Ibanez SRF700 Portamento - A fun and functional fretless that has it all? - LowEndLobster Review
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
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Hey everyone! Today we're reviewing the Ibanez SRF700 Portamento (strung with flats). Featuring a practically endless fingerboard, two soapbars paired to a two band preamp, and a piezo pickup with dedicated active tone control at the bridge, this bass is looking to be the fretless that does it all. Let's see if it can!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(130) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at www.mjcironworks.com
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I own this Bass since 3 years and I am very happy with it. You will not get an upright tone out of it, but with a more precise left and right hand finger technique achieve shorter tones that sound similar. It is a very versatile and well made instrument. I agree that the potentiometers, preamp and pickups are medium quality only...
Thanks! Always great to hear from other owners of these instruments and their experiences :).
Have you tried nylon tapewounds? Idk from experience but my understanding is that they can aid in giving the upright sound
@@FunkadelicPancho I like the original nickelwound/flatwound very much, they get better every year I play them. The comparison with upright bass is anyway pointless, because: upright basses are build to have a low sustain (long tones you will do with a bow), this electric bass with neckthrough will ring very long (high sustain) so imho the strings are ok, the only thing you can do is to have a perfect right and left hand synchronization for fingerpicking and a enhanced dampening if needed. Try to play short notes also with the left fingers in synchonization with right ones and it will sound more classical on this specific instrument and avoid basic notes on "0-fret" because you cannot do much with left fingers...
@@JochenThe1 Great advice!
@@FunkadelicPancho I’ve tried D’addario Tapewounds and they do give you a McCartney “Thump” rubber band tone. I use the piezo and a bit of the neck pickup to give it a upright tone. Gonna throw some LaBella Gold Flats which have more mids and try a TC Bodyrez to see if that gets closer to uprightville. Higher action might help too.
Every time I return to this review I LOVE hearing you play the Lost Woods theme. Sounds perfect on a fretless
Wow! Someone’s been working on their fretless game!
Great playing great review!
I really respect Ibanez because they are always up for trying something new. No fear.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Thank you my friend! You too :)
I’m really glad you reviewed this. These Basses are getting ridiculously hard to find at a decent price compared to brand new pricing!!
Thanks! Glad you liked the video :).
Yo your name is funny! I was obsessed with the Altima for yrs I had 3 the first one got destroyed in Tennessee by some chic not paying attention while it was in my yard , the 2nd got destroyed by some 18 yr old drunk punk while it was also parked in my yard here in FLORIDA and the 3rd I destroyed while going through heartbroken times and ran a red light and T boned a truck needless to say I don’t think I’m supposed to own anymore Altimas lol
I have the 6 string version of this bass and absolutely LOVE it. I am still getting used to 6 strings no frets and that long fingerboard. One thing I love about it is every string, including the B, is 100% usable for the entire length of the fingerboard. No warbly boominess and mush at the higher registers at all! I was skeptical of the mk1 Bart's but like you said, they really sound great in this bass. As with most Ibanez basses, the preamp is its downfall. Extreme boost/cut range make the treble too harsh and the bass too boomy, although this preamp is not nearly as bad as others that Ibanez have used.
Thanks MeatballCereal!... making me hungry... Great comment! You're right, the preamps are often a bit too heavy handed. An instrument like this doesn't need bass boost that will BOOM or treble that will make ears bleed.
@@LowEndLobsterWhat preamp would you mod it with?
@@WyattLite-n-inn that's what I'm wondering too! If the Bartolini's are good enough, what sort of preamp mod can be made?
I got it a month ago and I can't say I was ever happier with a bass, maybe it's just that it's my first fretless bass and it's so fun/rewarding to play and I can't get enough it.The Sound, The ergonomics the looks it has it all (at least in my opinion :)), also not that much competition in this price range you either have cheaper fretless basses or much more expensive which puts it in a subjecitve good place price wise.
I bought this bass as soon as it was released, in 2014. I have about twenty basses, some of which are also valuable. But I always say that, if I were forced to stay with only one instrument, this would be the one.
Thanks Koba! That's great to hear :)
Me too. It's my main working bass - need a good back up - buying another one. Nothing comes close.
Love this comment I just Bought one 3 days ago 😊❤
Ya we can tell you realy liked playing this bass. And your comparing it to a sire is actually how I have finally heard of that bass. I may have to look into a sire if I can wrap my head around the jazz pickups. Great review, as allways!
Thanks Ryan!
Great demo! Very understated in it's design, but beautiful. Fantastic sounds you got from this bass!! Claws up 😊
Heck yeah! I picked the 706 for even more claws 🦞
I've got one of these and I love it. Great value for the money - with a through-neck. Mine came (from the box) with one of the best, lowest, buzz-free actions I've ever experienced - and that's since the mid-70's. For less than £700.00 I can't complain.
Thanks Paul!
That's what I would call a professional, very well built...VIDEO REVIEW OF A BASS! Congrats :D
Glad you didn't review another Stingray to push my GAS. I had a SR 500 when I started playing bass. I really liked the playability, but the Bartolinis never 100% got me. Still this bass here sounds quite good and I'm sure it plays well. 👍🏻
Thanks Al!
