I’ve had basses from the GSR200 low end basses, still have my GSR206, and my newest SR605E. But I’ve had the regular GSR200, the GSRM200. An SR300. Tbh, no matter the price range, I’ve always loved Ibanez basses the best out of all then ones I’ve played, even the ones I never owned myself but knew people who did own other models, and yeah, they’re all great. Imo, no matter what price range you go for, Ibanez basses play like a dream. I’ve had their guitars, but prefer Schecter for guitar. Imo for bass, Ibanez has by far the best necks.
Thanks for the video. Ive never played a bass in my life, but i love Ibanez guitars and my experience with them have been fantastic. Its refreshing to hear from someone outside of my particular scene.
I couldn’t agree more. I own 3 Ibanez basses: an Ergodyne EDA905 5-string, a Premium BTB1605NT 5-string and an Artcore AGB200 4-string semi hollow body.
Very Cool! Thanks! You may have just convinced me to put Sound Gear back on my list for the time I finally "need" (want) to put a modern active bass into my quiver. And you are right. Even their mid-high tier (but still not Japanese made) stuff is so beautiful and well made. On par with many boutique, hand-made basses out there.
Great video as always! My current 2 favorite basses that I own are my SRSC806 and SRF705, and I'm incredibly happy with the playability, tone, and quality of both. Also, I have small hands, so the thinner necks feel much better to me than most other basses.
my Ibanez SR800 was built in 1992 and I just picked it up again after around 20 years. apart from needing some dust-busting of the controls and a new battery for the active pickups, it plays like a dream. my next bass is going to be another Ibanez Soundgear bass!
I'm an Ibanez person too. Have you tried the SRX705 neck through? I recently ordered one, used, off the Internet. When I opened the box, I discovered it came with blue tape wounds -- Wow! Ever tried tapes on any of yours?
I have seen the SRX705 for sale but I have yet to play it. I absolutely love the look of it and would more than likely purchase one! I'm not really a fan of the way tape wounds sounds but I love the feel of them. My semi-hollow Ibanez came with tape wounds but I didn't actually play it with them on.
I agree with you and I'm sure as you well know, Ibanez is putting Norstrand pickups in most of their high-end basses now. I actually cut my rant about the pickups in my 506e out of this video because I didn't feel it went well with my overall message about Ibanez. I must admit that the bartolini's in my SR506e leave something to be desired.
I have an Ibanez acoustic bass that I love. It’s actually my favorite bass. I know Ibanez is known for their metal instruments but they have so much versatility. Even something as niche as an acoustic bass Ibanez makes well. That sr 700 looked beautiful but I remember it needed a lot of love and care from someone because it was not taken care of previously.
That's great that you have an acoustic! I play mine more than any of my other basses simply for that reason. I did some research on the SR700 and still sort of want it but I'm sure it's gone by now. And yes, it needed a TON of TLC.
I have an Ibanez SR535 Bass from 2008.... Bartolini MK1 pickups and active 3 band pre-amp. It feels so good but I have noticed that it has been making a strange Wah sound... I thought it was my amp but it also does it when DI'd into my Focusrite Scarlet. Have you ever had that issue? I want to replace the pickups and preamp now... I still love Ibanez....they just feel so good to me. I am not sure if I ever was a big Bartolini fan.
@@progrockjock I am really considering the Aguilar DCB pickups and on-board Aguilar preamp to go with it .... they're just so expensive! I paid $549 for that bass in 2008. I've thought for a long about upgrading the sound of it....not really in love with this bass right now.
@@progrockjock That's true...I was looking at the Ibanez SR600E with the Nordstrand pickups in it .. OMG... it sounded amazing. Low End Lobster reviewed it on his channel (the 5 string version). Thanks for the tip!
