Ibanez Soundgear SR300 - Beginner's bargain or novice's nightmare?- LowEndLobster Review
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- Опубликовано: 29 авг 2024
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Hey everyone. Today we're reviewing the Ibanez Soundgear SR300. These basses feature the signature Soundgear pencil-thin neck, a 3 band EQ, 3 pickup modes for two humbuckers, and a frugal $350 USD price tag. Is this the best beginner bargain, or did Ibanez spread themselves too thin here? Let's find out!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(130) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at www.mjcironworks.com
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Power Tap is a sort of coil-split, but one coil is grounded through a capacitor. Therefore only high-frequency signals are grounded, whereas low-frequency signals are sent to the output.
Thank you for the detailed explanation!
*mumbles incantation in tele esquire*
@@LowEndLobster OMG not to speak for you but it just occurred to me you could build a Tele bass with a dark circuit. I did dig the old classic tele type basses which I never thought really looked like a tele lol
any bass with a contour knob for a passive dark circuit might be cool to check out. *puts on list of homework*
That's first I've known anyone say how power tap works
So is it something similar to G&L's OMG mode?
I bought one after 30 years of playing. I wouldn't call it a beginner bass, nor a bad one. It plays like a dream, is light and has a wide tone range.
Correct Mick. Felt exactly the same today which is why I bought one at GC.
Agreed. I've also got about 30 years under my belt, and recently bought one of these. Bloody lovely instrument - the manboy in the video is as clueless as he is immature.
It actually plays better than my Fender jazz bass, especially the slap part...
@@meh3247he can barely play to be honest...
This Bass is one of the best I ever had. It delivers many possible tones that covers several music styles thanks to the 2x humbuckers and EQ. I love the fast action given by the slim neck which is amazingly comfortable. Also very light when you have 2h gig makes a lot of difference
I had one of those, played in festivals and big gigs with it, never failed, and sounded pro-level.
I have this bass guitar and I simply love it. The sounds are better than anything I have owned before. That slim neck is the best thing I have ever experienced. For 339 euros you simply can´t get anything better. This bass should cost closer to 500 or something.
Loved my SR300e so much, I bought the SR305e to match. Great sounds, super easy to play, sleek looks, and can't beat the price!
It's amazing that even the low end Ibanez has that clean "active" sound. The pups may not be beautiful but they're very focused. The Ibanez controls are also very unique and I don't think you were using them to the best advantage. it's interesting how so many bass players regard the Ibanez sound as "meh" yet, more than any my other basses, musicians and soundmen that I work with tend to comment how they love the tone of the Ibanez.
Im neither of either, got one of these for me for my birthday last year, not looked back at the bronco since, necks much better for my stumps anyway, small stumpy fingers, also its black wood, which looks cool, 300e, not a musician, just play along to stuff, make shit up and play when bored, cheaper than a ps5👍 more fun too
@@JoJubjub-kx8lp The ps5 was a cheaper hobby lmao but I tossed mine aside too. Now just waiting for my new pedals to come in the mail.
I personally really liked the sound of these low budget ibanez basses when i played them live and in your review because they have this gnarly, Warwick-esque tone plus the really comfortable neck
Thanks Zoe!
@@LowEndLobster what would you change out first ? the pickups or electronics ?
Decent review! I have played bass for 20 years, owned and still have warwicks, schecters, and esp's. I bought the 300 for a bass that i could trash, play hard, and not be so OCD over my instruments. That being said. I play the sr300 every jam, every show, and i havent played my ESP ot warwick in 1 year. The sr300 is ny go to axe. I play it through a 1966 traynor head, and 69" traynor 12". Never had such an amazing sound from a bass combo.
For people watching reviews, take the meat and spit out the bones, tones,feel, and style is subjective to the individual. I can already tell we have totally differnet styles. So his bass playibg and reviews are his.
Thank you! I'm glad you get it. I can only describe the bass, play it, and give my opinions, but ultimately it's up to the individual player to decide what sort of things they want/don't want in a bass and what kind of tones they like/don't like, I speak only for myself! I sometimes feel frustrated when folks take my opinion as something more. So glad you're enjoying your bass and keep rockin! :)
@@LowEndLobster Everyone in here disagrees with you. That rarely happens.
@@MOAB-UT ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I don't make my videos based on the opinions of other people.
@@LowEndLobster Nor should you- just thought you were being a little hard on the SR300E. For the price, it really can't be beat...at all.
Love my 5 string in root beer
The bass is quite good actually. A Great bass not always have high price tag. This one is tone monster and i used it to gig regularly as my dingwall super J backup
Ibanez has been really good to its customers, solid quality good price. Its like if you don't be a greedy turd you will get loyal customers. Its worked like a charm for me.
I have one ad it's an excellent bass for the money. I play it more than my Fender Jazz bass as it's lighter and more comfortable.
