The Ibanez SR805 is a five-string Soundgear bass built to deliver a lean neck, flexible active electronics, and a modern low-B response for gigging players and session work.
SR805 snapshot — quick spec highlights and who this Ibanez Soundgear suits
Intended audience: gigging players who need a balanced, ergonomic 5-string; session bassists who demand clear low end and versatile EQ; metal and slap specialists who want tight attack and fast neck access.
Overall vibe: slim, fast neck meets active tone shaping — focused low end without excess weight, designed to sit well in dense mixes.
Key hardware and electronics at a glance: 5-string layout, slender SR-style body, multi-piece neck construction on most runs, 34″ or slightly longer scale depending on production year, two soapbar or humbucking pickups, active preamp with multi-band EQ, fixed bridge with solid saddles and standard machine heads.
Street price range & used-market signals: expect used SR800-series five-strings to trade in the mid hundreds to low thousands depending on condition, electronics version, and finish; factory-new or Prestige-run variants command higher prices — verify recent local listings before buying.
Core specification checklist
When inspecting an SR805, confirm these hard facts: body wood (common options include mahogany, alder, ash or nyatoh on various runs), neck construction (multi-piece maple with walnut or maple/mahogany laminates is common), and fretboard wood (rosewood, jatoba or ebony on higher-end runs).
Check scale and fret count: most SR five-strings use a 34″ scale with 24 or 24 jumbo frets; some extended-range editions use 35″ — confirm the exact length stamped on the neck plate or in official spec sheets.
Weight considerations: the SR body is contoured and relatively light; expect 8–10 lbs on average for a 5-string SR, with variance based on tonewood.
Pickup and preamp checklist: identify pickup models (look for MEC, Ibanez-branded, Bartolini or other labels), confirm active preamp features (3-band EQ, on-board boost switches or switches for mid-shape), and verify battery compartment access and jack wiring (standard mono jack with battery cut-off is typical).
How the SR805 is built — body, neck and finish explained
The Soundgear body is thin and contoured to the player, reducing weight and improving upper-fret reach; different finishes feel different under the hand — satin necks speed play, gloss necks feel firmer and show more wear over time.
Neck profile and construction matter: the SR line favors a slender, rounded profile that lets you move quickly; many SR805s use a multi-piece laminated neck for stability, which helps with low-B tension and resists warping.
Fretboard radius and fret size: flatter radii and medium-jumbo or jumbo frets make string bending and fast runs comfortable; smaller radii and vintage frets can make thick low-B strings feel stiffer and harder to play cleanly.
Hardware quality: check the bridge design for solid saddles and good intonation adjustment; verify whether the bridge supports string-thru top-load options, and inspect tuner robustness — sealed gears last longer on tour.
Tonewoods and construction choices that shape the SR805 sound
Mahogany and alder push warmth and midrange weight; ash and maple emphasize top-end and snappy attack. The SR design balances resonance with clarity rather than producing a single thick tone.
Neck-through or set-neck construction increases sustain and low-end definition; bolt-on necks give a brighter snap and easier neck swaps. If you need tight low B and long sustain, favor neck-through or well-laminated multi-piece necks.
Body chambers and routing reduce mass and can tighten low frequencies while limiting feedback — look for routed cavities and strategic chambering if the bass will live on loud stages.
Electronics deep-dive — pickups, preamp and wiring that define the SR805 voice
Pickup chemistry on SR800-series five-strings varies by era: many ship with soapbar humbuckers or stacked humbucker designs to deliver punch and noise rejection; some upgrades or higher trims use Bartolini-style soapbars for a warmer voice.
Active preamp features commonly include a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids or a fixed mid band and a presence/boost switch on some versions; battery access should be quick and secure — check that the battery compartment is not cracked and that contacts are clean.
Wiring and jack configuration: standard models use a mono output with a battery cutoff; wiring often supports blend or series/parallel switching on higher-spec variants — test each switch under live conditions to ensure reliability.
