Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
The Soundgear Club
- Thread starter THE DANiMAL
- Start date
-
- Tags
- club
IMO the tone of the Premium is superior to the one of the 500. It sounds fuller, more balanced and equal on all strings and has a lot more clarity - each note rings out perfectly. In the same time, it's a VERY growly bass.
However my testing is based on 5ers and I play with a pick, so it might be different from yours. The 500/505 is still the best bang for the buck from the SR series, but the 1200/1400E is called Premium for a good reason.
I have to respectfully disagree with Inger. The 500 has Bartolinis which many prefer over the Nords. They have much more growl and personality. (You can see my choice in my Avatar). The Nords are nice and smooth but generic to my ears - but of course that does help them fit more different styles. In the end it's just all a matter of what you like and it's different strokes for different folks.
The Premiums are wonderful instruments and they have a number of other advantages over the other models - primarily where they are built. Also the use of exotic wood tops.
The Premiums are wonderful instruments and they have a number of other advantages over the other models - primarily where they are built. Also the use of exotic wood tops.
Well, first of all, the Barts used for the SRs are Korean made by Cort (MK-1). There's a difference.
Second, I too like the Barts and find them growly and warm sounding, but pickups alone are not enough to determine the tone of a bass - take the 505 & 605 SRs for example: same neck, pickups & EQ, and yet they sound different.
The Premium I've tested was growlier than my SRT905DX, which is the growliest of all my Ibbys. But like I said before, I play with a pick and normally dig in hard - that's why my conclusion might be different from yours.
I'm still debating whether it would be worth for me to get a SR1205E, since I'm covered with my 505/605/SRT905DX - depends on what Ibby models will be released in 2012 (if any), but that Premium is tempting as hell.
I don't honestly care for the tone that much of either the 505 or the premiums, or any soundgear for that matter. The tone in both cases was pretty generic sounding to my ears, kind of dull without a lot of character. The preamp adds some character, but I don't ever use it.
But, I don't like Ibanez for its sound, I like it for its unparalleled comfort and playability. I'm going to try putting some aftermarket pickups in the 505 once I get one.
But, I don't like Ibanez for its sound, I like it for its unparalleled comfort and playability. I'm going to try putting some aftermarket pickups in the 505 once I get one.
Guess it still comes down to what you like. I didn't choose my bass because of where the Barts were made, I chose it because of the sound that particular bass produced. They had a pretty wide selection of Ibby's at my local GC and I was able to compare it to several models including some high end ones with the Nords and low end ones as well. It's just what I like and there's no harm in us having different opinions.
I will say that I go largely on sound and playability with less regard to fit and finish or where a thing is built. I lucked into a $300 SRX that has a neck to die for. Probably most of them don't, but this one is sweeet. And truth to tell, it sits more easily in a mix than the 700. We all have our criteria that we prefer.
taygunov said:
I have heard of someone else having that problem on talkbass. Can't remember who but it was definitely this year.
EDIT: found it, here you go - http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f18/ibanez-prestige-being-detroyed-humidity-help-822730/
Guess it still comes down to what you like. I didn't choose my bass because of where the Barts were made, I chose it because of the sound that particular bass produced. They had a pretty wide selection of Ibby's at my local GC and I was able to compare it to several models including some high end ones with the Nords and low end ones as well. It's just what I like and there's no harm in us having different opinions.
Of course there's no harm in having different opinions
I didn't want to use the "MK-1s are no real Barts" argument, but thing is they don't sound exactly like true Barts.
As for the rest...IMO the add for the Premium line is correct: these basses are Prestige level basses - tone included. The catch (so to speak) is not that the Premiums are not worth their price tag because they don't offer a lot more than the normal SRs, but the regular SRs being so well built that feel like pro instruments, and not like cheap toys - even when compared to their more expensive models
@KingRazor : I'd be very interested to see/hear a modded 500
I've always wondered how much its tone would change with different pups and/or EQ...ah so its a humidity problem. well that SUCKS. mine isn't as serious as that guys and I'm too lazy to get a picture. what do you think I should do about this?
New Soundgear Day! SR535, bought off ebay. Its in near mint condition, only flaw i can find is a small, very thin scratch on the side of the body, but its not very visible (doesnt even show on the photo). This bass is a great example of the Soundgear series. Very lightweight and comfortable, and still sounds great.
It was pretty hard to find one, and even the occasional one i did find, the seller would not ship to Canada! Im so glad i finally have my hands on one of these classy instruments!
It was pretty hard to find one, and even the occasional one i did find, the seller would not ship to Canada! Im so glad i finally have my hands on one of these classy instruments!
IngerAlb & PDGood - From what I've hear the MK-1s are actually pretty good, it's the preamp that's somewhat lacking.
Taygunov - I'd say try getting into contact with Ibanez about the issue directly. I'm guessing your bass is out of warranty though, so I'm not sure what they'll be able to do. You can try hopping on the Ibanez forum or try getting in touch with Tom on here, his Username is TomO58. I've dealt with him before, he's always been really helpful. If I recall correctly, he actually hand picked my SR905 for me when I ordered it. Either way, get into contact with them, and see what they can do.
Thrill-House - Sweet! I was thinking about getting one when they first came out. Still kinda want one. The pearl white with gold looks so awesome.
Taygunov - I'd say try getting into contact with Ibanez about the issue directly. I'm guessing your bass is out of warranty though, so I'm not sure what they'll be able to do. You can try hopping on the Ibanez forum or try getting in touch with Tom on here, his Username is TomO58. I've dealt with him before, he's always been really helpful. If I recall correctly, he actually hand picked my SR905 for me when I ordered it. Either way, get into contact with them, and see what they can do.
Thrill-House - Sweet! I was thinking about getting one when they first came out. Still kinda want one. The pearl white with gold looks so awesome.
Lol, I never said you did!I never said they suck
I completely agree with the different strokes for different folks thing. I personally am not a fan of the Nordy pups, I like the Barts more. BUT, I like the US barts even more.
I'd honestly like to A/B the pickups with the USAs and have both running the same preamp and see exactly how different they sound. It's something I've been very curious about.
Mine's a 2007. It's NOT an SRT it's an SR. Mine is like the "daddy" of the SRT line.
I know, I was joking
I normally hate EMG pickups; but the US made pups on my SRT905DX are very good. I was set on changing the factory pups with Barts or something similar, but after playing it for a bit I decided it was not necessary
So my guess is the US Barts will help the SR really shine; it sounds good stock, but with a better EQ and those pups in it will probably sound awesome. Ideally I'd love a mix of the old thicker bottom end and the current more open voice, with more control over the mid freqs.
This is my SR06 (Japan non-export) when I got it:
This is after the modding and fretless conversion:
This is my beloved and unmatched SDGR 5006 w/ Agui OBP 3:
This is after the modding and fretless conversion:
This is my beloved and unmatched SDGR 5006 w/ Agui OBP 3:
octaedro7 said:This is my SR06 (Japan non-export) when I got it:
This is after the modding and fretless conversion:
This is my beloved and unmatched SDGR 5006 w/ Agui OBP 3:
Wow, that looks like a completely different bass! Nice job! Do you have soundclips (and of the 5006)?
