What if you had $400

[HarveyRobertson]

I have $400 in reverb credit. Ready to spend it all on a $400 bass.

I don't want a.used bass, don't need someone else's dr'd up bass..

So if you had $400 which would you buy?

1. Jackson Spectra 5

2.Ibanez SR305E

3. Sterling Ray 5 HH

 

[Zooberwerx]

None of the above. If an option, I'd add some coin to the $400 and buy something a little better. Goes even further if you decide to give used gear a second thought.

Riis

 

[mdogs]

I’d save my money and get something better.

 

[Nebadon2000]

don't need someone else's dr'd up bass..

Many players take excellent care of their Instruments and upgrade strings and hardware also insure it is setup properly when they sell used.

As to your question; You have two that look like attractive Modern Basses and one looks like an Iconic Bass and by design will have it's flavor.

The overall quality for price should be similar for all 3 and playability and sound should not be wildly different although the Ibanez may be lighter with slimmer neck and SBMM Sub may be easiest to turnaround if it doesn't work for you also I hear Fender has done good things with Jackson. Go with your gut instinct if you can't find a way to check them out locally before making the Reverb buy.

 

[Solarmist]

Between those three, I'd go with the SR305 because Ibanez does make quality basses even on their lower end, but if it was my money - I'd save another $400 and look at some used Ibanez Premium basses (with the Nordstrand pickups) or some other 5ers maybe. I get that you don't want used, but you can get some really nice basses for about half the original cost.

 

[Ace Of Bass]

I would use that as a $400 credit towards a better bass....you really shouldn’t sleep on the used stuff....some real deals can be found on Reverb, especially now, if you are somewhat flexible...

 

[Sid the Kid]

That Jackson looks quite nice. I bet it it one of those body shapes that looks a bit less traditional but melts in to you. For the small $400 you can’t go wrong with any of the 3.

 

[Jackcrow]

I agree you can find some nice used stuff for $400 but out of the ones you mentioned I’d take the Ray 5 HH.

 

[DanAdams]

$400 is a crappy price point for new basses. but an awesome price point for used basses.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I’d pick the Sterling, the Jackson is a sweet bass and is pretty much their answer to the Ibanez end of the market but, one thing to note is when I was trying one out in the store the volume and blend knob are a little bit closer to the strings than on the Ibanez, which was causing me to hit them with my hand in certain spots.
That being said you can’t go wrong with the Ibanez either!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I almost commented there's nothing wrong with the SR305E, but then I remembered that you'll need to replace the machine-heads & the neck has no reinforcement, so it might not be very stiff.
Getting a pre-owned Premium Soundgear for around $700 seems like a better deal to me!

 

[bordinco90]

Between the 3 I would go with the Ibanez. Really good quality basses even at the $400 price point. If I had to pick a bass for me for $400, I would get the Squier Classic Vibe P or J Bass.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

If you must spend it, I'd look for something to mod a bass or a pedal or similar. Since you're limiting to new basses only, you're missing out on some better basses. If you could add a few bucks, I'd get this: Ibanez ATK305 1997 | Gear Outlet | Reverb

 

[Cowboy in Latvia]

To go along with all of the other posts that don't have anything to do with what you actually wrote...buy a USA Peavey...

 

[Tim Skaggs]

#3

 

[beaglesandbass]

Of the three in theory, the Ray. In reality, none. As Dan said..

$400 is a crappy price point for new basses. but an awesome price point for used basses.

I can’t remember the last time I bought a new bass, but I probably never will again. I just got a used bass on Wednesday that is absolutely flawless.

 

[KaraQ]

I have $400 in reverb credit. Ready to spend it all on a $400 bass.

I don't want a.used bass, don't need someone else's dr'd up bass..

So if you had $400 which would you buy?

1. Jackson Spectra 5
View attachment 3901007

2.Ibanez SR305E
View attachment 3901010

3. Sterling Ray 5 HH
View attachment 3901016

I think the Jackson is the best looking/prettiest, but I have no experience with them or the Sterlings, so my vote goes for the Ibanez because:

 

[jd56hawk]

I have $400 in reverb credit. Ready to spend it all on a $400 bass.

I don't want a.used bass, don't need someone else's dr'd up bass..

So if you had $400 which would you buy?

1. Jackson Spectra 5
View attachment 3901007

2.Ibanez SR305E
View attachment 3901010

3. Sterling Ray 5 HH
View attachment 3901016

Yeah, yeah, some people will tell you to buy used and some will tell you to buy some other bass you don't want.
Hey, I have four basses right now, only one was new when I bought it and not one Jackson, Ibanez or Sterling in the crowd, but since you asked about three basses in particular, I'd have to go with the Sterling if it's anywhere near as good as the Ray 34s.
Looks damned nice, too!

 

[TrustRod]

I'd rule out the Jackson solely on taste. I don't like the color and I prefer the narrower spacing of the Ibanez & SBMM. Which one of those 2 I'd pick will depend on when exactly you ask. I'd want to mod the sterling to be a bit more flexible and I'd want to rip out the preamp on the Ibanez.

Ignoring your choices the 30" Ibanez Talman because I want to get some time on a 30" before building a fancier one.

 

[Lammchop93]

I’ve been playing bass for 15 years, and 2 of the 30+ basses I’ve owned were new. And all of the used ones get played more with the exception of my Schecter, which was gifted to me and was a new bass. I’ve played the crap out of that bass.

Save up a little more and buy used. You’ll get so much more for your money.