@@progrockjock I have been checking out Nordstrand pickups....they all sound great (making it hard for me to decide on which one to purchase). Gonna get one of their onboard 3 band preamps as well. Just not in love with the Bartolini mk1's anymore. 😂
My first bass was an Ibanez Blazer back in 83 and it was great; I have no idea why I sold it. My two most played basses are the SR256 and SR706 and I have 5 other SRs too in 4 and 5 string. Dunno why you don't like the SR headstock as I thinks it's pretty great. My first EG was also a Blazer. PS: go buy the SR700, you know you'll regret it if you don't.
I think it's awesome that you used to play those Blazers! I see you have quite a history with Ibanez! An old friend of mine owned one a Roadster guitar that I used to play more than he did, but when he offered to sell it to me, I declined because it wouldn't stay in tune. If I had known then what I know now, I would've taken the deal before he blinked. Don't get me wrong, I like the SR headstock a heck of a lot better than the ATK Series, but I love the classic design of the Musician/Artcore/Artist headstock. And yes, I already regret not grabbing that SR700. Hopefully, it will be there when I return to GC...
As far as price you can’t compare an Ibanez to a Ken smith, but you know what? Ill make GREAT music with my SR600e, Music so good that ill put it up against a ken smith and if you heard it with earphone you could not tell the difference, The SR series is made in Indonesia with the upmost of strict standards, the woods are Excellent, if they were made in USA that 800 bass I love so much would cost 2k-3k. Great video! Yes Ibanez is truly a great company, like fender, they make great stuff for every budget.
Nice collection. I did the obligatory music shop visit for strings in 95 & walked out with a brand new high end Sound Gear with semi parametric etc. I bought it because of unbelievable range of tones, not too dissimilar to Wal & of course the slim easy to play neck. Ironically it was these two reasons I had to let it go after around 3 years. Just couldn't get a tone out of it live, just didn't cut, certainly not like my Stingray. The neck felt like a toy live too 🤭. Love your ATK though, far more my style. My first active bass was a 1980 Roadstar I got in around 82/3. A slap monster & absolute quality tool....then I got my first Status so.... A great brand though, maybe only rivalled by Yamaha on the criteria you've laid out. Ibanez prob wins for the metal heads & affordable 6 stringers, so OK I might give you this one 😉😉
For all of the reasons you mentioned, I've never taken any of my Ibanez basses into the studio or onto the stage. One of the main musicians I came up with had a heavy influence on the gear I used. I loved Metal but he hated it and asked why I didn't listen to more AC/DC, the Beatles and Zeppelin. In the beginning, the only thing we agreed on was Van Halen. He hated my Ibanez, my Pedulla and my Ken Smith. When we started recording and gigging together, he insisted that I play his uncle's 70s Jazz bass. After a while, he suggested I get a Stingray. After about a year & several studio sessions, he asked me to play that old Fender Jazz again and I fell in love with it. Then, he went out and found me 5 Fender P basses over a span of 2 years. In this order: 1968, 1969, 1967, 1983 and finally the 1966, which I play the most on this channel. We were halfway through tracking my bass for an album we were recording together when I walked into the studio the day after my 27th birthday. To my surprise, that 66 was just sitting in the vocal room. The producer on that album loved that P Bass so much that he had me re-track all of the bass that I had finalized up to that point. I had a 1983 P bass that I used for live shows, but once the 66 was added, I played nothing else for 10 years. Everywhere I go, regardless of the genre of music, I am specifically asked to bring that 1966 P Bass along for the ride. Yes, even to play on Metal tracks. It's so easy to mix and it cuts through on stage like a beast! It's crazy that I still even buy other basses now that I own it.
@@progrockjock ah man, yes there's something special about those 60s P basses. So he would only let you play his Jazz bass, it wasn't Lenny Kravitz was it?? 🤪. Gail Ann Dorsey, Bowie's ex bass player has to play Lenny's Jazz on tour. Her white Stingray with mirror pick gaurd is retired for now lol. Nice one brother.
