• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Which Ibanez? BTB1406 SR1806 SR5006?

JipJ

JipJ

Jul 17, 2014
12
3
The Netherlands
#1
I have decided to buy a 6 string Ibanez because I like the sound of the Ibanezess I have heard so far and the playability of an SR. However, it is difficult to do A/B tests (no shops have them all in the house; so equipment and conditions will be very different in each situation). Did anybody do comparative A/B tests? I am particularly interested in what you think are the differences in sound. How do the B and C string behave on the different instruments (similarity/difference in sound with the other strings?).
I am also interested in information about the weight and balance of the instruments (difficult to find information on internet).
I know the other specs (and the difference in price, but I can get a used 5006 for the new price of the others). I have a small preference for the smaller string spacing of the SR's.
Please, let me know what you think based on your experience with these instruments (or their 5 string equivalents).
Thanks in advance
 
Last edited:
#2
I can attest to the 5 string versions of the BTB 1405 an the SR1805. They are both the best basses I've ever played and its crazy that the tone for the 2 even though they have the same electronics and Nordstrand Big Singles in them they still sound completely different. I like them so much that I've sold everything else and these are my main basses right now. Tone is so crystal clear and Modern punchy. Stands out from the pack in our band and that's something that my Stingray 5 HH didn't do. I've wanted to try the 5005 but have researched them a lot and the people that have tried the premium and the Prestige line most have said at they Premium is better especially for the price difference. The 1805 is a beautiful bass too. You can ssee my 2 in my avatar.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JipJ
#3
Thanks Campbems, that is very helpful! Indeed, very beautifull basses. I have played for a long time classical guitar and shifted to the bass guitar and different music styles a few years ago (much more fun). I find the tonal quality, the string-wood interaction of the Ibanez very good (you hear the strings and the woods, not just electronics), closer to the natural sound of an acoustic instrument than any other common electric bass I have heard. Probably something with more harmonics. (By the way, I already have a Rob Allen and a Tacoma Thunderchief for that more acoustic domain; I am really looking here for a good electric bass sound). What I could distinguish less in the Ibanez bass were impressive lower tones (i.e in comparison with Fender and Lakland in the same price category and tested on the same equipment; these had probably a more dominant, very typical low end, but were more flat in tone for the whole tonal spectrum - this comment is not meant for Fender and Lakland lovers ;-) ) Maybe you could tell us something about the tonal difference between the BTB and SR; which has the most huge bottom end? Or are they similar in this respect? Would you use for a particular style of music one of these instruments? How does the B string, in your view, sound in relation to the other strings in a comparison between the BTB and the SR?
Other question: how does their weight compare?
It would be very kind if you could help me once more.
 
#4
The BTB is more aggressive with its bigger body and wider 19mm spacing. Really good for slapping if that's what you do. Effortless to play because the neck is wide but not overly thick. The B string is great on the BTB and the tonal options are amazing. I just finished recording our 2nd Cd with it and could tell a big difference for the 1st CD and my previous Stingray. Sound Engineer was amazed.

The SR I just bought and the thin neck is very fast and effortless also but the surprising thing for me was the B string is the clearest and most focused I've ever played or heard. It's really amazing the the wood combination of the 1805 really puts the best sound. I didn't think I could ever beat my BTB 1405 but this 1805 is the most crisp tone I've ever seen. Really separates itself from the band.

Bottom line if I was a slap player I would look for the Btb1405 but if I didn't the SR 1805 is your baby. Amazing basses and beautiful too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: srayb and JipJ
#6
the btb feels large--body, scale, & spacing--it's not a big difference on paper but it's notiecable if you prefer the tighter feel of hte SR that's going to be the deciding factor I think I just don't think you'll like the inflated feel of the btb but I appreciate the robust strength rigidity you're going to ahve fun with 6 any one of those you'll be able to get the sounds out of them they're very diversified malleable
 
  • Like
Reactions: JipJ
#7
Bassworship1 said:
Thank you Campbems and Chuck. This is really helpful!! I decided to go for an SR instead of a BTB (both your comments were important here), more precisely the 1806 (I decided the used 5006 is too heavy for me and I listened around and like the Nordstrands). Unfortunately it turns out that the sr1806 is not (or not yet?) available in the Netherlands. The alternative might be the SR1206. By any chance, have you listened to that bass. How would it compare to the sr1806?
best
kees
Click to expand...
 
#9
I can't attest for the sound difference between the two, but I can vouch that my first bass purchase was a 5 string BTB405 from Daddy's Used Gear years ago. The fact that it's got a full EQ on board is a major plus to me. The BTB's tone is probably in the top 2 of my 5 basses I currently own. I have 3X 4 strings and 2X 5strings (the BTB and a Warwick Corvette). Number 1 is my 4 string Charvel neck thru with an active EMG PJ setup.