Thanks Andrew!
It’s $300 and Ibanez makes a reliable instrument that can set up well and that has a thin neck for hands that are learning. that is exactly on the money.
Thanks TD! Eh, there are other instruments that excel at both reliability and playability at a similar price that don't sacrifice on the electronics.
@@LowEndLobster what would you recommend instead? Always looking for increasing the collection. I own this Ibanez, for my female thin hands it just feels amazing to play, Ibanez's fast necks are the best. I always have the eq set on neutral though or with a very slight boost on the low end -- I'm not a fan of the power tap thing either.
@@deborah-weissGreat question! I have been digging the new Jackson stuff along with the Yamaha TRBX304, though I need to spend more time with both to get a true verdict.
@@LowEndLobster if you like this body style the TRBX line has better build quality, better electronics and simpler and more classic colors ...IMHO
The TRBX sounds dull. Its not better than this bass👎🏻
This is still my go to. Switched out the preamp with the darkglass tone. It sounds amazing. Im about to switch out the pickups with fishmans. Love the fact that its lightweight and comfortable to play.
I didn’t know Michael Vsauce played bass
XD
Goddamn, finishes in this bass, (or ibanez in general) are incredibly beautiful
Indeed! They have some really neat finish options for this one especially that you don't see on other models. That blue to white burst is sweet!
Ah, Lobster, I have to chime in with disagreement here, in the main. I think the SR300 is a superb bass for the money. Not everyone likes the P/J setup of the Talman, and while I agree with you that the coil tap options are superfluous, the 3 band EQ and humbuckers give a modern, tight and punchy sound you'd struggle to find anywhere else at this price point.
I play bass for a crust, and I've owned literally hundreds of basses, high and medium end. I swear, I keep playing this little 300, so much so I'm ordering the 5 string. Maybe you got a "Monday Morning" one? :)
Great review as always, even if I don't agree, this time.
:)
Thanks man! I really appreciate when people share their experiences with the instruments I review, even if they don't align with my own. Thank you for sharing and I appreciate you watching my videos :)
@@LowEndLobster
Thanks for replying
I’m sorely tempted by the new SR605e with the Big Break pickups
Hope to see you review one soon!
Cheers man
I agree man, it's so articulate and punchy, I borrowed one from a colleague of mine and it really impressed me. It's a funk/dance beast. It's also one of the very few modern-shaped basses that offer enough space between the pickups to fit a Stingray type one in there, and it would be in the right position too for *that* sound.
@@MotoGreciaMarios I actually looked into doing that
The rear pickup is in the way and would have to come out to be exactly right - 790mm from the nut to the centreline of the pickup.
But that would be some bass!!
@@mindhead2005 If you take a look at various MusicMan/Stingray basses you'll see the placement of their pickups slightly varies. Don't let a few mm spoil your modding fun - have a go at it since you own this bass. I might even get one myself, just to do that mod (or rather mod the heck out of it, with other electronics and pickups overall). The Nordstrand Zen Blade I've already put in one of my Corts is a really-really good pickup so I would place those in the SR too. A couple of Zen Blades, maybe a MArkbass breamp (it's in the Cort B4- for the price it's very good!) and a Stingray pickup in the middle would make THE bass. After maybe some fret levelling too :)
Hey Vsauce Michele here. How do you do? but more importantly how do you bass?🤔
You blew my witness protection cover!
I managed to borrow one of these from a colleague of mine. I've got to say that for the money it's very-very good, especially the dynamics - there's an amazingly percussive and articulate quality in the sound. I put it in various mix scenarios (I have an extensive bassless song collection) and it just stands forth, with the notes coming out with bravado and assertiveness - no mud and no vagueness. For dance and funk music it's a beast. One might say it's *too* percussive - sometimes it forces you to fight with it (a compressor might be useful with it), if you want to play jazz or softer rock. Just my 2 cents.
And a more generalized comment: Dynamics and articulation are rarely, if ever commented upon by reviewers but the more I play bass the more I understand their importance - I've come to the point that they are more important than the tone itself since tone can be shaped but dynamics usually not, or at least not to the extent that tone can. The problem is that you need to put a bass in various mixes to understand this and a reviewer can only do so much with a viewer's patience, especially with those active basses with so many controls on offer.
Thank you for the great comment and for sharing your experience Marios!
I don't understand so much of that but reading it was cool👍
@@JoJubjub-kx8lp Thanks! :)
Lobster!! I just picked one of these up the other day. I love it!
Congrats Dustin!
its an amazing guitar if you play it. the neck is perfect to play. scoop mids out on the controls and the sound is an 8/10.
Thanks Grunge!