Man, I wish! However, this same kid actually got me into Lenny Kravitz after he saw him open for The Cult on the Ceremony Tour. He also got me into King's X. This was as close to Metal has he ever got, other than producing it. After one too many failed bands, he decided to go into producing full time. He's doing really well now and I rarely hear from him, as so many stories go. We were childhood friends, so I respect his privacy by not mentioning his name, as well as a few others who are frequently seen here on RUclips. It's a small world, as you well know, and have reminded me with some of your stories. I've actually shown him once on this channel...I think in my 33 Years of Bass video. We played a few televised gigs and I happened to get my hands on only one of the recordings. I stuck a clip in there. One of his more recent credits was producing the Slash & Myles Kennedy record. I would never exploit him or any of my other former band mates. I experienced a lot, thanks to him, and he will always have my respect for that.
@@progrockjock Wow, OK I know who you're talking about. He's certainly doing well. I'll check back on your channel for that too. That's great stuff PRJ, I'm sure there's some fantastic memories also.
With me, everyone, regardless of status, is just a human being trying to get through this life. We were just kids (age 12) when we met and that's still how I see him. I'm proud of his accomplishments, and I'm happy to say he deserves his success. Without him, there would probably be a gaping hole in my musical history. Even after he moved to Los Angeles, he still connected me with great opportunities but I failed to seize them, simply by not being committed to the tasks at hand. The funny thing is that I never asked him for anything, other than to borrow his Hi8 camcorder back in 1993 😉 When I feel the time is right, I will make a special video, which will focus on my journey and mention several names of musicians/bands, as well as others (ie. producers) in the music industry I've worked with along the way. I appreciate the conversations with you. Have a great day!
I do love an ibanez but an Sr 4 string neck just feels way to small. Never was a fan of atk basses either. Just never felt right to me. I do remember falling in love when they first released the BTB basses. Still want the 90s model sr1306 may find one one day.
With the exception of the ATK and maybe the Artcore, Ibanez brings a small or thin neck most of their instruments. BTB is their best for sure but yes, the 1994 SR1306 is gorgeous!!
I've never sounded better than on an Ibanez. I had a gio bass back in like 2001, and from those live practice recordings, I could play well beyond my capabilities. I'm not a slap popper, although I was able to get some good flea action going. Tight. I'm not a shredder, yet I could shred..leginitimately. Ibanez are incredible instruments. Even a two hundred buck bass will allow you to kick total ass. The only "downside" is that they are not a P or A j BASS BY fENDER. bUT GUESS WHAT? i COULD NEVER SHRED SHIT LIKE NO SHITTER ON THOSE BASSES.
Ibanez MIJ along with all the other Japanese brands are the best guitars (i don't play bass, but i don't see why the premium japanese craftsmanship wouldn't be just as good on basses) if you ask me. Because they do it all AND they do it all incredibly well whike keeping prices way lower than Anerican guitars at the same quality level.
Maybe but please feel welcome to "debate" if you truly feel you have a valid point. After all, while this video might seem contradictory to other videos (ie. Stingray and P Bass) I have posted, I will confess that some of my views are sort of like the weather. I will always say that nothing plays like an Ibanez but I have yet to play any bass that can beat a well-adjusted Fender Precision or Jazz Bass.
I’ve had basses from the GSR200 low end basses, still have my GSR206, and my newest SR605E. But I’ve had the regular GSR200, the GSRM200. An SR300. Tbh, no matter the price range, I’ve always loved Ibanez basses the best out of all then ones I’ve played, even the ones I never owned myself but knew people who did own other models, and yeah, they’re all great. Imo, no matter what price range you go for, Ibanez basses play like a dream. I’ve had their guitars, but prefer Schecter for guitar. Imo for bass, Ibanez has by far the best necks.
I also started my bass learning with Ibanez. It has accompaied my for almost 20 years and their basses have never dissapointed me. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video. Ive never played a bass in my life, but i love Ibanez guitars and my experience with them have been fantastic. Its refreshing to hear from someone outside of my particular scene.
