The All-In-One BEAST! - Ibanez SR1600B [Demo] 

For anyone new to Ibanez, the premiums are all almost identical. You're pretty much picking the finish and pickups you want. They are all amazing and you should have one in your arsenal!

The fast necks that Ibanez has on their basses and guitars are what makes them so popular. Very comfortable and easy on the hands.

Ibanez sr basses are not just underrated, they sound unique to me and they have a brightness tone..

Sorry for writing a mini novel here but after watching this video I had to share my experience... I've always been a Precision and Stingray guy but I had to get something lighter and more ergonomic as my aging back was not liking the weight. So at the beginning of 2020 I began a search for a lighter bass that would sound good enough to not miss my Stingray too much. I looked at Kiesel, Strandberg, NS Design and various custom builders but ended up settling on an Ibanez EHB 1505. It just seemed to be the best value for the money and the Nordstrand pickups in the demos just made the bass sound so clear and aggressive. So for the first time ever I ordered a bass online without hands on experience and I am quite pleased! The woods and finish are beautiful, the bass is solid and it sounds great!. I not only have that aggressive growl that makes a Stingray player like me happy but I can also put the Norstrand Big Splits in passive mode, turn the tone down a bit and get some nice Fender-ish tones., it sounds very similar to my P-bass when I solo the neck pickup in passive mode. Between those pickups and the onboard EQ with the sweepable mids It is seriously the most versatile bass I ever played! It did take me a little time to get used to the tighter string spacing at the lower end of the neck, especially while playing walking bass lines, but once I got used to it I absolutely agree with you, the neck profile on these Ibanez basses is very comfortable and a pleasure to play! I never dreamed there would come a day when my beloved Stingray 5 would be sitting at home while I gig an Ibanez, but here I am and my back is much happier for it!

I've had a fretless Ibanez SR, for over 25 years. It's the only bass from that moment and time i still have, and it still sounds perfect and kicks arse. They're just well crafted and perfectly made instruments no matter the price, real trustworthy.

I have an older model Ibanez premium, SR1200, and I love it. They are some of the best on the market.

Watching your vids make me want to play bass way more often, thanks man!

The bass sounds great and looks fantastic! Great review.

Just got this Bass about 3 months ago and I'm loving it overall. The biggest thing that I noticed was that it stays in tune!! And the lower notes actually sound like notes instead of "sounds" IYKYK. Looks beautiful (been getting so many compliments) and just plays smoothly. I'm still working on the tone as I haven't gotten it exactly where I like it. Paired with my MarkBass amp this bass is awesome. Def glad I ponied up the $$$ for it. Great video and great review!

This is my drop C bass. I have owned it for a year now, and it by far my fave.

And that's how you demo a bass. I've been looking to pick this particular bass up and finally found someone that puts it to the test. Thanks

Stunning good looks - great tone - separate Treble Mid Bass controls - active or passive - the super neck - guess I better start saving up .

Love the bass. That was an excellent demo.

Just ordered the 5-string version. I am foaming at the mouth with anticipation for when it comes in the mail. ....because then so will I

Just got a SR 500E and absolutely love it. Super slim neck and super warm tone. The barts really work well with the Okume body. :-)

I love Ibanezzzz! I already own a fretless SoundGear and I'm getting the SR305EB-WK for my birthday! It's such a lovely company!

I love my SR1900 Premium! Love the gold hardware, and the perfect choice of woods used!

Holy shit! The low D in that first riff is so clear and sounds so grisly. Awesome Bass!

