Ibanez SR300E Bass Guitar Iron Pewter

This instrument is light in weight, but heavy in tone! It arrived with round wound strings and the action set too low. I installed SIT Power Flats flatwound strings, did a setup and am very pleased with the results. This bass seems very well constructed. The fingerboard edges are somewhat rolled, which results in a subtle bit of comfort rather than a "sharp" edge of perfect 90° angle. I'm a fan of unlined fretless fingerboards, but this lined board is pretty nice overall. The pickups and electronics are the same as on my fretted Ibanez 305E. While they're relatively inexpensive, they're perfectly serviceable but could be relatively easily replaced (except for cost) by offerings from Bartolini or EMG. Strings can make a huge difference on a fretless rosewood board. I ... MoreThis instrument is light in weight, but heavy in tone! It arrived with round wound strings and the action set too low. I installed SIT Power Flats flatwound strings, did a setup and am very pleased with the results. This bass seems very well constructed. The fingerboard edges are somewhat rolled, which results in a subtle bit of comfort rather than a "sharp" edge of perfect 90° angle. I'm a fan of unlined fretless fingerboards, but this lined board is pretty nice overall. The pickups and electronics are the same as on my fretted Ibanez 305E. While they're relatively inexpensive, they're perfectly serviceable but could be relatively easily replaced (except for cost) by offerings from Bartolini or EMG. Strings can make a huge difference on a fretless rosewood board. I happened to have a set of SIT Power Flats on hand, but my first choice would be GHS Pressurewounds. Either of these wouldn't really damage the fingerboard.This is a nice sounding, nice looking, solid and well made instrument. I highly recommend it. Its really quite nice.

After a week...

Sound:This thing sounds amazing! It can also sound like crap and everything in between. If you can't find several tones you like with this bass your just not trying. Love the way I can go from growly deep tone to super bright without switching guitars, or having to change my amp settings.Features:My only complaint as far as features is not having an active bypass switch (took away a half star for that) The active eq, the pickups, the hardware, the way the frets are... this bass has a features that most in this price range don't, it's well thought out and well executed. To say I was surprised to see a counter sunk hi mass bridge in $350 bass is an understatement, but it's details like this that make it such a treat.Ease of Use:Super playable, super adjustable, ... MoreSound:This thing sounds amazing! It can also sound like crap and everything in between. If you can't find several tones you like with this bass your just not trying. Love the way I can go from growly deep tone to super bright without switching guitars, or having to change my amp settings.Features:My only complaint as far as features is not having an active bypass switch (took away a half star for that) The active eq, the pickups, the hardware, the way the frets are... this bass has a features that most in this price range don't, it's well thought out and well executed. To say I was surprised to see a counter sunk hi mass bridge in $350 bass is an understatement, but it's details like this that make it such a treat.Ease of Use:Super playable, super adjustable, great sounding bass. However you will quickly learn to make small adjustments when your messing with the eq trying to find your sound. A little movement on the knob makes a big difference...Quality:My only issue, is the small gap between the neck and body. Took off a half star for that, and again it is small and doesn't seem to be an issue. I do have another concern with how the neck itself appears to be rotated slightly back, however everything lines up so it could just be how they are made. I'll be comparing it to others soon enough.Value:This is an amazing value at this price point, I was originally shopping for a much more expensive bass, however this one had everything I was looking for except it had it at 1/3 to 1/2 of the cost.Manufacturer Support:No experience with them.The Wow Factor:Ibanez really knocked it out of the park with this one, proving that a great instrument doesn't have to be expensive. Yes, there is the minor gap at the neck pocket, but they got so much right with this bass, I can overlook it. If your in the market for a new bass give these a look, you'll end up buying one too...Overall:So far I'm thoroughly impressed... love the wide range of tones I can get out this bass. The neck feels amazing, so easy to get around, makes my Fender Jazz neck feel bulky. I have noticed a minor gap on the treble side of the neck pocket, but doesn't seem to causing any issues with the sustain or neck movement. I will recommend going to a local guitar shop to see the different colors on person. Once I saw the Charred Champagne burst in person I was sold, the pictures make the colors clash which the don't do in person.

Best Bang For Your $$$ Out There!

