What do you think - are these basses as versatile as they claim, or are you better off with a classic design? 🎸 Timestamps for this lesson: 0:00 - Ibanez versus Yamaha 0:42 - Tone Battle 3:08 - Features & Build Quality 5:42 - Battle of the Gimmick Switches 8:18 - Masters of None? 10:30 - And the Winner Is…
Try the Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB, it's $50 less than these and has stainless steel frets and can do every type of sound these can but also true JB and PJ sounds! (also comes in 4-string, just replace the 5 with a 4) I also love that it can emulate a musicman with just the bridge pickup. These are made by CoreTek (Cort) btw in Indonesia.
This is how it went for me two years ago. Saw your bass course on UA-cam. Went to the music store. Saw that Ibanez SR300E and the guy in the store handed it to me. Fell in love with the look and sound (the music store guy actually played a bit) Went home with the Ibanez. Bought your bass course.
This is the best review of competing basses I have seen. From the point of view of the potential buyer, it is honest, fair and rational. No over- or under-selling, and Josh understands the importance of intended use. Absolutely a model of what instrument reviewing should be, but almost never is.
I kinda disagree with the "winner for beginner" conclusion. I think the Ibanez provides better dynamics and articulation - i.e. sounds clearer overall, which is a great-great advantage for a beginner who needs to clearly hear when their notes strart and when they stop. Also, the mellow sound of the Yamaha will tend to hide mistakes and sloppy playing which a beginner should always be aware of.
I’ve played both yamaha and ibanez basses when I was starting to play, and this leads me to disagree with you, but it’s for sure an interesting point of view, never thought that!
@@bluz1n same here, but I have to agree with his point. It really just boils down to your play style, though. Coming from guitar over to bass I tend to play more aggressively, I'm currently playing the SDGR305E which is the 5 string version of this exact Iby, it's power tap setting is perfect for stuff like Cane Hill or Unprocessed. The only issue I've really noticed with it is the E strings action is a little weak, so if you're getting one new, or newer, you can pretty much automatically expect to have to adjust the action after a few months of playing, or you'll have to deal with the fret buzz, don't know why it's only that string but yeah lol (could also be because this is the first brand new guitar ive ever had, and I'm just dumb when it comes to setting it up like that lmfao) honestly, though. I'm surprised Washburn doesn't get more love, their easy to play and have very smooth sounds. Side note: whenever I was playing guitar I did understand the importance of having an instrument that fits well with your style, but also have noticed that's doubly true with a bass. Videos like this are great for the unbiased opinion and "side perspective", but at the end of the day it all just depends on the music you want to play. Mudvaynes "dig", wouldn't have sounded the same on a fender as it did on that Warwick he played it with
I got the TRBX305 as my first bass (I wanted the low B) and I love it. I picked it partly because I liked the warmth of the tone, partly because I have small hands and the thin neck makes things easier, and partly just because I just prefer the aesthetic to the equivalent Ibanez or Fender basses. I like the rounder body shape contrasted with the sharp contours, as opposed to the flatter shape of the Ibanez or the 50s and 60s stylings of the Fenders/Squiers.
I got the same bass as an upgrade to a sucky pawn shop four string that was my first, and eventually switched from low B to high C, which sounds and feels really nice on this bass, but it's become a pain to shop for strings. I hate having to pay extra for a six string set just to leave the B to rot in my case lmao
I bought the Ibanez SR400 back in April (only difference is the bridge on the 400 is heavier) no 300s were available due to supply chain issues. Same for the Yamaha, sono didn’t get to try one. Anyway, I played from 87 to 99 on a pair of Japanese made Fender Jazz basses. When I was shopping in April , I tried several Fenders and Squiers and none of them felt right. The I tried the Ibanez and feel in love with the feel of the neck. After playing it for the last couple of months I’ve realized that I was fighting the Fenders the whole time. There was nothing wrong with them - they just didn’t feel right in my hands. I’ve made more progress in the last 2 months than I ever made in a year with the J basses. That said, this is a GREAT review. As always, Josh does a fantastic job of giving an honest head to head comparison.
I'm a huge fan of most of the soundgear line of ibanez basses. The way the neck feels is the absolute best for me personally. And I think neck feel is undoubtedly the most subjective thing to finding a bass of your preference because every one feels different to each player. My main bass is the SR505 with bartolini pickups and it's basically the bass I've always wanted. I do have a SR300E as a backup and it's really good whenever my main bass is out with a string broken before I can replace it.
I’ve bought the Yamaha 2 years ago, thx to your beginner bass guitar comparison video, and I am yet to regret it! But I doubt I will ever regret it as the axe is quite nice!
The SR405 is a Sound Gear model correct? I think I used to have the same exact model bass in a purple color (I wanted red, grey/silver or black but could only find purple at that time ugh 😣). They are fantastic basses, especially for their reasonable prices. I am a big Iron Maiden fan and really enjoy Primus and Rush (both fantastic bass players/playing!), but I personally prefer a more deeper/dark/"bassy" kinda sound. Not sure if you have heard of the Metal band Skinlab (from San Francisco), but they have that kind of sound.
This is so in-depth, well-editted, comprehensive and entertaining at the same time ... something a lot of comparison videos sorrily lack on here. I'm definitely hooked on the Ibanez, since I'm looking for that aggressive sound, while still looking to explore different sound options, which is why I like the versatility it brings to the table. I am in the beginner/intermediate range and mostly wanna get one for recordings and production, rather than gigs, so learning that these two are in that kind of ballpark makes me really happy. They both sound and look really good, but that Ibanez is just [chef's kiss].
I'm so glad i saw this video, I was in the market for another bass and you just sold on the Yamaha, in fact was looking at the yamaha's in a on line music store and i found the Yamaha in mist green, i love it so I ordered and should have it in a few days, and by the way i did join your on line bass class "Bass Buzz" class about 2 yrs ago and im still going back to it for reference it taught so much and I'm 62 yrs old, Thanks for all youve done and for all the videos i get notified about, great job thanks again Joe A
Glad you enjoyed the course Joseph, and hope you dig the Yamaha! Not sure what "mist" they were referencing for the name of that color lol, Yamaha HQ must be in an enchanted swamp. 🐸
I have the SR305e 5 strings , and really appreciate it. The 3 positions switch renders approximately the J bass, the humbucker' and the P bass. The preamp is really good , efficient controls and clean sound for each pickup and switch position. I have a really good update of a Squier Precision and biggest difference are the weight' Squier is much heavier, and has more punch, but the Ibanez is my A choice
More of these please! Gear reviews and comparisons especially when it comes to budget minded options can be a huge help to beginners. Another big help, in my opinion, is with set-up, getting the bass to play nice makes it so much more fun to learn.
I have one but the jack port is problematic as I've had to tighten the bolt several times, with it having even twisted the cable soldering loose once. So that was a solder job I'd prefer not to need to do. Then again, I also thought it had happened a second time and realized it was because I left the bass jacked in while drunk and the battery went dead. 😅
In the "fretless wing" of my collection there's a passive PJ 4-string SDGR living next to American and Japanese made (G&L, YMH) active 5-strings. That practical little Ibby doesn't suck at all - much love!
I bought the same red Yamaha TRBX 304 a few years back based on your recommendation. So far no regrets. It's definitely a solid instrument to learn on and it's still my first and only bass. Only two minor gripes: I do find the TRBX 304 a bit heavy and the design hasn't aged well in my eyes. Your 90s sci-fi metaphor is spot on. 😉Judging from this video, I might have preferred the Ibanez (in sound, features, and optics), but there's certainly no point in switching now. As for the tone differences, I'm tempted to say that for most beginners, the number one reason by far that things sound "weird" has to be playing technique, probably followed by misguided amp/fx settings. When I started, I didn't really have an ear for "bass tone". I might not even have been able to tell the basses in the video apart. Developing an ear for the low end has definitely been part of the journey.
My first bass was the SR300E. I felt like it was a great beginners bass as it was light weight, had a slim neck, versatile, and inspired me to play. I didn’t know who I was as a musician, and it helped me figure that out. But I felt like it was holding me back, so I sold it a few years later. It’s a good bass, but not a forever bass. At least not for me.
I tried both and went for the Yams. I bougth a TRBX305 and a TRBX304. I think there is no better value for the money. The Eeeeebanez were close, but the Yams felt more comfy. After a 35 year hiatus of plying, I'm back on it. I'm flabergated with the TRBX305, I love the fretboard. I don't care much for tone controls & gimmicks. After I've tried close to 30 axes, several of them more than one time, I was happy with my choice.