Went to a bass workshop with Carol Kaye 2008. She endorse Ibanez basses highly! Carol played a SDGR 4 string during the workshop. 👍
I couldn’t agree more. I own 3 Ibanez basses: an Ergodyne EDA905 5-string, a Premium BTB1605NT 5-string and an Artcore AGB200 4-string semi hollow body.
Very Cool! Thanks! You may have just convinced me to put Sound Gear back on my list for the time I finally "need" (want) to put a modern active bass into my quiver.
And you are right. Even their mid-high tier (but still not Japanese made) stuff is so beautiful and well made. On par with many boutique, hand-made basses out there.
Great video as always! My current 2 favorite basses that I own are my SRSC806 and SRF705, and I'm incredibly happy with the playability, tone, and quality of both. Also, I have small hands, so the thinner necks feel much better to me than most other basses.
my Ibanez SR800 was built in 1992 and I just picked it up again after around 20 years. apart from needing some dust-busting of the controls and a new battery for the active pickups, it plays like a dream. my next bass is going to be another Ibanez Soundgear bass!
AF55 still regard with some level of respect🐦
that ATK got some thicc tone!
I'm an Ibanez person too. Have you tried the SRX705 neck through? I recently ordered one, used, off the Internet. When I opened the box, I discovered it came with blue tape wounds -- Wow! Ever tried tapes on any of yours?
I have seen the SRX705 for sale but I have yet to play it. I absolutely love the look of it and would more than likely purchase one! I'm not really a fan of the way tape wounds sounds but I love the feel of them. My semi-hollow Ibanez came with tape wounds but I didn't actually play it with them on.
I love the ATK!!!
I have an SR505e and am intending to swap out the pickups with Nordstrand humbuckers and a new preamp as it's too muddy at the low end in a mix
I agree with you and I'm sure as you well know, Ibanez is putting Norstrand pickups in most of their high-end basses now. I actually cut my rant about the pickups in my 506e out of this video because I didn't feel it went well with my overall message about Ibanez. I must admit that the bartolini's in my SR506e leave something to be desired.
@@progrockjock it's a great bass though and I'm hopeful it can be made a good as a to end SR
I like my 506e a lot too, especially the finish. Perhaps I will take a page out of your book...
I have an Ibanez acoustic bass that I love. It’s actually my favorite bass.
I know Ibanez is known for their metal instruments but they have so much versatility. Even something as niche as an acoustic bass Ibanez makes well.
That sr 700 looked beautiful but I remember it needed a lot of love and care from someone because it was not taken care of previously.
That's great that you have an acoustic! I play mine more than any of my other basses simply for that reason. I did some research on the SR700 and still sort of want it but I'm sure it's gone by now. And yes, it needed a TON of TLC.
I seen an Ibanez Rickenbacker styled bass for sale on Reverb. Do you have any experience with those? Thanks
I have no experience with those but if I ever saw one, I would buy it without hesitation!
Nice basses, I just prefer thicker necks
I know what you mean.
I have an Ibanez SR535 Bass from 2008.... Bartolini MK1 pickups and active 3 band pre-amp. It feels so good but I have noticed that it has been making a strange Wah sound... I thought it was my amp but it also does it when DI'd into my Focusrite Scarlet. Have you ever had that issue? I want to replace the pickups and preamp now...
I still love Ibanez....they just feel so good to me.
I am not sure if I ever was a big Bartolini fan.
I've had a problem with a wah sound coming from a lekato wireless system I was using but it went away. I agree with you about Bartolini.
@@progrockjock I am really considering the Aguilar DCB pickups and on-board Aguilar preamp to go with it .... they're just so expensive! I paid $549 for that bass in 2008.
I've thought for a long about upgrading the sound of it....not really in love with this bass right now.
I like Aguilar but I really dig the Nordstrand pickups they're putting in the Ibanez basses these days. More bang for the buck!
@@progrockjock That's true...I was looking at the Ibanez SR600E with the Nordstrand pickups in it .. OMG... it sounded amazing. Low End Lobster reviewed it on his channel (the 5 string version).
Thanks for the tip!
@@progrockjock I have been checking out Nordstrand pickups....they all sound great (making it hard for me to decide on which one to purchase). Gonna get one of their onboard 3 band preamps as well. Just not in love with the Bartolini mk1's anymore. 😂
My first bass was an Ibanez Blazer back in 83 and it was great; I have no idea why I sold it. My two most played basses are the SR256 and SR706 and I have 5 other SRs too in 4 and 5 string. Dunno why you don't like the SR headstock as I thinks it's pretty great.
My first EG was also a Blazer.
PS: go buy the SR700, you know you'll regret it if you don't.
I think it's awesome that you used to play those Blazers! I see you have quite a history with Ibanez!
An old friend of mine owned one a Roadster guitar that I used to play more than he did, but when he offered to sell it to me, I declined because it wouldn't stay in tune. If I had known then what I know now, I would've taken the deal before he blinked.
Don't get me wrong, I like the SR headstock a heck of a lot better than the ATK Series, but I love the classic design of the Musician/Artcore/Artist headstock.
And yes, I already regret not grabbing that SR700. Hopefully, it will be there when I return to GC...
As far as price you can’t compare an Ibanez to a Ken smith, but you know what? Ill make GREAT music with my SR600e, Music so good that ill put it up against a ken smith and if you heard it with earphone you could not tell the difference, The SR series is made in Indonesia with the upmost of strict standards, the woods are Excellent, if they were made in USA that 800 bass I love so much would cost 2k-3k. Great video! Yes Ibanez is truly a great company, like fender, they make great stuff for every budget.
Great basses I own 3, a BTB670,a SRX360 and SDGR300m wouldnt part with any of them as theyre part of the family.
Nice collection. I did the obligatory music shop visit for strings in 95 & walked out with a brand new high end Sound Gear with semi parametric etc. I bought it because of unbelievable range of tones, not too dissimilar to Wal & of course the slim easy to play neck. Ironically it was these two reasons I had to let it go after around 3 years. Just couldn't get a tone out of it live, just didn't cut, certainly not like my Stingray. The neck felt like a toy live too 🤭. Love your ATK though, far more my style. My first active bass was a 1980 Roadstar I got in around 82/3. A slap monster & absolute quality tool....then I got my first Status so....
A great brand though, maybe only rivalled by Yamaha on the criteria you've laid out. Ibanez prob wins for the metal heads & affordable 6 stringers, so OK I might give you this one 😉😉
For all of the reasons you mentioned, I've never taken any of my Ibanez basses into the studio or onto the stage.
One of the main musicians I came up with had a heavy influence on the gear I used. I loved Metal but he hated it and asked why I didn't listen to more AC/DC, the Beatles and Zeppelin. In the beginning, the only thing we agreed on was Van Halen.
He hated my Ibanez, my Pedulla and my Ken Smith. When we started recording and gigging together, he insisted that I play his uncle's 70s Jazz bass. After a while, he suggested I get a Stingray.
After about a year & several studio sessions, he asked me to play that old Fender Jazz again and I fell in love with it. Then, he went out and found me 5 Fender P basses over a span of 2 years. In this order: 1968, 1969, 1967, 1983 and finally the 1966, which I play the most on this channel. We were halfway through tracking my bass for an album we were recording together when I walked into the studio the day after my 27th birthday. To my surprise, that 66 was just sitting in the vocal room. The producer on that album loved that P Bass so much that he had me re-track all of the bass that I had finalized up to that point. I had a 1983 P bass that I used for live shows, but once the 66 was added, I played nothing else for 10 years.
Everywhere I go, regardless of the genre of music, I am specifically asked to bring that 1966 P Bass along for the ride. Yes, even to play on Metal tracks. It's so easy to mix and it cuts through on stage like a beast! It's crazy that I still even buy other basses now that I own it.
