What is the body material of the Ibanez SR4505?

The Ibanez SR4505 features a lightweight ash body. This wood choice contributes to a bright, clear tone and makes the instrument comfortable for long playing sessions.

What pickups are installed in the SR4505?

The bass is equipped with Nordstrand Big Single pickups. These provide a powerful and articulate single-coil tone with significant punch.

What does the S-TECH neck treatment involve?

S-TECH is a special roasting process applied to the maple and walnut neck. It increases the wood's stability, water resistance, and tolerance to temperature changes.

What type of preamp does this model use?

It uses the Ibanez Sonitech Preamp. This system includes a 3-band EQ, a passive tone control, and a Hexa Mid system for versatile sound shaping.

Does the SR4505 include a case?

Yes, the instrument comes with a robust hardshell case. This is standard for Ibanez Prestige models to ensure the instrument is protected during transport.

Where is the SR4505 Prestige manufactured?

As part of the Ibanez Prestige line, this bass is masterfully crafted in Japan. This ensures a high level of quality control and craftsmanship.

What is the function of the MR5S bridge?

The MR5S bridge allows for independent string isolation and features adjustable saddles. This allows the player to customize the string spacing by +/- 1.5mm.

What are Luminlay side dots?

Luminlay side dots are glow-in-the-dark position markers located on the side of the neck. They help the player see their fret position in dark stage environments.

What tuning machines are used on this bass?

The SR4505 is fitted with Gotoh machine heads. These are industry-standard tuners known for their precision and reliability.

Can the SR4505 be played in passive mode?

Yes, the bass includes a passive tone control. This allows the user to achieve traditional tones and provides a fallback if active power is not desired.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Ibanez SR4505 Prestige typically retails for approximately GBP 1896. This reflects its status as a high-end, professional Japanese-made instrument.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific version of the SR4505 is finished in Desert Sunset Burst. This finish highlights the natural grain of the ash body.

Gear article

Ibanez SR4505 Prestige 5-String Bass

The Ibanez SR4505 Prestige is a premium 5-string electric bass guitar manufactured in Japan, featuring an ash body and an S-TECH roasted maple and walnut neck. It is equipped with Nordstrand Big Single pickups and the Ibanez Sonitech Preamp system, designed for professional players seeking high tonal clarity and ergonomic playability.

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Background and Construction

The Ibanez SR4505 belongs to the prestigious Soundgear (SR) series, specifically within the Japan-made Prestige line. This line represents the pinnacle of Ibanez production, blending modern manufacturing techniques with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The instrument is finished in a 'Desert Sunset Burst' and features a lightweight ash body, which contributes to its ergonomic feel and bright resonant character.

The neck is a 5-piece construction using S-TECH roasted Maple and Walnut. The S-TECH process involves heating the wood in a vacuum to remove moisture and impurities, resulting in increased stability, durability, and resistance to temperature changes. This ensures the 5-string neck remains true even in fluctuating environments.

Electronics and Hardware

Central to the SR4505's performance is the Ibanez Sonitech Preamp system. This sophisticated active circuit includes a 3-band EQ for precise frequency shaping and a Hexa Mid system for enhanced midrange control. A passive tone control is also included, allowing the player to bypass the active EQ for more traditional sounds.

Hardware specifications are equally professional-grade. The bass features an MR5S bridge, which has adjustable saddles for independent string spacing adjustment (+/- 1.5mm). Tuning stability is provided by high-quality Gotoh machine heads, and visibility on dark stages is improved through the inclusion of Luminlay side dots.

Sound Profile

The SR4505 is defined by its use of Nordstrand Big Single pickups. These pickups are designed to provide the punchy, aggressive growl of a single-coil while maintaining the body and power expected from a high-end modern bass.

Due to the combination of the ash body and roasted maple neck, the instrument possesses exceptional tonal clarity and sustain. The electronics allow the user to transition from articulate, percussive tones suitable for funk and fusion to warm, rounded textures for jazz or rock.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is aimed at professional and semi-professional bassists who require a versatile 5-string instrument that does not compromise on weight or playability. Its thin neck profile is a hallmark of the SR series, making it a preferred choice for players with smaller hands or those who play technically demanding passages.

While traditional orchestral strings like the Larsen Cello D or D'Addario Helicore Violin strings cater to the classical market, the SR4505 represents the high-tech end of contemporary electric string instruments. It competes with other boutique-level 5-string basses, offering a distinct Japanese-built alternative to American-made counterparts.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of the Ibanez SR4505?: The Ibanez SR4505 features a lightweight ash body. This wood choice contributes to a bright, clear tone and makes the instrument comfortable for long playing sessions.
What pickups are installed in the SR4505?: The bass is equipped with Nordstrand Big Single pickups. These provide a powerful and articulate single-coil tone with significant punch.
What does the S-TECH neck treatment involve?: S-TECH is a special roasting process applied to the maple and walnut neck. It increases the wood's stability, water resistance, and tolerance to temperature changes.
What type of preamp does this model use?: It uses the Ibanez Sonitech Preamp. This system includes a 3-band EQ, a passive tone control, and a Hexa Mid system for versatile sound shaping.
Does the SR4505 include a case?: Yes, the instrument comes with a robust hardshell case. This is standard for Ibanez Prestige models to ensure the instrument is protected during transport.
Where is the SR4505 Prestige manufactured?: As part of the Ibanez Prestige line, this bass is masterfully crafted in Japan. This ensures a high level of quality control and craftsmanship.
What is the function of the MR5S bridge?: The MR5S bridge allows for independent string isolation and features adjustable saddles. This allows the player to customize the string spacing by +/- 1.5mm.
What are Luminlay side dots?: Luminlay side dots are glow-in-the-dark position markers located on the side of the neck. They help the player see their fret position in dark stage environments.
What tuning machines are used on this bass?: The SR4505 is fitted with Gotoh machine heads. These are industry-standard tuners known for their precision and reliability.
Can the SR4505 be played in passive mode?: Yes, the bass includes a passive tone control. This allows the user to achieve traditional tones and provides a fallback if active power is not desired.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Ibanez SR4505 Prestige typically retails for approximately GBP 1896. This reflects its status as a high-end, professional Japanese-made instrument.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific version of the SR4505 is finished in Desert Sunset Burst. This finish highlights the natural grain of the ash body.