I wouldn't mind adding either of these to my collection but for me the Yamaha is much, much more ergonomic for the picking hand. The cutaway in the pickup fits my fingerstyle playing well, but most importantly the contour on the top of the body fits my forearm like a dream. My main guitar is a Yamaha SG2000 with no contour whatsoever and the edge digs in. My Fender basses are a little more comfortable but I wish I could replicate the Yamaha contour on all my guitars. I think the five-way selector is a dumb gimmick and the Ibanez gimmick actually sounds kind of cool IMO, but one of the options on the Yamaha does a pretty good Motown fingerstyle funk sound. I could see it sounding really nice with some flats. I think another important perspective for both of these guitars is how well their five-string versions handle the B string - is it floppy, dead sounding, etc.
In my experience with the Yamaha TRBX305 (although it should be noted that I am a relative bass noob), the B string is pretty good. To me it sounds warm, and just feels like a fatter E string. It's loose enough that you don't break a finger trying to fret it, and you probably can't tune it beyond Bb without going up a string gauge, but it's not floppy. Also the one other issue is that due to the massive magnets, the pickups are quite hot, and at least on mine, were set very high and perfectly flat when I bought it, which meant that the bottom end was very boomy and clipped massively if I had the volume anything above like a 2 on the guitar. After I got it properly set up and angled the pickups though it sounded great. I absolutely love it as an instrument, and the thinness and smoothness of the neck makes it so easy to play. I don't know how it works in a band, but I like it for me.
I've sold every Ibanez I've ever owned. They just don't ever seem to have much life in them IMO. Yamaha's are certainly mellow, but I find them to be a more useful for that very reason. Excellent review, Josh! The gimmick switch bit literally had me laughing. Why do companies ever put those dumb things on basses anyway?
Personally, I really like the Power Tap on my Ibanez, it makes a huge difference and greatly expands the library of tones that bass can offer. Very useful and likable.
I really like my Ibanez SR300 - I get good tones and flexibility with it and despite being mainly guitarist I just love picking it up because of how gorgeous it looks. I guess each his/her own. :)
Not much life...hmmm... but the Sr series has been around for 25+ yrs and the Ibanez Bass for over 40 yrs., and are still popular. (Some models do stink but all pricier brands have the same issue). A guitar, bass or not, will always have a personality. It's how you set it up and play it!
I tested both of these in 5 string version some years ago, but finally got the big brother of the Ibanez, the SR605, cause it felt a bit more comfortable/smooth to play... but also at almost double the price. Overall I liked all tested Ibanez models more than the peavy, yamaha and whatnot, in sound, design and feeling. Damn are they slick! Soundwise I have never experienced any shortcomings, may it be in soft, "accoustic" band setups to brutal metal: the Ibanez does it all perfectly!
I agree. If you want that Fender Jazz jacked all the way up Geddy Lee type sound, you just can't do it with a MusicMan style bass. The Ibanez is the first bass I've been able to truly get that sound with ....but actually can do it so well that it can actually OVERDO it. The playability is also spot on. I also have a Chinese Affinity 5 string, and as long as you check it before you buy it...I have been very impressed that it sounds just like a jazz should. The power tap switch is actually just attempting to give you 3 pickup configurations in one bass. P...J...and P/J. Mid song I don't touch it but if I'm playing covers it can help get you in the right ballpark quicker. It's limited functionality...but I don't think I'd go so far as to call it a gimmick switch.
Seven years ago as a new bassist I was shopping for my own bass and I liked the tonal variety you could get from the Yamahas since I wasn't yet locked into any particular genre. I too thought the eq selector was dumb so I went up a step to the TRBX 504 which DOES have the mid adjustment as well as the active/passive switch you were asking for. I have been extremely happy with it to the point where when I re-reviewed my bass choice to get a 5-string I bought a TRBX 505 (with an upgrade to medium weight strings instead of the stock medium-light).
I've owned a lot of basses in my time, but the one I keep going back to is the one I first bought -- The Fender Squire Jazz bass. $200 plus a really good set up and it still sounds better than any other bass I've ever owned. The tone is always perfect. It always feels nice in my hands. The neck is fast and never in the way. For that tight punchy metal sound or whenever I'm going to play with a pick, I really enjoy my Schecter Omen-4, so consider that my honorable mention. I want to like Jackson basses but they are just no fun to play. They look great especially bright white, but the neck is so chunky and the stretch required is inhuman. All that said, I've never owned or played a Warwick bass, and I have a feeling that if I were to get one, I'd probably really, really love it.
Great video. The first Ibanez bass I ever owned was an Ibanez RB850 back in the 1980's and I got spoiled on that bass not only because of the tone but because of the 24 frets for being able to play upstairs for tasteful high feels. After that I could never go back to a fender bass or any other bass that didn't havs 24 frets. Eventually I wound up wearing out the frets on my PB850 so I wound up having it converted over to a fretless bass and it really shines as a fretless instrument! About seven or eight years ago I wound up replacing all of my stage bass guitars and I wound up going to the Ibanez SR250s series bass guitars. Before I made the purchase I compared the SR250 basses to some of their more expensive Ibanez bass guitars and for me personally I felt that mid-price bass which is just a step above a beginner's bass sounded great when it was set up correctly. I wound up purchasing three fretted SR250 basses and the third one I had converted over to fretless bass. They're not the most expensive bass out there and they can be finicky setting them up but once you get them correctly set up they sound really great for what they are. These are what I use for all my recording needs along with live shows too. There's a couple of things that could be better about the SR250 series such as the necks could be made a little bit more robust. I did upgrade the bridges along with a couple of other small modifications to fit my needs but for the price I paid for these bass guitars you couldn't pry them from my cold dead hands and being they didn't cost me thousands of dollars for each bass I'm not as concerned about them getting a little banged up during live show situations. In the end it really comes down to being able to get good tone and as long as your overall rig is decent it's not hard to achieve a great tone even with these lower end priced bass guitars.
Personally, I've always been a fan of making your own sound. You find the tone that best suits you, and everything you play will sound great. I still make tweaks to my tone here and there, but not on a per song basis (other than clean vs distorted). I love my tone no matter what I'm playing.
My clean tone can be clear and piano-like, but it isn't that clear. I play an ESP LTD F-155DX with an EMG 40DCX in the bridge and a 40CSX in the neck. I use D'Addario Pro Steels with a light gauge and low action, so I can get a lot of attack with my fingers. I usually don't try to get that clear piano tone because I play hard rock and metal, but sometimes I'll get a nice blues sound while I'm just sitting fooling around on the fret board.
@@The_Metal_Mechanic i asked you can you sit down at a piano, play it and still get the bass tone you're gettint out of your bass? also can you play a flute and get the same tone?
@@cunjoz I can not play the piano or the flute, so the answer is no. Can someone else with those instruments emulate my tone? Perhaps. That doesn't matter to me, though. I found my tone and my sound, so I don't have to be making minor changes to my sound to get as close as possible to Cliff Burton, Geezer Butler, or Steve Harris. When jamming with my friends, my tone sounds exactly as it needs to.
The take on the Ibanez is 100% accurate. I have been playing Ibanez basses for 30 years and own three (a 4 string, fretless 5 string and a fretless 4 string). They are light weight, thin necked and the 4 string does have a twangy attack sound. The 2 fretless have a warmer sound and tone and the four string fretless is my go to bass. Two days ago I got a Fender Jazz and I get a blood “classic” sound out of that. But I am a huge supporter of Ibanez basses.
I have purchased his Beginner to Bad-Ass and watched a ton of his videos. I have come to really dig this cat. Great sense of humor and never condescending. Excellent Bass Guitar channel. Probably the best.
I feel that the sr300e is one of the better basses they've made in a long time. In the nineties they absolutely sucked with the adx series pickups, but these with the extended pole pieces really do have a nice punchy aggressive tone that cuts, and is very usable. Electronics are way above average at this price point. I'm a huge Fender Jazz Bass Enthusiast and own some Tobias and Padula's as well, yet I still find a place for this when I play and can get about any type of tone I want out of it. I think it sounds wonderful with soloed bridge pickup in particular for finger work and it has a fantastic slap tone.
