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Your thoughts on Korean Basses

sleekbass

sleekbass

Jun 18, 2008
21
0
Oakland California
#1
Hi,
if any one of you care to share your thoughts, I would appreciate any. I'm in the market for Lefty 6 string bass. Considering a used Ibanez SR506, Bass mods K6 or maybe Warwick Pro Series Corvette 6. The SR506 is actually available now $399 and is presumably like new.
These basses are all made in Korea.. I know my question is subjective however, is there a big difference in your opinion in terms of build quality between these particular basses. Again I appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks...
 
#3
I've got a Pro Series Corvette 5 and it's definitely a nice bass, has that signature Warwick tone and feel. Well built with a nice neck and frets, although there were some sharp fret ends but that's a quick and easy fix.

I'd say Korean basses in general are pretty nice, it's a modern developed country after all.
 
#5
I love my Korean Spector but it wasnt $399
 

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#8
I have a 2005 SR1000EWN Prestige and an 2006 SR900FM, both made in Korea. The craftsmanship is excellent with great fret work and other finish details. The electronics however leave something to be desired, as is typical with Ibanez basses. They are great quality for the money and the electronics can always be upgraded if needed.
 
#9
The same factory can produce many degrees of quality. Many foreign factories produce instruments for several brands not just one and they can have multiple guidelines of quality control that they work to.

For example Dean and Yamaha may hire the same factory to produce their import line instruments. Yamaha may request grade "C" quality standards across all their instrument lines. Dean may require grade "D" on most of their budget lines to save money, but request grade "B" quality on a certain signature model and their 12 string model which they are slightly concerned about future warranty claims on such an unusual instrument.

Now, they may or may not have quality standards labeled as A,B,C,D etc... But you can bet there are tolerances that their customers give them as to what is acceptable or not. And a factory will put their most skilled workers on lines with high quality standards and their trainees on lines where they can still pass product with slight irregularities.

So it all depends... I have seen Korean instruments that rivaled those made in American factories and I've also seen them produce absolute garbage under the same brand name.

The idea that people of a certain nationality or company take more pride in their workmanship and their reputation makes for good marketing, but it's bunk. A factory does whatever it has to to move its product and make money. If they can cut corners and still sell their work, you BET they will!

You want to know how good a bass is? Pick it up and play it. There's no other way to know.
 
#10
I've had several Kolean built TUNE basses, and they've been the best bang-for-the-buck basses I've ever had. I still have a trans red TWXB 6-string, and I'd put it up against anything for fit, finish, playability, and sound. That said, I still prefer my US built Ricks and MM basses, but those are 4-stringers, and that's what I usually play.
 
#11
I have a 1990 Fender Squier II that sounds killer, I love the lack of contours and the weight it has.

Also, I'm not kidding, it has a stock neck and I've played at least 200 bass guitars, in every price range, and none has even held a candle to how smooth and just plain soft and playable the Squier II neck is. It's an awesome neck, it's like you have butter on your hands!
 
#12
Aceonbass said:
I've had several Kolean built TUNE basses, and they've been the best bang-for-the-buck basses I've ever had. I still have a trans red TWXB 6-string, and I'd put it up against anything for fit, finish, playability, and sound. That said, I still prefer my US built Ricks and MM basses, but those are 4-stringers, and that's what I usually play.
Click to expand...

How much did the TUNE run you and how did you get your hands on one? I've been looking to pick up a bass from them but can't find any info on where/how much
 
#13
cfsporn said:
Korea is kinda the Japan of the 2000s.
Click to expand...
+1000. Japan has priced itself/been priced out of the market to all intents and purposes. Korea is, generalising massively, ahead of China/Indonesia when it comes to guitars/basses. IMO the hierarchy (again generalising) is, from 'least good' to best (and this will upset the Americans among you...):

China
Indonesia
Mexico
Korea
USA
Japan
Europe (e.g. Germany for Warwick/Sandberg, Czech Republic for Spector, UK for Status etc)

There are exceptions. For example a US made Spector is superior to a Czech one. But, IMO, the quality of a Czech Spector is far superior to a US Fender.

Note that I have prefaced everything here with IMO: in my opinion/experience. I have mine, you have yours. We don't need to agree! :-p

Let the flaming commence... ;-)
 
#14
sleekbass said:
Hi,
if any one of you care to share your thoughts, I would appreciate any. I'm in the market for Lefty 6 string bass. Considering a used Ibanez SR506, Bass mods K6 or maybe Warwick Pro Series Corvette 6. The SR506 is actually available now $399 and is presumably like new.
These basses are all made in Korea.. I know my question is subjective however, is there a big difference in your opinion in terms of build quality between these particular basses. Again I appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks...
Click to expand...

What year? I haven't seen a Korean made 506 recently.
 
#15
I just bought a Korean made warwick star bass
people raved about them and they were right-huge bang for the buck
I also bought a Korean gretsch last year and that was even better.
 
#17
cfsporn said:
Korea is kinda the Japan of the 2000s.
Click to expand...

True.
IMO Korean quality has gone way up since the 90's. Not just in basses but in other products too. Look at the auto industry. Kia and Hyundai are making some nice cars. I bought a new Hyundai Elantra in 1999, mainly because at the time they were the only ones offering a 100,000 warranty. I drove it until 2008 then sold it to a guy who still drives it.
 
#19
Great feedback, although I am a lefty and it's virtually impossible to go into a music store and play the bass I viewed in a given video, which is precisely why I asked for your thoughts. The Ibanez Lefty I mentioned I'm guessing was made in 07/08 based on the info I dug up, so if anyone can confirm that SR506's where made in Korea, I may just decide on buying a used one I saw listed. THANKS A BUNCH FOR THE REPLIES!
 
#20
I agree that korea is today what japan was in the 70's n 80's... I had a esp ltd b206. Six string. And the materials and construction were excellent.. Especially for $419 New. It had dual truss rods and i have yet to find a 6. With lower action. Ibanez quality is excellent too.. I also had a epiphone les paul made in korea that was flawless.. Now they are made in china and not quite as nice..
 

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