Ibanez Unveils The 2008 Soundgear Series Bass Guitars

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The entire line-up of Ibanez professional grade Soundgear basses has been redesigned for 2008. The SR700, 530, and 400QM basses feature all kinds of changes and upgrades, from materials to pickups and EQ's, but the one change that bassists will notice most is the return of the professional grade Soundgears to the original 1987 neck dimensions, 1mm thinner than the 2007 models.

"There are three things that gave bassists an alternative to traditional basses back in 1987 and put Soundgears on the map: comfortable bodies, active electronics, and the famous slender but strong neck that facilitates fast and easy fretwork," said Pete Chiovarou, Ibanez bass specialist. "The return to the 1987 neck specs is going to please a lot of players who really loved the originals."

However, continued Chiovarou, the 2008 Soundgears aren't just another retro rehash—each of the three series boasts significant upgrades that go well beyond the original Soundgear designs. "The SR700 series features the first production jatoba/bubinga necks—the preference of many Ibanez endorser artists—for even greater stability, plus Bartolini MK1 pickups and EQ's for improved sound. The new SR530's also feature the MK1 electronics, but are designed for the tones and tastes of R&B, worship, and classic rock players. The SR400QM's feature quilted maple tops for enhanced highs, plus new EXF angled pickups that have equal spacing from the pickups to each string for balanced output levels. All in all, it's some of the biggest advances in the Soundgear line since its genesis two decades ago."

Model: SR706
List: $1066.65
Available Finish: TK Transparent Black
Body Material: Mahogany w/Figured Maple Top
Neck Material: 5pc Jatoba/Bubinga
Neck Type/Scale: SR6/34"
No. Frets/Type: 24/Medium
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: B106
H/W Color: Cosmo Black
Neck Pickup: Bartolini MK1-6
Bridge Pickup: Bartolini MK1-6
EQ: Bartolini MK1 3-Band
Case: MB100C
List: 149.99
Note: SR700 Series Basses are also available in 4-and 5-String models

Model: SR530
List: $799.99
Available Finishes:

• PW Polar White
• PT Iron Pewter

Body Material: Mahogany
Neck Material: Maple/Rosewood
Neck Type/Scale: SR4/34"
No. Frets/Type: 24/Medium
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Accu-Cast B20
H/W Color: Gold
Neck Pickup: Bartolini MK1-4
Bridge Pickup: Bartolini MK1-4
EQ: Bartolini MK1 3-Band
Case: MB100C
List: 149.99
Note: SR530 Series Basses are also available in a 5-string version

Model: SR400QM
List: $533.32


Available Finishes:

• TLB Transparent Lavender Burst
• CS Cherry Sunburst

Body Material: Basswood w/Quilted Maple Top
Neck Material: Maple/Rosewood
Neck Type/Scale: SR4/34"
No. Frets/Type: 24/Medium
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Accu-Cast B20
H/W Color: Cosmo Black
Neck Pickup: EXF-4
Bridge Pickup: EXF-4
EQ: Style Sweeper
Case: EXB1000C
List: $109.99
Note: SR400QMSeries Basses are also available in a 5-string Version.

For more information, visit their web site at www.ibanez.com.