I got the wick because I always wanted a Warwick and loved the tone. And now I find that the things that the BTB has are the things I look for in a 5 string. 19mm string spacing, a wide neck that's not a burden to hit that top string, great tone, and good balance. The Warwick sounds great, but I feel that the neck is a little thin around the 1-5 frets where I play the most, and the 16.5mm string spacing just isn't for me. When I play some of our fast (thrash) stuff on the Warwick, I find that I have to concentrate more to make it sound fluid. When I pick up my BTB, I find that it's so much more natural. I'm pretty aggressive with my right hand so the 19mm seems more forgiving. The neck thickness and 19mm string spacing are just what I seem to keep looking for in every other bass I test out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JipJ
#10
Love Ibby's. it's a shame they still have the stigma of lower priced basses -- even though they have some that are OVER priced! The thing is, the medium priced one's are OUTSTANDING. And they have their own sound -- clear, clean and very "hi fi." Their B strings tend to be very solid.
 
#11
for the six string versions from Ibanez, you are always looking at narrow string spacing.

So the difference between say a "premium" model BTB and a "premium" model SR, would come down to the scale length and the overall size/weight difference.

The BTB are 35 scale, which theoretically means tighter string tension and more clarity on the low strings. It also means a slightly longer reach between frets. The BTB is also a physically larger design, so it weighs about an extra pound if you are looking at the 1406. The lower model BTBs run heavier. I think Ibanez chooses light wood for the 1400 BTBs, as they are all relatively light, for their size and they don't seem to vary in weight nearly as much as other models. The BTB neck is a little bit thicker and a little bit wider. Not a lot, though.

So the SR, as previously mentioned, is just smaller and lighter. shorter neck, slightly less thick, slightly less wide, less massive body, overall lower weight. and the string tension should theoretically be lower, although I find Ibanez basses to string up relatively tight anyway.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: JipJ
#12
I'll preface by saying this - Ibanez aren't a custom shop and because of that even the nice basses or guitars you'll buy from them will be hit or miss. I've experienced this myself with a few of their top of the line Prestige basses being sent out with small faults and issues, or needing an urgent set up right away. With all that being said, here's my experience with the 5006:

I've been playing for many years and I have come across all the boutique basses you can imagine. I currently own Sadowsky's and Lull's, Wyn's and MTD's so I have a very good reference point to compare to.
The Ibanez SR5006 - Oh my goodness, what a bass.
This instrument is still expensive but it cost a FRACTION of what all these other botique basses cost and the quality is just is good. Instrument feels solid, craftsmanship is top notch and the tone on this baby is crystal clear thanks to the custom Barts.
I am so impressed with this instrument, so easy to play with the 16.5mm spacing especially for a 6 string.
I will agree that the bass is SLIGHTLY low output, perhaps due to the preamp but that is by no means an issue for me personally. That's what the volume knob on my amp is for.

The only cons for me are the delicate finish which will definitely blemish if you're an aggressive player, and the gold hardware which is just something personal I don't like.

Aside from that, it's a great bass, definitely recommend.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JOME77
#19
Perhaps this thread has the record number of "inactive" members attached…?

But getting back to the question at hand, years after this thread was created…
Some of us like a slightly wider string spacing, and the SRSC806 has an 18mm string spacing - the Goldilocks of the SR models (for me, anyway).
I have only gotten to play the SRSC805, and it is by far my favorite Ibanez of all time. I'm not a 6-string player, but if I were to dive in, the 806 would be my first choice ha de down. And the SC body is wonderfully carved and not ostentatiously huge.

SRSC806 | SR | ELECTRIC BASSES | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars
 
  • Like
Reactions: JipJ and srayb
#20
Bassworship1 said:
I can attest to the 5 string versions of the BTB 1405 a the SR1805. They are both the best basses I've ever played and its crazy that the tone for the 2 even though they have the same electronics and Nordstrand Big Singles in them they still sound completely different. I like them so much that I've sold everything else and these are my main basses right now. Tone is so crystal clear and Modern punchy. Stands out from the pack in our band and that's something that my Stingray 5 HH didn't do. I've wanted to try the 5005 but have researched them a lot and the people that have tried the premium and the Prestige line most have said at they Premium is better especially for the price difference. The 1805 is a beautiful bass too. You can ssee my 2 in my avatar.
Click to expand...
So it's 2025, and I'm just now seeing this thread. I recently bought an sr5006ol. Here's my take on the subject. Let me preface by saying I've owned some really nice basses, including a Fodera. The 5006 is a very special instrument. Fit and finish were second to none. Hands down the tightest, and best sounding low B string I've ever experienced. I was really surprised, because I thought my USA Lakland would hold that spot indefinitely. My 5006 came perfectly setup, with impossibly low action, that felt perfectly even across the fretboard. As others have stated, the gold hardware just wasn't for me. Another issue for me was the balance of the bass. It tended to have some neck dive, although not as much as my thumb bo 5. No it wasn't the strap, because I have a massive custom made strap, and it did nothing to help reduce the neck dive. My Fodera weighed 11 lbs, and balanced so perfectly, I would have no issues during a 4 hour show. Lastly, it ended up with finish issues. I was living, and gigging in South Florida, and the humidity probably played a part. To some things up, the sr5006 is one of the nicest basses I've had the pleasure of owning, and I wish I still owned it. Even with the stated drawbacks, which were mostly personal preference.
 
  • Like
Reactions: konaaayukeeenee

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back