I love my SR XXV 25th anniversary Premium and I agree with all of your comments. I have a CS J-Bass and this is still a main player in my collection. Just so easy to play everything on it.

congrats on the engagement btw

OH YEAH DUDE! Thanks for accepting my request btw ;)

Ibanez basses are some of the top competitors in nearly any price category they're put in. Those necks are super fast but still familiar in their 4 string version to someone used to modern Fenders. And their premium line with Nordstrand big singles basically sound like if you took classic bright jazz singles and stuffed them full of meaty tone and punch

I have an Ibanez SR 655; P-J configured with Nord's as standard. It is a killer and I mostly use it in its passive mode. The model has been superseded by one that has the same mid-switch as the one here. I agree about the quality of Ibanez and you certainly get value for money. Like you, I can't fault the build quality - everything just works! I'm also a Fender fan but I really enjoy the ease of playability these instruments have. Thanks for the review.

The cerulean burst looks even better

Great, just when I thought I had a bass picked out to save money for, here comes another one complete banger.

back in the 90s when i was in a working band all i played were sound gear basses i had 2 sr800s and a sr805 nowadays i play a geddy lee american jazz and steve harris p-bass put looking at this and the headless ibanez basses be giving me the itch

I've been going to the Winter NAMM show for years and years. Since 1980 when I met Mr. Leo Fender at his booth, G & L were pretty new then. However, fast forward to NAMM 2017,(or was it '16?) when we were just around the corner from Nordstrand...The bass tones coming from their booth were fantastic. When I finally had a break I went over and met the cats, all cool BTW, and asked to play a bass. They explained that they were all different basses from many builders, but they all used their pickups. It was a great way to display the many pickups they make. I don't think they make a bad one. SOOO, the fact that Ibanez is using them for this bass, and not EMG or Bartolini or etc etc says volumes. I am impressed.

The SR series is a jack of all trades instrument - except Jack's been practicing a lot and is very nearly a master. Love them and looking to get one, soon.

I love both Fender and Ibanez basses. I have a American Standard Fender Jazz, a Fender CB100CE acoustic bass, an Ibanez BTB1605 with the same electronics as your SR, an Ibanez Artcore AGB200 semi-hollow, and an Ibanez Ergodyne EDA905.

I am so glad that you have decided to look at basses that cost over 500 bucks !!! Also while watching all I could think of is how the shirt you are waring during this video just reminds me of a sandman from logans run !!

I'd been playing a $300 Peavey grind until I started playing out with a band. I really had a hard time justifying the price of one of these but I bought this exact model and I'm blown away. As I'm getting much better, fast, this bass doesn't hold me back. And as a woodworker, it's hard to ignore it's beauty, precision and playability. I'm considering getting a 2nd semi-pro level backup bass like a P-bass or something but I almost want to get another one of these. Can't say I've tried many other basses but I don't have a single regret. Running it through a Sansamp recently and it just gets sicker.

I bought a Ibanez GWB205 and it made me an Ibanez fan for life. The neck is to die for. I want a 5 string fretted now from Ibanez. Just don’t know which.

Ibanez is my favorite company for instruments.

The mega aggressive plucking is how I play all guitars when I'm into it. XD I like "feeling" the strings when I hit em

Ibanez has great instruments. I don´t know why many people don´t like them. I have had many of them and I absolutey recommend them in your arsenal.

You didn't talk about the plastic knobs. That the only thing feels so cheap in this bass. Love it! Great Vid btw!

I was fiddling on one of these today, cause I was looking at upgrading to a newer bass that still had 24 frets and a very thin neck, but a sleek and comfortable body as well as light weight since I play with the bass strapped up to the body hooking under my arm, this bass is by far a perfect bass I am definitely upgrading too, this caribbean finish looks amazing like an ocean, however the one I found has all the layers of wood showing which is still lovely, the weight, shape, size and balance are amazing, I will fiddle around with it on an amp at some point too, to see if it'll bring out the tone I am after, I already love the versatility from this video

Definitely making me wanna purchase a new bass today huh Patrick

Killer sounding bass

I had one in the 90s and it was the funnest thing in the world to slap on.

Gorgeous intro!

I love Ibanez basses, I have an Ibanez btb20th5 and its the best bass that I have ever played.