@@michaels5166 its hot garbage. Ypu pay for what you get. Should just spend the extra cash on the 505
@@michaels5166 youre a passive electronics guy, i get it. The problem with active electronics is bad bassists cant hide anymore. So buy a 505, and get better?
@@michaels5166 i lived on the sr300 line for years dude. They are disposable. Materials are garbage, which directly leads to bad sustain, and longevity. Personally, i got sick of having to constantly adjust truss rods from taking them on the road. Its called a "starter bass" for a reason. Sterling sub stingrays blow these out of the water for the same price. But hey, maybe you like being a dud like your boy fieldy?
@@michaels5166 its your money, not mine.
I f I was just starting out on my bass journey and got this as a first bass, I would be like wow, great finish and lots of options. Having owned a few SR`s, the only ones I would consider is the models with the Norstrand Designed pickups and above. The prestige models are really nice, perfect for cover band duties.
The nordstrand designed pickups are sooooo good, I agree. I briefly had a 5 string that was damaged (seller misunderstood what "mint" meant and didn't picture any of the big issues) but really dug the electronics. I think it was a SR1305 GWH
I have one and I like it. The color is called Charred Champagne.
The memery runs thicc this morning in the lobster den!
This is the way
I really like ibanez guitars and basses but no matter how good they are, their weakness at the low to midrange pricepoint are the pickups. They are great for modding and they look stunning. Really want to buy one since its versatile and I like thin necks but the pickups are making me think for a while.
Thanks Joshua! Personally, I dig the soundgear line minus the low end ones. The higher end ones still have thin necks, just with a little more depth to them and better electronics.
I absolutely love my Ibanez SR300EDX. The chameleon/rose gold color scheme is so drop dead awesome and premium looking that it's hard to believe this is an entry level bass. Such a beautiful and slender neck design too. I'm a novice player, and the SR300 checked all my boxes and then some. Having so many on board sound sculpting options at this price point is a huge plus and not confusing at all. Talk about a bang for your buck budget beast of a bass. Picked it up for my home recording studio and its hands down the best $399 I ever spent on an instrument. There's just something very unique and special about the Ibanez SR300 bass series. Yes they're an entry level bass, but they play, look and feel like so much more than that. Really enjoyed this review video, thank you!
I’m looking to buy either a 300e or 300edx. I’ve been playing a Harley Benton PB-20 for about a year and some months nonstop and I’m looking for a decent bass. I’ve recently stumbled upon a 300e when looking for some pedals and fell in love with it. But what exactly are the differences between 300edx and 300e that I should be aware of?
@@jaimeurbano3653 there's no difference between the 300e and the 300edx, the edx designation is just specific to the chameleon/rose gold variant.
@@davidsapir9638 oh I see. Thank you. I’ve been trying to find videos to see if anyone could cover this and couldn’t find any. That’s why I guess. Thank you. Is it for a special reason? I noticed it was 80 bucks extra and figured there was some hardware differences
I, too, prefer a few really good options to a whole lot of options I won't ever use.
This is the way!
39 years playing. Recently bought this bass. Because of a back injury, couldn't play it much when I first got it from Amazon- yes, I know-- huge mistake. It sounded ok, but wouldn't stay in tune and had pretty severe fret buzz. The last bass I owned was a Ric 4001 late '70's; never had a single problem with it. This Ibanez? No matter what I do or have done, I cannot get rid of the fret buzz or keep it in tune for more than an hour (I use a Boss tuner, then harmonics). Truss rod? Maxed out. Saddles? Any higher and they'll run out of threads. Nut? Removed and shimmed it. I'm about ready to start sanding down the frets. I've had this pos too long to return it and I'm not going to get diddly by selling it. Those of you who've had no problems with this bass- cool beans--happy for ya. Personally, I'd never recommend this poor investment to anyone.
Seems like it would be a perfectly serviceable bass for beginners; it probably would be a decent mod platfrom too.
Thanks Garnet! If you were to mod it, what would you do?
@@LowEndLobster New pickups and/or preamp. Depending on the tuners I may replace those too
This Ibanez sounded pretty good for three fitty!
Some pickups can be so clear with the treble that even the "metal" sound from the strings have harmonics 😳
Indeed!
I've had a five-string SR for a couple years now, love the narrow neck, I think every bass should have 24 frets for the versatility, and most of all the round body is very comfortable to sit with whether I'm sitting straight in a chair or slouched over like a shrimp on the couch. Also has a nice sound without an amp, I can actually practice slap with it! Couldn't do that with my old BC Rich bass. Not too big a fan of the pickups, their saving grace is the EQ and coil split options. Then again I'm mostly a guitarist so take it with a pinch of salt! I love Ibanez guitars, but their basses are really lacking.
Thanks Joakim!