Great video! I would just like to add that going for the "classic" tone Is not always what you need, i think maybe with these basses you can develop your own sound and tone, i'd go with the ibanez definetly
My wife brought a yamaha trbx 304 for my birthday (just like the red one) BEST GIFT EVER! Never tried the Ibanez but it sounds pretty good. But the tone on the yamaha is great when you consider the price. My only grip is that there is no passive option. But a fun bass to play. I turned it into a tenor bass tuned ADGC and it sounds killer. Great review!😌🎶👍🏾
Is through-string a popular approach? that's what I'm practicing (using Nate Navarros vid) but I am noticing mostly bouncing elsewhere in UA-cams instructional slap bass community
@@Missile_Command Yeah it’s very popular! I slap this way as well. For some reason most UA-cam teachers don’t mention it but many bassists slap through the string like Victor Wooten, Larry Graham, Ida Nielsen and Davie504 to name a few.
I have always been a primarily Ibanez guy and probably always will be. And towards the end you summed it up perfectly why. I'm a metalcore/deathcore player (finger style with some pick) and Ibanez is just great for the metal scene. I also play in my church and it's great that I can use my Ibanez 5 string for metal and then use it for church on Sunday. Now that's versatile!
I got my bass in 1995. I tried several with a more experienced friend (Squire Jazz, Ibanez, Peavey and so on) and settled for a Yamaha BB350 with J pickups because it felt better than a Squire Jazz at that time and I don't regret it to this day.
I really enjoyed the Tone of the Yamaha. This video has aided me in making a decision of which bass to buy because I was looking at both Yamaha and Ibanez models.
I have the Ibanez. The jack is hard to use without damaging the finish. And the battery wires in the compartment are dumb short. Could not find anywhere within 300 miles to try out the Yammy. I'm happy with it though.
Can't relate. After a few months, I got used to pushing in past the outside finish and hitting the jack. The wood on the inside isn't really finished so even if i hit that, it doesn't matter.
I have a Yamaha BB434. I upgraded the pickups and put on a better bridge. It's my cheapest bass and probably my 3rd fave of 9. Shockingly high quality. I also very much favor passive. I like to tweak the sound of my pickups after it leaves the bass. I just want the raw pickups from the bass. Nice coverage!
Yamaha for me too. My first bass was a Hohner P bass but if these were around in my hay day I would have been really happy. Now days I have 40 basses to choose from 10 Yamaha's and only one vintage Ibanez. I demoed the Yamaha TRBX 504 about two years ago against a Sire Jazz and the Yamaha was better in every possible aspect , weight ,build quality, neck, tome and hardwear.. and it was quite a bit cheaper. So ok I might be a little biased about Yamaha after 40 years of playing them but out of all my bases which include ,G&l's Fenders, Aria pro, Kramer DMZ 6000b, and many more .. I usually leave the house with a Yamaha.
I Love your videos Josh. As a former drummer i have had to switch to bass because of health reasons and my age.lol. I thank you for all the stuff you and Talking Bass have taught us , I would not be at the level I Am Without Your Help. Semper Fi. From a Greatfull Marine & Bassist...
9:21 slapping groove makes me think of Mark King:) I wonder if u can do a video about Mark King like u did with Les Claypool, Cliff Burton and Flea? And btw the comparison is amazing👍👍
I have the previous version of the Yamaha and I absolutely love it. Can't speak much much for the Ibanez but I know they build quality gear, but I do really like the Yamaha.
I have an Ibanez Soundgear Premium SR2605, and while it's more pricey than the SR300E shown here, the body shape remains the same. It's super easy to move up and down the neck, looks gorgeous, is pretty light, and has a swath of tone control straight from itself. Also the types of wood and designs they're putting on their basses for the prices they're being sold at are such a good deal. Definitely recommend the SR line to virtually any bassist as its practicality and playability are superb
Now that's the way to do a comparison! Well done. I'd call Ibanez for the win. Having said that , yeah, it's versatile but it's also a very specific sound -- very "hi-fi." Good for ore "modern" sounding electronic music and fantastic for soloing and especially "chord/melody" playing. But if Jamerson or Jaco is your thing -- you're going to need a second bass. Incidentally, whenever I work with a soundman in a large hall, they seem to love the Ibanez. They're clear, clean and easy to control from their end.
TRBX305 (5-string version) all the way, I bought one and no regrets. Sure I can't get the exact tones on all those boomer recordings but for anything modern it's great, plus the feel and short scale is super-comfortable, much less bulky than a Fender or similar. I can't believe you didn't like the thumb grooves in the pickups! I've always hated that 'edge of the cliff' feeling with thumb-resting on a pickup of... well, just about ANYTHING else, the Yamaha has a nice secure pocket, I love it! Should be a feature on every bass. The active EQ is a bit silly though, I just leave that on flat most of the time.
Great video! I actually started with that same Ibanez and am currently working my way through your Beginner to Badass course. I absolutely love the bass!
I really enjoyed this video, great job reviewing the basses. The editing and presentation is wonderful, both visually and in quality of sound. I also really admire your bass playing, fantastic! Keep up the great work.
I own a TRBX 304 and I can say with all honesty that it has the best neck action of any bass I have ever played, now I'm no pro player o.k.; I don't make a living playing professionally I'm just a lowly factory worker that plays just for fun but I have played both of these basses and for me I would recommend the Yamaha because it seems more player friendly especially to someone whose just started playing bass and it sounds good; I wish I had one when I first started playing.
Hi Josh, I’m a student of your BassBuzz B2B. Though, haven’t finished the course yet. I have a Yamaha TRBX174EW, almost the same color as the one in the video. It cost $179 & has 3 pick ups.
He's an outstanding, natural teacher. I've been loving his beginner-to-badass course and cannot recommend it highly enough. Really small price for top-notch lessons.
The Ibanez bass can do it all. It’s the best bang for your buck available. I have been a pro for over 30 years. And I don’t recall ever playing another bass at this price that offers what Ibanez does. And No, I don’t work for Ibanez. Lol
I had one of the early BB-1200 Yamaha Basses, at the time it was the best bass I had ever touched. Only Ibanez I ever owned was an 8 string and it weighed a friggin ton!
Out of these 2 i prefer the Ibanez, i got myself a black Ibanez as my first bass in 2020 and it never failed me. It does the work and is very comfortable when you play it. Deffo recommend!
I own both of these in 5 string. All points are accurate except I do dig the thumb cut outs on the Yamaha and love the contour of the body. I love them both though.
I have had this yamaha model for 2 years now and i absolutely love it. And also i like the pickup "cutaway thing". It is just comfortable place to keep my thumb on. Bought 6 string ibanez with similar pick ups to this videos ibanez and i dont really like it as it doesnt have this cutaway thing
I've owned both of these basses and this review is spot on. My only difference is that the "gimmick" switch on the Yamaha IS HANDY if you are acting as your own sound man. Yes, you have to be careful of changing mid song but it can be a big help with not having to fiddle with knobs on stage. I do agree that the pedal comment is valid.
I just bought the Ibanez and I LOVE the light weight (seems some view that as a negative) and the very thin neck. Of course, I am 56 and feel it in my back when playing a 10lb bass all night. Being older I also remember when cheap guitars had SEVERE playability issues. This thing plays like butter. Back in the day this would have been a thousand dollar instrument.
I've recently bought a 174 after working with a PJ Squier and GSR200. I think Yamaha has the best neck feel (satin back and 10" radius). It's my favorite so far.
I love my Yamahas. I have 2 pre-2000 BBN5s, a BB735 and an TRBX605FM AND an old, circa 2000, Ibanez SR485. All my Yamahas have Alder bodies and the Ibanez is Mahogany. The TRBX605 seems to have a fair amount of mid-range, a little honk, which the TRBX305 does not seem to. If I were to go after that mellower mahogany tone from an inexpensive bass and I had to choose between these two only, I'd choose the Yamaha BECAUSE - the Yamaha 5 string basses use the wider, 18mm string spacing I prefer, over the 16.5mm string spacing of the Ibanez. Most of my basses have a 18mm or 19mm string pitch.
I own an Ibby SR500ZW and there are two main things I enjoy about it, especially over a Fender P. Number one is that the neck on the Ibanez is super thin and fast, which I love. Fenders tend to feel clunky to me because of their thicker neck. The Ibanez's power tap is also a great way to get some clanky tone, which I use to imitate Chris Squire and Geddy Lee. The ability to boost mids and highs is also useful for that.
Josh, that was a really nice video and informative .. I’d actually like to see you do a video like this on the Yamaha Trbx 504 versus a competitive Ibanez in the same price class. The 500 series Yamaha bass allegedly has more appropriate electronics. Good to see you! 😎👨🏻
I totally agree! I also toggle between the Yamaha TRBX504 and the Ibanez SR500E. The huge advantage is, that both instruments are able to be played in active and passive mode. That would be very interesting to see Josh's opinion. In the end it's the best solution to test them ourselfs and then make a decisson.
