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Which Bass should I buy?

bordinco90

bordinco90

Dec 7, 2011
3,017
4,081
SW Louisiana
#1
Hello everyone! I am buying a new bass in a few months and I want to get it right. I have narrowed my choices down to either a Ibanez SR505 or a Schecter Stiletto Custom 5. I have experience playing both instruments and I like them both. I am mainly concerned about the longevity of each bass. Has anybody owned one of these basses for awhile? Help Please!
 
#3
I don't have the Custom, but I have had a Schecter that is comparable in quality to it since 2007, it is fine today save for normal wear like buckle rash.

Funnily enough, at least to myself, is that when I picked up my Schecter I was split between it and an Ibanez. Honestly I don't think there is a wrong answer here whichever you choose.
 
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#4
They're both nice, reliable instruments. String spacing is narrower on the Ibanez. Another one for you to consider in that price range would be a Yamaha BB425/BB425x. If it's like my BB1025x it'll be narrower at the nut, which you may like. They play real well, especially if you're looking to get more traditional P/J tones.
 
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#6
I own a Schecter Diamond Series Omen Extreme 5, which is just a little lower on the ladder of Schecter 5 string basses than the Stiletto and have to say that I haven't had any problems whatsoever with it and it looks just as new as when I first picked it up, even being left in the car in 100+ degree weather more than a few times...
 
#8
I had the Stiletto Elite and also the Ibanez SR700 (similar to the SR500 but better finish). See my user pic. I agree with yakmastermax above, if you get the SR505 in that Mahogany finish, it's going to look pretty bad through normal usage in no time, if possible, don't get one in that finish.
Now a few things about the Stiletto, unless you get the Studio, you'll only have a 2 band EQ. It really makes a difference in tonal range and versatility. The Ibanez has a 3 band EQ with the Mid.
In terms of longevity, other than the Mahogany finish on the standard SR505, both basses are pretty solid and will last if you take care of them.
 
#10
I have had my Ibanez SR506 for 10 years, and gigged it regularly in that time. The only issue I've had, is the low quality finish. Prepare to have lots of dings and scratches if you go that route. That being said, the tone from the Bartolinis is killer, and the bass plays well.
 
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#11
yakmastermax said:
My Ibanez SR500 had an unacceptably weak finish. Other than that though I really loved the bass. Great tones and great playability.

I'd personally be interested in the Stiletto though.
Click to expand...

I also owned an Ibanez SR500 and it would dent if you looked at it wrong. My son plays a Schecter and a solid bass. I really liked the tone of the Ibby, I vote for the Ibanez, just be careful with it.
 
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#12
I vote for the schecter. Had the ibby. Found the string spacing a little tight. I have a schecter stiletto elite and a studio. Great necks, reliable, and the EMG pickups sound good stock and EMG offers a huge range of pickups that drop right in depending on your tonal goals. In fact many other companies makes replacement pickups that fit.
Bottom line I think the schecter basses are way underrated, quality instruments that are easily upgradable if need be.
 
#13
bordinco90 said:
Hello everyone! I am buying a new bass in a few months and I want to get it right. I have narrowed my choices down to either a Ibanez SR505 or a Schecter Stiletto Custom 5. I have experience playing both instruments and I like them both. I am mainly concerned about the longevity of each bass. Has anybody owned one of these basses for awhile? Help Please!
Click to expand...
Considering your choices I would certainly try a Yamaha TRBX305 or TRBX505 (a BB425 is really nice too, but more P(/J)-bass like, as said above). These basses have a more meaty feel to them than an Ibanez. More solid. They are great as to construction quality, finish, sound and electronics. Just MHO. Great necks too. For sure. (They do not pay me ;)).
 
#14
GDUBS said:
I vote for the schecter. Had the ibby. Found the string spacing a little tight. I have a schecter stiletto elite and a studio. Great necks, reliable, and the EMG pickups sound good stock and EMG offers a huge range of pickups that drop right in depending on your tonal goals. In fact many other companies makes replacement pickups that fit.
Bottom line I think the schecter basses are way underrated, quality instruments that are easily upgradable if need be.
Click to expand...
^^^This exactly^^^
 
#18
bordinco90 said:
I am mainly concerned about the longevity of each bass.
Click to expand...
Longevity?!?!

How often do you hear of someone wearing out a bass?
Both basses should last as long as the other if you take care of them!

So which one do you want?
You are the one that's going to play one of them.
Only you can choose.
 
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#19
In terms of longevity they both will be similar. But as said above the schecter finish will certainly be more durable. I also found the necks on my schecter basses to need less adjustment. I live in a very humid climate and cold winters. The only answer I can give is my ibbies got sold n I still have the schecter basses.
 
#20
I have a little lower end Schecter and Ibanez, both 5s. I have to agree that the B string is a little flabby on the Ibby. In the long run, I prefer the Schecter. I don't know if there is magic in the 35" uniform radius neck or not, but however it works Scecter has the B handled better than Ibanez in my humble opinion.
Not sure where you weigh in on body material, but that could be a consideration as well. I think the Schecter you are looking at is mahog. If it's basswood you might double check that's a direction you want to go.

Best,
WF
 

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