Sound:
On the replacement bass, the sound was tight, well defined, and powerful. I don't like active electronics but Ibanez only puts out actives nowadays so I guess I have to get used to it. I'm not a guy who likes to snap crackle and pop my bass, I don't need to finger myself on stage to get the attention or prove anything. I just like to provide a solid, straight ahead rock bass bottom with even sound. This bass does just that.
Because of the wide range of tone controls, you can make this sound similar to a Fender, Gibson or Ric bass.
Feature:
The bass has volume, master tone, then blend. There are bass mid and treble sub controls. There is a balance control which I love and depend on. The tuners work great but a couple have to be tightened with the small Phillips screws to keep from slipping. This doesn't stay in tune as well as my 30 year old Ibanez Roadstar but hey what can you expect.
Ease of Use:
With everything set flat this thing sounds excellent. Very easy to add edge, mid or bass with the dedicated controls. You will love the mix blend knob, going from very bright to deep dark to somewhere between. There are center clicks on all the knobs except the master volume.
Quality:
Very well made. The picture of the bass doesn't do it justice. I love mahogany finish and this one is beautiful. The first one looked like plastic trin on a cheap car. Ibanez did it right for this one. When you hold the bass, it has a soft solid, silky feel to it. The neck is satin finish which is my favorite.
Value:
This bass exceeds the US made "brand name" basses with style and features. There are companies that are making cookie cutter basses that because of their name everyone wants one. If you are confident in your own future and abilities, and don't feel a need to be defined by a "legend" brand name, try this bass. The unique, powerful, present sound will push you wayyyy ahead of the pack of cookie cutter bass players. This is an investment in your own opportunity.
Manufacturer Support:
I've never had to call Ibanez for 30 years of Ibanez basses. Anything wrong with them was probably because I was drunk and abusing them lol
The Wow Factor:
I do a lot of sitting in with bands since I broke up my band, and everyone loves how it looks and sounds. The only thing I need now to finish my wow factor is the Ibanez Prometheon 500 watt 10" combo bass amp. Have gun, will travel! :-)
Overall:
This is a follow up to the review I did below two years ago. I got this bass as a gift, and exchanged it within 30 days and bought the same bass from a different vendor and the difference was dramatic. It turns out there had been quality issues on this bass and Ibanez changed manufacturing locations and made sure to use well cured wood and better quality control on the components.
As far as the strings go, I think the last bass I bought had been a return, and the vendor just cleaned it up and that explains the dirty strings.
Sound:
This model doesn't have the snappy mid response that my old GSR200 had. It's more of a subdued sound, not my characteristic Ibanez tone I'm used to. Not liking it.
Feature:
The body doesn't look as good in person as I thought it would. There's an exaggerated wood finish that almost looks plastic like. The three tone controls are nice.
Ease of Use:
Don't like the tone controls or sound. The frets are unfinished. Not the Ibanez quality I'm used to.
Quality:
This guitar has a cheap look to it. The frets have sharp edges. The strings looked old and used and had creases in it before I even used it. This bass is heavier than the GSR200 series I love, but it doesn't have the punch. Now that I have the bass I don't know what all the hoopla was about, I'm returning it. Very disappointed in the product.
Value:
If this bass was $399 it would be a better value. I will return it and get another GSR200 left handed bass. I don't like the flame black top but the wood on this bass looks almost plastic. And it should have never gone out with undressed frets. Ibanez shame on you.
Manufacturer Support:
Never had to deal with them. Rock solid products
The Wow Factor:
Looks ok from a distance. It doesn't have the quality look that you see in the picture, like i said, it almost looks plastic.... quite disappointing...
Overall:
it's going back
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