Thanks for this comparison review. It really adds some, to the point, info on the bass I ended up with in my search. I started my bass journey on a late 60's Gretsch Hollow Body Bass. I loved that thing but it belonged to my brother-in-law and it belonged to his dad before him. Everytime I picked that beauty up I was afraid to nick it or drop it. Eventually, I figured it was time to get my own. So, I looked around and fell in love with the ESP LTD B-5E. However, as I was perusing, I found a deal I couldn't pass up. Since I was practicing on the Gretsch at home on my little 15 Watt Kustom guitar amp, this deal would set me up, not only have the bass, but also a bass amp for about the same price. So, the Ibanez SR305E entered my life. I love this thing in all it's Root Beer Metallic glory. It's not as pretty as the ESP but it makes for a nice compromise. It's good to hear that I made a decent choice. My next purchase may be an ESP. Perhaps in a 4-string flavor in a nice wood color. Probably did that backwards but you gotta love that low B 🙂
The only reason I can think of for the solo mode on the Yamaha to cut the high end would be to for a Jaco style sound, but other than that, It doesn't really make sense especially because there is already an on board preamp. I definitely agree that the Ibanez switch is a lot better
My virtuoso muscian son sold his 3k custom bass and bought a $300 Samick....IMO the Samick actually sounds better live.... I bought a short scale Ibanez Mikro bass for myself. Very enjoyable to play💖
I have the trbx605 paired with the ampeg rb 110. It sounds so sweet. I love to have the treble all the way up on the amp and the bass passive 50/50. I haven't even put the battery in it because it sounds so good. I also have a fender jazz fsr paired with an orange crush 50 and it sounds like a giant dump. The bass plays great. Really, I think it's the orange. The point is the trbx605 sounds amazing for 700 dollar bass.
Great comparison, thanks! I love my Ibbies (SR300E, SR590, & Mikro) but I've been seriously considering adding a TRBX304. Glad to hear it has a thin neck since I have wide hands but with short, thick fingers (think mole) and the Vintage Yamahas I've tried were more like slightly thinned baseball bats.
I noticed that he didn't flick to the slap position on the switch on the yamaha. I gigged one in college and I played a level 42 song. And I gotta say, that yamaha slap switch sounds phenomenal. It was super close to a mark king tone and I was so surprised
I was alternating between playing a Squier, Ibanez and Yamaha bass at the music store. I kept gravitating towards the Ibanez. It felt really good in my lap, looks really cool, and felt the most fun to play. I might get one for my next purchase.
This was the perfect video for me. I have both these basses and I'm trying figure out which one I like best. This was very helpful. Muchas gracias, amigo!😀
I just bought a Ibanez bass guitar for $300 a week ago and I've never played nor owned a bass guitar and I was leaning regular electric guitar but I for some reason fell in love with not just the sound of it but it feels like it's meant for me to play when I just pick on it for a while and so I got the Ibanez after feeling it out and it's a late 90s model and in really good shape and so I think it was a good deal for me....✌️🎸✌️
Unpopular opinion: getting your tone "perfect" doesn't matter in a live setting. As long as you're close, 90% of the crowd won't even notice. With that being said, I'd spend the extra $200 on a TRBX504/505 that basically fixes all of the issues talked about with the 304 in the video, including an act/pass switch and the pickups not being cut out. Its quite a bit nicer too.
What if your playing in a covers band its vital to sound like the band you are covering if you write your own material you are really going to make a name for yourself playing the same song different ways
@craigreynolds5562 I did say "as long as you're close" in my original comment, meaning you need to be close to the original sound. But spending thousands on the exact rig the original artist used isn't necessary.
I actually bought the TRBX 304 after an earlier video and honestly I wasn't blown away. Polite is definitely the word for it :) I have an ibanez sr505 now which sounds sooooo much better, but comparing apples with oranges there. The Yamaha did feel good and would be a good beginner bass, but overall, uninspiring. The 5 way switch was ass. I also did own an sr300 in the late 90s, as a teen it was my pride and joy.
I bought an SR300e over a TRBX304. I love they way the 300e sounds and feels. The pickups are nice and clean and neutral kind of like EMG's and the preamp will let you dial in just about any sound you want if you know what you are doing. Also the power tap switch is great too..very useable. The problem i have is that the neck is very unstable. The neck moves a lot with the weather, i live in Sydney Australia and we get some humid hot days here and the neck on my 300e has a mind of its own..it will move post codes if it wants to. My other Basses are a G&L JB-2 tribute, a Yamaha BB414 and a Yamaha BB434M and a Sire V10 which are all kept on the same rack stand with the 300e and the 300e is the only bass i have with neck issue's. Also after about 15 months of owning the 300e one day when i picked it up one of the neck bolts just fell out. I tried to screw it back in but the wood just would not take to the bolt and hold it as it is threaded inside. So now i have been searching for a slighty thicker bolt that is the same length to screw in but i cant seem to find the right bolt anywhere. Its a real shame with these two issues because its a great bass. Its actually the only bass i have ever played where every fret and note rings clear with no dead spots. But i must be honest, i will never buy one again. The only ibanez basses i would buy again are the prestige or premium models because i would expect better build quality and a stable neck. Surely the prestige and premium models dry the wood out properly for the necks and with the titanium rods they shouldn't move. I would expect so anyway. So my advice to anyone is..don't buy anything less than a premium model. I'm sorry ibanez, but i have to tell it like it is from my perspective :)
What do you think - are these basses as versatile as they claim, or are you better off with a classic design? 🎸
Timestamps for this lesson:
0:00 - Ibanez versus Yamaha
0:42 - Tone Battle
3:08 - Features & Build Quality
5:42 - Battle of the Gimmick Switches
8:18 - Masters of None?
10:30 - And the Winner Is…
Hello time traveller
I am getting the Ibanez for my bday, I can t wait
I LIKE MY FENDER JAZZ
Try the Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB, it's $50 less than these and has stainless steel frets and can do every type of sound these can but also true JB and PJ sounds! (also comes in 4-string, just replace the 5 with a 4) I also love that it can emulate a musicman with just the bridge pickup. These are made by CoreTek (Cort) btw in Indonesia.
@@Vinterloft very nice
This is how it went for me two years ago.
Saw your bass course on UA-cam.
Went to the music store.
Saw that Ibanez SR300E and the guy in the store handed it to me.
Fell in love with the look and sound (the music store guy actually played a bit)
Went home with the Ibanez.
Bought your bass course.
i got the exact same ibanez bass last christmas (same finish as in this video) i fell in love instantly with it...and hey, im here too
This is the best review of competing basses I have seen. From the point of view of the potential buyer, it is honest, fair and rational. No over- or under-selling, and Josh understands the importance of intended use. Absolutely a model of what instrument reviewing should be, but almost never is.
Thanks Paul!
I agree very informative and indepth Sound Analyse of these two Models. Keep going Josh 🙂.
I kinda disagree with the "winner for beginner" conclusion. I think the Ibanez provides better dynamics and articulation - i.e. sounds clearer overall, which is a great-great advantage for a beginner who needs to clearly hear when their notes strart and when they stop. Also, the mellow sound of the Yamaha will tend to hide mistakes and sloppy playing which a beginner should always be aware of.
Interesting point!
Crazy how not many people agree with you but it is your opinion!
I’ve played both yamaha and ibanez basses when I was starting to play, and this leads me to disagree with you, but it’s for sure an interesting point of view, never thought that!
@@bluz1n same here, but I have to agree with his point. It really just boils down to your play style, though. Coming from guitar over to bass I tend to play more aggressively, I'm currently playing the SDGR305E which is the 5 string version of this exact Iby, it's power tap setting is perfect for stuff like Cane Hill or Unprocessed. The only issue I've really noticed with it is the E strings action is a little weak, so if you're getting one new, or newer, you can pretty much automatically expect to have to adjust the action after a few months of playing, or you'll have to deal with the fret buzz, don't know why it's only that string but yeah lol (could also be because this is the first brand new guitar ive ever had, and I'm just dumb when it comes to setting it up like that lmfao) honestly, though. I'm surprised Washburn doesn't get more love, their easy to play and have very smooth sounds.
Side note: whenever I was playing guitar I did understand the importance of having an instrument that fits well with your style, but also have noticed that's doubly true with a bass. Videos like this are great for the unbiased opinion and "side perspective", but at the end of the day it all just depends on the music you want to play. Mudvaynes "dig", wouldn't have sounded the same on a fender as it did on that Warwick he played it with
Yeah, extremely interesting point.
