Which Ibanez SR should I pick?

[hyp.spec]

I've had a sr505 for almost 10 years and hardly ever have to touch the truss rod. It's a solid, solid instrument. The electronics could be better, but its also 10 years old. I've played on newer 5,6,7xx basses and they have all been fanstatic, not only in fit, finish, but in playability and sound.

 

[Stevorebob]

Of course, that's just your opinion. I've owned many basses, including SR's with Nords, but my all-time favorite is my current SR5000E. The Bart's on the 5000E are bright and clear and have a very nice growl.

To the OP, any of those three will be great basses for you.

Yes it's my opinion. But here's a fact: The Indonesian-made licensed "Bartolini" MK-1 pickups in the Ibanez SR500 through 900 series basses are not the same pickups as the U.S.A.-made Bartolinis found in your Prestige SR5000. (Nice bass, by the way.) Back to my opinion: The MK-1s do not have anywhere the clarity of the U.S.A.-made Bartolinis you have in your SR5000. Also my opinion: It would be a big mistake to buy an SR505 based on, and expecting, the pickup performance of the SR5000. Two different animals those p'ups are. To get U.S.A. Bart performance in an SR505, one needs to switch out the stock MK-1 pickups, adding north of a couple Benjamins to the cost of what was a modest-priced bass.

To the OP: If you want the Bart sound -- and clarity -- in an Ibanez, get a Prestige SR5000, or get the SR505 or SR705 and upgrade the pickups. If you want a great sounding Ibanez bass without upgrading, get the SR655 with the PJ Nordstrands, or step up to the Premium line with Nordstrand Big Singles.

 

[Chinchano]

I have the 505 and it's the gift that keeps on giving. Love playing that bass.

 

[DavC]

i like all the 755 and upwards models ... i think the P/J setup might be a bit more versatile sound wise ... as a soap bar in the neck position will never sound like a P bass pup .. !! love Nords ... and Barts ... but i prefer passive

the black ice model has humbucker barts .. ?

 

[Matt Wilson]

I have the 655 with the Nordstrands and I am loving it. I've previously owned the 505 and I greatly prefer the tone and flexibility of the 655. My 2 cents.

 

[spectorfreak]

Ibanez SR1205 VNF Premium Mahogany Body Ovangkol Top Electric Bass Nordstrand PU | eBay

If you don't care about a warranty then that's a smoking deal right there. I've bought from Barry Clark before, good experience.

 

[bordinco90]

I think I am leaning towards the 655. Its the best bang for your buck and is only $100 more than the 505. Can't wait to get one. Hmmmmm..... I wonder which color I should get now???

 

[bassbenj]

you can't go too far wrong here, imo. i have the SR500, and i love the barts, but i also can't get enough of the nordstrands.

Same here. SR506 and I love barts but Nordies are my top pick (when price is no object). And let me say I've had NO problem with neck stability with either my SR506 or my GSR 206. Oddly the the neck that needs twice yearly tweaks to keep the bass playable is my Conklin 7 string with the huge fat neck! This is just how wood can work.

 

[findthe1]

just picked up a 655ntf. can affirm it is far superior to the 505 in looks, playability and tone.

 

[Thomas Kievit]

If you have the money, go for the 705 man! I've played one a couple of weeks ago in a local guitar store and it's freaking awesome! I'm not really a fan of P/J configurations, so that's why I wouldn't pick the 655 (but that's me ). Go ahead and grab the 705. you will not be disappointed! Trust me, I'm an Ibanez lover

 

[Icemanaroonie]

650 owner here, the Nordy's have insane tone versatility even in passive mode.

 

[Starflyer59]

I still use my 506 11 years later and the tweaks on the neck are minimal.

I tried both 655 and 755 models, they are both very versatile sounding in both passive and active mode. The nordstrand designed pickup (theyre made overseas but carey approved them) do deliver, the reverse P pickup is ballsy and will cut through any mix while the J pickup is burpy and very jacoish sounding. The eq in active mode will tailor and compliements the pick ups well.

If you like a bright voiced P/J bass, go for the 655.

If you like a slighty darker sounding P/J bass, go for the 755.

 

[Icemanaroonie]

I tried both 655 and 755 models, they are both very versatile sounding in both passive and active mode. The nordstrand designed pickup (theyre made overseas but carey approved them) do deliver, the reverse P pickup is ballsy and will cut through any mix while the J pickup is burpy and very jacoish sounding. The eq in active mode will tailor and compliements the pick ups well.

The pickups say "CND" on them, meaning Carey Nordstrand Designed, not just approved.

 

[Starflyer59]

The pickups say "CND" on them, meaning Carey Nordstrand Designed, not just approved.

There's a tread on here where Carey talked about the CND pickups and how he gave ibanez the go ahead to use them. Its a different beast from the modern sounding Non us made bart Mk's

 

[skeeler]

There's a tread on here where Carey talked about the CND pickups and how he gave ibanez the go ahead to use them. Its a different beast from the modern sounding Non us made bart Mk's

Here's the thread in question. Nordstrand's reply at post #2 explains how these pickups came to be.

New Nordstrand CND P & J Pickups?? Found on Ibanez SR650 & SR750 | TalkBass.com

 

[B String]

I've played the Ibanez bass at Carey's. Its the best Ibanez bass I've ever played. That bass totally kills with the Nordy's. I'd play it a heartbeat.

 

[skeeler]

B String, what model bass was that? Which Nordy's?

 

[bassman3871]

I picked up the 655 BBF - Fantastic, bass. I am a long time fender guy, but this bass is a dream to play. Fast neck, strings are a little closer than I am used to nut getting over that quick! Norstrands are the BOMB!

 

[aproud1]

Excellent! Enjoy the bass. Ibanez really makes some great stuff. But you really need to post some pics....

Seriously.

 

[leegreenman]

I bought a 665 BBF today. I needed a new, light, relatively inexpensive 5 due to back surgery related complications. I picked I up and was enamoued immediately. Love the passive sound.