Ibanez GSR205 Electric Bass

Features
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Taking into consideration its relatively low price, this bass hosts a myriad of features commonly only seen in much more expensive basses. These features include an Agathis body, full scale 22 fret neck, two J-Style pickups with individual volume controls, and a Master Tone control.


Durability
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Throughout a year of heavy use, this bass it still in near perfect ...
...while writing this review, the only marks I can see on the guitar are a few minor scratches on the back of the guitar and a chip on the head of the guitar which was the coincidence of an altercation with a light fitting as I was carrying my bass. :o)


Playability
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This bass is very easy to play. The neck allows very quick playing whatever style ranging from rock bass solos, to funky riffs. The narrow ... more

Features
-------------
Taking into consideration its relatively low price, this bass hosts a myriad of features commonly only seen in much more expensive basses. These features include an Agathis body, full scale 22 fret neck, two J-Style pickups with individual volume controls, and a Master Tone control.

Durability
--------------
Throughout a year of heavy use, this bass it still in near perfect condition despite a right bashing. While inspecting the instrument closely while writing this review, the only marks I can see on the guitar are a few minor scratches on the back of the guitar and a chip on the head of the guitar which was the coincidence of an altercation with a light fitting as I was carrying my bass. :o)

Playability
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This bass is very easy to play. The neck allows very quick playing whatever style ranging from rock bass solos, to funky riffs. The narrow spaces between strings also contribute to this, although slap bass could prove to be problematic for some. One thing I found that hindered playability for me was the way the pickups seemed to let down the instrument somewhat, which lead to my need for swapping them out with some Gibson J-Style’s which have made a big difference in my enjoyment of the bass, although for most, the pickups which are supplied are perfectly adequate.

Modifications
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This bass is very easy to modify. Over the last year I’ve made a number of alterations including replacing the two J-Style pickups with Gibson ones. This process took very little time (although granted, no alterations to the body were required) and I am pleased with the results.

Suitability for the Beginner Bassist
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I believe that this bass is an excellent grounding for anyone who wants to get into playing the bass, or has played the bass before and would like to move up to 5-string. Almost every aspect of the guitar lends itself to being suitable for beginner players ranging from its durability, ease of playing, modifications, and probably the most important, its competitive pricing.

Pricing & Availability
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I bought my GSR205 in J.G.Windows (a shop in Newcastle Upon Tyne) with a Laney Hardcore practice amp last Christmas for around £300. I was lucky because J.G.Windows are excellent for providing packages of guitars and amps and they can always be beaten down to ask you for about £50 less than their initial offer. I have seen my bass alone around in other shops for £320. This bass is available in most shops, in fact, in almost every guitar shop I’ve browsed around since, I’ve spotted the GSR205 gracing their walls.
 

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