Ibanez SR basses

[clivem]

Yeah, that is nice to look at. Only thing is, I don't really get on with 16.5mm spacing on the SR 5'ers and I already bought the BTB1405 that was advertised here, so I'm skint right now and no chance of me giving it a home.....

Edited September 24, 2017 by clivem

[Al Krow]

clivem said:

Yeah, that is nice to look at. Only thing is, I don't really get on with 16.5mm spacing on the SR 5'ers and I already bought the BTB1405 that was advertised here, so I'm skint right now and no chance of me giving it a home.....

Congratulations on the new BTB1405!! Serious respect that you first recommended me to get the BTB1405 on here and then went on to get it yourself when I said it wasn't for me! Says to me that you're a man who won't recommend something that is not going to be good enough for himself - that counts for a lot in my books. Cheers and enjoy the new addition to your collection!

...and I still do unfortunately still have residual BTB 1805 GAS (which I am trying to resist until 2018 ) partly for the wider string spacing you've mentioned, partly for the 35" scale and tighter B string, partly for gorgeous neck through design...hmmm I can see where this is going already

 

Edited March 1, 2018 by Al Krow

[clivem]

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506263861' post='3377413']
Serious respect that you first recommended me to get the BTB1405 on here and then went on to get it yourself when I said it wasn't for me! Says to me that you're a man who won't recommend something that is not going to be good enough for himself - that counts for a lot in my books.
[/quote]

Or, it had already caught my attention a couple of times, and I wanted you to buy it to stop me buying it!
But seriously, even if you've never played a BTB before..... We know anything with the Ibby Premium label on it, means quality materials and well put together. We knew this one had the Nordy Big Singles and the same pre config as the SR's we are already familiar with. ie. 3 way mid switch, passive/active switch..... Add in an extra couple of boxes ticked.... 35" scale and through neck.

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506263861' post='3377413']
Cheers and enjoy the new addition to your collection!
[/quote]

When I got it, the strings were I think the original Elixirs...... Bought a set of EB cobalt rounds, (which was another string on my "want to try" list), re-strung it and it plays nice. Probably wants a tiny tweak to the truss-rods to straighten the neck a couple of thou, but it plays lovely as-is, so it's being left alone for the moment.

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506263861' post='3377413']
...and I still do unfortunately still have residual BTB 1805 GAS (which I am trying to resist until 2018 ) partly for the wider string spacing you've mentioned, partly for the 35" scale and tighter B string, partly for gorgeous neck through design...hmmm I can see where this is going already
[/quote]

Al, I'm sayin' nothing, except the "B" is to die for! I have my own demons to fight. They've re-introduced a 4 string model, (BTB740), which should be in the shops soon. See where this is going.......

Edited September 24, 2017 by clivem

[Woodinblack]

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506253865' post='3377305']
[url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Ibanez_SR1405T.html"]http://www.bassdirec...ez_SR1405T.html[/url]

Not sure the colour is for me, but in terms of value this is a steal...
[/quote]

I would have gone for that - but someone else has!

[Chris2112]

Bass Direct do alright for getting some stunning used SR's through the door. I bought my SR3006ESOL from them in 2015. It was the realisation of a longstanding dream of mine. I had picked up the Ibanez catalogue as a young lad in 2003 and dreamed of owning one. It was the top spec SR bass of it's year and my heart ached with longing. It's a very special instrument to me now.

Edited September 24, 2017 by Chris2112

[clivem]

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1506294048' post='3377746']
I bought my SR3006ESOL from them in 2015.
[/quote]

Just out of interest, what is the string spacing on the 6 string SR's? Same as the 5 string, 16.5mm?

[Al Krow]

clivem said:

Or, it had already caught my attention a couple of times, and I wanted you to buy it to stop me buying it!
But seriously, even if you've never played a BTB before..... We know anything with the Ibby Premium label on it, means quality materials and well put together. We knew this one had the Nordy Big Singles and the same pre config as the SR's we are already familiar with. ie. 3 way mid switch, passive/active switch..... Add in an extra couple of boxes ticked.... 35" scale and through neck. When I got it, the strings were I think the original Elixirs...... Bought a set of EB cobalt rounds, (which was another string on my "want to try" list), re-strung it and it plays nice. Probably wants a tiny tweak to the truss-rods to straighten the neck a couple of thou, but it plays lovely as-is, so it's being left alone for the moment. Al, I'm sayin' nothing, except the "B" is to die for! I have my own demons to fight. They've re-introduced a 4 string model, (BTB740), which should be in the shops soon. See where this is going.......

The SRs are just lovely to play in terms of action, weight and balance. The BTB has quite a different shape, particularly the horn, so how does that work out in terms of weight, balance and general comfort to wear for a couple of hours? I will obviously need to check this out for myself next time I am passing Wunjos in town, but I'm currently trying to avoid doing so if I am going to resist getting another Ibby from them!