I play my sr300e without an amp, i only have a normal amp and my, issues, don't let me make a lot of noise, im autistic and my hearing is good, so i can only presume if i can hear next door they could hear me, it's frustrating but not stopping me getting a proper bass amp at xmas and some of those big ear headphone, then i can go deaf all on my own, well hopefully not, but yeah it sounds really acoustic guitarlike unplugged
The bass would be really rad with just a pickup swap and it'll really shine.
I have the 405EQM and love it. I have a jazz bass and a music man but needed a 5 string. I think the Ibanez people were onto a good thing. These arent the best at anything...but pretty good at a lot..especially for beginners trying to find what "sound" they like. It does give you the ability to have a Music Man, Jazz and P-Bass all in one guitar. Great for gigs that play a lot of cover tunes. I bought the 405 because i have carpal tunnel and with the thinner neck my hands dont hurt as much and for the price you really cant beat them. I'm thinking about getting a 300 to mod with EMG pickups and preamp.
Thanks! EMGs are always a great mod IMO :)
Im something of a beginner. I tend to play a couple voicings simultaneously and fret with both hands Zach smith style. When I was trying out basses, I got a line of credit and prepared myself to spend 4 digit numbers. When I was trying out the sg300, I really appreciated the power tap function and 3 band eq when it came to making all of the notes audible, especially for the price. If you’re someone like me, this might be the perfect knock around bass to learn what you really want in tone and chassis, without spending Craigslist car money.
I have an sr300 bass I picked up used for $250. It is amazing! Feel,sound everything. I looked at some newer ones and they aren't the same. Mine was made in late 2007 soooo 2008 model I guess.
Cool review...I think the Ibanez soundgear basses are pretty decent bass to own. Granted they’re not for everyone. a bass like that is an acquired taste. I own an Ibanez soundgear bass that’s been recently modified and it sounded pretty cool. The mods I’ve done was a major improvement in versatility. If the Ibanez soundgear Isn’t for you, I would recommend the Yamaha trbx basses. These basses are pretty solid and has such incredible versatility. Check out the 500 and 600fm series.
Thanks Alex! We'll be checking out some other neat soundgears including a fanned fret and a fretless portamento model soon. I've found that the mid to higher end soundgears have a bit for girth to the neck which makes them a lot more comfortable. The 300 series is too thin, even thinner than the mid tier ones. Yammy reviews coming soon as well! Will be checking out the TRBX, I have a couple of BB's that will be featured (one is a slightly older one and the other is a new one for review). Loads o stuff comin!
Cool...I’ve heard some good things about the fan fretted version of the Ibanez soundgear bass. I have a Yamaha bb bass. It’s a bb235 and it sounds awesome. Also the trbx basses are really killer sounding. It’s one of the most unique bass guitars I’ve ever own. If you like anything Yamaha, you definitely like these basses. Also the South Park and Seinfeld reference on this video was pretty funny.
This bass provides a lot of variation for different uses and at a better quality than it is given credit for here. If all anyone is going to play is cliche funk slaps and derivitive jazz noodles to impress the session crowd, then buying a bass guitar is just reduced to the hipster-esque chasing of minor timbre quirks and over emphasising the differences as they amass yet more collectable artifacts for their wall in honour of the quest. So a bass as versatile as this was always going to inspire the antipathy shown in this review.
Genuinely creative types simply wouldn't be this dismissive over a very valid instument.
I tried one of these and wanted to like it so much. Light weight, great balance, super slim neck, but for as many settings that this offered, I really didn't get a corresponding amount of decent sounds. I was also not fond of the color options, not sure who at Ibanez is choosing the weird schemes...
Thanks Bob! Yep, this thing is all looks and very little substance.
Strange colors so I got a black one- can never go wrong with that.
Dream bass o.o. Color and everything. I saw this a couple days ago n fell inlove with everything on it. But I am a beginner and dont deserve a bass that beautiful😍
Thanks Hakim :)
beginners deserve the most expensive bass they can afford - the best quality they can afford. even more so than someone who is experienced bc a quality instrument will inspire u to play and actually be playable and u need this esp when learning
Nice playing Lobby,,I love that finish!
Thanks Floyd!
You don't explain why you call it a beginner bass because it has a thin neck. What does one have to do with the other? What do you mean by "more substantial"? An intermediate bass needs to be heavier? I don't understand. Thanks
I like baseball bat necks every Ibanez I've picked up felt like I was only holding the finger board in my hand reminded me why I've never bought a rikky like love the tone.
Thanks Josh!
I have an SR306 with the same electronics. I honestly cannot stand the “power tap” mode. Primarily in humbucker mode but like having the single coil option available. I wish they would have just had the switch serve as an EQ bypass.
Thanks Eric! Yep, bypass is a way more useful option for sure
If it's good enough for the Korn bass player, it's good enough for me.
