Ibanez Standard SR305E - Weathered Black Review

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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