 

Edited March 1, 2018 by Al Krow

[clivem]

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506333316' post='3377913']
The BTB has quite a different shape, particularly the horn, so how does that work out in terms of weight, balance and general comfort to wear for a couple of hours?
[/quote]

My only immediate thought, other than it feels comfortable to me, is to point out that the only real "complaint" I've seen/heard about the BTB's, that they've addressed in the latest model, is the forearm cutaway/contour, top/front of the body. Old model (mine) has a very flat top, with a slight bevel on the edge. This years model, is very Fender-like with the forearm contour.
Balance..... Good. Weight..... I'm guessing mine at 9.5lb. Not had it on the scales.
Not really spent enough time with it, to say much more than that yet.

Edited September 25, 2017 by clivem

[Al Krow]

clivem said:

My only immediate thought, other than it feels comfortable to me, is to point out that the only real "complaint" I've seen/heard about the BTB's, that they've addressed in the latest model, is the forearm cutaway/contour, top/front of the body. Old model (mine) has a very flat top, with a slight bevel on the edge. This years model, is very Fender-like with the forearm contour. Balance..... Good. Weight..... I'm guessing mine at 9.5lb. Not had it on the scales. Not really spent enough time with it, to say much more than that yet.

Thanks for that - that's very helpful. The non-rounded flat edge of the older models, you've pointed out, seems is a little Rickenbacker reminiscent and I can understand it being less ergonomic than something a bit more rounded. So I suppose that modification in the latest model is a plus (and also the re-positioning of the battery so that it is no longer cutting across the neck through on the back!). But hopefully neither will detract from the fact that you have got a LOT of gorgeous bass for the money!

 

Edited March 1, 2018 by Al Krow

[Pinball]

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506342306' post='3378025']
Thanks for that - that's very helpful. The non-rounded flat edge of the older models, you've pointed out, seems is a little Rickenbacker reminiscent and I can understand it being less ergonomic than something a bit more rounded. So I suppose that modification in the latest model is a plus (and also the re-positioning of the battery so that it is no longer cutting across the neck through on the back!). But hopefully neither will detract from the fact that you have got a LOT of gorgeous bass for the money!
[/quote]
I don't usually like 35" scale basses. Note: My build is wide body/short arms and I have dodgy shoulders. I really struggle with any bass that has me reaching with the left hand for the low notes. The BTB isn't such a long reach on the strap as it happily balances with the head nice and high, with the frets well in reach. It was one of the things I insisted on trying before I bought it. When sitting once again the bass doesn't feel like a stretch with my left hand. I suspect that is no accident.

[Woodinblack]

I found the BTB very comfortable to play, apart from (for me) the string spacing which is too much.

[clivem]

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506342306' post='3378025']
So I suppose that modification in the latest model is a plus (and also the re-positioning of the battery so that it is no longer cutting across the neck through on the back!). But hopefully neither will detract from the fact that you have got a LOT of gorgeous bass for the money!
[/quote]

Yep, I noticed they had moved the battery box so they were removing the wood for it from the lower "glued-on" wing, rather than compromising the neck through.... Also, the zero fret is a new addition. And the truss-rod adjust from the heel, rather than the nut end of the neck.

[clivem]

[quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1506349939' post='3378100']
The BTB isn't such a long reach on the strap as it happily balances with the head nice and high, with the frets well in reach. It was one of the things I insisted on trying before I bought it.
[/quote]

If I didn't already know it was 35" scale, it doesn't "feel" any more of a reach to the first fret, than when I've got a 34" SR in my hands.

[Al Krow]

clivem said:

Yep, I noticed they had moved the battery box so they were removing the wood for it from the lower "glued-on" wing, rather than compromising the neck through.... Also, the zero fret is a new addition. And the truss-rod adjust from the heel, rather than the nut end of the neck.

Ah yes, the new ZERO fret, I did spot that too! Now let's be honest here, is this anything more than a gimmick given that it's pretty uncommon? Is it going to work / add anything? Why didn't they just go for a brass nut or similar in the way that Warwick do with their (outrageously expensive!) Just-a-nut iii?

Also is the 19mm string spacing on the BTB 5s a bit wider than typical for basses or is it in line with "standard" and it's actually the 16.5mm on the SR 5s that is more closely spaced than the norm?

 

Edited March 1, 2018 by Al Krow

[clivem]

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506406982' post='3378427']
Ah yes, the new ZERO fret, I did spot that too! Now let's be honest here, is this anything more than a gimmick given that it's pretty uncommon? Is it going to work / add anything?
[/quote]

Not from personal experience, but I know a guy whose favoured Tobias/MTD's have the zero fret and his opinion is that it's a "must have" for him, the "tone" of the open note is the same as fretted notes...