The continuity in the pinch that like button while petting your cat was phenomenal 😂 In the middle of the video still but I agree with you - the electronics on that bass are a bit much, especially for a beginner. It doesn't sound bad, especially when both pickups are blended, but when you fidget with the POWER TAP and active EQ... it goes down hill, unfortunately. Those basses retail for about $300 after tax in Japan. I do not think I would recommend that for a beginner, though. Great video as always!
Thank you Taconeko!
POWER TAP!!!!! Loved the power tap song as well.
Eh, It’s an Ibanez. I think that line of Ibanez is what a guitar player buys to have a bass in his/her collection. Thank you for sharing. Cheers
Thanks Tommy! ahahah Powwweeerr tapppp!
Hey Lobster, I've tried one of these myself when I was in Manila and I wasn't positively impressed. I'm a little more than an unsophisticated noob, but honestly other than the nice look and the light weight, it's definitely not for me. Again nice video.
Thank you :D
I disagree with pretty much all he said. I played several basses at GC- even some over $1,000. This one sounded the best and the build quality was superior to most. It does not have the fit and fine tone wood finished of the much more expensive models but it blew away anything I saw sub 800...so I bought one. My take is this is a great casual base to knock around- not care too much if you damage it or it gets stolen as they do. It is a tremendous bargain for what it is. Ibanez is known for quality. I have one of their expensive guitars and this seems to be built like that. Get a PRS body like this and with this nice paint job and you will pay $2k easily. Bottom line, for a budget bass, this is a no brainer.
That's good dude.
@@LowEndLobster Do you like the SR600E? Looks pretty sweet. I bought the SR300E yesterday but have about 30 days to decide. The SR600 looks more premium- better neck treatment and better pups. Thoughts?
I have this bass without the power tap switch and it sounds awesome.
Can we get a series dedicated to your cat?
LOL
No joke, will probably make a spin-off channel dedicated to just Bebe b-roll. My GF finishes her masters program this month and we'll have some more time to make some cat vids haha
@@LowEndLobster I watch a bassist in Brazil that has their fur baby (Chloe) actually launch clips when people throw bits. ;-) Sweetpea is socializing nicely for only being here a few weeks. Animals are way more resilient than humans, although we like to tell ourselves otherwise. ;-)
@@LowEndLobster also his discord cat channel is NUTS lol
@@russellzauner Glad to hear that Sweetpea is acclimating nicely :)
I'm a metal guitarist into home recording .. looking for a bass with massive low end, good for metal (though not necessarily downtuned too much). Used these seem to be about $275
I only saw this review after I got it. I had to get the bridge parts adjusted, as they were too low, and the truss rod was a bit tight. After that, it was pretty good.
Thanks Sketches!
@@LowEndLobster No problem. Happy Easter!
I love this bass. I'm a guitar player and need a bass for recording and this is perfect! Loads of tones, slim neck and super easy to get around, like the pseudo bass player I am, for my guitar playing hands. Plus, as I'm only using it to record at lowish volumes, I can honestly say I'd never even noticed the single coil hum. The price point makes this model a no brainer for my needs!
I haven’t played an Ibanez bass I didn’t like yet. You really can’t go wrong with an Ibanez, more bang for the buck. 😃
I think my favorite is still the ATK810
Thanks for the review it made my decision a little easier.
Thanks Marvin! Glad you found it helpful
To my ear, the mid control is the only saving grace for that preamp.
Yepppppppp *smacks top of bass* this thing can fit so many bad tones in it
Can't really move either EQ, mid maybe, I actually dial off the bass
Watch the pickups be unbranded Nords with that classic "It's okay but I am def gonna swap it" Ibanez preamp lol
@@LowEndLobster BR-549 LOL
Great review video. Dude, you make the best review videos I've ever seen. Because of your Sterling Subray 5 HH video, I'm looking forward to buy one. Thank's for your help. Greetings from Cuba.
Thank you! I really appreciate it :). Greetings!
Hey Lobster! Interesting take on the PowerSpan pups. They were pretty well-received by most of us SR geeks on TB. I love them for their flexibility in my cover band. Must be an Ibanez Fanboi thing. Lol.
Hey ... where's the cat? We want to see more of him.
Thanks Phlipper! She'll be in the next SR vids ;). We'll be reviewing the portabel... err... Portamento 4 string and the SRMS805 soon!
So its a cheap beginner bass with a couple good sounds and a really fast neck.. At least it doesn't sound lifeless like the TRBX304
Wow this bass sounds great, but you only like the most basic bass tone. Great playing, but I want someone with a more fusion/funk/rock vide to review it.
Unpopular opinion here, but having played a lot of Ibanez basses in store I prefer this style with the Powerspan pickups over the Bartolini MK-1 pickups in the mid range basses. I would still spend that $300 on a Sterling by Musicman. (And I did)
Thanks Klay! I mean rotten apples and rotten oranges ;P
The Bart MkI are ok pickups, nothing special but with a decent preamp they can sound really good albeit nothing like an actual set of Barts. Everybody thinks they're junk because they get paired with the MkI preamp which is woeful, the eq points are so un-musical.
