The Stingray Killer?! - Ibanez ATK 305 Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 3 сер 2024
- The Ibanez ATK 305 5 string bass was Ibanez take on the MusicMan Stingray and some dub it the MusicMan Killer.
Made of Light Ash and maple it weighs 9 pounds or 4KG, standing loud and proud with a throaty B string on a 34" scale length neck and unique triple coil pickup.
*******************
GEAR
*******************
Rotosound Stainless Steel RS665LD (45 65 80 105 130) amzn.to/3gRJ11w
Ibanez ATK 305 tidd.ly/3vEOyTv
Shure SM58 amzn.to/3aJCNL7
Gallien Krueger 1x10 Backline combo tidd.ly/4aUiwln
Avid Mbox 2 amzn.to/3gmY2rT
*******************
💪SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
*******************
🥇 Support WhichBass on Patreon / whichbass
🌴Buy anything on Amazon amzn.to/3TSrdpu
🛒 Find your dream bass on Reverb tidd.ly/49zHSUk
*******************
CONTACT OR COLLABORATE
*******************
Follow me on Twitter @AlfieWilliamsUK and say hello! Or visit knowyourbassplayer.co.uk for all things bass rig related.
Do you want to work with me in the future? Contact me through the email listed on the about page and tell me what's on your mind.
knowyourbassplayer.co.uk
*******************
CHAPTERS
*******************
00:46 History of the Ibanez ATK 305 history
01:25 ATK 305 Specifications and woods
02:37 ATK 305 pickup voicings and electronics
04:11 Voicings demo
04:54 B string on the ATK 305
05:45 Headstock, neck and ergonomic issues
06:42 Final verdict
I know where Indonesia is.
the cort factory
That comment had me in stitches...Indonesia is off the west coast of the Isle of Man. Think its known locally as the Isle of Calf. I could be wrong.
BALI
Maybe somewhere north of Australia...Maybe?
I'm no bass player but that has to be the nicest looking bass I ever seen
It's pretty out there huh! Glad you like it Andrew. Maybe we can tempt you to the low end ;)
When I saw that bass, I thought of Paul Gray
same here the black one left handed. That's how I really got into bass.
He and the early Michelle N'dugello (I'm not sure if I butchered her surname...) are the players that make me wanting to have one.
@@dreampopwavestudiob7282 if you have a lefty Paul Grey they are stupid rare.
His sig model is based off of these, which is why I want one lol
Same, on that duality playthrough
I personally don't like the ATK, but it will always have a special place in my heart because some of my favourite local bands used to share a beat up black one and it always sounded amazing
That's ok Arsenije, it's not for everyone. I'm glad it served you well in the past!
If anyone needs any further proof that these are awesome, check out Scott Reeder playing with Kyuss. He used a rosewood board one and got some monstrous sounds out of it.
he only really used it to record Fatso Forgotso, he didn’t use it on Welcome To Sky Valley or …And The Circus Leaves Town. Those were recorded on a Ric 4003 with Seymour Duncan pickups, and select songs on …And The Circus Leaves Town with a fretless Thunderbird. imo, the tone on Fatso Forgotso kinda sucks
@@cactus-mcjacktus True, although he did use it live a bunch, which is what I was trying to refer to. Perhaps could have worded it better.
I'm only here because of Kyuss (and because I can't justify buying a Ric)
I had the four string version. Great bass but the thing was heavy. It's built like a tank, but also had the weight of a tank.
I do love my MusicMan StingRay but I gotta say this bass sounds freaking killer, man, definitely impressed with it
But of course! MM's are killer and the 305 is a great alternative.
I had a 2005 ATK305 just like this one, sold it to a friend for $500aud back then. It was my first real bass. He destroyed it... on purpose. I can't bear to watch this.
Oh what?! I can't stand people smashing gear. Especially such a well crafted bass, that's shit man. I feel you.
Damnit... I also have to sympathize with you on that one.
Im a Ibanez and a Music Man fanboi. I have drooled over these ATK's for quite some time. The tone is incredibly close to the stingray. In my opinion this bass and the stingray are alot more versatile than most people would imagine, even with one pickup. Awesome demo/review man! Sounds like you've got a keeper.
Thanks TJ! Absolutely, the 305 is a very versatile instrument I don't think people give it credit for.
My Stingray doesn't sound that good. Sheeeeeeit!
@@WhichBass i agree. When people see the Humbucker in the bridge position, it seems like everyone immediately thinks its just a slap machine. I used to think the same thing. I was definitely wrong.
@@OnPointFirearms i wonder why Ibanez stopped production on the ATK. I think they look and sound so nice for just about any genre. I would love to have one, but I suffer from G.A.S. so that's not saying much. Lol
It's crazy how versatile the Music Man is. You don't think it all when you look at it, but once you start playing with it you find you can make it fit in pretty much any song
Thank you for this review. What seems to be really great about the Ibanez ATK basses is the 22 frets. For some reason, that 22 fretboard seems to have a comfortable scale and really nice medium between the typical 20, 21 and 24 fretboards.
I totally agree! And really you don't need much more than that on a bass. It's very comfortable.
Strings through body!!!! Musicman shouldn't have abandoned this practice!
Terrible idea! Why take away features?!
i like having my strings on sight, it’s just kinda pleasing to see
I really like the bass review videos and your perspective on them keep it up
Thanks Nick! You flatter me, thanks very much!
Great review. Id love to see you do a video on multi scale basses. Ive been thinking of getting one.
And also love all your bass rig vids. Especially the Rex Brown one. Thanks for your hard work and content.
Thanks Victor! I'd love to review one for sure. If you know anyone that'll borrow me one let me know! I'm so glad you enjoyed the Rex videos dude, thanks very much.
Damn, I just realized this channel is the only one I actively look for new videos on. Love your stuff, Alfie!
Thanks a lot Doc! I really appreciate that dude. I'll try to keep'em coming!
Great stuff as ever fella.
Thank you Brian, good to see you dude.
Underrated take on a musicman
Glad we agree Fire!
@@WhichBass hell, it sounds better than my musicman!
I was blessed to have discovered a 4 string ATK in a thrift/pawn store I worked for and got a very used, but awesome ATK300. I prefer playing 5 string, so it was mainly a backup, but it did see a couple gigs where I needed it's particular tone. About 5 years later, I still really wanted a 5 string version and found a mint 405SB that I can hardly wait to arrive. Tough buggers to find nowadays. These are absolutely killer basses and are super fun to play. Thanks for the review!
I work at a pawn shop myself. It's incredible how much awesome gear I've come across and gotten killer deals on in the 5 years I've been working there. I got an '07 Music Man Sterling 4 HH with a sunburst finish for under $1000 (around $800 I think?). Incredible bass!
Got mine coming Monday!!! I did it !! Oh congrats to the new podcast with Rodney!! Looking forward to that!!
Hope you enjoy it! Sorry for the delay, hows it working out for you?!
I have an ATK300 and an ATK800. I absolutely love these basses. Excellent review.
Thanks Proper Skank! Glad you enjoyed it!
How are the differences between the 2? I rarely hear stuff about atk800s
@@boogie3718 There are two differences that come to mind immediately. The first being differences in weight. The ATK 800 weighs considerably less than the ATK 300. I’d say it’s about maybe 12-13 pounds vs 8-9 pounds just guessing. The second difference is the pick ups used in each bass. The ATK 300 has a triple coil pick up and an active 3 band EQ and it has an insane amount of tonal options. The ATK 800 has a quad coil pick up with a single coil pickup in the neck position and also has an active 3 band EQ. The ATK 800, in my opinion, is one of the most comfortable and most versatile basses. It was absolutely overlooked while still in production.
YOU'RE BACK!
Been here a while Steffo, where you been?! I been releasing for the past 4 weeks!
I've got one in 2010. I still have it. It's a monster.
