What is the primary body wood used in the SR6605?

The SR6605 features an African Mahogany body paired with a Mappa Burl top. This combination is chosen for its warm resonance and striking aesthetic appeal.

What type of neck construction does this bass use?

It uses an Atlas HP 5-piece neck made from roasted maple and walnut. The roasting process enhances the stability of the wood against temperature and humidity changes.

Which pickups are installed in the SR6605?

The bass is equipped with Nordstrand Big Single pickups. These provide a powerful, clear tone with the specific articulation characteristic of single-coil designs.

What tonal controls are available on the Sonitech Preamp?

The Sonitech Preamp provides a variety of controls including a six-way mid-frequency selector. It also features a passive tone control and an EQ bypass switch for versatile sound shaping.

Can the string spacing be adjusted on this model?

Yes, the MR5S bridge allows for adjustable string spacing. This feature is designed to provide maximum comfort and accommodate different fingerstyle or slapping techniques.

What brand of tuning machines are used?

The SR6605 is fitted with Gotoh machine heads. These are industry-standard components known for their reliability and smooth tuning precision.

What is the 'Ghost Fleet Blue Burst'?

Ghost Fleet Blue Burst is the specific colour finish applied to the Mappa Burl top. It provides a unique, professional aesthetic that highlights the natural grain of the wood.

Is the SR6605 suitable for all musical genres?

Yes, its combination of Nordstrand pickups and the Sonitech Preamp allows it to produce a wide range of tones. This flexibility makes it suitable for everything from jazz to heavy metal.

Where is the Ibanez Prestige series manufactured?

The Prestige series, including the SR6605, is manufactured in Japan. These instruments are built by master luthiers to the highest quality standards of the Ibanez brand.

Does the bass feature an EQ bypass?

Yes, the instrument includes an EQ bypass switch. This allows the player to switch to a passive signal path, utilizing the treble control as a global passive tone knob.

What is the typical price range for this instrument?

The typical price for the Ibanez SR6605 Prestige is approximately £2,699. This reflects its status as a high-end, professional-grade Japanese instrument.

How many strings does the SR6605 have?

The SR6605 is a 5-string bass guitar. This provides an extended lower range compared to standard 4-string models, often preferred by modern session players.

Gear article

Ibanez SR6605 Prestige 5-String Ghost Fleet Blue Burst

The Ibanez SR6605 Prestige is a professional-grade 5-string electric bass guitar crafted in Japan, known for its high-performance playability and versatile electronics. It features a unique Ghost Fleet Blue Burst finish over a Mappa Burl top and is equipped with Nordstrand Big Single pickups and a Sonitech preamp system.

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Overview and Construction

The Ibanez SR6605 is a flagship model within the Soundgear (SR) series, representing the pinnacle of Japanese luthiery under the 'Prestige' label. The instrument is built around an African Mahogany body, which provides a warm, resonant foundation, topped with a visually striking Mappa Burl wood. This combination ensures a balanced tonal profile with significant sustain.

The neck is a fundamental component of the SR6605’s design, utilizing a 5-piece Atlas HP construction made of roasted maple and walnut. The roasting process removes moisture and impurities, resulting in increased stability, durability, and a smooth tactile response for the player.

Electronics and Tonal Control

For sound capture, the SR6605 employs Nordstrand Big Single pickups. These are essentially single-coil pickups packed into a soapbar housing, designed to deliver a powerful, aggressive tone while maintaining the clarity and articulation typical of single-coils.

Central to the bass's versatility is the Sonitech Preamp. This advanced system offers extensive tonal shaping options, including: * Six-way mid-frequency selector for precise midrange control. * A passive tone control for traditional roll-off. * An EQ bypass switch for pure, uncoloured signal paths.

Hardware and Playability

The hardware on the SR6605 is selected for reliability and customisation. It features the MR5S bridge, which contains independent locking units for each string to allow for adjustable string spacing. This enables players to fine-tune the instrument to their specific hand size or playing style. Tuning stability is managed by high-quality Gotoh machine heads, ensuring the instrument remains in pitch during professional use and travel.

Market Position and Comparison

At a retail price point of approximately £2,699, the SR6605 is positioned as a premium professional tool. While Ibanez offers other high-performance products like the Tim Henson Signature strings or various D'Addario and Ernie Ball accessories, the SR6605 stands as a complete hardware solution. Compared to standard SR models, the Prestige version offers superior wood selection, higher-end Nordstrand electronics, and the precision of Japanese manufacturing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body wood used in the SR6605?: The SR6605 features an African Mahogany body paired with a Mappa Burl top. This combination is chosen for its warm resonance and striking aesthetic appeal.
What type of neck construction does this bass use?: It uses an Atlas HP 5-piece neck made from roasted maple and walnut. The roasting process enhances the stability of the wood against temperature and humidity changes.
Which pickups are installed in the SR6605?: The bass is equipped with Nordstrand Big Single pickups. These provide a powerful, clear tone with the specific articulation characteristic of single-coil designs.
What tonal controls are available on the Sonitech Preamp?: The Sonitech Preamp provides a variety of controls including a six-way mid-frequency selector. It also features a passive tone control and an EQ bypass switch for versatile sound shaping.
Can the string spacing be adjusted on this model?: Yes, the MR5S bridge allows for adjustable string spacing. This feature is designed to provide maximum comfort and accommodate different fingerstyle or slapping techniques.
What brand of tuning machines are used?: The SR6605 is fitted with Gotoh machine heads. These are industry-standard components known for their reliability and smooth tuning precision.
What is the 'Ghost Fleet Blue Burst'?: Ghost Fleet Blue Burst is the specific colour finish applied to the Mappa Burl top. It provides a unique, professional aesthetic that highlights the natural grain of the wood.
Is the SR6605 suitable for all musical genres?: Yes, its combination of Nordstrand pickups and the Sonitech Preamp allows it to produce a wide range of tones. This flexibility makes it suitable for everything from jazz to heavy metal.
Where is the Ibanez Prestige series manufactured?: The Prestige series, including the SR6605, is manufactured in Japan. These instruments are built by master luthiers to the highest quality standards of the Ibanez brand.
Does the bass feature an EQ bypass?: Yes, the instrument includes an EQ bypass switch. This allows the player to switch to a passive signal path, utilizing the treble control as a global passive tone knob.
What is the typical price range for this instrument?: The typical price for the Ibanez SR6605 Prestige is approximately £2,699. This reflects its status as a high-end, professional-grade Japanese instrument.
How many strings does the SR6605 have?: The SR6605 is a 5-string bass guitar. This provides an extended lower range compared to standard 4-string models, often preferred by modern session players.