Newbie Question

[notefornote]

Hello and I am a rookie bass player. Just started about 3 months ago and wanted to know what some of you think of the Ibanez that I have started with. I have the SRX550 and wanted opinions as to the quality and whether anyone considers this to be a gig worthy bass. Thanks for any input!

[bassassin]

Yes - very good starter/intermediate bass, should get you a long way. Might be worth taking it for a pro setup, just to make sure it plays as well as possible.

But yes, excellent, well-equipped bass, I'd happily gig one.

Jon.

[notefornote]

Thanks for the answer.  There is a lot of valuable knowledge on this site. I did take it in recently to have the bass control knob tightened up because it came loose and they tightened up the other knobs because they were all found to be a little loose. In the short time that I have been playing I was able to play one song at a recent performance for a company function and got many compliments on the sound and it was also good to hear that many liked the way I played.  Being the first time for me I was nervous and wanted it to go well.  Was it the PFR pickups that added to the good sound quality?  The SRX550 has been discontinued and this bass was recommended to me by the great Carol Kaye who said that she liked these pickups.  Also, can someone recommend a 4 string Ibanez for me if I ever want to upgrade.  This bass has a mid size neck and would like a smaller one since I have small hands. Thanks for any suggestions.

[gemberbier]

Thanks for the answer.  There is a lot of valuable knowledge on this site. I did take it in recently to have the bass control knob tightened up because it came loose and they tightened up the other knobs because they were all found to be a little loose. In the short time that I have been playing I was able to play one song at a recent performance for a company function and got many compliments on the sound and it was also good to hear that many liked the way I played.  Being the first time for me I was nervous and wanted it to go well.  Was it the PFR pickups that added to the good sound quality?  The SRX550 has been discontinued and this bass was recommended to me by the great Carol Kaye who said that she liked these pickups.  Also, can someone recommend a 4 string Ibanez for me if I ever want to upgrade.  This bass has a mid size neck and would like a smaller one since I have small hands. Thanks for any suggestions.

So don't need an upgrade, but a narrower neck.
You could think of Jazz Bass replica, or a Roadstar II based on the Jazz Bass.
My RB630 was based on the wider Precision Bass, it's passive and sounds very nice.
But when I look at these other RB basses, the necks look all the same to me.
http://www.ibanez.co.jp/anniversary/expansion.php?cat_id=130&now=8
I think that the PJ Bass replica RB650 is an interesting versatile bass.
The RB690IV seems to be an active one with a 2-band EQ.
Also nice. I'd want all 3 of them. They're not expensive...
What's also an interesting 4-string bass is the ATK300 Ash (NOT ATK400 made of Agathis), but...
The electronics are rather complicated, and you really NEED help of a professional tech when something goes wrong with it.
I could help you online with the 3 Roadstar basses, but the ATK is just too complicated.


Ginger

[gemberbier]

Here's an RB850 on eBay with 12 minutes to go.
Ebay Item Number #180464148640


HURRY


Ginger

[notefornote]

Thanks but saw it a bit late.  When getting an instrument with that much age on it are there parts that you expect to be replaced?

[JohnS]

notefornote:

and this bass was recommended to me by the great Carol Kaye who said that she liked these pickups. 

Just curious, what situation made it possible to talk to Carol Kaye? She's a cool lady and great musician.
Here's a picture of Carol and me at 2007 NAMM: http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/forum/miscellaneous/2007-namm-in-la/msg55715/#msg55715

[notefornote]

JohnS,I never got to talk to Carol Kaye, it was through emails.  When I was thinking of learning bass I found her website and asked for some info on how to get started. I ended up buying some instructional material and got to reading about her legacy. So many tutorials and as you mentioned many now know her playing was heard on many recordings. Pretty cool that you got to meet her.