If you’re wondering whether Ibanez GSR205 is a good 5-string bass guitar or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that popular model. It’s a really affordable bass, but is it actually worth the money?
The answer is YES! Ibanez GSR205 is a fantastic 5-string bass guitar suitable for both amateur and more advanced bassists. It sounds and feels like a much more expensive bass and it’s available at a relatively low price.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the GSR205 model so good and so popular all around the world! Firstly, we’ll start with a quick overview of the specifications of that model and we’ll investigate the biggest pros and cons of that bass. Of course, there will also be a sound demo included as well!
Overview – Specs & Pricing
Ibanez GSR205 is an inexpensive 5-string bass guitar designed for the most demanding guitarists out there. This is a really good guitar, so it’s not surprising that so many bassists decide to choose it!
What makes it so special? Well, the GSR205 model features a mahogany body with a comfortable maple neck and an easy-playing Jatoba fingerboard. The neck is a huge advantage of that model, because it allows you to play for several hours without getting tired.
The manufacturer decided to equip this bass with a pair of really good pickups – DXH-5B and DXH-5N humbuckers. Both of these pickups are really versatile, so they’re suitable for a lot of different styles of music. However, this bass works particularly well for everyone who’s looking for fat and punchy bass tones!
When it comes to pricing, this is not an expensive instrument. In fact, it’s actually one of the most affordable 5-string basses that are currently manufactured by Ibanez. That being said, it’s definitely worth the money!
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Pros & Cons
Just like any other cheap bass guitar, Ibanez GSR205 has its own advantages and disadvantages. That’s totally understandable! You can’t expect it to be flawless. However, it seems pretty clear that this particular model has far more pros rather than cons.
Pros
- Cheap Price
- Sounds Really Good
- Feels Great
- Highly Versatile
Cons
- No Gig Bag Included
- Original Strings Could Be Better
As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be considered as major advantages of Ibanez GSR205. It’s pretty cheap, it sounds great and it’s very comfortable to play. Who needs anything else?
On the other hand, the GSR205 model usually comes without an included gig bag. This is not a huge issue, but it would amazing to have it included. Finding a good and reliable case for a bass isn’t that easy, especially if you’re just a beginner!
Additionally, some bassists complain about the quality of the original strings on that guitar. Changing them is not necessary, but it will definitely make it sound a little bit better.
Overall, I’m positive that the advantages of that model outweigh its disadvantages. Despite of these flaws, there’s just not too much to complain about. Bear in mind that this is a really affordable guitar! That’s why I believe that it’s worth every cent.
Who Is It For?
Ibanez GSR205 is suitable for bass players of all levels. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re an experienced musician or not – you will definitely notice the high quality of that model.
However since it’s a cheap bass, it’s recommended for everyone who’s looking for their first 5-string bass guitar.
It is also worth mentioning that this is a really versatile guitar, so it’s perfect for a lot of different styles of music. Whether you’re into punk, rock, grunge or metal – it will be a really good it for you. Additionally, it also works really well in drop tunings.
Overall, I’m positive that the vast majority of bass players will be pleasantly surprised of the quality of that model. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely one of the best 5-string basses that you can find at this price level. That’s why I love it!
Here’s an another demo.
Not Satisfied?
If you’re not happy with the sound or look of Ibanez GSR205 and you’re searching for something a bit better, that’s totally fine! In the end, it’s still a really cheap guitar.
For those who are looking for a 5-string bass from a bit higher shelf, I highly recommend checking out the Yamaha TRBX305. It’s a little bit more expensive than Ibanez GSR205 but it offers an absolutely amazing value for the money.
Want to find out more about Ibanez?
If you want to learn more about the bass guitars manufactured by this legendary Japanese brand, make sure to visit the official website of Ibanez.
Summary
As you can see, Ibanez GSR205 is a really cool and affordable 5-string bass. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to all guitar players who are searching for a cheap bass of this type. There’s a really high chance that you’re going to love it!
What do you think of that model? Do you think that it’s worth or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful and you found what you were looking for. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:
- Yamaha TRBX305 5-String Bass – Is It Worth It? [REVIEW]
- Ibanez GSRM25 Bass – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
- Ibanez Talman TMB30 – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
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Bass Punch is curated by a group of passionate guitarists and bassists, offering a wealth of informational content. This collective of experts shares their insights, techniques, and knowledge with readers, aiming to educate and inspire enthusiasts across all levels of proficiency. The blog serves as a hub for those seeking to deepen their understanding of bass and guitar, providing valuable resources and guidance from seasoned professionals in the field.