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The Soundgear Club
- Thread starter THE DANiMAL
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I don't know if this is the intent, but...
Having two tuners on the bass side gives a longer gap between the nut and tuner, so the bass can accommodate more different winding lengths (and thus different strings).
It obviously doesn't cost more to do one configuration than the other, but it does cost money to change tooling and CAD files to switch from one layout to the other once one has been implemented.
Having two tuners on the bass side gives a longer gap between the nut and tuner, so the bass can accommodate more different winding lengths (and thus different strings).
It obviously doesn't cost more to do one configuration than the other, but it does cost money to change tooling and CAD files to switch from one layout to the other once one has been implemented.
Think it's just because it looks more high end. Sort of like the edges of bodies on the lower SRs have a more rounded edge while the upper SRs have a more tapered edge. Is it because it looks more expensive or because it reduces weight? Maybe both. Either way I love the look of the 2up 3dwn headstock and the sharper edged body on my SR1605NTF.
^ This ^
I had my 5 string with 3 bass + 2 treble tuner configuration for 23 years prior getting my first Ibanez with 2 bass + 3 treble configuration. I noticed that it came with extra long Elixir (38" winding length), but then it could also be strung with D'Addario long scale (37.1" winding length) without any problem.
It wasn't the same case with the 3+2 tuner configuration bass. The 38" winding length low-B string would get wound onto the tuning post if I tried to use it on my bass with 3+2 tuner configuration. Then this introduced me to the topic of required string winding length and later learned that some string companies have longer winding length despite marketing their products as the same long scale strings.
Since then, I'd make sure the tuner had 2+3 configuration every time I'm getting a 5 string bass.
I also agree with this suggestion. It certainly makes using DR strings with their 38" winding length a lot easier to put on the bass than stringing them on an Ibanez with the 3 + 2 head stock configuration.
I hate having the winding of the B wound around the post. Doesn't seem to affect playability but aesthetically it looks better on the 2 + 3 headstock.
Not only aesthetically, more importantly, there were also testimonies here on TB mentioning the low-B broke when the thick part was wound onto the tuner post.
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I'm curious about how they sound too. I love the fact that it has an Ash body & Ash has some really nice grain patterns & not too heavy of wood. I've got a 10' SR600 w/walnut stain & the older MK1s converted to BEAD ... It's been one of my faves for years & lightweight.
Which color did you get? They both look nice.
Thanks for the explanation, mangs. I'll have to dig out my SR655 (haven't played it for a long time but I've been thinking about it lately) to see how my B string is wrapped. I think I put on D'Adarrio Chromes on it. On second thought, I'm pretty sure I was pleasantly surprised by the stock Elixirs and left them on there.
I think the stock strings are D'Addario XL Nickle wounds. That's what I've always used on all of my SRs. Nice and bright but not harsh sounding.
I thought they used Elixirs but switched to D'Addarios in the last few years. I read that somewhere yesterday but I don't remember where.
This thread is 6 years old. At one point, Ibanez basses shipped with Elixirs. My SR655 was bought in 2015 or 2016 perhaps. I'm going to dig out my SR655 and see if it has those colored ball ends D'Darrios have.
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After a little snooping seems my 2009 SR700 came with Elixirs and my 2013 SR1605 came with XLs. Either way they are both decent strings. \m/
My SR500L and SR1200L VNF came with Elixers. The SR500 was new and the SR1200L used. I swapped out both sets of strings for Ernie Ball Slinkys. I have a light touch and depend on the power of the amp for volume, I don't like to slam on my bass. So my basses have virtually no wear on the frets from the Ernie Ball Slinkys. As I'm getting older I'm considering going back to the Elixers as they aren't as bright and twangy as Slinkys. I'm fickle. I may change my mind tomorrow... 
The Prestige models are still given the Elixir as stocks, but the Indonesian builds (regular mid level and Premium models) have (gradually) switched to D'Addario since in 2015. The last one I have that came with the Elixir is a 2014 BTB1406 Premium. The lower numbers/beginner's models came with unknown brand strings.
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I change my original d'addario string to dr fat beam to get warm fat deep tone and never regret....d addario sounds too bright for me
When I got the 2009 made SR5000E in 2018 as NOS it still had the stock Elixirs on it and they were as good as new.
Love Soundgears.
Here are my two current fivers: SR505 (ca 2010) and SR375EF (fretless, brand new):
And here's my old SR900, modified with a Darkglass Tone Capsule and Bartolini Classic Bass humbuckers.
It was a great bass, but I don't really play 4-strings anymore, so I sold it off.
Here are my two current fivers: SR505 (ca 2010) and SR375EF (fretless, brand new):
And here's my old SR900, modified with a Darkglass Tone Capsule and Bartolini Classic Bass humbuckers.
It was a great bass, but I don't really play 4-strings anymore, so I sold it off.
I also have an sr900 upgraded with an Aguilar OPB-3. Great bass but I also just don't play 4 much anymore so I'll be moving it soon.