I got the TRBX305 as my first bass (I wanted the low B) and I love it. I picked it partly because I liked the warmth of the tone, partly because I have small hands and the thin neck makes things easier, and partly just because I just prefer the aesthetic to the equivalent Ibanez or Fender basses. I like the rounder body shape contrasted with the sharp contours, as opposed to the flatter shape of the Ibanez or the 50s and 60s stylings of the Fenders/Squiers.
I got the same bass as an upgrade to a sucky pawn shop four string that was my first, and eventually switched from low B to high C, which sounds and feels really nice on this bass, but it's become a pain to shop for strings. I hate having to pay extra for a six string set just to leave the B to rot in my case lmao
Very happy with my TRBX304, been following your BTB course for a little over a month now!
I bought the Ibanez SR400 back in April (only difference is the bridge on the 400 is heavier) no 300s were available due to supply chain issues. Same for the Yamaha, sono didn’t get to try one.
Anyway, I played from 87 to 99 on a pair of Japanese made Fender Jazz basses. When I was shopping in April , I tried several Fenders and Squiers and none of them felt right. The I tried the Ibanez and feel in love with the feel of the neck. After playing it for the last couple of months I’ve realized that I was fighting the Fenders the whole time. There was nothing wrong with them - they just didn’t feel right in my hands. I’ve made more progress in the last 2 months than I ever made in a year with the J basses.
That said, this is a GREAT review. As always, Josh does a fantastic job of giving an honest head to head comparison.
I'm a huge fan of most of the soundgear line of ibanez basses. The way the neck feels is the absolute best for me personally. And I think neck feel is undoubtedly the most subjective thing to finding a bass of your preference because every one feels different to each player. My main bass is the SR505 with bartolini pickups and it's basically the bass I've always wanted. I do have a SR300E as a backup and it's really good whenever my main bass is out with a string broken before I can replace it.
SR505 beautiful instrument .Iv had mine for about 3 years never misses a beat
I’ve bought the Yamaha 2 years ago, thx to your beginner bass guitar comparison video, and I am yet to regret it! But I doubt I will ever regret it as the axe is quite nice!
Same here! Got my trbx304 based on that video.
Same! just put some new string on mine and it's had only minor issues.
I'm into the trebly rock Geddy/Steve Harris/Entwistle kind of sound and very satisfied with my Ibanez SR405
The SR405 is a Sound Gear model correct? I think I used to have the same exact model bass in a purple color (I wanted red, grey/silver or black but could only find purple at that time ugh 😣). They are fantastic basses, especially for their reasonable prices. I am a big Iron Maiden fan and really enjoy Primus and Rush (both fantastic bass players/playing!), but I personally prefer a more deeper/dark/"bassy" kinda sound. Not sure if you have heard of the Metal band Skinlab (from San Francisco), but they have that kind of sound.
I have that same one and love it to bits. Use it both for metal and mellow prog/post-rock.
@@joshuayettou3552 I like a lot of the same players and had an SR400 for years. But Geddy Lee and the others were mostly Fender players.
This is so in-depth, well-editted, comprehensive and entertaining at the same time ... something a lot of comparison videos sorrily lack on here.
I'm definitely hooked on the Ibanez, since I'm looking for that aggressive sound, while still looking to explore different sound options, which is why I like the versatility it brings to the table. I am in the beginner/intermediate range and mostly wanna get one for recordings and production, rather than gigs, so learning that these two are in that kind of ballpark makes me really happy. They both sound and look really good, but that Ibanez is just [chef's kiss].
I'm so glad i saw this video, I was in the market for another bass and you just sold on the Yamaha, in fact was looking at the yamaha's in a on line music store and i found the Yamaha in mist green, i love it so I ordered and should have it in a few days, and by the way i did join your on line bass class "Bass Buzz" class about 2 yrs ago and im still going back to it for reference it taught so much and I'm 62 yrs old, Thanks for all youve done and for all the videos i get notified about, great job thanks again Joe A
Glad you enjoyed the course Joseph, and hope you dig the Yamaha! Not sure what "mist" they were referencing for the name of that color lol, Yamaha HQ must be in an enchanted swamp. 🐸
I have the SR305e 5 strings , and really appreciate it. The 3 positions switch renders approximately the J bass, the humbucker' and the P bass. The preamp is really good , efficient controls and clean sound for each pickup and switch position.
I have a really good update of a Squier Precision and biggest difference are the weight' Squier is much heavier, and has more punch, but the Ibanez is my A choice
More of these please! Gear reviews and comparisons especially when it comes to budget minded options can be a huge help to beginners. Another big help, in my opinion, is with set-up, getting the bass to play nice makes it so much more fun to learn.
Just got a TRBX304. My first bass... I'm digging it. 😎
Do you have any prior music experience?
I have one but the jack port is problematic as I've had to tighten the bolt several times, with it having even twisted the cable soldering loose once. So that was a solder job I'd prefer not to need to do.
Then again, I also thought it had happened a second time and realized it was because I left the bass jacked in while drunk and the battery went dead. 😅
@@onezerosevensix No.
I played a dozen basses that day in all manner of price ranges, and I kept coming back to the SR300E. It just felt right.
In the "fretless wing" of my collection there's a passive PJ 4-string SDGR living next to American and Japanese made (G&L, YMH) active 5-strings. That practical little Ibby doesn't suck at all - much love!
I bought the same red Yamaha TRBX 304 a few years back based on your recommendation. So far no regrets. It's definitely a solid instrument to learn on and it's still my first and only bass. Only two minor gripes: I do find the TRBX 304 a bit heavy and the design hasn't aged well in my eyes. Your 90s sci-fi metaphor is spot on. 😉Judging from this video, I might have preferred the Ibanez (in sound, features, and optics), but there's certainly no point in switching now.
As for the tone differences, I'm tempted to say that for most beginners, the number one reason by far that things sound "weird" has to be playing technique, probably followed by misguided amp/fx settings. When I started, I didn't really have an ear for "bass tone". I might not even have been able to tell the basses in the video apart. Developing an ear for the low end has definitely been part of the journey.
My first bass was the SR300E. I felt like it was a great beginners bass as it was light weight, had a slim neck, versatile, and inspired me to play. I didn’t know who I was as a musician, and it helped me figure that out. But I felt like it was holding me back, so I sold it a few years later. It’s a good bass, but not a forever bass. At least not for me.
i sold my first bass too. no regrets!
Two years later, thank you for your post, i helped me a lot.
I tried both and went for the Yams. I bougth a TRBX305 and a TRBX304. I think there is no better value for the money. The Eeeeebanez were close, but the Yams felt more comfy. After a 35 year hiatus of plying, I'm back on it. I'm flabergated with the TRBX305, I love the fretboard. I don't care much for tone controls & gimmicks. After I've tried close to 30 axes, several of them more than one time, I was happy with my choice.
This Yamaha is my Bass :) I bought it as my 1st one after your last testing video!
I wouldn't mind adding either of these to my collection but for me the Yamaha is much, much more ergonomic for the picking hand. The cutaway in the pickup fits my fingerstyle playing well, but most importantly the contour on the top of the body fits my forearm like a dream. My main guitar is a Yamaha SG2000 with no contour whatsoever and the edge digs in. My Fender basses are a little more comfortable but I wish I could replicate the Yamaha contour on all my guitars.
I think the five-way selector is a dumb gimmick and the Ibanez gimmick actually sounds kind of cool IMO, but one of the options on the Yamaha does a pretty good Motown fingerstyle funk sound. I could see it sounding really nice with some flats.
I think another important perspective for both of these guitars is how well their five-string versions handle the B string - is it floppy, dead sounding, etc.
In my experience with the Yamaha TRBX305 (although it should be noted that I am a relative bass noob), the B string is pretty good. To me it sounds warm, and just feels like a fatter E string. It's loose enough that you don't break a finger trying to fret it, and you probably can't tune it beyond Bb without going up a string gauge, but it's not floppy.
Also the one other issue is that due to the massive magnets, the pickups are quite hot, and at least on mine, were set very high and perfectly flat when I bought it, which meant that the bottom end was very boomy and clipped massively if I had the volume anything above like a 2 on the guitar. After I got it properly set up and angled the pickups though it sounded great.
I absolutely love it as an instrument, and the thinness and smoothness of the neck makes it so easy to play. I don't know how it works in a band, but I like it for me.
