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!

I am a beginner guitarist and for me this is more than enough. I was originally a drummer, but the bass was my old dream. Now I have become much happier.

She is very light and thin, everything is very smooth. In the hands like the breast of a beloved girl - a very pleasant feeling! It’s a pleasure to play, the guitar came immediately tuned and debugged, as well as with excellent D'Addario strings. A large number of settings, excellent electronics, this is definitely a level above the beginner.

Made in Indonesia and it is a great quality, and the price in Thoman is beyond competition! Thank!