A brilliant choice Anthony!
Trivium! Great sounding bass
Great 5 string songs too! Glad you like it Klay!
Nice.. Reminds me of the Ibanez roadster. Nice picking to. Gives it a nice rock sound. Great video Alfie.!
Thanks Cruise! They a bit like the Roadster huh!
@@WhichBass yes.. Very much like one
Very nice tone.
Thanks for checking it out Gribs, glad you liked it!
Been looking for a 4 string version of this for a while, love the tone that the guy from Offspring gets
Absolutely! I remember Greg K using his light one up. It was amazing.
I got 2 4 string atk's paid $400 cad for each one,both are in mint condition
very versatile bass
Damn it sure looks nice. Best looking Ibanez bass I've seen since Talman.
For sure! Although I do want to try me a Talman!
Indonesia is slightly to the east of Larne
Great presentation of a great bass, I own the same bass and it was my main instrument in the bands I played in many years ago. It is really versatile and has a great sound overall especially for the low price. I have a luthier modding it. I will put a Darkglass tone-capsule in and a custom wooden pickguard and the frets are getting leveled. So I am really excited when it's done
Awesome Johnny! Glad you digging the bass. Let me know how that Darkglass upgrade goes.
@@WhichBass In the meantime I found and bought a 4 string ATK prestige 1200 as well. And put the darkglass tone capsule in both of them. When I have the time I will demo or do a cover with these basses. The tonecapsule really elevated the instruments I noticed in the short time I played them. Darkglass is raising bars all the time. The basses have way more clarity and defenition now. The B on the 5 string has more response as well.
Thanks. This bass sounds better than the Stingray to me, because it is a bit more neutral and versatile than the all too specific Stingray sound I got fed up with after 10 years anyway thanks again Sir, nice review
Thanks Simulacron! Glad you enjoyed the video. I totally agree with you. Rays sound great but they are a bit of a one trick pony. Ibanez really hit this one out of the park!
I love my ATK's, Hidden Gems. one of the best breakdowns I have seen of this bass. Would You suggest upgrading the tuners? i've always considered it.
Thanks JK! Glad you enjoyed it. What other ATK's do you have?
I hadn't thought about changing the tuners really, they work well enough for me. Like I said, I do find myself checking the B and E string just for a slight adjustment but mostly they do pretty well all things considered.
Oh wow, that bass with the compressor engaged really sounded huge. I'm honestly surprised I liked it as much as I did.
On another side, are we gonna talk about the new laney bass amp announcements ?
Hey dude! I need to get back to you on Twitter, sorry for my tardiness I'll explain there. I ran the compressor through the whole video! You have too unfortunetly. I'll have a look at these Laney amps!
great job man!⚡⚡ i always try to play,but, never cant find one😭
Thanks Toni! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Keep looking they are out there!
First time I saw the ATK (maybe 20 years ago?) I thought "What the heck is that? Lol, no thanks...." and it only took seeing it maybe one or two more times to fall in love and know I needed one someday.
Haha you learned a valuable lesson that day Alec! Don't judge a book by its cover!
Great tones bro!
Thanks dude! Glad you enjoyed it.
I just got the Ibanez ATK200! A really great upgrade from my knock off stingray I got as my first bass!
A fine choice! Have fun playing it.
@@WhichBass 🙏
I loved my Ibanez ATK MIJ I bought in the 90s. It was the go-to for studio tracks for my various bands. I'm a guitarist first and foremost, but I love that Stingray tone. If going on the cheap, I think the ATK 300 actually sounds better than the Sterling Stingrays.
Good call Brandon. It does the MM sound pretty well, I'm glad to hear it surpasses a Sterling.
One particular ATK I’d love to own is the signature model made for Paul Gray of Slipknot, though sadly it’s no longer in production and surprisingly there are none for sale on places like Reverb or eBay. Great video btw!
Lol, I wanted the bass so badly in high school
@@sammadden5540 hopefully they’ll re-release it!
They do look pretty killer!
I might get a black left handed one soon. Gonna cry my eyes out If I get lmao. Paul is reason why I started playing and means so much to me. A badass bass for a badass bassist
I had the 4 string version about 7years ago. Played it live a lot while I had it. Nice pickup and great build quality, but was heavy
Awesome! Yeah the weight is a bit annoying.
Sounds like a sterling tbh. A musicman is like a unicorn, it's simply it's own thing and can never be replicated.
Great tone. If I can find one for a good price on the used market, I'll consider picking one up.
Great stuff Brandon, I hope you run into one soon!
Mine was $300 us on eBay came from my state originally the guy I got it from moved to Vermont but came from Seattle Washington and got it new at bass NW! I got to be the one to bring it back home!
@@brutalbasspro Congrats on the great find! Hope it serves you well.
This was the first new bass I owned and what a mistake I made letting it go about a decade ago as it was a versatile beast of a bass. I'm still always on the hunt for a reasonably priced one
Ah dude, I hope you get reunited! That's a shame.
There is an vintage 1977, all original, at a local music shop.
For about 5 years I want to buy this beauty. But before this the owner gave some friend the promise, that he'll give him a call if somebody wants to buy it.
He tells this story every time I am in his shop, demanding to buy the ATK.
I think he simply does not want to sell it...
This ATK has the signature, modern tone, but plays like butter and has this wonderful feeling and the looks of a vintage bass.
And I want the axe! I really want it!
If he does not give it to me, I have to go home, cry a little and get comforted by 2 MusicMan SR 5, a MM SR 5 Classic, a MM SR 4, an original 1964 Fender Precision, an exeptional MiM Classic 50's, a Vichodyl P5 and a Carvin SB 5000.
This may be "enough" awesome basses, and there still are some more.
But I want the ATK! I really want this bass!
Ah Kong dude, I really hope you get that bass, you sound like you're in pain!
@@WhichBass
Give me some time. Only a little more time.
Last time when I was into the shop I told the owner that he really should pick up his phone and ask the guy he promised this call, if he still is interested in the ATK. I hope he has done this now.
You gotta know, we have a good relationship, the shop owner and I. If he needs something special for a rental, he often calls me and asks for it. Last time he asked for a 212" that was on the stage plot for a double Bass player of a traveling band, and I gave him my GenzBenz NeoX T. He had my trusty old GK 800RB, my Peavey V4b and my GenzBenz GBE 750 several times, and every cab I own.
For services like this I get a huge discount on everything I am buying.
But I can't make him pick up the phone and make this damn call.
Over time I started to persume that he does not want to sell the ATK. Why then displaying it in a shop with a price tag on It?
I had a 4 string one of these that had a Koa wood top. It was beautiful. I sold it to a former coworker who was a much better player than I am. I’m sure it’s getting more use than I gave it but I miss it.
Aaah that's a shame Jack. I bet that Koa was brilliant sounding.
Happy to see you doing these types of videos, Alfie!
Thank you Ben! Glad you're enjoying them, that's reassuring.
I had the same bass, sold it because need it the money, regret it to this day, it was so versatile.
That's a shame Nicholas, I hope you manage to get another one one day.
I think if possible you should try one of the ESP LTD Surveyor 87 Reissue basses!!! I own one myself and it’s an absolute package of badassery
Sounds great! If you know anyone who will borrow me one hook me up!
I have one. It's one of my main horses in my stable.
A brilliant choice!
I have a 1998 Japanese made ATK 300 and it weighs 14#! Cool to see the small difference between the generations or maybe build house! Does yours have the plastic trim pot for gain adjustment inside the cavity? Last month at a gig the sound man asked what it was because it was the best rock tone he has heard! To be fair it was all of our first show since lockdown in March 2020 not saying it couldn't be, my rig is this bass and an SVT classic. But you know like when you haven't eaten in all day and a pb&j is the best thing ever!