Corts old Fishman/Mighty Mite licensed stuff was much better IMO.
Great fun demo I really enjoyed it. Beautiful looking bass which sounds pretty good. Thanks.
Meh
But....
I would have been happy with that as my first bass for sure.
Thanks Ras! I find it hard to truly put myself in the shoes of beginner-Lobster haha. My third bass was an Ibanez EDB400 or 500 and my first Ibanez.... It was terrible ahaha
I used to own one of these and found flats (I used the Fender ones) helped the tone in regards to the meh preamp. Boosting the mids and keeping the bass and treble mostly flat was the sweet spot (to my ears) for what the bass could do.
Same... I never fell in love with mine with rounds. Flats made it much better. I do agree with him that the individual pickups are not great but the combined sounds work much better
Lobster that switch should have been called..... "POWER WHATEVER" . I think the only good sound were with 2 pickups . Its kind of like the Squier Jaguar HB I had , couldn't get one good tone out of it.
Thanks Michael! Yeah hahaha, "POWER TAP!" is such a gimmick.
Been struggling to get a more professional sound out of my SR and went searching for help on the internet - found this- you have absolutely nailed the issues I’m having…. I’ve tried all kinds of processing with no joy. Then I realised it might be the bass lol….. time for an upgrade, I think! Looking for solid straight jazz/funk/soul bass that cuts through with definition and pop. Any recommendations gratefully accepted.
Hey Steve, if you're into the Soundgears, the 600 series definitely packs much more tonally and has usable features like a 3 way frequency toggle, and a treble control that becomes a passive tone control. That paired with the 'Nordstrand' (not real nordstrands, but nordstrand design from what I understand) Big Break (import versions of the Big Split) pickups, the 600 series is nice. Check out some more of my videos and I hope they help you decide. Take care!
@@LowEndLobster ok thanks for the advice will look into it all!
Hey lobster, i have this bass for 4 years now , after 3y I got sad about it, the pickups lost the bite that I so enjoyed when I got it, the neck... Bc is super slick now has a bow and I can't make it straight without having fret buzz all over the place, I live in a island with humidity (lots) but still was my main bass and I played every single day and took very good care of it... Did not age very well. Keep it up my man love your videos
I had an Ibanez SR 505. It had a very cheap feel to it compared to my Schecter's. I tend to like thin necks, cuz they are EZ to play (especially w a pick cuz the strings are close together), but I could see how a 4-string could warp.
@@bflo1000 mine is a 5 string, which is sad, i personality gived up on ibanez, the good area is a bit over my limit
@@cristovaopt Yeah, mine was too. A 505 with the Barts. I actually prefer the HBers from the cheaper 300 Series. The Barts are too clean, and the bass didn't have the sustain that I love, like a NT Schecter has. It felt cheap but I thought it was EZ to play.
@@bflo1000 more and more people that I know and loved ibanez is being disappointed with the brand
@@cristovaopt Not too surprising when even the wider 5-string will warp on the SR Series. I've always been impressed by Schecter, and a guitarist I worked with is also. For a mid-priced guitar, they are well built instruments.
I heard someone on TalkBass say that the SR300's PowerSpan pickups sound like the Rickenbacker 4004, and I listened, it's true.
Me thinks it has lots of “sound” options to help out if the amp the beginner has is a bit “lacking”.....?
How to blow up my first 10w bass amp featuring the Ibanez soundgear bass control ;P
My problem with Ibanez basses has always been that they're covered in knobs to create a ton of tone options, but none of those options actually sound good. The talman is the best thing they make IMO
Thanks! Yeah, esp the Talman 500 series (though the folks at Cort have been going a bit liberal with the roasting... need to tone it back a bit). My TMB505 has a great colored neck, but I saw one at GC that looked like the opposite of the Cort GB64jj I reviewed. Neck was nearly charred, fretboard was super light in comparison. But yeah, the Talman 500 series with the CND pickups is absolutely lovely.
Agreed! Anytime anyone would ask me for advice when buying a sub $500 bass I would always tell them to avoid active electronics for the very reason you mentioned, its better to have few good options than a plethora of mediocre options. Also, putting active electronics into a budget bass usually means they made cuts somewhere else, which is never good thing. There seems to be a few exceptions to this out there, but for the most part it seems to hold true.
As always, thanks for the thorough review!
Thank you Michael! You're right, and Ibanez definitely spread themselves by over-packing this thing with features. The rest of the instrument just feels lacking in terms of feel.
