White Cloud

I am surprised at this - Ibanez are usually very consistent in their production. It is a real shame that this has happened to you.

Forget the strings...what really matter here is that you are a great boyfriend and a thoroughly decent human being. A very kind and thoughtful act led to a fantastic gift and nice surprise. Everybody likes those!

This, with one exception...Ampeg stack madatory!

Very sad news, condolences to his family and friends...

Flats. Used them briefly during the 80's - hated them. Put them on my P bass during 2017 after reading lots of BC'es waxing lyrical about them here - hated them. I just like the bright "Zing" of rounds too much.

I know a chap that has one of these - he's owned it since new since the 70's! Awesome.

Sounds great, and lovely playing too!

Totally agree...without wishing to deviate from the topic too much this is my major bugbear and deal breaker

I do like gold hardware - but only on the right bass.

I think that a standard flat sawn Ash will on average tend to be heavier than both a standard flat sawn Mahogany and a flat sawn Alder. Swamp Ash tends to be much lighter. You will however always get quite a bit of variation in different cuts of the same species of wood...every piece will be different. Oddly enough some of my heaviest basses have tended to sound really good. I owned a Lakland 44-01 which weighed almost as much as my car - it was extremely resonant and sounded fantastic but obviously became very uncomfortable very quickly when gigging. Its hard to be too critical of the weight of the Sires at this price point though...because they are so good.

Good choice, great bass

The lightest, most resonant cuts of wood will always command a higher price unfortunately. However at this price point they still offer great value for money

Good question by the OP...I've often wondered this same thing too

there is a new thread elsewhere on this site about the new Sire Marcus Miller V3 - the 4 string is priced at £238. That would be a stunning first bass for any player.

Wow...amazing value. Mahogany body too...interesting! Brilliant basses for the money.

I think it's a great idea!

Saxondale - you just cannot go far wrong with either of the Ibanez's at this price point. Great basses for the money. I'm sure you'll get loads of other great advice here, including Squier's etc. It is actually not easy to buy a dud at any price nowadays...which great for first time buyers!

That's amazing. They obviously offer fantastic value for money used!

I tried one and almost bought it a while ago...it was very lightweight and resonant, so they obviously fluctuate in the weight department. The neck was awesome - it just felt so "right" to me! Probably a case of try before you buy though given what other BC'ers have posted.

They really do...and often at an excellent and accessible price point too!

That's awful and must feel so unpleasant...I really hope that the stainless steel strings make a big difference to your hands.

Fantastic seller, excellent honest communications throughout. Top class packaging and David arranged for very fast courier service. Item arrived exactly as described, immaculate and beautifully cared for bass. I am delighted - top class. I cannot recommend David enough. Thank you David for everything.

Hmmm, that's akin to standing in your local street and walking up to a parked Ford Mondeo and announcing, " I never thought i'd see one of them in my street!!!!" ...and that's coming from a Fender Precision player (before the Fender rent-a-mob dig out their pitchforks and light their flaming torches)