Ibanez models to consider for a beginner?

[Killed_by_Death]

Get a GSR100EXMOL & some GOTOH machine-heads for it.
If you want to splurge & reduce the weight at the headstock, get the Res-O-Lite machine-heads, part# GB350.

LTD make a good line with Nordstrand pickups, but those are 10 lbs..
and not in the same price-range

If you're not concerned about weight, get a pre-owned BTB.
Thicker necks than the Soundgear, however.

 

[TheBlueFalcon]

Is the GSR100EX really a better option than an SR300E? This model seems quite scarce in the UK. One Dealer has one unit, which I bet is their ex-demo model!!

I don't mind spending a bit of money to make some worthwhile upgrades here and there, whichever bass I buy.

Also, I don't feel confident enough to judge the quality of a used bass.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Just for simplicity, we'll take my case:
two SR300E - one had a flimsy neck & just sounded OK, the other had a stiff neck & sounded great
two GSR100 - both had stiff necks & sounded great

IME, you'll have a more than 50% chance of getting a SR300E, 400EQM, or other Standard with a flimsy neck
If you know how to identify a flimsy neck, you're covering yourself, but in the case of the machine-heads, they're crap up until the Premium series.

The PowerSpan pickups in the SR300E/370E/400EQM sound good, but TBH I like the Power-Pole in the GSR100 even better.
and if you're a beginner, the less switches & junk in the way, the better

 

[TheBlueFalcon]

IME, you'll have a more than 50% chance of getting a SR300E, 400EQM, or other Standard with a flimsy neck
If you know how to identify a flimsy neck, you're covering yourself, but in the case of the machine-heads, they're crap up until the Premium series.

Other than tuning the bass and then checking every so often I wouldn't know. Is there a way I can prove if a bass has a flimsy neck? Sorry if that is a basic question.

 

[TheBlueFalcon]

Here's mine:

Cosmo Black hardware - SR1800E

• Killed_by_Death
• Jun 29, 2019
• ibanez premium

Titanium reinforcement, Tusq nut, Nordstrand pickups, lightweight (under 8 lbs.), active/passive switch

I saw a great price on an SR1820 which is being advertised as new on a UK Dealers website, but it turns out they only have an ex-demo model. I've had too many bad experiences with ex-demo models being advertised as new. I'm not taking the risk. It's unfortunate, as I think it would have been a great opportunity, but I hope something else will pop up over the next year or so.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

If you're able to check it out in person ahead of time, or return it if there's issues, then do it.

I've owned a LOT of basses & my SR1800E is the best.
The GSR100 is the best value for money.

 

[TheBlueFalcon]

If you're able to check it out in person ahead of time, or return it if there's issues, then do it.

Unfortunately it's too far away to check beforehand. I also didn't like their wanton attitude in the email.

 

[equill]

Would it be worth replacing the plastic nut with a TUSQ XL?

Also, are the stock strap buttons adequate? Or does anyone have any recommendations?

The stock nut's been fine for me so far, but then my playing's still the limiting factor. Play it for a while, then upgrade it if you think the plastic nut is degrading the tone.

Replacing the strap buttons with straplocks is the first thing I do with almost every bass or guitar I buy, so I have no opinion about the stock one.