@@progrockjock ah man, yes there's something special about those 60s P basses.
So he would only let you play his Jazz bass, it wasn't Lenny Kravitz was it?? 🤪. Gail Ann Dorsey, Bowie's ex bass player has to play Lenny's Jazz on tour. Her white Stingray with mirror pick gaurd is retired for now lol. Nice one brother.
Man, I wish! However, this same kid actually got me into Lenny Kravitz after he saw him open for The Cult on the Ceremony Tour. He also got me into King's X. This was as close to Metal has he ever got, other than producing it. After one too many failed bands, he decided to go into producing full time.
He's doing really well now and I rarely hear from him, as so many stories go. We were childhood friends, so I respect his privacy by not mentioning his name, as well as a few others who are frequently seen here on RUclips. It's a small world, as you well know, and have reminded me with some of your stories.
I've actually shown him once on this channel...I think in my 33 Years of Bass video. We played a few televised gigs and I happened to get my hands on only one of the recordings. I stuck a clip in there. One of his more recent credits was producing the Slash & Myles Kennedy record. I would never exploit him or any of my other former band mates. I experienced a lot, thanks to him, and he will always have my respect for that.
@@progrockjock Wow, OK I know who you're talking about. He's certainly doing well. I'll check back on your channel for that too. That's great stuff PRJ, I'm sure there's some fantastic memories also.
With me, everyone, regardless of status, is just a human being trying to get through this life. We were just kids (age 12) when we met and that's still how I see him.
I'm proud of his accomplishments, and I'm happy to say he deserves his success. Without him, there would probably be a gaping hole in my musical history. Even after he moved to Los Angeles, he still connected me with great opportunities but I failed to seize them, simply by not being committed to the tasks at hand. The funny thing is that I never asked him for anything, other than to borrow his Hi8 camcorder back in 1993 😉
When I feel the time is right, I will make a special video, which will focus on my journey and mention several names of musicians/bands, as well as others (ie. producers) in the music industry I've worked with along the way.
I appreciate the conversations with you.
Have a great day!
I do love an ibanez but an Sr 4 string neck just feels way to small.
Never was a fan of atk basses either. Just never felt right to me.
I do remember falling in love when they first released the BTB basses.
Still want the 90s model sr1306 may find one one day.
With the exception of the ATK and maybe the Artcore, Ibanez brings a small or thin neck most of their instruments. BTB is their best for sure but yes, the 1994 SR1306 is gorgeous!!
I've never sounded better than on an Ibanez. I had a gio bass back in like 2001, and from those live practice recordings, I could play well beyond my capabilities. I'm not a slap popper, although I was able to get some good flea action going. Tight. I'm not a shredder, yet I could shred..leginitimately. Ibanez are incredible instruments. Even a two hundred buck bass will allow you to kick total ass. The only "downside" is that they are not a P or A j BASS BY fENDER. bUT GUESS WHAT? i COULD NEVER SHRED SHIT LIKE NO SHITTER ON THOSE BASSES.
I get where you're coming from. I play Fender because they're "old faithful" but the ease of play with Ibanez makes it hard for me to give them up.
Ibanez MIJ along with all the other Japanese brands are the best guitars (i don't play bass, but i don't see why the premium japanese craftsmanship wouldn't be just as good on basses) if you ask me. Because they do it all AND they do it all incredibly well whike keeping prices way lower than Anerican guitars at the same quality level.
There are SOME things that are USELESS to "Debate"...rhe ATK however.. Meh
Maybe but please feel welcome to "debate" if you truly feel you have a valid point. After all, while this video might seem contradictory to other videos (ie. Stingray and P Bass) I have posted, I will confess that some of my views are sort of like the weather. I will always say that nothing plays like an Ibanez but I have yet to play any bass that can beat a well-adjusted Fender Precision or Jazz Bass.
#50_AF55_yipperSkipper_June14_2024🇺🇸🇮🇱✝️