Discussion:
Ibanez SR vs. BTB
(too old to reply)
c***@cogeco.ca
2005-05-28 20:13:20 UTC
Permalink
Does the bigger neck on the BTB line of basses affect the way they play
much compared to the SR line? I have medium-large hands and I'd like
to play a bit of chords on my next bass (a six string bass, I was
considering the BTB556MP). I'm also looking at Ibanez to get a decent
bass without breaking the bank.
GeneralStorm
2005-05-28 22:16:21 UTC
Permalink
The string spacing should be wider on the BTB - it's 3 inches from the
low B to the G saddles on my BTB 5-string. I think the spacing on the
SR line isn't quite as wide. But if you're into chords, I suspect the
SR would be the better choice. I wouldn't know, having problems enough
with single notes.
Post by c***@cogeco.ca
Does the bigger neck on the BTB line of basses affect the way they play
much compared to the SR line? I have medium-large hands and I'd like
to play a bit of chords on my next bass (a six string bass, I was
considering the BTB556MP). I'm also looking at Ibanez to get a decent
bass without breaking the bank.
c***@cogeco.ca
2005-05-28 23:02:09 UTC
Permalink
What about the depth of the neck on the BTB, is it much harder to get
your hand around?
ChrisK.
2005-05-29 10:46:04 UTC
Permalink
Post by c***@cogeco.ca
What about the depth of the neck on the BTB, is it much harder to get
your hand around?
I think this is more a question of personal taste, since after a while
you get used to whatever you have, but mechanically speaking the thiner
neck especially on a 6 string should be easier to play.
--
Chris

Get Firefox and Thunderbird...
You won't be sorry - http://www.getfirefox.com/
GeneralStorm
2005-05-29 16:39:15 UTC
Permalink
Not really...it's got a Jazz Bass feel to it.
DNS
2005-05-29 13:37:12 UTC
Permalink
On 28/5/05 9:13 pm, in article
Post by c***@cogeco.ca
Does the bigger neck on the BTB line of basses affect the way they play
much compared to the SR line? I have medium-large hands and I'd like
to play a bit of chords on my next bass (a six string bass, I was
considering the BTB556MP). I'm also looking at Ibanez to get a decent
bass without breaking the bank.
I have a BTB405QM 5 string & I gotta say the strings seem a little too far
apart for me... It is a wide neck. I guess the 6 string would be even wider
if it has the same spacing. Apart from that it is a beautifully put together
and very fine sounding bass, especially for under £400.
Dinguss
2005-05-29 17:05:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by c***@cogeco.ca
Does the bigger neck on the BTB line of basses affect the way they play
much compared to the SR line? I have medium-large hands and I'd like
to play a bit of chords on my next bass (a six string bass, I was
considering the BTB556MP). I'm also looking at Ibanez to get a decent
bass without breaking the bank.
I prefer SR to BTB any day
--
Dinguss (Michael Bradley-Robbins)

http://www.douglasguitars.com/
Kloka-mo'
2005-05-30 05:39:14 UTC
Permalink
The BTBs have wider spacing, and 35" scale length. In my opinion, they are
the only acceptable Ibanez.
I've owned two low level SRs, so that's my reference point.

My early model SR 6 string is with me now. I keep it as a "No, I have a 6
already, no need to GAS" bass, but as Linny would say, it's PANTS, even with
the bart EQ.

The wider spacing on the BTBs will be nothing for medium hands after a
while. My wide spaced 5 felt horrible until I stopped playing my medium
spaced 5s... but the BTB 6 is spaced (string-to-string) narrower than a
typical 4, so the plucking hand should be fine. As for the fretting hand,
it will take a shift in technique, if your present technique is...
dis-similar. You need to be relaxed and smooth-jazzy. Think about smooth
relaxed technique, and NEVER choke the neck. The thumb never rises above
the 1/2 way point of the (back of the) neck (as a goal). HELL, try playing
some notes on the C with your thumb. Might help with the shift.

If you are going from a typical four to a six, even the SR will feel
strange. If you slap at all, that's a big vote for the BTB. If you NEVER
slap, the spacing on the SR is good, but they still have a weak B string.

On the third hand... My SR has taught me a lot about playing a six, and it
was $300 used. I don't regret it too much. The neck was a little fat for
my taste though. Flattened and made it asymmetrical with a belt sander.
Acceptable now :-)
--
-rob Slidell, LA

O>
/(\)
^^
Post by c***@cogeco.ca
Does the bigger neck on the BTB line of basses affect the way they play
much compared to the SR line? I have medium-large hands and I'd like
to play a bit of chords on my next bass (a six string bass, I was
considering the BTB556MP). I'm also looking at Ibanez to get a decent
bass without breaking the bank.
Loading...