_Sweet Willie_ Posted September 9, 2003 Share Posted September 9, 2003 Hey y'all, I'd noticed recently that the Ibanez ATK-300 (4-string) and ATK-305 (5-string) tend to go for around $300 on eBay (a pretty nice price). I was curious if anyone on the forum who has played one has any comments about them. I've read various reviews on www.bgra.net and at Harmony Central. My understanding is that these basses are capable of a pretty big sound w/ that triple-coil humbucker w/ interesting configurations via a coil selector switch and an active on-board preamp. I also understand that they're wicked heavy, with massive bridges (string-thru body option), and that the finishes are often nicely done. I've also done a quick search of this forum and found a smattering of posts about these basses spread across various threads. Anyway, just curious. Peace, --s-dub spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Phil Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 I think this model is more vintage-ish as compared to Ibanez's more modern type basses. I've never played one though. http://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/blue.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/black.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/fuscia.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/grey.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/orange.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/purple.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/red.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/yellow.JPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay J. Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 I have an atk 305 and it is a great bass. like you mentioned they can be had for pretty cheap and are rock solid basses with a great tone. I would compare the tone with a music man bass. like all ibanez basses the string spacing is a little tight but that is my only complaint. it has a 3 band eq (bass, mid, treble) boost and cut. and it has a coil switch. I find the string tension on mine to be very good on the B string. the string through body helps. but I highly recomend these basses. it was my main axe for a while but now I keep it around as a back up for me new spector. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumpelstiltskin. Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 they're pretty sweet, and for $300, it's a great deal. i was looking into buying a flamed koa atk with a clear pickguard. it was gorgeous, but now i can't find any pics of it. apparently the atk nails the stingray sound, which is always a good thing to me. i would like to own one, but it's the eternal debate about buying the instrument i want, or a cheaper one that approximates it. robb. because i like people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted September 10, 2003 Author Share Posted September 10, 2003 Originally posted by robb.: ...but it's the eternal debate about buying the instrument i want, or a cheaper one that approximates it. robb.I hear that! spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumpelstiltskin. Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 yeah, the difference between a used atk and a new sterling with piezo bridge is about a grand. do i save that $300 and get something i know i will keep forever or get something now that i know will keep me just satisfied for a few years and that may turn out to be a gem? robb because i like people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 Originally posted by robb.: ... but it's the eternal debate about buying the instrument i want, or a cheaper one that approximates it. robb.No debate for me. Save for the good one, then buy the cheap one as a backup. Tom www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumpelstiltskin. Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 ding! ding! ding! we have a winner! robb. because i like people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcr Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 Hmm, did some checking around on these, & they sound like a pretty sweet deal. Stingray sound for +/- $300?! I think if I ever decide I need a 5-string (probably not very soon), I'll definitely check out the ATK-305. (I've got big shoulders--I can take it. ) It's bad when you start planning for possible future GAS... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted September 12, 2003 Author Share Posted September 12, 2003 Yup, the ATKs really seem to be solid basses. The other Ibanez bass I'm currently intrigued by is the RKB series reviewed not too long ago in BP mag: Seymour Duncan P and J pickups, a Bad Ass II bridge, one-piece maple neck, 4 in-line headstock... Basically, these basses (along with the Roadstar II series) strike me as instruments more than fit to go into battle with -- nothing fancy, but solidly built and straightforward, no-muss-no-fuss bass goodness. Peace. spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcr Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 "no-muss-no-fuss bass goodness" s-dub, I think you just found the text for your business card! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
getz out Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 That ATK series from Ibanez was FANTASTIC! I nearly bought one when they first came out about 8 or 9 years ago. If memory serves me, they were heavy, but they NAILED that Stingray sound D-E-A-D ON. It's much different than my Warwick Streamer Pro-M which has a single, MM-type humbucker pickup; my Warwick sounds like a refined Stringray with more high-end bite from that fact it's a maple body with a wenge neck. Ibanez also has a habit of making a pretty sturdy product; for $300, you probably can't go wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted September 14, 2003 Author Share Posted September 14, 2003 Originally posted by dcr: "no-muss-no-fuss bass goodness" s-dub, I think you just found the text for your business card! Sweet Willie, Sociologist No-muss-no-fuss bass goodness Doesn't really work, does it? Something like: Sweet Willie, Sociologist Studying people doing things together That works much better! Oh wait, you meant my card for my second career as a pro bassist. Yup, "no-muss-no-fuss bass goodness" would make a wonderful slogan. spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.