Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (17)
$399.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (3)
$399.99
Amazon
4.5 (269)
$399.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$349.99 New
$299.99 Used
zZounds
4.5 (3)
$399.99
Thomann
4.6 (35)
$349.00
Gear4Music
£317.00

Average Price: $375

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ibanez GSR206SM 6-String Electric Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the world of extended range bass playing with the Ibanez GSR206SM 6-String Electric Bass, a masterpiece that combines affordability with Ibanez's well-known quality. This bass is designed to cater to the needs of both budding bassists and seasoned musicians looking for a reliable workhorse. With its striking spalted maple top, this instrument doesn't just sound good; it demands attention.

The Ibanez GSR206SM is a testament to functionality meeting beauty. It’s lightweight, yet capable of producing a rich, deep tone that can fill any room. Whether you're laying down the groove in the studio or performing on stage, the sleek playability of this bass will keep you comfortable during long sessions, thanks to its contoured body and slim neck profile. The onboard Phat II EQ and DXH-6 pickups offer a tonal palette that ranges from smooth, laid-back vibes to aggressive, punchy growls, making it versatile across all music genres. This bass is not just an instrument; it's a companion on your musical journey, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.

Key Features:

  • Spalted maple top for a unique, eye-catching appearance
  • Lightweight design for enhanced playability and comfort
  • Contoured body and slim neck profile for effortless playability
  • DXH-6 pickups deliver clarity and a full tonal spectrum
  • Phat II EQ for boosting the low end, ensuring your bass lines cut through
  • B16 bridge for stable tuning and sustain
  • Designed to cater to a wide range of musical styles and playing techniques

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model GSR206SM Gio 6-String Bass
Finish Brown Burst, Charcoal Brown Burst, Natural Grey Burst
Year 2014 - 2025
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Grey
Frets Medium Jumbo
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
String Type Steel

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez GSR206SM 6-String Bass?

The Ibanez GSR206SM features a comfortable maple neck with a slim, fast profile designed for easy playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced bassists.

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez GSR206SM suitable for?

With its dual humbucking pickups and active preamp, the Ibanez GSR206SM is versatile enough for a wide range of genres, including rock, metal, jazz, and funk.

How does the Ibanez GSR206SM handle different playing styles?

The GSR206SM's 24-fret neck and active EQ allow for a wide range of tonal adjustments, making it suitable for fingerstyle, slapping, and picking techniques.

What are the key tonal characteristics of the Ibanez GSR206SM?

The Ibanez GSR206SM offers a balanced tone with deep lows and clear highs, enhanced by its active EQ, which allows for precise tonal shaping.

Does the Ibanez GSR206SM have active or passive pickups?

The Ibanez GSR206SM features passive pickups paired with an active preamp, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities and dynamic control.

Harry Felker

Harry Felker

NBD GSR206SMNGT Ibanez 6 String!!!

Video thumbnail for NBD GSR206SMNGT Ibanez 6 String!!! by Harry Felker

NBD GSR206SMNGT Ibanez 6 String!!!

Harry Felker

Harry Felker

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent bang for the buck with impressive build quality.

  • Thin neck profile is comfortable and fast for easy playability.

  • Versatile tone suitable for various music styles.

  • Eye-catching spalted maple finish attracts attention at gigs.

  • Good string spacing for muting and control.

  • Responsive controls and straight-forward onboard electronics.

  • Surprisingly good fretwork and neck quality for the price.

  • Perfect for trying out a 6-string without breaking the bank.

CONS

  • Factory setup often poor; requires adjustments for optimal playability.

  • Stock strings and electronics are subpar.

  • Some rough spots on the wood grain finish.

  • Fret buzz and intonation issues out of the box.

  • Treble roll-off and Phat II preamp may not suit all players.

  • Awkward neck feel for some players, especially with small hands.

  • Electronics prone to breaking and getting dirty.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez GSR206SM 6-String Electric Bass.

Comparisons

  • The SR306E is suggested as a more serious instrument compared to the GSR series, indicating a potential quality and performance difference.

    Source
  • The SR506 is recommended as a superior option and has served as a main instrument for four years, hinting at its reliability and quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A second-hand GSR206 can be found for significantly less, suggesting better deals may exist on the used market.

    Source
  • Purchasing used models at a competitive price allows for recouping investment if upgrading or deciding against a 6-string.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The low B string on budget instruments may deliver subpar output, urging potential buyers to test its quality carefully before purchasing.

    Source
  • Smooth fret edges by having a luthier file them, which should take only a few minutes and be cost-effective.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck of the SR506 can warp due to humidity, causing fret buzz, which requires adjustments to maintain playability.

    Source
  • Some owners experience discomfort due to rough fret edges, suggesting a fingerless glove as a temporary fix.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • College music programs might offer opportunities to try a 6-string bass if local shops are unavailable.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Active pickups on the GSR206 provide extensive tonal options, enhancing its versatility for different musical styles.

    Source
  • The active pickups, while versatile, are described as slightly chintzy by one owner, indicating potential limitations in durability or sound quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • The GSR206SM's fret edges can be rough, which might require smoothing by a luthier to prevent hand irritation.

    Source

2.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
wynorrific

Not so great

It is a decent 6-string starter bass. However, the electronics are cheap and will break and get dirty easily, the neck is very awkward to hold your hand on, and poor fret treatment. On the other hand, the Dynamix pick-ups are nice for a metal and rock players but not great for any other genres

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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