There's Something About An Ibanez

[plangentmusic]

It was my first bass -- but I moved on to more "legit" instruments.

Now I'm back.

I won't say it's perfect for everything, but Ibby's have a clarity about them that's like nothing else. And they record beautifully.

Here's a little one minute piece with a SR500 taking the "main" part. It just wouldn't work with any other bass.



Just another example of how each instrument has its own vibe.

 

[fenderhutz]

I always come to back Ibanez basses. I love they way they sound when I practice and great playability, however, the SR series I have found don't cut it in a band situation for the music I play. That's why I installed vintage barts in my SR505.

On the other hand the older 80's Ibanez basses are my favorite P type basses. Sound amazing with no mods.

 

[chadhargis]

I've got a BTB that has such a great full range hi-fi type sound. Big bottom end and crisp highs. It just sings.

I use my G&L for the old school, thumpy, stuff. Two very good basses that compliment each other well.

 

[StevieMac]

I started out on an Ibanez too. A few years ago after a long time away from Ibanez I sold my Fenders and bought a SR905 which I’m really happy with. I just picked up another Fender but the Ibanez is a keeper.

 

[Tonegasm]

I'm hooked on Ibanez ATK's and USACG parts basses!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

If Ibanez didn't have such a huge line of very similar basses, I'd be a fan too - but they appear to make their product offering intentionally confusing, so it's hard to tell a "high end" Ibanez from a beginner (Yeah, Fender - or rather Squier - is doing the same thing).

That said, If I were a guy on a budget and needed a solid new bass, one of the better Ibanez's would be in my sights.

 

[plangentmusic]

If Ibanez didn't have such a huge line of very similar basses, I'd be a fan too - but they appear to make their product offering intentionally confusing, so it's hard to tell a "high end" Ibanez from a beginner (Yeah, Fender - or rather Squier - is doing the same thing).

That said, If I were a guy on a budget and needed a solid new bass, one of the better Ibanez's would be in my sights.

I made a similar post a while back. I played the sr500 -- 500 bucks and the Prestige -- 2K and really, the difference was nominal. And in the end, they both sounded like...well...an IBANEZ.

It isn't so much a "good for the price " thing for me. They have a sound and a character, just as P or a Rick have a sound and a character.

 

[EdMerc]

I love the SR500. As soon as it's in the budget I'm getting one.

 

[subject42]

I love my Ibanezes. It makes me wonder if either

A) the people who really dislike them had a bad experience with one of their bottom-of-the-line models

or

B) I don't have any idea about what a "good" bass really is and one day I'll have a revelation.

 

[HaMMerHeD]

I think the SR506 will be my 6-string.

Here's a little one minute piece with a SR500 taking the "main" part. It just wouldn't work with any other bass.



Just another example of how each instrument has its own vibe.

Sounds killer. Dig that bright tone with a touch of melancholy.

 

[KingRazor]

You know, the tone is actually my least favorite part of Ibanez. I like them for their looks and playability. The tone however is really uninspiring IMO.

 

[fourstringbliss]

I agree. I've tried lots of stuff and am back with two BTB's. Granted, I modified the electronics in one and will do the same in the other, but they both play beautifully.

I replaced the USA Bartolini stuff in my BTB510E with Nordstrand Big Splits and an Audere preamp. With TI flats it sounds so good!

I'm not a fan of Ibby electronics but the basses themselves are nice.

 

[KingRazor]

I agree. I've tried lots of stuff and am back with two BTB's. Granted, I modified the electronics in one and will do the same in the other, but they both play beautifully.

I replaced the USA Bartolini stuff in my BTB510E with Nordstrand Big Splits and an Audere preamp. With TI flats it sounds so good!

I'm not a fan of Ibby electronics but the basses themselves are nice.

I'm considering this, or throwing in some SGDs.

 

[fourstringbliss]

I'm considering this, or throwing in some SGDs.

I'm going to be putting some SGD's in a BTB1005OL that I just bought:

The stock pickups are an odd size for a fiver. They're just about the same dimensions as Bartolini 6-string soapbars, and Bartolini charges more for 6-string pups than they do for 4 or 5-string pups. This makes sense, but SGD doesn't do that - all of their pickups are $190 for the set! I like the sound in the clips better than any Bart I've ever heard as well. I think I'm going to go with a set of their Sidewinders.

 

[martyman5000]

I really like my 80's Ibanez bass guitars. I did purchase a very low end newer Ibanez and it was ok, would like to try a higher end one for a few days.

this looks very nice

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Corevalay]

I have an SR400 that someone at work gave to me for free. It's not the greatest thing in the world but I gotta say it plays so nice. I just wish it sounded a little better.

 

[danomite64]

I have Barts in my SR800, and want an SGD in my ATK (when he makes one). I just added a battery box on my 800, and replaced the tuners on my ATK, but neither of those mods were absolute necessities. Both basses are excellent playing instruments.

 

[Tommygunn]

I looovve the SR500 and will someday own one. But the SR506 has to be the best bass, that has over 4 strings, that I've ever played. I'm really getting into the full range. It will be my next bass.

 

[THand]

I thought you were all "I love you" with Squiers these days.

 

[Tommygunn]

I thought you were all "I love you" with Squiers these days.

I am. Squier doen't offer a 6er though.