Mr Marcus, just opened mine up. IT DOES have a trim pot. You've blown my mind. I should open basses up more often. That's killer thanks for the heads up! If you have any more questions about my ATK let me know and we can geek out. I'm glad your engineer digged your tone. I used my ATK through an SVT rig once. Absolutely killer, brilliant choice!
@@WhichBass I play in a 90s rock cover band I mostly leave the switch in the middle all knobs in the middle with the volume all the way up! I used to use a few pedals now I just use a spectradrive for dirt and leave the compression on all the time into my SVT! But the band is moving to in ears so I'm looking into a different preamp so I can just bring a bass and pedal board to gigs.
@@brutalbasspro i got this bass just before covid really took its toll (February 2020). My 1st bass after 22 years playing guitar. I wasn't sure what the pot inside the cavity was when i first got it. Its a lot of fun even tho i still play it like a guitarist. Damn heavy.
@@cfh13 welcome to the bass brotherhood! I’m an Ibanez fan guy I have a few sdgr one btb and my atk I really love them!
@@brutalbasspro i played a bass a few months before buying one & it gave me the itch. Got a good deal on it w original case $200.
I have the ATK 300 in Sunburst made in 95 I think in Japan. I love it but I will say the neck even on the 4 string is pretty beefy so it took some getting used to. I have been considering trading it for a Roadstar II.
I just thought the neck on the 305 was beefy because it was 5 string - but if the 300 is like that too?! Jesus.
@@WhichBass yes it is very wide. It could accommodate 5 strings easily.
One day I'll get the pgb1l version. Such a massive tone
Hell yeah, good call!
@@WhichBass 5 months later and I got it! Love the review, really lovely tone. The neck thankfully isnt that chonky, probably because of it being a 4 string. The Slipknot inlays look sick af with the black finish. Tho interesting that the fretboard is rosewood instead and the earlier versions (like mine from the first year of production, 2007) the neck seems to be mix of walnut and maple
I love the music adjectives🤣
Thank you! I think!
WOW COOL ALFIE I LIKE THIS BASS IT'S BAD ASS
Thanks Mark! Good to see you dude.
@@WhichBass HEY ALFIE MUCH THANKS
don't know why but to me this feels like it has a more metal tone. but the music man still can get those tones. i look at motionless in white for that. the first bassist used one of them. the current guy uses a musicman. pretty interesting
I see what you mean Zacky, it had a lot of stringi rattle and that kind of thing. I think that was more me not setting up the bass properly haha.
Take some steel wool or 3m scuff pads to the back of the neck, and treat it with danish oil - you’ll be pleasantly surprised
I really want one of these!! The only Ibanez I want really! Lol just get some zero grit sand paper and rub that neck lightly and smooth it out
Once day dude! Keep looking! I don't trust myself to sand it down ... What if I go too far?!
I found one! Trying to get my paws on it!! 🙏🙏
Best of luck Jeremy! You show me pics when you get it!
@@WhichBass we here do I send them to? I’ll send you some!! You got me into these!!
He got it backwards. The switch all the way towards the neck gives it a "P" bass sound. All the way towards the back gives it MM Stingray sound...
Even has the big body; I wish there was something a bit more ergonomic with 24 frets that sounds like a stingray
We can dream Ree, we can dream.
I own 2 of these and they crush.
Whoa dude, share some with the rest of us!
I have a love/hate relationship with my ATK310. It's cool, but completly unusable in a band setting. I'm always fiddling with the EQ when I'm using it. But I won't sell it, because there are days when I love it.
I totally know what you mean. They're funny like that.
Sold my ATK 300 and some other basses to get funds for my Gibson Ripper, do I miss my ATK? Not really. Was it a awesome bass? 100% yes, it was my main gigging bass as its built like a tank and it sounded awesome
Ah dude, this is worse than Sophie's Choice! The ATK or a Ripper?! I really don't think I could decide. I'm dying for a Ripper ... I think you made the right call.
@@WhichBass Ripper all the way, I always wanted one ever since I first started playing bass.