[lowhand_mike]

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506406982' post='3378427']
Also is the 19mm string spacing on the BTB 5s a bit wider than typical for basses or is it in line with "standard" and it's actually the 16.5mm on the SR 5s that is more closely spaced than the norm?
[/quote]

i'm a bit late to the party here not been on for a while

the 19mm spacing is what ibanez use on their 4 string basses and on the SRs go down to a 16.5mm spacing, probably to keep the neck small and fast where as they have stuck with the wider spacing on the 5 string BTBs.
the spacing on my SR1805 was what i found hardest to get used to after my SR500 but its pretty much there now and the 500 doesnt really come out of the gig bag now.
and like youve all said the premiums are insane value for money.

[clivem]

Might be worth mentioning, there is at least one SR 5er that has bigger than 16.5mm spacing, that I know of.
That's the single cut, Bass Workshop, [url=http://www.ibanez.com/products/u_eb_detail17.php?year=2017&cat_id=2&series_id=51&data_id=108&color=CL01]SRSC805[/url], with its 18mm spacing.

Edited September 26, 2017 by clivem

[Al Krow]

clivem said:

Might be worth mentioning, there is at least one SR 5er that has bigger than 16.5mm spacing, that I know of. That's the single cut, Bass Workshop, SRSC805, with its 18mm spacing.

Thanks for that. I'd definitely be tempted if it weren't for the Barts! I was playing my SR1800 with its Nords through what I'd previously regarded as a transparent Markbass with full band at rehearsal volume last night. It was just great! That aggressive growl on the lower strings with no embellishment (bass in passive mode, not a single pedal in sight, mids ever so slightly boosted on the amp EQ)...I left with a grin and appreciative looks from band members. It rapidly is becoming my go to bass.

Back to 5s...I've recently picked up a Yammy 425 for less than £300 new (an end of line bargain). It's actually amazingly good for the money and holds its own with my other basses. It also has wider string spacing, so I really ought to make the most of that instead of lusting after neck through, zero fretted, 35" taught B string, Aggi PUP'd with 19mm string spacing, BTBs...

 

Edited March 1, 2018 by Al Krow

[Al Krow]

I blame Woody for starting this thread!

8 months ago I didn't have a single Ibby SR and now...

[burno70]

Nice!

Al how do you like the Portamento? I've been gassing for one of these for quite sometime but haven't taken the leap to fretless yet.

[Al Krow]

2 hours ago, burno70 said:

Nice!

Al how do you like the Portamento? I've been gassing for one of these for quite sometime but haven't taken the leap to fretless yet.

Ibanez Portamento SRF705 - initial thoughts

Thanks Burno. First impressions are VERY positive. I've still got to get my head around the EQ / volume knobs as they involve piezo control and there are also some additional piezo controls on the reverse of the bass.

Usual wonderful Ibby neck, which makes playing a 5 a pleasure. It is lined down the side only, which is a really nice compromise in terms of lined / unlined.

Unlike the rest of the SR range this is active only rather than dual active / passive.

The piezo delivers that rather tasty fretless sound, which is not unique to Ibbys, but does it very well.

The previous owner fitted D'Addario flats and I'm not sure whether it is the D'Addarios or the piezo or a combination of both, but what a gorgeous B string this has! Rich and full in tone.

One of my BC buddies commented that "piezos they can be bright but they do bring some definition and should be great with flats and a fretless". Well so far he's not been wrong on that!

My only concern is that I am going to be tempted to pick this up instead of spending time getting proficient on my EUB...  

[burno70]

From the demo's I've seen youtube it's an amazing sounding bass. Thanks for your thoughts!

[Woodinblack]

Hey, you are almost catching up with me!

9 hours ago, Al Krow said:

Ibanez Portamento SRF705 - initial thoughts

Thanks Burno. First impressions are VERY positive. I've still got to get my head around the EQ / volume knobs as they involve piezo control and there are also some additional piezo controls on the reverse of the bass.

Yes, the controls on the back are a sort of fire and forget - you set them up once (or in my case, never) and then don't worry about them again.

So the only controls you really have are Volume / balance / bass / treble of normal bass, like an SR but without a mid control. Then two controls at the end for volume and tone of the piezo - so if you view them as two completely separate sections, it becomes quite simple.

I must admit, I normally have the volume of the bass off and the piezo up, so just playing with that.

9 hours ago, Al Krow said:

Unlike the rest of the SR range this is active only rather than dual active / passive.

I think probably on balance, most of the SR range is active only, I think it is only the newer prestige and premier that have a passive switch. Certainly my S1000 premier is active only, as was my 550. I think most of the current basic models are as well.

 

[Woodinblack]

OK - so it continues more, although this isn't technically an SR, its a GVB 36

 

I didn't realise that when the string spacing is that narrow at the bridge it stayed the same spacing all the way up the neck so it is pretty massive up there, but it is fun so far!

 

[Al Krow]

Hah! Actually this is where congrats are more properly due! Pics of the whole bass please!