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High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Description

The Ibanez SR1205E Premium Soundgear is a masterclass in blending artistry with engineering, designed for musicians who demand both quality and versatility without breaking the bank. Crafted in the renowned Ibanez Premium factory, this 5-string electric bass offers a rich combination of aesthetics and performance. Its elegantly contoured ovangkol top sits upon a robust mahogany body, delivering not only a striking visual appeal but also a potent, aggressive tone that resonates with authority.

The bass features a five-piece wenge/bubinga neck, infused with KTS titanium reinforcement rods, ensuring unwavering stability and durability. The rosewood fretboard adds a touch of warmth to the instrument's sonic palette, making each note feel full and resonant.

At the heart of its sound lies the Nordstrand Big Single pickups, known for their clear, single-coil sound with a punchy character, perfect for cutting through any mix. The EQB-IIISC 3-band EQ, equipped with mid-frequency and EQ-bypass switches, opens a gateway to a vast spectrum of tonal landscapes, making this bass as adaptable as your musical journey demands.

The Mono-Rail bridge showcases exemplary string isolation, with each saddle independently secured to maximize vibration transfer, ensuring precise intonation and effortless playability. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, the Ibanez SR1205E is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance.

Includes gig bag.

Key Features:

  • Ovangkol top on a mahogany body
  • 5-piece SR5 wenge/bubinga neck with KTS titanium rods
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Mono-Rail bridge for maximum vibration transfer
  • Nordstrand Big Single pickups
  • EQB-IIISC 3-band EQ with mid-frequency and EQ-bypass switches
  • Includes gig bag

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model SR1205E-VNF Premium Soundgear
Year 2011 - 2015
Made In Indonesia
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 5-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Series Ibanez Premium
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ibanez SR1205E's Nordstrand Big Single pickups?

The Nordstrand Big Single pickups in the Ibanez SR1205E provide a full, rich tone with a strong midrange presence, making it versatile for genres like rock, jazz, and funk. They deliver a punchy and articulate sound suitable for both fingerstyle and slap techniques.

Is the Ibanez SR1205E suitable for advanced bass players?

Yes, the Ibanez SR1205E is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, versatile sound options with its active preamp, and premium components like the 5-piece wenge/bubinga neck and Nordstrand pickups.

How does the active preamp enhance the Ibanez SR1205E's sound?

The active preamp in the Ibanez SR1205E offers a 3-band EQ with bypass and mid-frequency switches, allowing players to finely shape their tone with precision, from deep lows to crisp highs, making it adaptable for various musical styles.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez SR1205E?

The Ibanez SR1205E features a 5-piece SR5 wenge/bubinga neck, known for its slim and fast profile, providing excellent playability and comfort, especially for intricate bass lines and fast playing techniques.

Does the Ibanez SR1205E come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Ibanez SR1205E includes a gig bag, offering convenient protection and transport for the instrument.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SR1205E Premium Soundgear.

Features and functionality

  • The SR1205E includes Nordstrand Big Singles pickups, often praised for delivering a clear and punchy tone reminiscent of higher-end basses like Alembic or Warwick.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck features a titanium reinforcement, adding stability and making it notably easy to play, even with the added string of a 5-string setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SR1205E is described as a "big brother" to other Soundgear models, with superior playability and a lighter body, yet it retains the classic SR feel.

    Source
  • The Ibanez SR1205E offers competitive value, with used models available for around $750, providing a cost-effective option for premium features.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the impressive ease of slapping techniques on the SR1205E, significantly better than older bass models.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the low B string performance, even in drop tunings, though some suggest longer scales for extreme tunings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being Indonesian-made, the quality is considered top-notch, comparable to more expensive Japanese models, with the main difference being factory location.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SR1205E is versatile enough for genres like gospel, jazz, hard rock, and metal, excelling as a main bass for varied musical styles.

    Source
  • Aesthetically, the SR1205E is deemed suitable for any genre, making it a reliable choice for diverse musical settings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez SR Premium 1400E and 1205E Bass Reviews - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Ibanez SR1205E Premium Soundgear is a sleek, lightweight bass guitar offering impressive bang for your buck with its high-end features like Nordstrand Big Singles pickups and versatile EQ settings. Perfect for players seeking modern aesthetics and natural wood finishes, it delivers a punchy and clear tone, with options for deeper sound from its ovangkol body. However, the wiring inside could use some tidying, and a separate battery box would be a welcome addition for maintenance ease. Overall, a great choice for those craving style and sound without breaking the bank.

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