It is refreshing to hear Patrick sing the praise of another bass (in this case Ibanez) other than a Fender Precision or Jazz bass. People should open up their minds and explore other basses besides a P or Jazz bass. There's a lot of diversity out in the market.

That moment when Patrick Hunter plays my main bass. :)

I have an Ibanex SR805 and it is incredible to play. Very similar to the SR1600B but with a different bridge and no active/passive switch (also Bartolini pickups)

I have the SR 2600 and maaannn its absolutely beautiful and awesome to play.

Hoi Patrick! I just LOVE the way you play 😍 and the lines in your demo introduction - and the sound ❤️ you get out of the 1600B. Quite a revelation and tons of motivation to learn and play my beginner's SR500 with that much pick punch 🤣 and finger sweetness 😎 Are these your lines and would you give one on one bass lessons once I have completed my StudyBass course?? I am looking forward to hear more of you on your channel. Keep up the fabulous spirits 🙏🏻🤗!! Anne & Ice from the Swiss alps 🥰🐶

That is a sweet ibby. \m/ it’s got a nice punchy sound and sounds killer with distortion. I’ve like Ibanez bass. I have one that’s recently modified.

That burst is sweet

It sounds super versatile. It's pretty solid at imitating J and P Basses and to some extend also some Stingray sounds. To my ears it even has a little WAL bass character to it. I think I found my new bass lol.

I have a SR300 that I bought for $300 back in 2008, and a lot of what you mentioned about this new bass I feel applies to any Soundgear you pick up. Their necks are the best things about Ibanez basses and even my cheap end 12 year old bass still stays in tune reliably. The only reason I ever have to retune my bass is because of room temperature expanding or contracting the metal of the strings. its never the bass itself. They're necks are honestly my favorite and I always feel the difference when I go into a guitar store and play anything else. My only gripe about Ibanez basses is they are sort of the "Every Bass" in terms of tone. They're just right down the middle and can easily drift into a lot of other tones while not really mastering those other tones. They are the Honda Civic of Basses, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. A P bass is the Ford Mustang of basses and you're gonna get some more oomph and power out of a P, but the Ibanez SR series is a reliable vehicle that'll get you through your set and they're easy to dial in to. Like the Honda Civic, it's just gonna keep going and going, and still going until you sell off to someone else, it or you die. LOL

I sold my P bass years ago and picked up a SR400... traded up for Spector... came back to Ibanez... currently own an 870 and a 670... may pop for the 1600 tonight

Hi, what effect do you use to get the thundering sound at the beginning of the video? Great!!!!

I love my SR655, but that is like a version of it on steroids! Hell yes! Love that SR1600! 😎👍

Are you able to provide audio samples outside of a Drop D metal thing? You’re so well spoken I’d like to hear some variety from the playing to go with it.

If you haven't already played an Ibanez Talman 600 (TMB600), definitely do so. The whole Talman lineup is great, but 600 is a standout. I've got one, and it's easily the #1 most played bass in my collection. Those Nordstrand pickups are amazing. How does Ibanez pack so much value and playability into a sub $1000 bass? The only complaint is that the 600 comes with a glossy neck unlike the lower models, but that's easily addressed with a little sandpaper.

I just bought an SR670! Im loving it!

Is this the same pre-amp as in the sr505e?

How's the action set up out of the box?

OK, Pat. We are waiting for new Darkglass ADAM pedal demo. You know it)))

very similar to my bass.. just picked up an SR1100B with a roasted birds eye maple neck with p[earl inlays that is so beautiful I catch myself just staring at it. So lovely to play, really makes me want to play more which is the idea behind buying a bit more of a premium bass.

I just love how the word panga panga sounds

Yes, you've been sleeping on Ibanez, I have a cheap Ibanez SR 300E and it sounds great for a budget bass. All of the Ibanez basses I've tried in recent years sound great!

Siiiiiick! 😱

So rather this one or the EHB u tried earlier this year ? They don't serve the same purpose but overall wich would you pick ?