I own one of the Ibanez SR300, its a few years old now, and I love it to death. It's really nice for metal, distortion, tapping, chords and stuff.
Hello, its a good bass for starting (with Rammstein for example) ?
@@DydyLeFranc any 4 string bass can play any 4 string song.....
Have a Roadstar ll from the 80's
An SB-1200 from the 90's love them both...also have a Yamaha 5.....both are cool with cool options
I've sold every Ibanez I've ever owned. They just don't ever seem to have much life in them IMO. Yamaha's are certainly mellow, but I find them to be a more useful for that very reason. Excellent review, Josh! The gimmick switch bit literally had me laughing. Why do companies ever put those dumb things on basses anyway?
Yes!!! Exactly)) ibanez have no life in sound ( except couple models)
I understand your stance on Ibanez and I agree - they're trying to appeal to everyone, and in that the basses have no personality as a result..
Personally, I really like the Power Tap on my Ibanez, it makes a huge difference and greatly expands the library of tones that bass can offer. Very useful and likable.
I really like my Ibanez SR300 - I get good tones and flexibility with it and despite being mainly guitarist I just love picking it up because of how gorgeous it looks. I guess each his/her own. :)
Not much life...hmmm... but the Sr series has been around for 25+ yrs and the Ibanez Bass for over 40 yrs., and are still popular. (Some models do stink but all pricier brands have the same issue). A guitar, bass or not, will always have a personality. It's how you set it up and play it!
I tested both of these in 5 string version some years ago, but finally got the big brother of the Ibanez, the SR605, cause it felt a bit more comfortable/smooth to play... but also at almost double the price.
Overall I liked all tested Ibanez models more than the peavy, yamaha and whatnot, in sound, design and feeling. Damn are they slick!
Soundwise I have never experienced any shortcomings, may it be in soft, "accoustic" band setups to brutal metal: the Ibanez does it all perfectly!
I picked up a SR505 because I found it used for under $400. Been in love with it since.
I agree. If you want that Fender Jazz jacked all the way up Geddy Lee type sound, you just can't do it with a MusicMan style bass. The Ibanez is the first bass I've been able to truly get that sound with ....but actually can do it so well that it can actually OVERDO it. The playability is also spot on. I also have a Chinese Affinity 5 string, and as long as you check it before you buy it...I have been very impressed that it sounds just like a jazz should.
The power tap switch is actually just attempting to give you 3 pickup configurations in one bass. P...J...and P/J. Mid song I don't touch it but if I'm playing covers it can help get you in the right ballpark quicker. It's limited functionality...but I don't think I'd go so far as to call it a gimmick switch.
You brought up the biggest point, whatever feels better to play should always be your pick
This is interesting because I own that exact ibanez model, same colour and everything
Never been on this channel before but bought the Ibanez based off of what I learned here today. Thanks for the good stuff!
Seven years ago as a new bassist I was shopping for my own bass and I liked the tonal variety you could get from the Yamahas since I wasn't yet locked into any particular genre.
I too thought the eq selector was dumb so I went up a step to the TRBX 504 which DOES have the mid adjustment as well as the active/passive switch you were asking for.
I have been extremely happy with it to the point where when I re-reviewed my bass choice to get a 5-string I bought a TRBX 505 (with an upgrade to medium weight strings instead of the stock medium-light).
I've owned a lot of basses in my time, but the one I keep going back to is the one I first bought -- The Fender Squire Jazz bass. $200 plus a really good set up and it still sounds better than any other bass I've ever owned. The tone is always perfect. It always feels nice in my hands. The neck is fast and never in the way.
For that tight punchy metal sound or whenever I'm going to play with a pick, I really enjoy my Schecter Omen-4, so consider that my honorable mention.
I want to like Jackson basses but they are just no fun to play. They look great especially bright white, but the neck is so chunky and the stretch required is inhuman.
All that said, I've never owned or played a Warwick bass, and I have a feeling that if I were to get one, I'd probably really, really love it.
Great video. The first Ibanez bass I ever owned was an Ibanez RB850 back in the 1980's and I got spoiled on that bass not only because of the tone but because of the 24 frets for being able to play upstairs for tasteful high feels. After that I could never go back to a fender bass or any other bass that didn't havs 24 frets. Eventually I wound up wearing out the frets on my PB850 so I wound up having it converted over to a fretless bass and it really shines as a fretless instrument! About seven or eight years ago I wound up replacing all of my stage bass guitars and I wound up going to the Ibanez SR250s series bass guitars. Before I made the purchase I compared the SR250 basses to some of their more expensive Ibanez bass guitars and for me personally I felt that mid-price bass which is just a step above a beginner's bass sounded great when it was set up correctly. I wound up purchasing three fretted SR250 basses and the third one I had converted over to fretless bass. They're not the most expensive bass out there and they can be finicky setting them up but once you get them correctly set up they sound really great for what they are. These are what I use for all my recording needs along with live shows too. There's a couple of things that could be better about the SR250 series such as the necks could be made a little bit more robust. I did upgrade the bridges along with a couple of other small modifications to fit my needs but for the price I paid for these bass guitars you couldn't pry them from my cold dead hands and being they didn't cost me thousands of dollars for each bass I'm not as concerned about them getting a little banged up during live show situations. In the end it really comes down to being able to get good tone and as long as your overall rig is decent it's not hard to achieve a great tone even with these lower end priced bass guitars.
Personally, I've always been a fan of making your own sound. You find the tone that best suits you, and everything you play will sound great. I still make tweaks to my tone here and there, but not on a per song basis (other than clean vs distorted). I love my tone no matter what I'm playing.
can you get the tone you're getting now out of a piano?
My clean tone can be clear and piano-like, but it isn't that clear. I play an ESP LTD F-155DX with an EMG 40DCX in the bridge and a 40CSX in the neck. I use D'Addario Pro Steels with a light gauge and low action, so I can get a lot of attack with my fingers. I usually don't try to get that clear piano tone because I play hard rock and metal, but sometimes I'll get a nice blues sound while I'm just sitting fooling around on the fret board.
@@The_Metal_Mechanic i asked you can you sit down at a piano, play it and still get the bass tone you're gettint out of your bass?
also can you play a flute and get the same tone?
@@cunjoz I can not play the piano or the flute, so the answer is no. Can someone else with those instruments emulate my tone? Perhaps. That doesn't matter to me, though. I found my tone and my sound, so I don't have to be making minor changes to my sound to get as close as possible to Cliff Burton, Geezer Butler, or Steve Harris. When jamming with my friends, my tone sounds exactly as it needs to.
Unfortunately that never works as expected in a live setting
The take on the Ibanez is 100% accurate. I have been playing Ibanez basses for 30 years and own three (a 4 string, fretless 5 string and a fretless 4 string). They are light weight, thin necked and the 4 string does have a twangy attack sound. The 2 fretless have a warmer sound and tone and the four string fretless is my go to bass. Two days ago I got a Fender Jazz and I get a blood “classic” sound out of that. But I am a huge supporter of Ibanez basses.
I have purchased his Beginner to Bad-Ass and watched a ton of his videos. I have come to really dig this cat. Great sense of humor and never condescending. Excellent Bass Guitar channel. Probably the best.
I feel that the sr300e is one of the better basses they've made in a long time. In the nineties they absolutely sucked with the adx series pickups, but these with the extended pole pieces really do have a nice punchy aggressive tone that cuts, and is very usable. Electronics are way above average at this price point. I'm a huge Fender Jazz Bass Enthusiast and own some Tobias and Padula's as well, yet I still find a place for this when I play and can get about any type of tone I want out of it. I think it sounds wonderful with soloed bridge pickup in particular for finger work and it has a fantastic slap tone.
Great video! I would just like to add that going for the "classic" tone Is not always what you need, i think maybe with these basses you can develop your own sound and tone, i'd go with the ibanez definetly
Exactly!
I have the exact red Yamaha... 4 months and love it so far.
I have the Ibanez SR405 5-string, and am quite happy with it. I just needed a bass for playing around at home and it fits the bill very nicely.
My wife brought a yamaha trbx 304 for my birthday (just like the red one) BEST GIFT EVER! Never tried the Ibanez but it sounds pretty good. But the tone on the yamaha is great when you consider the price. My only grip is that there is no passive option. But a fun bass to play. I turned it into a tenor bass tuned ADGC and it sounds killer. Great review!😌🎶👍🏾
Hey Josh, great video! I was wondering if someday you can do a showdown between the two main slap techniques (bouncing vs through the string)?
17 likes equals at least that many pissed off drummers.
