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.

"Ibanez's SR300EB-WK electric bass with active pickups is a versatile instrument that excels in adapting its sound to various genres and personal preferences. The active pickups offer a wide range of tonal possibilities, allowing players to dial in the perfect sound for any musical style. Whether you're into rock, jazz, funk, or metal, this bass delivers a crisp, clear tone that can be easily customized to suit your individual taste. The sleek design and comfortable playability make it a joy to perform with, while the active electronics ensure consistent and powerful sound output. Overall, the Ibanez SR300EB-WK is an excellent choice for bassists seeking a versatile instrument that can effortlessly transition between different musical genres and styles."