Practical pickup and EQ settings for different tones
Slap/funk: start with bridge pickup dominant, treble +2 to +4, bass around -1 to +1, mids scooped or set -2 and add a tight high-mid boost around 2–3 kHz if the preamp allows.
Rock/punch: bridge and neck blended 60/40 toward bridge, bass +2 to +4, mids +1 to +3 for presence, treble between 0 and +2 to keep attack without brittle fizz.
Low-end metal clarity: full bridge humbucker, bass +1 to +3 (avoid overboosting bass which muddies); mids +3 to +5 for definition, treble 0 to +2 for pick clarity; tighten pickup height toward strings to reduce fizz and emphasize attack.
Pickup height and tone knob tweaks: lower pickups reduce boom and improve string-to-string balance; raising the tone knob gives more harmonic content but can exaggerate noise — make micro-adjustments and re-tune after each change.
Sound and genre fit — what the SR805 sounds like in real-world contexts
Tonal character: the SR805 tends to deliver defined low end with a focused midrange and clean highs; it sits forward in a mix without overpowering guitars when EQ’d properly.
Genre case studies: rock and metal players get a tight low B with proper setup and heavier strings; jazz and fusion players find usable round mids and fast neck access for complex lines; funk players will appreciate the snap if pickups and EQ are set for attack.
Recording vs amp-tracked: DI captures clean, controllable low end but can sound thin without speaker coloration; mic’d amp or IR-processed amp simulation adds body. For best results, record DI and re-amp or blend a mic’d cabinet to taste.
Playability and ergonomics — why players love (or hate) the SR805 neck and balance
Neck profile comfort: the SR slim neck reduces hand fatigue and speeds up fingering; players coming from thicker necks may need a short break-in period.
Fretboard access: generous cutaways and a contoured heel give full access to upper frets — good for soloing and melodic fills.
Scale length effect: a 34″ scale keeps string tension manageable for low B with appropriate gauges; if you prefer tighter low B feel, consider a 35″ or heavier gauges on a 34″ with careful setup.
Weight distribution and comfort: the contoured SR body keeps the instrument balanced while standing; if you notice neck dive, lighter straps and strap-locks help keep the bass steady during long sets.
On-stage and studio practicality
Tuning stability: check tuner tightness and worm gear condition; locking tuners reduce slippage on stage but are not standard on all SR805s.
Battery life for active electronics: expect 8–30 hours depending on battery type and preamp load; always bring a fresh battery for gigs and carry a spare on stage.
Noise and shielding tips: shield control cavities with conductive paint or copper foil and ground all hardware to reduce hum in high-gain setups; use high-quality cables and isolate noisy pedals.
Setup, maintenance and smart upgrades for peak performance
Essential setup checklist: adjust truss rod for relief, set action at the bridge to your preferred height, intonate each string at pitch, and set pickup heights for balanced output across strings.
Common maintenance tasks: replace the battery regularly, clean and condition the fretboard, tighten hardware and reflow electronics if pots get scratchy, and perform fret dressing when buzzes persist.
High-impact upgrades: swapping pickups for a brand you prefer (Bartolini, Aguilar, or custom wound MECs) changes character fast; preamp upgrades add more control; install a higher-mass bridge for increased sustain if desired.
Recommended string brands/gauges: use robust flatwounds or roundwounds depending on tone — for low B clarity, start with a set that includes .125–.130 for B and adjust tension to taste; popular brands include D’Addario, Ernie Ball, and Elixir with coated options for longer life.
Comparing the SR805 to nearby Ibanez models and competing 5-string basses
Within Ibanez SR series: the SR805 sits between entry SRs and Prestige-level SRs — expect better woods and electronics than entry models but fewer boutique components than Prestige runs.
