premium five string bass review

Ibanez Premium SR1355B 5-string Bass Guitar Review

Just 16 pounds of thunder—can the Ibanez SR1355B’s roar justify its crushing weight?

  • Overall Rating
  • Build Quality
  • Performance
  • Value for Money
  • Design
4.4/5Overall Score
The Ibanez Premium SR1355B is a high-quality 5-string bass guitar designed for musicians seeking a warm and powerful sound. With its African Mahogany body, dual Nordstrand Big Single pickups, and custom 3-band EQ, it offers exceptional sustain and clarity, making it a standout choice for both performance and recording.
Specs
  • Weight: 16.15 pounds
  • Dimensions: Not specified
  • Material: African Mahogany body, Walnut, Panga Panga, Maple top, Panga Panga and Purpleheart neck
  • Color Options: Not specified
  • Warranty: Details remain undisclosed
  • Brand: Ibanez
  • Model Number: SR1355B
  • Compatibility: Standard 19mm string spacing at the bridge
Pros
  • The African Mahogany body provides a warm foundation and excellent sustain.
  • Dual Nordstrand Big Single pickups deliver a massive, roaring tone with monumental sustain.
  • The custom Ibanez 3-band EQ allows for precise sonic shaping and maximum note clarity.
  • The five-piece Panga Panga and Purpleheart neck offers unwavering stability and comfort.
  • The Mono-rail bridge isolates each string for enhanced clarity and sound quality.
  • The heavy construction emphasizes a solid tonal foundation, appealing to serious players.
Cons
  • The 16.15-pound weight may be challenging for some players during extended use.
  • Warranty details are not clearly specified, leaving potential buyers uncertain.
  • No confirmation on whether a gig bag or hardshell case is included with the purchase.

The African Mahogany body offers a warm foundation, grounding the spirit in sound, much like deep roots anchor a tree in fertile soil. Nordstrand Big Single pickups project a massive roar, a sonic reminder that inner strength requires amplification.

While the mono-rail bridge isolates each string for clarity, the dense sixteen-pound weight challenges the player to endure physical burdens.

Yet, the precise customization provided by the 3-band EQ implies that one’s true voice still awaits final discovery.

Key Takeaways

  • The African Mahogany body and Walnut, Panga Panga, and Maple top deliver warm, projecting sustain and distinct sonic landscapes.
  • A five-piece Panga Panga and Purpleheart neck provides unwavering stability and a comfortable bound fretboard for every note.
  • Dual Nordstrand Big Single pickups provide a massive, roaring voice with monumental sustain that commands the mix.
  • The Custom Ibanez 3-band EQ with Mono-rail bridge allows for precise sonic shaping and maximum note clarity.
  • Heavy construction materials result in a 16.15-pound instrument that emphasizes physical mass and a solid tonal foundation.

Build Quality and Materials

The construction of the Ibanez Premium SR1355B begins with a foundation of African Mahogany, a tonewood chosen for its balance of warmth and projection, providing the sonic equivalent of solid ground beneath one’s feet. This sturdy foundation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the instrument’s sustain and resonance during performance. Upon this rests a curated top of Walnut, Panga Panga, and Maple, a distinct visual and sonic landscape, inviting the musician into a shared space of artistry. The five-piece Panga Panga and Purpleheart neck offers unwavering stability, akin to the resilience found in community, ensuring that every note played resonates with purpose, connecting the individual player to the universal language of rhythm. Although primarily renowned for best Ibanez electric guitars, the brand applies similar high standards to their premium bass lines.

Electronics and Hardware Specifications

Resonating with a force that commands attention, the dual Nordstrand Big Single pickups serve as the voice of this instrument, delivering a massive, roaring tone that possesses monumental sustain, akin to the unwavering echo of a truth spoken with conviction.

Shaping this sonic identity, the custom Ibanez 3-band EQ allows players to find their unique voice within the mix, a reminder that individuality strengthens the collective whole. Anchoring these frequencies, the Mono-rail bridge isolates each string for maximum clarity, ensuring that every note contributes fully to the groove, just as every distinct soul adds value to the community.

Performance Verdict

Weighing in at a substantial 16.15 pounds, the African Mahogany body anchors the instrument not merely with physical mass, but with a density that speaks to the importance of a solid foundation in one’s spiritual walk.

The Nordstrand Big Single pickups provide a massive, roaring tone, offering a monumental sustain akin to unwavering faith, while the custom 3-band EQ sculpts sound, reminding players that refinement requires intention. Its bound fretboard invites community, creating a space where every note finds its home, offering a profound sense of belonging within the larger musical conversation.

While Fender is widely recognized for the best electric guitars, this instrument carves out a distinct identity in the bass realm, as players typically look to Epiphone electric guitars for quality alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Heavy Weight Cause Neck Dive When Standing?

A robust, neck-thru construction counters balance. For those demanding unwavering stability, its strategic weight distribution prevents neck dive.

The instrument remains secure, instilling the confidence required for commanding a stage.

What Is the Specific Warranty Length for This Instrument?

Specific warranty details remain undisclosed in the provided specifications, directing interested parties to follow a link for further information. This ambiguity is common, as coverage typically varies by region, requiring owners to verify their individual protection plans.

Is a Gig Bag or Hardshell Case Included?

An inclusion remains unconfirmed. A lone knight needs steadfast armor, and this instrument, like a valued cohort, requires a dedicated safeguard. Buyers are urged to verify packaging specifics to guarantee the gear is fully prepared for the journey.

How Far Apart Are the String Spacings at the Bridge?

To connect with other players, one must know the bridge spacing. It features standard 19mm string spacing at the bridge.

This familiar layout guarantees the ergonomic feel and slap performance that bassists expect from a professional instrument.

Is the Battery for the Active EQ Easy to Access?

A side-mounted control compartment provides convenient access to the 9-volt battery powering the active electronics. This design feature allows owners to easily perform routine maintenance.

This ensures their instrument remains ready for any performance or recording session.

Conclusion

The SR1355B, with its steadfast African Mahogany core and resilient neck, provides a foundation for musical expression akin to an unwavering moral compass. While the mono-rail bridge isolates frequencies for modern precision, the Nordstrand pickups offer a soulful resonance.

Reminding the artist that true stability, like a fixed point in the firmament, allows one to project their voice clearly into the void. It is a modern tool, yet its spirit is timeless.

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