Ibanez Standard SR305E Review

Better than before

My first bass was an SR series from the late 90s. I have played many different basses over the years since then. That first one was great for learning on and it did fine for that. I just got the SR305 for Christmas and it is several times better than that first one. The tones and character that you can squeeze out of this bass are almost infinite. Ibanez has always made quality… read more instruments for budget minded musicians, but this is next, next level. And as always, the most comfortable and fast neck I have ever played.

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Fantastic Beginner 5-String

As my first 5-string, the 305 has been awesome. Sounds and plays fantastic, and it's light with a thin profile which makes transport and handling easy. The price might be on the cheaper side compared to other models by Ibanez, but the build quality doesn't show it. After a few months of gigging around half my state, nothing feels loose or wobbly or needed to be tightened like I've… read more seen with other cheap basses.

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A great inexpensive bass

If you're looking at this bass, I'm guessing you're either a beginner, or a more experienced 4-string player that wants an inexpensive (not cheap) 5-string bass. To summarize, I think this one fits the bill. Although many will say that starting on a 5 string isn't a good idea, I did, and for the most part I haven't had any problems (see details below). My thoughts on this bass:… read more 1. Fit and finish are great. I have found no cosmetic or other flaws, the neck is smooth, everything is as it should be. 2. It is LIGHT. I specifically selected the lightest model Sweetwater had, and my is under 8lbs. I love it. 3. I know it has "budget" pickups, but they're really not bad. The 3-band EQ, "mode" switch and pickup selector really do alter the sound a ton, giving you lots of flexibility. The pickups are passive, but with the active EQ, you end up with an active bass with plenty of punch. 4. String selection does matter, you can definitely tell a difference in tone between different types/brands of strings, as you can with higher end basses. 5. The bass stays in tune once the strings are broken in, as you'd expect 6. This isn't the best bass for slapping/popping as the strings are very close together. Also, there is a LOT of sympathetic vibration/ringing. Personally, I got a fret wrap to help me learn slap technique without the annoying ringing of all other strings. This is where a 4-string would likely be better, especially for a beginner. Another note to beginners... make sure you are ready to learn how to mute the B string, as most lessons/tutorials/tabs expect you to have a 4-string bass. There are numerous options and you can pick one that suits you, but online classes will likely not cover that, so you'll have to do your own research. I just keep my plucking hand ring finger on the B string at all times I'm not using it, and that works for me. You really can't go wrong with this bass if this is your budget. If you have some more money, consider the 505 or 605, as they do come with better electronics and components.

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Kicks ***!!!

This bass is a beast! It sounds friking amazing. I haven't hardly been able to put it down. I also enjoy that its lighter than my Ibanez Iceman. It took a little bit to get ahold of one because of back orders but it was worth the wait. It's light, smooth, easy to handle, and the weathered black paint looks great. The power tap helps capture a wide range of tones. Get it you won't… read more regret it.

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My first Five string bass

This is my first five string bass (SR305E in pearl white) and I love it! Plays great out of the box. Let me say a few words about the service from Sweetwater, never had service so responsive and quick,thanks to Paul Eckert my sales rep! G.C.

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Great Bass

Well made, loud pickups, lots of features. I should have bought this a long time ago.

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Best budget guitar I’ve ever owned.

Always was a price range guy when buying guitars or basses. I had never bought or played an Ibanez. I'm kicking myself in the butt now because this guitar feels just as premium as all the guitars I've owned or played 3 times it's price range. Incredibly smooth and comfortable neck, no baseball bat or wide fee like a lot of 5 strings from various other brands. Very quick action.… read more A little bit of string rattle which was easily rectified with some adjustments to the bridge (raised it). No truss rod adjustments needed. If I can do it, trust me, you can as well. I know everyone always says this but I genuinely get compliments all the time from the color way and people are shocked after sitting down to fiddle around on it and I tell them how much I paid for it. Never felt the need to write a review for any gear I've purchased before but I just HAD to for this amazing, bang for your buck guitar, it's that much of a steal. Also, if the string rattle I mentioned above and adjusting it yourself freaks you out (trust me when I say if I could get it out you can too!) Sweetwater does offer in house set ups for a little extra, I opted out and got I squared away in a few minutes. No biggie. Ibanez offers the best budget guitars on the market so far as I'm concerned.

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Ibanez SR305E - Autumn Fade Metallic

I purchased the "Autumn Fade Metallic" version of this bass a little over 2 months ago. The bass looks amazing and for the price of the instrument, the finish was spot on. The sound is very flexible with the powertap switch plus the onboard eq. I play for a church music team and I usually favor the up position which is "single coil" mode. There has been a few times where the music… read more has gotten a little loud and it was hard to hear the bass in the mix. The powertap switch came in handy to help punch through the mix without having to mess with eq controls or the volume knob. The neck is slim, good for chording and runs. The string spacing is a little tight at 16.5mm but is easy to get used to with time and practice, especially if you are someone who likes to slap. The body is slim and comfortable to play standing or sitting down. The B string is good. It doesn't have the clarity of a BTB but it does what I need it to do when I need it.

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Amazing bass for twice the price!

I needed a 5-string bass when I was asked to join a band of good friends, but I was also on a budget. I've been playing Ibanez guitars almost exclusively since the late 90s, so that was my first stop. I found the 305e in my price range and fell in love with the Silverburst. What I didn't expect was how great it sounded! Huge, full sound, yet clear and clean! I've gotten numerous… read more compliments on my tone. I've been gigging with this bass almost every week, playing everything from 80s/90s/2000s rock, country, funk, etc, and it keeps coming back for more! This bass couple easily sell for twice the amount I paid! If you are in the market for a new bass, but don't have $1,000 to spend, definitely look into the 305e. I'm glad I did!

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First NEW bass

I absolutely LOVE this guitar. I have changed the strings and put flat wound strings on it. This is more personal preference than anything. The tones are great. Playability is killer right out of the box. The finish is stellar. Multiple tone adjustments and it is absolutely great.

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Amazing bass at a budget price!

I needed a 5-string for my newest band, but I didn't want to break the bank. This bass delivered on all accounts! The active EQ and "Power Tap" switch gives me pretty much every sound I need at my fingertips. At the first show I played after getting it, I got compliments on the sound and the finish (Silver Sunburst) all night, from the other band members and the crowd.

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Great Beginner and Advanced Guitar!

My rep, Patrick recommended this guitar for me. I was inquiring about the budget Hofner Bass (McCartney Style) and he recommended this instead. He knew me and my playing preferences so he knew that this bass guitar would give me more tonal range at the same price range. It is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. My friend who favors custom built Carver guitars even liked it and… read more couldn't believe the price.This guitar arrived, set-up perfectly. I only had to tweak the tuning after it was acclimated to my environment. It is fun to play, sounds great and Pat was right about the tonal options. I own two other Ibanez guitars and love them both. I also usually do not skimp on the price because I view it as a long term investment and want to be able to be happy with an instrument for a long time. Normally, I would shy away from a lower end model, but Ibanez did not let me down. I could play this bass for a long time.This guitar was in the same price range as a Fender Squire, but I challenge anyone to find a Squire or any other guitar in this price range that sounds as good as this one! I love playing it.

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Ibanez makes a fantastic bass for the money

Great purchase and awesome stuff

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I like it.

Really solid all around. The 55-point inspection was legit. Came set-up real nice.

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