Specs look exactly the same. Is it just cosmetics that make the higher numbered Ibanez soundgear basses more expensive?
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What's the difference between Ibanez SR 500, 600, and 700 series?
- Thread starter And I
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Not sure, but my understanding is the higher number gets you a better value per $ bass. I do know the SR505 seems like a great buy and from there they just get better. I personally have a cheap SR300DX and for the $ it is fantastic.
I have a 505. I'm looking to unload it and get a 4 string. I currently have a squire vintage modified jazz bass--which i like. i'm thinking a nice ibanez 4 would be a nice contrast to the squire. but i'm not sure if it's worth spending more on the more expensive models. guess i will have to play them all. this will be fun!
Alkali Ike
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- Jan 1, 2011
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If you check out www.ibanez.com you can compare the features of the exact models you're interested in side-by-side. The only difference between the 500-600-700 seems to be the body wood material and finish and hardware color (Cosmo Black or Black Flat). The rest of the specs are the same.
I have an SRF705, and the hardware is different (not just the color) it hasa passive piezo pup and separate vols for each pup! So its a different instrument also regarding the differences in wood, which is what creates the fundamental tone of the instrument.
The electronics, pu's, and physical dimensions are identical; the only real difference are the body woods/finish. The SR600 is maybe the best buy of the 3 having a light body with a nice woodgrain.
I have an SR600 & SR705.
I have an SR600 & SR705.
I bought an SR500 a couple of years ago and this year got both the SR800 and SR805. I haven't played on a 600 or 700 series, but I'll just give you a couple of my thoughts on the differences. The SR500 has a different neck than what they offer now. I think what I have is maple versus Jatoba/Bubinga and that's probably where I feel the biggest difference between the two. The necks on the 800s have a weightier feel to them that seems to offer a more comfortable but slower play style. The action on the 500 is ridiculous which is why it is still in my rotation.
Since the construction has changed on these models the differences may not be as noticeable. The only other big difference is just in the general fit and finish. The 800s offer the burled top and I think the overall polish is better. The neck and frets are all completely smooth and everything seems tied together well. The 500 is not bad by any stretch, but I have noticed more hand wear while playing indicating that the frets weren't worked as much. A very minor thing for such a great value.
Overall I'm very impressed with the SR line. If you have the chance to hold each model in your hand that may help you make up your mind. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. The body shapes are all the same so once you find the action and looks you desire the only thing left is making sure it's in your budget. Otherwise just go with what speaks to you.
Since the construction has changed on these models the differences may not be as noticeable. The only other big difference is just in the general fit and finish. The 800s offer the burled top and I think the overall polish is better. The neck and frets are all completely smooth and everything seems tied together well. The 500 is not bad by any stretch, but I have noticed more hand wear while playing indicating that the frets weren't worked as much. A very minor thing for such a great value.
Overall I'm very impressed with the SR line. If you have the chance to hold each model in your hand that may help you make up your mind. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. The body shapes are all the same so once you find the action and looks you desire the only thing left is making sure it's in your budget. Otherwise just go with what speaks to you.
Big Hoss
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Mind you, Ibanez has recycled their model numbering scheme from completely dissimilar basses. For example the current SR-500 is a Mahogany body SR5 maple, bubinga and something else laminated neck bass with dual Bartolini soap bar style pickups. I have a 90s vintage SR-500 with a clear coated natural finish maple body with a laminated curly maple neck, the pickups when new were Ibanez designed P/J active pickups. I used to have a vintage unknown SR-505 that was a 5 stringer with a similar neck to my older SR-500, and the body was a gloss black lacquer finish with an unknown wood, and active P/J style pickups.
The SR-500 that is current was the replacement for the SR-480 (my main bass). Aside from pickups / EQ and the body cutout variations to accomodate those, the two are pretty much the same.
While I have never had the opportunity to, my former instructor back in early 2003 right after I bought my 480 played it, and liked it so much he went out and bought one of his own, after owning / playing Rickenbackers, a Jackson, and countless Fenders...
I am, and have been a long term fan of the Ibanez Soundgear basses. There really isn't any room to complain on these basses at all...
The SR-500 that is current was the replacement for the SR-480 (my main bass). Aside from pickups / EQ and the body cutout variations to accomodate those, the two are pretty much the same.
While I have never had the opportunity to, my former instructor back in early 2003 right after I bought my 480 played it, and liked it so much he went out and bought one of his own, after owning / playing Rickenbackers, a Jackson, and countless Fenders...
I am, and have been a long term fan of the Ibanez Soundgear basses. There really isn't any room to complain on these basses at all...