So it does have a passive tone control? The spec description I've read on various sites didn't mention it anywhere.

I have a sr500e that sucked until I put GHS pressure wounds on it. Maybe that would help your 505???....idk. great video man. Keep it up

I find the 4-string Ibanez necks too thin for my hands, but the 5-strings are dreamy!

Hey Patrick, just wondering what picks you prefer? Awesome bass by the way!

That neck pickup, man.

Love Ibanez! One of the down sides for me has been their pre amps. Super dry and distorts when cranked up. Fixed that with a Aguilar OBP-3 I installed myself.

My go-to bass has been my srff805 for the past few years, the finish on the front is worn down to the wood in some parts from my caustic sweat, it’s been through hell and back lmao

What are the pickups like for him?

In your opinion: this one or EHB1500/ehb1505ms?

Oh you should try the SRMS805! It is the best between the EHB and the SR.

I have the step below, 5 string version, the 1345B, sounds just about identical. E, A, D, G all good however I am slightly let down by the low B, tonally not quite as crisp as the others. I love playing a 5 string and this is the only 1 I have which was bought without trying first, based on my experience with Ibanez--I have an SR500 that I will never part with. Honestly I wish I had bought the 4 (1340B) though. Credit to the well known online music instrument retailer with a great reputation for fantastic customer service, who is working with me and may replace it with another, we'll see. I am intending to try some different strings as well.

Great instrument and great demo. You should try Yamaha basses as well.

You have to try a btb with the b7k ultra. So thick and mean... its amazing

How does it compare to your Dingwall?

Yo!!! Bass tab for that whole intro!? Damn it sounds sick, im still learning and would learn to learn this

Wow.... I´ve been playing my SR605 for 4 or 5 years now and always thought that the switch was for Ground Lift or something in that direction (kinda dumb I know). But after watching this Video I now know that it is a Mid switch :D If I did some more research back in the days... :DD Thanks Dude for the review!

Basso completo e versatile

Upper-intermediate level guitarist and bassist reporting in: this is the most beautiful guitar period I have ever seen in my life. But I do not know if I deserve something like this yet.

At this point, I'm infatuated with every bass (and guitar) coming out of Japan these days.

Did i miss it? What's the weight of this bass? Anyone?

Goddamn that sounds good! I love me some Nordstrand pickups!!

I've owned 4 Ibanez basses now, with my 505 (same model as you) being the one I've kept. I love their neck profile on 5 string basses, but it's just too tiny for me as a 4 string. That thing still sounds lovely though!

I never get along with the SRs, I like a bigger neck... I play BTBs and ATKs, which are really amazing instruments, especially for the price. The opening piece you played was really nice.

This looks and sounds great. I have a SR370E but want a 5 string. Its gonna be between this or a Warwick Thumb. Anyone tried both?

I'm looking for a 6 string bass and the SR1346 is at the top of the list for me!

Sorry Patrick, what type of pick you use?

I like the feel of an Ibanez more than the tone.

Do a review on the new sr600’s they look awesome!

I like the nordstrands that are in this bass but there’s another premium that has a cooler finish but has Aguilar DCBs. There is nothing wrong with the Aguilar there just not the nordstrands

So, you can play this beauty without a battery?

That’s my bass, but I got a 5. Best. Bass. Ever. Easily. I put some dr neon strings on and honestly couldn’t be happier. Gonna grab a 4 next. I’m really rapt with the string width adjustment on the bridge. Also the truss rod access is in the perfect spot, kinda like a stingray. All in all, just a fantastic instrument. Try one. It will not disappoint. Yay.

Make a video of the Ibanez BTB

Does anyone know if the nordstrands will drop into an Ibanez with Bart Mk1s In it? Also would it be worth it to upgrade a 2010 ibby preamp with a Darkglass tone capsule? Been an Ibanez guy since day one!! ☝️

I want one

I love this bass. Prefer the tropical seafloor look