I did a lot of research before I bought this bass and I can say that Ibanez has delivered a great instrument for this price point. The overall Ibanez quality was there. I've had it about a year now and play it quite a bit and have had no issues at all electronic or hardware wise. The setup on delivery did need a bit of tweaking but it was pretty close. I've learned this bass works best with gauges 45-105. Anything different just doesn't seem to "go" well with the frets, nut, neck, action etc. You'd have to make some more substantial mods to use a heavier gauge as well as risking stress on the neck. It is what it is, but again let me say there's a lot of value in this package. The frets from factory are great, but I gave them a little TLC with my trusty file just ... MoreI did a lot of research before I bought this bass and I can say that Ibanez has delivered a great instrument for this price point. The overall Ibanez quality was there. I've had it about a year now and play it quite a bit and have had no issues at all electronic or hardware wise. The setup on delivery did need a bit of tweaking but it was pretty close. I've learned this bass works best with gauges 45-105. Anything different just doesn't seem to "go" well with the frets, nut, neck, action etc. You'd have to make some more substantial mods to use a heavier gauge as well as risking stress on the neck. It is what it is, but again let me say there's a lot of value in this package. The frets from factory are great, but I gave them a little TLC with my trusty file just because I'm fussy (It's the little things that can make a 350 bass play like a 700 one). The only other mods I've done were to install a strap lock system and a drop-D extender.As far as tone goes, this bass has a lot of choices. Using the Powertap switch, along with the active EQ you can get some good modern tones, from deep and creamy to growly or punchy you'll find it. You can get P or J tones too. The Powerspan pickups are likely the best "manufacturer" pickups going. They are lively and responsive. I'm not the only one who thinks that either, It would be a challenge to find a negative review of a Powerspan pup.Now, here's one criteria that drove my decision toward the SR300E. It's REALLY light! I have recently had some back issues and had to let go of other basses because they were too heavy. Now playing is fun again! If you are looking for a lightweight bass then this is for YOU! Is there anything critical that I could say about the SR300E? Honestly, I think that the only thing I can say is that it might not sustain notes as long as a heavier bodied bass would, but that's probably the trade-off for being light weight. That hasn't effected its ability to carry songs at all though.

Excellent features, playability, and tone for the price

The perfect instrument to add to a home studio to get that fretless 5-string sound without the fretless 5-string price (usually north of 750 simoleons). While there are rough edges in the craftsmanship, it was intonated perfectly and has no discernible playability issues.I had to fiddle with the electronics in the cavity to get rid of a ground issue that was causing scratches and pops.The backplate has foil stuck to it to minimize EF noise. Unfortunately, the preamp inside could contact that foil and cause noise when you touch the pots, the backplate itself, or if you hit a note that vibrates the preamp on and off of the backplate's foil.Find an intermediary material for between the backplate and the preamp, like a thin sheet of foam. It should be good as new ... MoreThe perfect instrument to add to a home studio to get that fretless 5-string sound without the fretless 5-string price (usually north of 750 simoleons). While there are rough edges in the craftsmanship, it was intonated perfectly and has no discernible playability issues.I had to fiddle with the electronics in the cavity to get rid of a ground issue that was causing scratches and pops.The backplate has foil stuck to it to minimize EF noise. Unfortunately, the preamp inside could contact that foil and cause noise when you touch the pots, the backplate itself, or if you hit a note that vibrates the preamp on and off of the backplate's foil.Find an intermediary material for between the backplate and the preamp, like a thin sheet of foam. It should be good as new from there.Also, if you're like me and don't enjoy roundwound strings on a fretless; buy a set of flatwounds as these ship with rounds.Don't let the cons dissuade you from this incredible value as this is the best balance of tone, feel, craftsmanship, and price you can find at retail.

Excellent value for money

For a "cheap" bass this is very impressive. It's so easy to play even for beginners or people with small hands like myself! Considering the price you would expect some manufacturing defects, but I didn't notice any imperfections. The frets were all nice and smooth, no loose pots, no buzzing frets. I spent a good time looking for faults but there honestly were none! I couldn't imagine getting anything better for this price.As for the finish, if you were worried about the colour looking a bit "plain" or boring, you shouldn't. The iron pewter is more like a dark metallic grey than black. Anyway it's a real thing of beauty.My only one issue with the bass is the design of the cut-away making it awkward to reach those elusive 23rd and 24th frets. But I hardly play down ... MoreFor a "cheap" bass this is very impressive. It's so easy to play even for beginners or people with small hands like myself! Considering the price you would expect some manufacturing defects, but I didn't notice any imperfections. The frets were all nice and smooth, no loose pots, no buzzing frets. I spent a good time looking for faults but there honestly were none! I couldn't imagine getting anything better for this price.As for the finish, if you were worried about the colour looking a bit "plain" or boring, you shouldn't. The iron pewter is more like a dark metallic grey than black. Anyway it's a real thing of beauty.My only one issue with the bass is the design of the cut-away making it awkward to reach those elusive 23rd and 24th frets. But I hardly play down there anyway... if you're someone who does though, you may want to pass on this one.Oh, and it sounds fantastic too!

Good Bass for a Good Price

Got this bass for my birthday, and when it came out of the box, it immediately needed a set up. But once it was set up, this bass easily took the spot for my main bass! The tones you can get with this bass are amazing, it plays amazing, and it feels amazing. A very lightweight bass, and can be possibly brought with for travel. I recommend this bass a lot. I've only had it for a couple of days, but as of now, this bass has not had any problems.

Great bass for the money!