Those pickups sound great! Looks like a fun bass indeed.
Thanks Shannen!
THANK YOU for sparing us endless glissandi.
Proper handling, Maestro. Could save the planet.
Thank you! :)
MWAH ! Especially the piezo.
:)
For someone who says they’re not a slapper you sounded very good. Thanks for doing that and showing another possibility with this model. While not designed for that technique, it could be used if a song called for it. It actually responded well.
Thanks Frank! :)
found you through the bass discord. incredible quality on the reviews man! i really appreciate the EBMM Sterling review you did
Thanks Mikkel! Welcome :)
I agree, sounds better with treble settings lower, with the bass boosted, seems to be its sweet spot. I do like this bass, not that much into Ibanez basses too much, but this model I would consider for a Fretless. I hath spoken.
Thanks DeGeest :)
You must review the fender tony franklin! Reminding you. Looooove your channel lobster!
It's coming Brooksie, don't worry ;)
And now this bass will be mine! Thanks for the sale - I look forward to getting it! If anyone else is wondering, The Lobster is a good dude with whom to do business on Reverb.
Congratulations! Indeed, I just sold the bass to the gentleman above :). I already recorded the video with the Aguilars, it's scheduled for 3/24 (I literally have all of march already recorded, uploaded, and scheduled ahahaha!). I think you will be VERY happy with the instrument. The Aguilars definitely open it up quite a bit compared to the MK1 Bartolinis
@@LowEndLobster I can’t wait to see how a real player (you) makes the new pickups sound! Very excited.
Just got myself an Ibanez SR500E. I love this bass! I wasn't a fan of the bart pickups on the latest headless ibanez but with the Okume body it really works!
Nice! Congrats on your new bass :).
I loved this one so much. Watched this review several times and found a used 5 string for $600 that I just ordered on Reverb. I can see where playing this thing could be addictive. ❤
That sounded awesome when you played slap, even if it might not be as conducive to slap mechanically. You sure pulled it off.
Thanks Tracy! Congrats on your new bass :)
@Tracy after having this bass for awhile what are your thoughts please?
@@mixc8 Hi. I don’t have it anymore. I sold it because I decided fretless bass playing was not for me.
@@tracychappell2029 I understand, thanks for getting back to me.
watching again as I am getting one ... You seemed to have much more fun and good things to say than "only" 3 claws on 5 ... ;-)
Thanks Yorick! It's tough sometimes because I can really like an instrument but have to take a step back and look at other aspects like the value and other basses in the segment. It's still an awesome bass and I hope you enjoy it!
I've been researching the fretless market for some time now. I narrowed it down to a Cort B4FL and this Ibanez. This video sealed the deal on the Portamento. Thanks!
This channel is quickly becoming my favorite.
Thanks Jon!
I actually have one of these and really like it. It could have a better finish, but functionally it's great. The piezzo pickup sounds very nice with a smidge of rear pickup added.
Thanks Belman! Always great to hear from other owners of these instruments :)
This bass reminds me of Les Claypools fretless Carl Thompson bass, that had a long fretboard, and that's great from Ibanez
Thanks!
My god you've got me looking on Ebay, fantastic demo lovely playing.
Thank you!
I've had an SRF706 for going on about two years now and I cannot speak highly enough of the SRF700 series basses. I did have an extreme anomaly where my SRF706 had in the bridge position a MK1 pup for a four string model. I cannot make this up. I still have the old pickup. I assumed that my "blemished" purchase had a dead bridge pickup and got mine for a steal. When I went to change out the pickup I discovered the reason the B and C strings did not make noise on the bridge pickup. How this passed any QA I have no idea, but I love this bass.
Thanks for sharing! What a weird issue, glad you got it sorted!
Easy LowEndLobster you're having too much fun! Funny Guy! Thank you for this entertaining review! The Ibanez SRF700 is an incredible bass!
Thank you Andrew! So glad you enjoyed the video
Great review, I was looking at purchasing this bass for the use of recording… It’s actually very affordable for what it is and your review was very helpful - thank you 🙏
Lovely tone!!
Thank you Swain!
@@LowEndLobster also thank you for the constant stream of quality content.
Love it when a bass has some...bass!!!
bass+bass=BASS
perfect intonation , keep up the reviews
Thank you!
I have the 5-string version of this (SRF705), which I bought after seeing this video! I liked that the SRF705 is kind of its own thing and not just a fretless version of an existing bass. The piezos are the killer feature for me - with those things engaged you get a sweet faux-upright mega-mwah sound a lot like Ibanez' semi-hollowbody fretless which is an awesome instrument. The super-long fingerboard, for me isn't practical because my intonation falls apart past the 24th "fret" (how do violinists do it?), but it's good for two things: (1) plucking the strings, since plucking up against the high part of the fingerboard is an upright-like motion and produces even more of an upright sound, and (2) sound effects. :)
Another SFR 705 owner here! I moved up from the 700 to the 705. They recently started making them with a darker Panga Panga fretboard, almost as dark as ebony. Makes the side fret markers a lot easier to read ( i had considered having fret markers inlaid into the board, not needed on the new ones.)
