Ibanez SRX 700

Review: Ibanez SRX-700 - universal bass guitar with active electronics, readable sound and long sustain

Pictures of Ibanez SRX 700 bass guitar after a number of years of active use.

Description, construction

Ibanez SRX 700 is an instrument of modern concept, characterized by two two-coil Ibanez Alnico pickups, whose sound is transmitted to the output via active electronics controlled by very effective treble and bass controls (and powered by a standard 9V battery). Another element that characterizes the bass is the maple neck-through-body reinforced by walnut stripes, to the lower part of which two parts of the ash body are glued from the sides. The result is, at least in my opinion, an aesthetically very successful instrument.

Although it is made in South Korea, the instrument is very nicely crafted and even after years of playing, it did not show any defects or problems, except for the loss of gloss and color of the originally elegantly dark chrome bridge and control knobs. The instrument was factory equipped with Elixir strings. The only "inconvenience" is that the battery cannot be removed without using a screwdriver.

Sound

The sound can be characterized as

a) strong - humbuckers in combination with an active electronics produce a really strong signal and some less flexible devices may even have a problem keeping such a strong signal undistorted;

b) softer - Alnico pickups produce a softer sound (this is due to their Al-Ni core) and if you want to get a rough metallic heavy metal sound from the bass, you will need steel strings and twist a bit with sound controls;

c) with long sustain - the through-body neck as well as the active electronics are "signed" under the really long sustain.

I use the bass in very different music genres, and I have no problem with sound enforcement anywhere. After many experiments with strings, I returned to the manufacturer's recommendation - Elixir. Their durability has no competition and they sound good to me. I also had a very good experience with the price/sound/durability ratio of D'Addario NYXL strings.

You need to listen to the instrument in conjunction with the equipment you will be playing on to make sure that the sound suits you. The bass simply has a sound that needs to be heard.

Reliability, durability

The instrument is very well made and it has no problems over the years. Apart from the dull bridge I do not observe any negative signs of aging. I was a little afraid of problems with replacing the battery if necessary. However, the power consumption is very low.

Final evaluation

I evaluate the quality of the instrument as better than corresponding to the price (ca 800 EUR), among the pros I count sound variability, quality electronics, excellent craftsmanship, long sustain, balance of sound and good weight. Among the negatives I would probably include only the surface of the mechanics that is not very resistant to sweat and abrasion. The sound and use itself is then a subjective matter - it suits me completely.

VIII/2012, X/2016

Specs

In the table below you will find the complete specifications of the bass guitar, including a comparison with other instruments that I have had or have dealt with: