I've seen a bunch that look rough after only a year or so of being gigged. The finishes aren't well protected on those basses at all.

The 600 and 700 series SR's IMHO are where you start seeing more of a lean toward professional quality without neglecting the budget of non-professional players. The Premium line would be even more solidly in that latter category with professional quality production yet meeting a good price point because of the Indonesian cost benefits. The Prestige goes a bit further toward professional quality but the quality benefits over the Premium are minimum in terms of build quality. The only reason to go Prestige over Premium in my mind is if you like the aesthetics or electronics better, and are willing to pay a premium amount to get them. IMHO it would be nice of both the current Premium and Prestige models came in both Indonesian and Japanese models with price-points to match.

None of this is to say you couldn't gig and be successful with a 300 series instrument, but they defintely aren't made with that type of musician in mind. But again, "worth" is only something that the buyer/listener and determine.
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Stock for stock, your definitely right in that. Im considering upgrading the pre amp on my srx 390, possibly find a parted out sr500 or 600 on ebay and go from there. I love mine cosmetically that's for sure!
 
#113
I'm sad to say that I have to sell my Custom SR1200e :crying:
I have to move next month and this is the only option I have.....
This is the nicest looking, playing and sounding Bass that I have owned. It is in Mint/New condition...
Thought I would let you all know to before I put it in the Classifieds tonight..Since you are all Ibanez Fans :cool:

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Sad day this is......:(
You can PM me if interested...
 
#114
I bought this bass, new, in or around 1972. It was my first bass.

I did not know until this morning that it is an Ibanez. Apparently, the first run of these things had no brand markings. Just "Made In Japan."

Questions:

1) If anyone knows where I can get the ramp thingie that is supposed to be over the strings between the pups, I'd appreciate knowing. My daughter removed and misplaced it.

2) How do I put images into the text of a post?
 

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#118
danomite64 said:
I wouldn't define that as mint or new. Mint/new basses have their headstock logos on them, not to mention the original hardware.
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To me Mint/New condition means zero signs of wear ...No scratches and dings. The custom work is just a plus...Hardware is new, also straight from Ibanez (except for the New straplocks)
A lot of people including myself is not very fond of the Gold hardware...Great thing is, we all have our own opinions :cool:
 
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