Ibanez SR300EB-WK

I play guitars, mandolin, and fiddle, so wanted a reasonable instrument to learn bass: I found the perfect instrument in the Ibanez SR300EB-WK.

Looking at Youtube videos, it’s clear this bass can deliver more in sound and playability than I will ever require. I liked what I heard in regard to its tonal character and it looks good.

I also chose this instrument for its light weight (ca 3.5kg), its slender neck, and slim and smallish body. I took a risk buying this full length bass, as I have severe arthritis in my shoulders and I didn’t know if I would be able to play it, considering my reduced mobility and that some movements, particularly stretching, are quite painful. However, I needn’t have worried: this machine is incredibly well balanced and ergonomic. Not being top heavy, the neck supports my outstretched left hand, even on the lowest notes, rather than my arm having to hold up the neck. Surprisingly, this instrument is even more comfortable to me regarding my condition than my acoustic bodied guitars.

I taught myself to set up an electric guitar years ago, but was pleasantly surprised that an instruction manual was included with the Ibanez that described all the various processes and required parameters in easy to follow steps. Not that this bass really needed it: ‘out of the box’ it was already set up nigh on perfectly. (It even arrived virtually in tune.) Also, it was reassuring to have all the correct measurements supplied, such as string height and truss rod settings, as this allowed me to double check the set up on a new instrument that would otherwise have been foreign to me.

The strings on this bass were set up marginally on the low side, but there is no buzzing and, for a beginner, this makes playing that much easier. And with only the slightest of tweaks, the intonation is now perfect from the first fret right up to the 24th, both by ear and according to tuner.

The tone controls are also very good, with a master volume, a knob balancing the two pickups, 3way EQ with centre positions, and a 3way toggle for
Tap: coil tap, i.e. single coils,
Series: humbucking, and
Power Tap: some kind of combination of the two.
Only minor downside is a slight electrical switch noise between Tap and Series: it’s not obtrusive and certainly not enough that I’d even contemplate returning the instrument. In any case, it’s not a setting I’d ever change during play.

Overall, on an instrument in this price range, the attention to detail was reserved for where it matters most: a superb neck, good electrics and electronics, and great playability.

Only the paint on the body lets it down, slightly too black and glossy for my liking (it looks more matt and charcoal coloured on the photos) and the paint is also ever so slightly rough on the back of the body and inside the recess for the plug. The headstock has the colour I was hoping for, so, if I can be bothered, I might customise the finish on the body by giving it an ever so gentle rubbing down with extra fine wire wool to reduce the sheen and smooth the back. That would be job done.

Given the price and that the niggles are only minor, I’ll still give this bass 5 stars all round, simply because I love it.

I received the bass today, packed in two boxes with safety, as Thomann does. The bass is light, about 3520 grams, like a standard strat. No neck dive. The feel of the body is great, open pore finish. The neck is a 5piece neck, comfortable and sonorous. Tuners behave nice. The pickups are full active, they play only with battery on (a 9V battery was already there!) and the 3band EQ with the 3way color switch make lots of sounds. In my opinion, I prefer the EQ dead flat and the 3way switch in middle series position. Sounds great. The strings were fresh and the bass plays great!
Let me point out that a famous bassist here in Greece, playing for one of the most emblematic rockers here, left his heavy USA bass for this summer and played a 40-date-tour with the left hand edition of the same model! In our conversation with him (our band did a support act to his band) he pointed out how useful and practical proved to be, and of unexpectedly high quality. Let me say again that all Ibanez Indonesia instruments are made by the big C (o-r-t), which is rather a good thing. I have 2 Ibanez guitars already and 1 Cort bass. I used to also have 2 Cort guitars and lots of friends have Corts also. I also have USA guitars, Mexico and Korean.
A big THANKS to the guitar dept of Thomann who took care of the bass and performed a thorough check and setup!
Some years ago, no one could imagine that you can play such an instrument for less than 300 euros!
Yes, I like it a lot and I am happy with this new bass!

This is probably one of the best modern basses on the market. The sound is great. The features allow you to play around greatly with different tones (especially with Ibanez' "Power Tap" system). It handles amazingly, with an extraordinarily thin neck. It is well balanced, and, as is mostly standard for ibanez, very well made with all the pieces being joined together perfectly. The black finish on this particular model gives it a very industrial, heavy look, with still some natural, wood-grain elements. The factory strings are D'Addario which is also nice.
Absolute recommendation from me!

Up till recently I was a fan mostly of the classic P and J basses and owned a few of them through the years. I had some very heavy basses, amps, and cabs. Recently I got herniated disks on both my neck and my lower back as well as carpal tunnel syndrome on both hands. I was not able to play anymore and the doctor said that I should forget about playing the bass until I was cured or even forever. I was devastated until I watched a review on the tube of this beauty. I sold all my heavy basses and purchased this one because it was only 3.2kg. I was skeptical because it was cheap but my God! This thing has its own character, it's punchy, it rings in the highs, and the electronics are working very well. The neck is very comfortable and the pain in my left hand is considerably low when I play it. You can get quite a lot of sounds of it - from mellow bass to aggressive metal tone, and jazz on the bridge pickup, you can also switch between humbucker mode, singles, and combined - each with its own character and purpose. Not only did this bass allow me to continue doing what I love but it inspired me and brought me so much joy! I play mostly through Tech 21 VTBass DI and it fits it perfectly. I have also an MXR M80 and it sounds very good through it as well! I haven't played it live yet but I hope that I will someday! Thank you, Ibanez, for this gem, and thank you, Thomann, for the excellent service!

Build Quality and Construction
Materials: The quality of the materials impacts the durability and sound.
Finish: the finish smooth and flawless. A high-quality guitar will have a clean, consistent finish that doesn’t show blemishes.
Weight: light and comfortable to hold

2. Sound Quality
Tone: warm, punchy, bright, smooth
Pickups: The type of pickups greatly affects the sound.
Tone Control: volume, bass, treble, mids that let you shape your sound to your liking

3. Playability
Neck Profile: comfortable to play, good in hands, fretboard feel smooth

4. Hardware and Electronics
Tuners: the tuners stable and reliable.
Bridge: easy to adjust for intonation and action
Electronics: feel solid , smooth and not scratchy
5. Aesthetics
Appearance: The bass look appealing ,The design, color, and finish matter for personal enjoyment.
Brand Reputation: Quality
6. Price vs. Value
Price Range: Is it reasonably priced for what you're getting
7. Personal Satisfaction
Very well satisfied. The sound and feel good in various performance situations (practice, jamming)

Build Quality: 10/10
Sound Quality: 10/10
Playability: 10/10
Hardware and Electronics: 10/10
Aesthetics: 10/10
Value for Money: 10/10