I think I've figured it out, Lobster. The Power Span pickups are so much better than the old CAP and the even older EXP pickups that we SR fanbois think they are the bomb. Lol. :o)
I think I like them even better than the Bart Mk1s. That was also a very polarizing pickup. A very 'love em or hate em' proposition. They were nothing like the BH2s in the BTB and now SR5XX and above.
Thanks Phlipper! I forgot to mention, I snagged a MINT SRX705 from GC Online that I need to make a video on...
@@LowEndLobster Looking forward to it. I had the SRX700 for a few years. Thought I was Carol Kaye for a while. Lol. Very different animal from Ibanez' newer stuff, IMHO.
Mr Lobster, can I ask - as a person with small hands and a very short pinky finger, I tried this bass for “feel” and it was much more comfortable for me than other basses, so if I bought it and get better, could I slap better pups and preamp in it to make it a better long term instrument? Thanks.
Great question Mark! The neck on here is pretty similar to that of higher end sound gears IMO, if you dig the soundgear vibe try checking out the 500 or 600 series. Better electronics and materials out of the box
@@LowEndLobster Thanks for that advice! Sorry for delay in replying. In the interim I bought a TRBX304 and need to return it as it has a few minor finishing flaws. That said, the neck on the TRBX is not quite as narrow as the SR300 so I will take your advice and check out the SR500 and above if they have a similar neck. Thanks!
I have a sr305edx in rosé gold chameleon.
It's freaking mint.
Those SR's are really great in Bass form
Great review as always lobster! I personally HATE the entire range of the SR3XX stuff outside of the SR375EF fretless that I have. Something about them feels completely different to me than even the SR4XX or SR5XX range.
Thanks Dave! Glad I'm not alone hahaha
I'd love to see your review of the Sire P7 alder variant, I think you would appreciate that bass
Thanks! I have one coming from Bully real soon :)
I am a guitar player who is beginning to learn bass guitar. If not this Bass guitar, which would you recommend that I get?
Hey Lobster, thanks so much for this and many other reviews! I would like to make a request - I find the line-up of the Ibanez Sr basses really confusing. Could you perhaps do a rewiew of the whole sr range starting at the gio and going all the way up to the boutique options and what features they offer? I would find that really helpful. Keep up the good (and fun to watch) work ☺
That's a great idea! I was thinking of doing similar with the Sterling By Music Man and USA Music Man lineups. Though I don't have the majority of the SR basses (or even SBMM basses anymore) handy, a video explaining the lineups is a great idea.
@@LowEndLobster ... thanks ☺ ...and I promise you will get your hand back to normal in every video I watch...lol
I purchased one of those here recently my second base haven’t been playing too long I play metal and I found myself spending quite a bit of time dialing in all the tone that I was looking for when all I really needed to do was dump the 45 100 scale strings for 45 105 which made a major difference in the overall tone and sound that I was trying to achieve
This was the first bass I bought, it was awesome when I played in a 3 piece. (Also should mention I play punk with a pick) cut to..in my 4 piece band there wasn't a tone combo available that I could find that would cut through the mix, even bought several pre amps and eq pedals to no avail. Ended up settling on a sterling sting ray with an Aguilar pick up. Even went as far as adding a passive active switch and it still cuts through and sounds great. I do miss the ibanez with the 24 frets though.. great review as usual 🦞!
Thank you Steve! I appreciate you sharing your experience!
Came for the bass, stayed for the cat
Welcome :)
IMO, HB in Series sounds best the vast majority of the time...and wo the noise.
Agreed!
All I have to say about my SR305eb in Pearl White is that it literally stands toe to toe with my Premium SR2405w-BTL. Yes, I have a love for Soundgears. I am serious though. With Fat Beams and proper setup I leave the expensive one at the house to keep it safe. They are killer basses for the price. Hell, Pearl flake is expensive by itself, let alone the rest of the bass.
The mids in this bass would make for a great fretless.
Thanks Nuno! We'll be checking out a SoundGear Portamento Fretless 4 very soon :)
Ok, ok, ok. Look i was in a kind of head space when I bought it, ya I have this one in the same color, and I got mine sub 200 including tax. It was fun for a while. Would you recommend a set of pups for this? I may go that route.
It's okay, you're still cool ;P. I'm honestly not sure what aftermarket pickups are available, I'd have to dig a little bit. IMO I'd get a different bass hehe
Actually, after a few months of playing this, I did. I actually fell in love the the sound of the neck pick up in the AIO telle bass you reviewed. As that store was a 20 min drive away, I picked one up. Its actually the firsh new bass ive ever bought. Mostly I love to build em.
@@ryanrogers8923 Noice! How you enjoying the AIO?
I am, actually. I got to meet the people at AIO guitar store. The guy who preped my bass is an amazing bass player. Ive been enjoying the sounds of the neck pickup, the bridge is good, just not quite to my taste. No buzz, and it stays in tune well. At the moment it is my go to for goofing off when I got the time. Im still think about a sub ray though. Ug, I just want to buy all the basses!
5 string SR305 has a 16.5 spacing that is a point for some EADGC users.
EADGC ?
The basses are BEADG stock, unless you meant people that switch to a higher string. But the 16,9mm spacing is pretty neat, though the first time i touched the 5 string going from an 18,5mm i felt like i was touching a bass for the first time. Takes some getting used to. I don't see why it would be different between high C or low B though
Relevant info begins at 3:14. You're welcome.
Everyone’s saying “low budget” and now I feel poor. Thanks ;(
Got a IBANEZ GSR 180
Insane Quality&Playability
I absolutely love my 305 and Gig with it every where! I can get every sound I need and it’s got a neck I can deal with😂 my church band absolutely loves it as well
I wondered many tomes why you find more Ibanez SR basses on kijiji than any other basses. I find their sound is just thin. The SG basses I have played or heard so far all tend to sound scooped, no matter in which setting. And I totally agree on the plethora of sound options. We all know what happens when you try to please everybody...
Thanks Norm! Great comment :)
@@LowEndLobster just wondering, do you think it would help to replace the pickups or is it the string length?
@@normg2242 honestly, I wouldn't bother putting money into a low end soundgear. The mid range ones are honestly way better. Review on one dropping later today.
Thanks for your honest opinion my friend 👊😎
That tone would be so lost in the mix in so many situations.. just so scooped and brittle up top. I get its a budget bass, but that is clearly designed to sound good through a small amp in a bed room setting.
Thanks Chonch! Yup, was not a fan of this one haha
Hey Lobster, just found your channel and subbed instantly! Your videos are great! I'm looking to buy my first bass soon but there's so many models and brands, it's so difficult to make a decision. Been looking at beginner's basses with HH config like the Yamaha TRBX304, Ibanez SR300, Jackson JS3(Q) Spectra; they're so similar. Or maybe something different like the Ibanez Mezzo medium-scale bass, looks fun too. Secretly hoping you would do a review on these too, would be a tremendous help.
Keep up the great videos, I wish I found your channel sooner! PS. I love your cat :) Have a great day!
Hey Shannen! Welcome :). I do plan on checking out those other two models0 the Yamaha and Jackson, as well as other models from those respective brands very soon. Bebe says hello :D
you should do a review on the Ibanez SR2605 if you can. you haven't done a review on an Ibanez sr premium bass on your channel yet and I think it's the coolest looking one out of them
Thanks broskie! Definitely plan on looking at other soundgears across the lineup; high end, low end and everything in between :)
Came for the bass review, stayed for the cats
My main buying points where the price and wonderful neck.
May upgrade pickups later on.
I just bought a 2008 Indonesian made Ibanez SR300. Similar to the SR400 Ed Friedland reviewed on RUclips in 2008. Having previously owned a Sire V3 and a Sterling Sub. I have to say that My Ibanez SR300 is way better than those basses. Pickups, hardware, electronics, ergonomics & the woods. Feels like a premium Ibanez and is way more solid than the Sire and Sterling. Maybe these new Ibanez versions aren't that great anymore. But I would never ever trade my Ibanez for another bass in that price range.
I'm worried if I buy this it will have all bridge, battery, and fret buzz issues I've been reading about. Probably depends on where you buy it from but I want to be sure a $350 ibanez can come to me in perfect condition as my Squier Jazz did. Sweetwater has the whole quality checking process but the SR300E won't be available till next month.
Thank you, I watched many videos before buying both a 4 and 5 string but none were as honest in letting the HUM through. It's been a struggle to find that sweet spot but ultimately I need a better bass. Tried flatwounds, noise gate and an MXR 10-Band EQ. I love soundgear for the shape but it's time to move on. Have you had any interest in the ESP LTD AP-4?
Hey Timothy! Yeah I had a similar journey but with an Ibanez Ergodyne EDB500 that was my third bass many ears ago. It had a similar setup as this without the single coils, but I tried so many combinations of effects, strings, techniques, etc to try and make it sound GOOD and it just wouldn't. The mid tier and above Soundgear basses are much better. More focused and dynamic electronics and less gimmicks.
Ibanez are always a solid choice for any new player. I've never liked thin necks, but i can't deny the value exists.
Have you any interest in reviewing the new jackson js3q basses? They look really interesting and the flame purple finish is very nice, imo
Thanks James! Yes, I'll be checking out some Jacksons :)
Funnily enough, I have just returned a JS3Q to get an SR300. The Jackson had splits in the control cavity, poor fretwork and binding and awful electronics. The sr300 replacement sounds nicer and is built much better, but does suffer from a wavy neck and a raised fret in the upper register. Still a better bass though in my case.