Yeah but, what pick did you use in that video
That's all you took away from this video?!
Had one of the premium ones of these and unfortunately it does not compare to the feel and sound of a Musicman, sounds sterile and doesn't replicate the iconic stingray sound well enough, also looks pretty wacky. Better basses in this midrange budget
I disagree and our soundman prefers my atk over my musicman out front. He says the mm is too harsh and the atk fits the mix better.
That neck heel. 🧐 I assume it serves some purpose. It really does jut out though.
Stability perhaps? It is a bit strange.
Scott Reader, Fieldy, Paul Gray, the ATK found plenty of professional players who loved its growl.
Absolutely! Good shout.
@@WhichBass I forgot one though, Greg K. of the Offspring.
Paul D Amour plays ATKs too
I have one... 10lbs 12oz. His is light for that bass. :)
Funky ass bass! - is it better than a LS-2000? Hmmm
Thanks Virgil! Ah man I don't know about that. I'd need to try one!
@@WhichBass keep going man! Did not know about that bass until I saw it on your channel! Good stuff!
i have a atk200 is heavy as hell, in a live situation is not very good (i have tmb100 for that, a workhorse), but in the studio is my secret swiss army knife
Couldn't agree more! It's a bit of a tree trunk when live. Glad you're getting use out of it.
I have a 1995 ATK. Since 1997. Sounds closer and operates closer to a MM sterling, not stingray
I'd agree with that, it's somewhere in the middle for sure.
ATK might be short for attack because the Ibanez ATK is a musicman killer for sure.
I'm pretty sure it is yes!
Any difference between the Indonesian and that Japan versions?
Not that I know of Jeremy. I imagine there would be very little difference. Maybe quality control would differ but that's a guess.
O Have ATK 305 Made in Korea,The Monster Bass!!!!!!
It is a shame that they discontinued the ATK product line, the market needs alternatives to the overpriced stingrays.
String spacing, nut width please
Not sure dude, I can't find the number anywhere.
String width 45mm at the nut, 68mm at last fret. 21mm thick at the first fret and 24mm at the last one. 240mm radius. Source for all of this is the 2009 Ibanez catalog, page 48. I can not find the string spacing sadly, but word on forums is 16.5mm.
I was looking at the ATK305 because I want a five string with a more comfortable neck for my big hands than the skinny one on my four strings Squier Precision Standard Special (a PJ with a jazz neck). Looking at the numbers, the string spacing on the ATK fivers sounds a little tight for my taste.
05:40 There's no money, there's no possession. Only obsession, I don't need that sh.......
Correctttt.
Too bad about that neck finish. It would take some coarse steel wool and 3 minutes to fix it. I don't have that kinda elbow grease.
Nah same here haha and I got better things to do.
Nothing against Ibanez or the ATK series but I'll happily take a Stingray over an ATK any day. Louis Johnson and Tony Levin... I rest my case.
Yeah ofc! Each to their own Snibbor. Horses for courses
Why no slap?
because 5 string bass with narrow string spacing sucks for slapping..
Why slapping?
@@kongandbasses8732 Because it's a bass!
It’s a pity the neck is as thick as a baseball bat, I got rid of mine after 6 months and went back to my stingray.
The neck is massive to say the least. I don't blame you.
Why is Lord Farquaad reviewing basses?
Because disney doesn't pay any more.
@Hitlers BFF bad day?
@@WhichBass how does this thing stack up against an actual stingray though?
Just so ya know..... Your BASS isn’t even listed on the Ibanez website 🙄
Thanks for checking William, I'll send you over a few more things to check out for me.
Ehm, you can raise the PU, you know..... ;-)
I don't know about that one Joachim! It's a bit fiddly.
@@WhichBass It's absolutely worth the work, though! You can use the two black set screws in the top and the bottom of the PU itself (not the ring). While pressing the B/G string in their highest position on the fret board, the distance between the strings and the PU should be about 2 to 3 mm. Great bass!