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Average Price: $329

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Description

When it comes to delivering both performance and value, the Ibanez SR305M Standard Soundgear Bass stands out as a top choice for bass enthusiasts. This 5-string electric bass offers a remarkable blend of versatility and comfort, making it an ideal companion for both seasoned players and those embarking on their musical journey. The SR305M features a sleek and slender 5-piece maple/rosewood neck, ensuring smooth playability and a comfortable grip that invites hours of practice and performance without fatigue.

The body, crafted from Agathis, adds warmth and depth to the sound, creating a solid foundation for any musical style. The real magic lies in its EXF-N2 humbucking pickups, which deliver a rich, full-bodied tone with the help of a powerful 3-band active equalization system. Whether you’re slapping, thumping, or playing fingerstyle, the SR305M adapts effortlessly, providing a dynamic range that suits genres from jazz to metal.

A perfect balance between affordability and high-quality craftsmanship, the Ibanez SR305M promises exceptional sound and playability. Its robust build and innovative features make it a worthwhile addition to any bassist’s collection, offering both reliability and performance that you can count on.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass with versatile sound
  • 5-piece maple/rosewood neck for enhanced playability
  • Solid Agathis body for warm and resonant tones
  • EXF-N2 humbucking pickups for rich sound
  • 3-band active EQ for precise tone shaping

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model SR305M-PW Standard Soundgear Bass, SR305M-SLB Standard Soundgear Bass
Year 2010 - 2014
Made In Indonesia, Korea, Republic of
Categories 4-String Basses, 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Blue, White
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple, Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String, 5-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Series Ibanez Standard

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez SR305M Standard Soundgear Bass best suited for?

The Ibanez SR305M is versatile and well-suited for various music genres, including rock, jazz, and funk, thanks to its dual humbucking pickups and active preamp, which provide a wide tonal range.

How does the active preamp in the Ibanez SR305M enhance its sound?

The active preamp in the Ibanez SR305M allows for greater control over your tone, offering enhanced bass, midrange, and treble adjustments for a more dynamic and powerful sound.

Is the Ibanez SR305M Standard Soundgear Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ibanez SR305M is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, lightweight body, and easy playability, making it an excellent choice for those new to bass playing.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez SR305M Standard Soundgear Bass like?

The Ibanez SR305M features a slim neck profile, providing fast and smooth playability, which is ideal for both beginners and experienced players who favor quick finger movements.

Does the Ibanez SR305M work well for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Ibanez SR305M is well-suited for slap bass techniques, offering a bright and punchy sound due to its maple fretboard and active electronics, which enhance clarity and attack.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

NAMM 2011: Ibanez introduces 2 new basses, the SR300MIPT and the SR305

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2011: Ibanez introduces 2 new basses, the SR300MIPT and the SR305 by Musician's Friend

NAMM 2011: Ibanez introduces 2 new basses, the SR300MIPT and the SR305

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SR305M Standard Soundgear Bass.

User experience

  • The SR305 is noted for having excellent action, contributing to its playability across different genres, despite the challenge of slapping due to close string spacing.

    Source
  • Owners report battery longevity ranging from several months to a year, depending on usage frequency and setup.

    Source
  • Owners transitioning from guitar appreciate the neck's thin profile, which suits metal genres like Invent Animate and Periphery.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Active preamp and active pickup combinations tend to drain batteries faster, especially with frequent playing or gigging.

    Source
  • The SR305 is praised for its versatility, performing well in genres like country due to its slim neck profile and playability.

    Source
  • Some users find slapping challenging due to the tighter string spacing, but it improves with practice.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Sire M2 and V3 basses offer active/passive switching and fall within a similar price range as the SR305.

    Source
  • The Sire V7 is recommended for a fuller, rounder, and punchier sound suitable for metal, contrasting with the Ibanez’s mellow tones.

    Source
  • The SR505 features Bartolini pickups, though these are licensed versions and not manufactured by Bartolini, which impacts their perceived quality.

    Source
  • The Yamaha TRBX305 is often recommended as an alternative at a similar price point.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using a rechargeable 9V battery and unplugging the bass when not in use can extend battery life significantly.

    Source
  • If the battery drains quickly, the two black wires on the output jack may need to be swapped to prevent power loss when unplugged.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SR305 includes a 3-way power switch, allowing for humbucker and single-coil emulation, though some owners are not impressed by its single-coil tone.

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  • The SR305 cannot operate without a battery, as it relies on an active preamp for sound production.

    Source
  • The SR305M's thinner neck and 16.5 mm string spacing facilitate a smoother transition for guitarists to bass playing.

    Source
  • The SR505 model includes an active/passive switch, which significantly enhances tonal versatility and is a key selling feature.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping the bridge pickup for a Bartolini P25P transforms the SR305 into a 5-string PJ bass, enhancing its tone significantly.

    Source
  • Enhancing tone significantly involves upgrading pickups and the bridge; no specific brands were mentioned.

    Source

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