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Why Doesn't Ibanez Have A Custom Shop?

#21
Seems to me that with all the different versions of all the different models Ibanez has made over the years, there might be ONE that is close enough to your dream bass.
Figure out what it is, find a good used one, then do minimal stuff like swap pickups or have it refinished etc.

Custom shop instruments are great, but they are also over-priced for what you get as far as parts. Be smarter, and figure out a way to get what you want for less?
 
#22
You all almost have me convinced to put Delano pups and preamp in my sr505. I am not knowledgeable enough to know how much of this basses sound that bothers me now is from the wood type- mahogany, though. So I hesitate... Hmmm any thoughts? Nice ones???;)
 
#24
I had to do something similar in 1995. I originally bought a Candy Apple Red SR 400 in 1993 and then traded it off a year later for a black 1994 SR 500. I went to go get the bass back 2 weeks later and it was already sold. Ibanez then discontinued that color on Soundgear basses that same years so I was out of luck. The next year, I saw another black SR 500 and bought it new. I then had it re-painted to match my old SR 400. Overall, it wasn't an expensive job. Depending on what you want done, contact a good custom shop and ship it out to them. You may even spend less money than you would at a total custom shop.
 
#26
My only complaint with Ibanez is lack of Finish choices. I recently Got an SR300F (the ONLY fretless they have under $1000, and ONLY fretless SR) and there was only the one pearl white finish, no other color option. It works great it sounds great, it looks good, but that white is annoying. I'm not about to shell out a couple hundred bucks to refinish a $300 bass.:hmm:
 
#27
KeithAlanK said:
Seems to me that with all the different versions of all the different models Ibanez has made over the years, there might be ONE that is close enough to your dream bass.
Figure out what it is, find a good used one, then do minimal stuff like swap pickups or have it refinished etc.

Custom shop instruments are great, but they are also over-priced for what you get as far as parts. Be smarter, and figure out a way to get what you want for less?
Click to expand...

I would if I could.

Once Ibanez discontinues a model, it's gone. Good luck finding it ANYWHERE.
 
#28
Maybe have a luthier make a clone of one, with all the changes you want, if it's not a major factor for it to be an Ibanez legit.

I'm sure someone like Stambaugh would be able to make an awesome job of it.
 
#29
Darkstrike said:
Maybe have a luthier make a clone of one, with all the changes you want, if it's not a major factor for it to be an Ibanez legit.

I'm sure someone like Stambaugh would be able to make an awesome job of it.
Click to expand...

I'm just curious if any luthiers have the capability to make any Ibanez body without their equipment. Every edge is beveled, by a lot. The shape seems like it would be difficult to do by hand.
 
#30
KingRazor said:
I'm just curious if any luthiers have the capability to make any Ibanez body without their equipment. Every edge is beveled, by a lot. The shape seems like it would be difficult to do by hand.
Click to expand...

A lot of luthiers should be able to. Sure it's no easy task, but it's certainly possible. Most Roscoes for example have hand carved tops, though some are done by cnc now.

An idea may be to pick up a basic SR in your preferred string count, second hand, and let the luthier use that for measurements. Or even to use as a base for a copy carver, if they have one. Once the build is done, pass the basic SR on for what you paid for it.
 
#34
Check in with Adam Nitti in his forum. He's not an endorsing artist as far as I know, but Ibanez did make him a custom 6 string bass.

I've seen him play it live, and it's awesome. It's an SR body and neck, but I think he had input to all the components.
 
#36
VS said:
A guitarist I wrote session work for used a "Custom Made" Ibanez S Series guitar. -Luke
Click to expand...

That was just something they put on certain guitars. I have a 1997 Ibanez S 540 FM TP with the "Custom Made" logo on the neck as well. Granted, it was for their higher end guitars but they were not done custom for customers.

Here is a picture of mine.

Ibanezguitars002.jpg


Ibanezguitars001.jpg
 
#39
Take a stock SR-500, hot rod it and you will have a true custom.
That is what I am doing. My reasons are as follows: first off I love the way mine plays. So, some GB7 Gotohs ($60.00 done). The Bridge looks solid, but I am not convinced its as solid as it looks. One of the ABM models in order ($130.00). These basses have a soft finish on them probably due to the fact that mahogany isn't the hardest tone wood around, therefore they show wear and tear rather early on, if they're played a lot. I kinda like the stock color. So sand paper and a rattle can (15.00?). To me the pre-amp seems to have a peculiar noise to it. and having an adjustable mid freq, gives even more fine tuning options. I'm thinking a Bartolini HR-5.2 could do here($165.00).
It would be great if someone made aftermarket SR bodies to mate up with the awesome SR wenge/bubinga neck, I'd buy one.
The SR's are great looking and comfortable instruments. In my opinion a great place to start a "custom" project. Mostly these mods are all fairly easy to do and quick in completion and can proceed as finances allow. The ABM bridge is the next thing for me.
 

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