Against competitors: compared with Fender 5-strings, the SR805 emphasizes a slimmer neck and active EQ; Music Man gives more mid scooped punch and beefier bridges; Spector focuses on thicker tone and beefier necks; Yamaha offers solid value and reliability with different tonal character — try side-by-side to hear differences.
Strengths and weaknesses: strengths are playability, versatility, and ergonomic design; weaknesses can include stock electronics that some players want to replace, and finish or hardware variations across production years.
Buying advice — new vs used SR805, where to find best deals and what to inspect
New vs used: buy new for warranty and guaranteed condition; buy used to save money or find rare finishes — always budget for a setup and possible electronics refresh if pickups are dated.
Used inspection checklist: check for fret wear and uneven frets, neck straightness and twist, full electronics function and battery contacts, bridge saddles and screw wear, tuner stability, and finish cracks near the neck joint.
Best retail channels: authorized dealers for warranty and returns; reputable used gear shops and verified marketplace listings for trade-ins; ask for detailed photos and a demo video and verify serial numbers if the price seems too low.
Negotiation pointers: point out necessary setup work or component wear to lower price; shop end-of-season or holiday sales for dealer discounts.
Troubleshooting common SR805 problems and quick fixes
Buzzing or fret rattle: check neck relief and action first, then inspect frets for wear or high spots; small relief adjustments often solve fret buzz without a refret.
Preamp noise or dead battery: replace battery, clean battery contacts, and swap cables to rule out external causes; if noise persists, check grounding and shielding in the cavity.
Pickup imbalance: adjust pickup height in small increments to balance string volumes and check for cold solder joints in the wiring harness.
Tuning slippage: tighten tuner mounting screws, replace worn tuner bushings, and consider upgrading to locking tuners for touring reliability.
Accessories, tone-shaping tools and pedalboard pairings that elevate the SR805
Recommended strings: heavier gauge rounds for low B clarity (.110–.130+ sets) or flatwounds for vintage fatness; coated strings for long life on tour.
Cases and straps: use a molded hardshell or quality padded gig bag for transport; wide straps distribute weight and reduce fatigue for long standing sets.
Pedals and EQ devices: compressor for slap control, a transparent overdrive or amp-simulation drive for midrange push, and a programmable active EQ or parametric mid-boost for studio shaping are high-impact choices.
Amp and cab pairings: small combos for practice (200–500W), heads and 12″ or 15″ cabs for stage, and DI boxes with preamp circuits for clean studio capture; match cab size to the low-B extension you need.
Frequently asked questions players ask about the SR805
Can the SR805 handle low B with clarity? What string gauges and setup are best?
Yes — with proper setup. Start with a 34″ scale and heavier gauges such as .110–.125 for B or move to 35″ scale if you want more tension without heavier gauges; set intonation, raise action slightly if floppiness appears, and prefer multi-piece necks for stability.
How does the active preamp affect battery life and stage reliability?
Active preamps use modest current; standard alkaline batteries typically last one to several hundred hours depending on the circuit and use. Bring a fresh battery for each gig and carry a spare; use a high-quality battery clip and clean contacts to avoid mid-set failures.
Is the SR805 a good upgrade path from 4-string SR models or entry-level basses?
Yes — it preserves the SR ergonomics while adding a low B and extra tonal flexibility. Expect a learning curve for thicker string spacing and low-B setup, but the transition is smooth for players seeking more range and active tone-shaping.
Purchase decision checklist — make the call on whether the SR805 is right for you
Must-haves: comfortable slim neck, reliable active electronics, solid bridge and tuners, and a feel you enjoy for long playing sessions.
Red flags: significant fret wear, unstable neck or noisy electronics, poorly mounted bridge saddles, and signs of heavy misuse to the fingerboard or neck joint.
Dealmakers: clean electronics with recent battery service, quality pickups or easy upgrade path, and a finish or weight that suits your gigging needs.
Next steps: try a local demo with your preferred strings, compare side-by-side with competing five-strings, test both DI and amp-tracked tones, and verify serial/spec details before purchase.