I've been playing rock in bands for 43 years.. and recently started playing at church and wanted a fretless with a lined fretboard.. the price was reasonable... the finish, hardware are excellent, I have warwicks, modulus, basses, and many others. I use nordstrands, emg, delano , glockenklang pickups and preamps.. these stock pickups and preamp are surprisingly comparable and tons of tone possibilities. It needed a truss rod adjustment and a bridge tweaking, nothing out of the norm, the truss rod cover swings open, thats cool, my only issue is the jatoba fretboard is getting grooves from the d'addario rounds that come on it. I like the sound, will probably ignore the marks and keep on jamming. You really can't go wrong at this price.

I had to get one for myself!

Sound:I was impressed by the sounds I could get from this little beast. I'm a pretty heavy handed finger style player (I've always had a heavy attack), but I could hear the differences every time I alternated pickups, adjusted the EQ, and flipped the "Power Tap" switch. This thing offers a lot of sound for very little money!Features:As stated, the thin fast neck of this bass is amazing. I have smaller than average sized hands, so the slimmer design is really comfortable for me. The PowerSpan dual coil pickups are really decent sounding for what they are. The "Power Tap" switch is what sold me on it. After some knob twiddling, trial and error, I found a really nice warm, but heavy sound that I enjoy. Also, the ease of access to the battery compartment is a nice ... MoreSound:I was impressed by the sounds I could get from this little beast. I'm a pretty heavy handed finger style player (I've always had a heavy attack), but I could hear the differences every time I alternated pickups, adjusted the EQ, and flipped the "Power Tap" switch. This thing offers a lot of sound for very little money!Features:As stated, the thin fast neck of this bass is amazing. I have smaller than average sized hands, so the slimmer design is really comfortable for me. The PowerSpan dual coil pickups are really decent sounding for what they are. The "Power Tap" switch is what sold me on it. After some knob twiddling, trial and error, I found a really nice warm, but heavy sound that I enjoy. Also, the ease of access to the battery compartment is a nice feature as well - no screwdriver needed!Ease of Use:Ease of use is great! Plug it in and play ;-) Seriously though, my stepfather is a guitarist by nature, and even he's remarked at how nice it plays and how nicely the knobs freely turn to dial in the sound you are looking for.Quality:I was impressed by the overall quality of this instrument for the price. I own and play "higher end" basses (Warwick's, Ibanez SR Premium's, etc.), and the quality of this is bass is almost as nice as my SR Premium at a fraction of the cost. Of course it had a few things that needed some tweaking out of the box, but overall I am very pleased with the product. You could spend a lot more and get a lot less (I have anyways...). I guess there's a reason I keep coming back to Ibanez basses.Value:The Ibanez SR300E is considered by most to be a beginner bass. I get that. Yet, for the price, you will be hard pressed to find something with better quality and features. If you are new to bass, or need a backup for your regular player, I would highly recommend the SR300E. I see it becoming my regular player because of it's features and sound. And hey... If something were to ever happen to it at a gig in one of those "seedy" venues, I could easily replace it and not be too upset about the price.Manufacturer Support:I've never had to deal with Ibanez directly, but I have dealt with zZounds a few times and their customer service is wonderful! Friendly, knowledgeable, and courteous. Those are the things that make me a repeat offender to this site!The Wow Factor:This bass is a lot of bang for the buck! I love the look of the black hardware on the weathered black finish. When my girlfriend gave me the "Oh no. Did you buy another bass?" look - even she had to admit the weathered black finish was sexy looking. Ha!Overall:I originally bought an Ibanez SR300E Iron Pewter as a gift for a member of my family who took an interest in playing the bass. When it arrived I took it out of the box to tune it and give the action a little tweaking. Of course, being a bass player myself, I had to give it a try to see how well it played. I was in shock and awe by how well it played and sounded. The neck was extremely comfortable; very thin and fast! It felt like this thing could play itself. After playing it for a few days, (and a few times since), I was so amazed by it that I had to come back to order one for myself (Weathered black - that black hardware on black bass just looks so good).

Ibanez SR300 bass

Great bass guitar for the money. Finish on the neck a little rough in places but realistically if you want perfection you wouldn't buy a guitar at this price point. I make guitars from scratch as a hobby and believe me it takes weeks and isn't easy. Nice and light which is one of the main reasons I bought this. Ibanez have done a fine job with these guitars. Didn't arrive next day as stated but that's not down to PMT. Been in the Newcastle store a few times and always nice talking to Dagan, very pleasant, knowledgeable and not pushy like some salesmen. Oh yeah and cheapest price on internet. What's not to like.

Review of Ibanez SR300E-IPT Iron Pewter

As a long time guitarist, I thought I'd dip my toe into the world of bass. This is an incredible product for the money and in no way feels or looks like an entry level product. Really usable features which lend towards a huge range of tones from a single instrument. The guys at GG set up instruments to be played straight off and this one was no different - great action on a highly playable neck.Superb!