I didn't know his name was Josh? Great minds tend to have the same names ☺️😉
Is through-string a popular approach? that's what I'm practicing (using Nate Navarros vid) but I am noticing mostly bouncing elsewhere in UA-cams instructional slap bass community
@@Missile_Command Yeah it’s very popular! I slap this way as well. For some reason most UA-cam teachers don’t mention it but many bassists slap through the string like Victor Wooten, Larry Graham, Ida Nielsen and Davie504 to name a few.
Depends on the song man, they make different sounds, especially when playing fast.
I have always been a primarily Ibanez guy and probably always will be. And towards the end you summed it up perfectly why. I'm a metalcore/deathcore player (finger style with some pick) and Ibanez is just great for the metal scene. I also play in my church and it's great that I can use my Ibanez 5 string for metal and then use it for church on Sunday. Now that's versatile!
Thanks for releasing this video on my birthday x
Happy birthday!
I have that exact Yamaha model so I'm biased but I love it.
I got my bass in 1995. I tried several with a more experienced friend (Squire Jazz, Ibanez, Peavey and so on) and settled for a Yamaha BB350 with J pickups because it felt better than a Squire Jazz at that time and I don't regret it to this day.
I really enjoyed the Tone of the Yamaha. This video has aided me in making a decision of which bass to buy because I was looking at both Yamaha and Ibanez models.
I have the Ibanez. The jack is hard to use without damaging the finish. And the battery wires in the compartment are dumb short.
Could not find anywhere within 300 miles to try out the Yammy.
I'm happy with it though.
Can't relate. After a few months, I got used to pushing in past the outside finish and hitting the jack. The wood on the inside isn't really finished so even if i hit that, it doesn't matter.
+1 to dexx, doesn't bother me
Can you not use it without a battery?
I have a Yamaha BB434. I upgraded the pickups and put on a better bridge. It's my cheapest bass and probably my 3rd fave of 9. Shockingly high quality. I also very much favor passive. I like to tweak the sound of my pickups after it leaves the bass. I just want the raw pickups from the bass. Nice coverage!
Yamaha for me too. My first bass was a Hohner P bass but if these were around in my hay day I would have been really happy. Now days I have 40 basses to choose from 10 Yamaha's and only one vintage Ibanez. I demoed the Yamaha TRBX 504 about two years ago against a Sire Jazz and the Yamaha was better in every possible aspect , weight ,build quality, neck, tome and hardwear.. and it was quite a bit cheaper. So ok I might be a little biased about Yamaha after 40 years of playing them but out of all my bases which include ,G&l's Fenders, Aria pro, Kramer DMZ 6000b, and many more .. I usually leave the house with a Yamaha.
I Love your videos Josh. As a former drummer i have had to switch to bass because of health reasons and my age.lol. I thank you for all the stuff you and Talking Bass have taught us , I would not be at the level I Am Without Your Help. Semper Fi. From a Greatfull Marine & Bassist...
9:21 slapping groove makes me think of Mark King:) I wonder if u can do a video about Mark King like u did with Les Claypool, Cliff Burton and Flea? And btw the comparison is amazing👍👍
I have the previous version of the Yamaha and I absolutely love it. Can't speak much much for the Ibanez but I know they build quality gear, but I do really like the Yamaha.
You read my mind, I've been thinking about both of them. Perfect video thanks.
I have an Ibanez Soundgear Premium SR2605, and while it's more pricey than the SR300E shown here, the body shape remains the same. It's super easy to move up and down the neck, looks gorgeous, is pretty light, and has a swath of tone control straight from itself. Also the types of wood and designs they're putting on their basses for the prices they're being sold at are such a good deal. Definitely recommend the SR line to virtually any bassist as its practicality and playability are superb
Now that's the way to do a comparison! Well done. I'd call Ibanez for the win. Having said that , yeah, it's versatile but it's also a very specific sound -- very "hi-fi." Good for ore "modern" sounding electronic music and fantastic for soloing and especially "chord/melody" playing. But if Jamerson or Jaco is your thing -- you're going to need a second bass. Incidentally, whenever I work with a soundman in a large hall, they seem to love the Ibanez. They're clear, clean and easy to control from their end.
TRBX305 (5-string version) all the way, I bought one and no regrets. Sure I can't get the exact tones on all those boomer recordings but for anything modern it's great, plus the feel and short scale is super-comfortable, much less bulky than a Fender or similar. I can't believe you didn't like the thumb grooves in the pickups! I've always hated that 'edge of the cliff' feeling with thumb-resting on a pickup of... well, just about ANYTHING else, the Yamaha has a nice secure pocket, I love it! Should be a feature on every bass. The active EQ is a bit silly though, I just leave that on flat most of the time.
Great video! I actually started with that same Ibanez and am currently working my way through your Beginner to Badass course. I absolutely love the bass!
I really enjoyed this video, great job reviewing the basses. The editing and presentation is wonderful, both visually and in quality of sound. I also really admire your bass playing, fantastic! Keep up the great work.
Thank you!
I own a TRBX 304 and I can say with all honesty that it has the best neck action of any bass I have ever played, now I'm no pro player o.k.; I don't make a living playing professionally I'm just a lowly factory worker that plays just for fun but I have played both of these basses and for me I would recommend the Yamaha because it seems more player friendly especially to someone whose just started playing bass and it sounds good; I wish I had one when I first started playing.
Hi Josh, I’m a student of your BassBuzz B2B. Though, haven’t finished the course yet. I have a Yamaha TRBX174EW, almost the same color as the one in the video. It cost $179 & has 3 pick ups.
Nice! FYI, it's actually 2 pickups, the "split" pickup only counts as 1. :)
I’m digging that ibanez! But I always favor ibanez, I like options for tone. I like the dynamics and clarity of the ibanez as well
Thanks for playing the 3 different techniques on each! Super handy being a player of all 3 ☺️
Helped me decide that the Ibanez is the one for me. Nice review man, well shot and presented and lots of info.
Just started trying out the bass and ur vids are really awesome. Love the instructional and entertaining content
He's an outstanding, natural teacher. I've been loving his beginner-to-badass course and cannot recommend it highly enough. Really small price for top-notch lessons.
The Ibanez bass can do it all. It’s the best bang for your buck available. I have been a pro for over 30 years. And I don’t recall ever playing another bass at this price that offers what Ibanez does. And No, I don’t work for Ibanez. Lol
I just ordered the Ibanez and Im so stoked to play around with all the options it has.
I had one of the early BB-1200 Yamaha Basses, at the time it was the best bass I had ever touched. Only Ibanez I ever owned was an 8 string and it weighed a friggin ton!
Out of these 2 i prefer the Ibanez, i got myself a black Ibanez as my first bass in 2020 and it never failed me. It does the work and is very comfortable when you play it. Deffo recommend!
I own both of these in 5 string. All points are accurate except I do dig the thumb cut outs on the Yamaha and love the contour of the body. I love them both though.
I have had this yamaha model for 2 years now and i absolutely love it. And also i like the pickup "cutaway thing". It is just comfortable place to keep my thumb on. Bought 6 string ibanez with similar pick ups to this videos ibanez and i dont really like it as it doesnt have this cutaway thing
The Johnny Mnemonic clip was hilarious!
I've owned both of these basses and this review is spot on. My only difference is that the "gimmick" switch on the Yamaha IS HANDY if you are acting as your own sound man. Yes, you have to be careful of changing mid song but it can be a big help with not having to fiddle with knobs on stage. I do agree that the pedal comment is valid.
I just bought the Ibanez and I LOVE the light weight (seems some view that as a negative) and the very thin neck. Of course, I am 56 and feel it in my back when playing a 10lb bass all night. Being older I also remember when cheap guitars had SEVERE playability issues. This thing plays like butter. Back in the day this would have been a thousand dollar instrument.
Started with a TRBX 174 some months ago. Loving it and looking forward to get a 304 too in the future.
I've recently bought a 174 after working with a PJ Squier and GSR200. I think Yamaha has the best neck feel (satin back and 10" radius). It's my favorite so far.
I love my TRBX 174EW
@@judih.8754 yeah, I love my 174 too. Playing everyday and already developing my bass face. Hahah
Skip the 304 and go to the 504 or 604. That's what I did. It's a huge upgrade for not much more.
@@agitatorjr Thanks. Sounds like a good plan
I love my Yamahas. I have 2 pre-2000 BBN5s, a BB735 and an TRBX605FM AND an old, circa 2000, Ibanez SR485. All my Yamahas have Alder bodies and the Ibanez is Mahogany. The TRBX605 seems to have a fair amount of mid-range, a little honk, which the TRBX305 does not seem to.
If I were to go after that mellower mahogany tone from an inexpensive bass and I had to choose between these two only, I'd choose the Yamaha BECAUSE - the Yamaha 5 string basses use the wider, 18mm string spacing I prefer, over the 16.5mm string spacing of the Ibanez. Most of my basses have a 18mm or 19mm string pitch.
You got me at the Guile theme. Nice video again! Just watched it because you make good videos. I have no intention of buying such basses soon.
Thanks Jean-Michel!
Heyy josh I love your videos anddd i think you have the best bass reviews ever
Thanks Ali!
I own an Ibby SR500ZW and there are two main things I enjoy about it, especially over a Fender P. Number one is that the neck on the Ibanez is super thin and fast, which I love. Fenders tend to feel clunky to me because of their thicker neck. The Ibanez's power tap is also a great way to get some clanky tone, which I use to imitate Chris Squire and Geddy Lee. The ability to boost mids and highs is also useful for that.
Josh, that was a really nice video and informative .. I’d actually like to see you do
a video like this on the Yamaha Trbx 504 versus a competitive Ibanez in the same price class.
The 500 series Yamaha bass allegedly has more appropriate electronics. Good to see you! 😎👨🏻
Yeah, I think the SR500E vs. the TRBX504 would be really interesting too! Much more similar electronics setup.
@@BassBuzz 👍Sounds like a plan! 😉👨🏻 Btw, you’ve been doing a great job on the videos..
Thank you so very much!
I totally agree! I also toggle between the Yamaha TRBX504 and the Ibanez SR500E. The huge advantage is, that both instruments are able to be played in active and passive mode. That would be very interesting to see Josh's opinion.
In the end it's the best solution to test them ourselfs and then make a decisson.
Thanks for this comparison review. It really adds some, to the point, info on the bass I ended up with in my search.
I started my bass journey on a late 60's Gretsch Hollow Body Bass. I loved that thing but it belonged to my brother-in-law and it belonged to his dad before him. Everytime I picked that beauty up I was afraid to nick it or drop it. Eventually, I figured it was time to get my own. So, I looked around and fell in love with the ESP LTD B-5E. However, as I was perusing, I found a deal I couldn't pass up. Since I was practicing on the Gretsch at home on my little 15 Watt Kustom guitar amp, this deal would set me up, not only have the bass, but also a bass amp for about the same price. So, the Ibanez SR305E entered my life. I love this thing in all it's Root Beer Metallic glory. It's not as pretty as the ESP but it makes for a nice compromise. It's good to hear that I made a decent choice.
My next purchase may be an ESP. Perhaps in a 4-string flavor in a nice wood color. Probably did that backwards but you gotta love that low B 🙂
Best review/ comparison I've ever seen. Brilliant work, and glad you're back my dude. Respect 👊
Thanks Danny!
I have had my Ibanez for over 20 years and it still looks and sounds as new
The only reason I can think of for the solo mode on the Yamaha to cut the high end would be to for a Jaco style sound, but other than that, It doesn't really make sense especially because there is already an on board preamp. I definitely agree that the Ibanez switch is a lot better
I really miss playing bass. I’m out here in the Middle East and have to wait another four months till I get home :(
For me...having "Switch" to choose between Single Coil or Humbucker PU is a Must Have ! And Ibanez SR300E is The Winner :)
My virtuoso muscian son sold his 3k custom bass and bought a $300 Samick....IMO the Samick actually sounds better live.... I bought a short scale Ibanez Mikro bass for myself. Very enjoyable to play💖
HI
I have the trbx605 paired with the ampeg rb 110. It sounds so sweet. I love to have the treble all the way up on the amp and the bass passive 50/50. I haven't even put the battery in it because it sounds so good.
I also have a fender jazz fsr paired with an orange crush 50 and it sounds like a giant dump. The bass plays great. Really, I think it's the orange.
The point is the trbx605 sounds amazing for 700 dollar bass.
Great comparison, thanks! I love my Ibbies (SR300E, SR590, & Mikro) but I've been seriously considering adding a TRBX304. Glad to hear it has a thin neck since I have wide hands but with short, thick fingers (think mole) and the Vintage Yamahas I've tried were more like slightly thinned baseball bats.
My first bass was Ibanez sr305. I have a Cort custom. They are both awsome. Just ordered a Sire p7 swamp ash. Cannot wait.
I've been playing Ibanez basses for over 30 years. They have always been my go-to bass.
I noticed that he didn't flick to the slap position on the switch on the yamaha. I gigged one in college and I played a level 42 song. And I gotta say, that yamaha slap switch sounds phenomenal. It was super close to a mark king tone and I was so surprised
Wow that was actually such a helpful eye-opening video for me, someone who's been playing for many years (but mainly guitar and drums).
The Ibanez SR body shape is the most ergonomic of any bass I have ever seen or played. It's a masterpiece of design, highly underrated.
I was alternating between playing a Squier, Ibanez and Yamaha bass at the music store. I kept gravitating towards the Ibanez. It felt really good in my lap, looks really cool, and felt the most fun to play. I might get one for my next purchase.
This was the perfect video for me. I have both these basses and I'm trying figure out which one I like best. This was very helpful. Muchas gracias, amigo!😀
I just bought a Ibanez bass guitar for $300 a week ago and I've never played nor owned a bass guitar and I was leaning regular electric guitar but I for some reason fell in love with not just the sound of it but it feels like it's meant for me to play when I just pick on it for a while and so I got the Ibanez after feeling it out and it's a late 90s model and in really good shape and so I think it was a good deal for me....✌️🎸✌️
Nice, welcome to the bass family!
Just got my first bass sr300,couldn't be happier
dude nice playing!!! I'm learning the slap part 1:08 at 75% tempo... its so awesome!
Unpopular opinion: getting your tone "perfect" doesn't matter in a live setting. As long as you're close, 90% of the crowd won't even notice. With that being said, I'd spend the extra $200 on a TRBX504/505 that basically fixes all of the issues talked about with the 304 in the video, including an act/pass switch and the pickups not being cut out. Its quite a bit nicer too.
What if your playing in a covers band its vital to sound like the band you are covering if you write your own material you are really going to make a name for yourself playing the same song different ways
@craigreynolds5562 I did say "as long as you're close" in my original comment, meaning you need to be close to the original sound. But spending thousands on the exact rig the original artist used isn't necessary.
@TheRealxVincent i do agree with that my bass set up cost me under 400 pounds and stick a mic in front of the amp it's more than gig ready
I actually bought the TRBX 304 after an earlier video and honestly I wasn't blown away. Polite is definitely the word for it :) I have an ibanez sr505 now which sounds sooooo much better, but comparing apples with oranges there. The Yamaha did feel good and would be a good beginner bass, but overall, uninspiring. The 5 way switch was ass. I also did own an sr300 in the late 90s, as a teen it was my pride and joy.
Dude your vids are the best! Thank you for your humor and honesty! 🙏🏽
So lovely to see my sky veil in one of your videos :)
I bought an SR300e over a TRBX304. I love they way the 300e sounds and feels. The pickups are nice and clean and neutral kind of like EMG's and the preamp will let you dial in just about any sound you want if you know what you are doing. Also the power tap switch is great too..very useable. The problem i have is that the neck is very unstable. The neck moves a lot with the weather, i live in Sydney Australia and we get some humid hot days here and the neck on my 300e has a mind of its own..it will move post codes if it wants to. My other Basses are a G&L JB-2 tribute, a Yamaha BB414 and a Yamaha BB434M and a Sire V10 which are all kept on the same rack stand with the 300e and the 300e is the only bass i have with neck issue's. Also after about 15 months of owning the 300e one day when i picked it up one of the neck bolts just fell out. I tried to screw it back in but the wood just would not take to the bolt and hold it as it is threaded inside. So now i have been searching for a slighty thicker bolt that is the same length to screw in but i cant seem to find the right bolt anywhere. Its a real shame with these two issues because its a great bass. Its actually the only bass i have ever played where every fret and note rings clear with no dead spots. But i must be honest, i will never buy one again. The only ibanez basses i would buy again are the prestige or premium models because i would expect better build quality and a stable neck. Surely the prestige and premium models dry the wood out properly for the necks and with the titanium rods they shouldn't move. I would expect so anyway. So my advice to anyone is..don't buy anything less than a premium model. I'm sorry ibanez, but i have to tell it like it is from my perspective :)