I just discovered this channel and it's awesome: basses, beards and cats !
Welcome aboard! :)
Those MK1s get so much hate on forums but I love them in my SR500. I managed to snag a pair on Reverb last year to put into a SR300 I got on eBay as a "project"
Thanks Chris! Sounds like a nice improvement for that 300
Mariah Carey is gonna dmca strike this vid over that rendition, lol. Good review!
Thanks Daniel!
😅
Never been a fan fretless but that ibanez is pretty sweet!
Thanks Ross!
Kudos to you, for going where no crustacean has gone before! First time to see a Portamento slapped like that. Curious to hear from you how that felt like.
Thanks Macky! It's not awful but the fingerboard really does get in the way, not the best fretless slapper.
@@LowEndLobster thanks, dude! Was really curious about this bass and wanted to see if you could slap on it a bit. Sounds awesome finger-style, with lots of mwah.
Now,.. this is a review.! Thanks a lot
Wow Guest voice....she rescued you from the clutches of music man inc. and the first thing you pick up is an ibenez???
Just playing...it’s pretty.
Very ibenezy.
Thank you for sharing and cheers to your wonderful co host.
Btw. You play fretless well. It was a pleasure to hear......not a squeezeee nightmare.
3rd edit.... I do really love the fact that you take the price under consideration in your rating. I’ve been watching some reviews where people review Wirh an “unbiased” opinion (but did receive it free) never seem to put the fact that if they did shell out the high retail price, no matter how amazing it is, they would not be able to give it such a high praise. Btw, I know you actually do shel out you’re own money, so I am not referring to you. It’s one of the things that make your reviews creditable, in my opinion
Cheers
I'm thinking its an intervention...
Thanks Tommy!
sounds so cool!
Thanks Michael!
My five string improved 400% whaw with D'Addario chromes. What a difference. I like also the light weight.
3 claws? Naw....4.5 Claws! Couldn't disagree more. It is a really well made bass. Plus the hardware is 'Cosmo Black' which is really a gun metal black which is so unique. And Neck-thru. I'd take this over a SIre any day of the week...even a cloudy rainy day. Aye yai yai...never thought I'd disagree with you so much on a bass. So many sounds out of this.
Love that you're throwing down Zelda too!
Thanks Michael! Zelda 64 was one of the most memorable gaming experiences that stuck with me for over twenty years ahaha. I still have my N64 and Zelda! :) Funny enough, a friend from high school hit me up a couple of years ago and mentioned that he still had my N64 that I lent him back then (I totally forgot) and asked if I wanted back. Hard yes.
such a pretty looking fretless
Thanks Azi!
@@LowEndLobster have you tried the Glarry fretless? I’m looking for an inexpensive Fretless (unlined) and Glarry comes up in Amazon searches
Good review. Thanks.
Thanks dbassman!
Got it 2 weeks ago. A really rich little world to explore. A bit nosy (not noisy) - Maybe the strings ? the set up ? don't known ... but not the Piezo ... A bit toyish, pleasantly very light, really fun to play and a great base for effects as the 3 pickups system has a lot to offer already ... AND ... probably an excellent base for mods ... ?? ... when comes your take on that one ;-) ? What kind of pickups would put on this baby ... keep on the good work.
Awesome! Congrats! I have a set of Aguilar DCBs that will be going in this shortly :)
I have the bass. Yeah trying to slap is pretty atrocious, you can thumb it ok but popping is extremely awkward. As far as electronics, they’re indeed a little unusual for someone wanting a nice warm traditional fretless tone. But they give off a Steve Digorgio type growl for rock/death metal. I think while pricier than maybe what it’s worth, it gives a distinct metal tone that’s hard to beat and the quality is fantastic.
And now this bass has been increased to almost a $1000 price tag with the same pickups!
Very interesting! I really wish they'd refresh the portamento with the new CND nordstrands that they're putting in things
sounds sick!
Thanks Ricardo!
I just bought the 6 string and its amazing
Not to be an EBMM enabler, but imagine if they made a Stingray Fretless where the fret(less)board went all the way to the MM pickup... That'd be like a near-3 octave range...
@@bakkhertz True, perhaps it would need to be half Dano Longhorn! :D
.... You madman!... I want one ;P
@@LowEndLobster Ah screw it, lets just install the best piezo bridge ever and run the FB all the way to the bridge!!! :D
Just out of curiosity, Have you reviewed the GWB basses from Ibanez? I would love to see a comparison of the Portamento and the GWB.
BTW, I really enjoy your reviews. You do a really good job of going through all the aspects of the instrument without getting ridiculous.
One last thing....You are an outstanding bass player. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Lee! That means a lot :). I have not checked out a GWB but I definitely plan on it. I don't have this portamento anymore, but still would love to check out a GWB at some point!
@@LowEndLobster I'll be waiting for that one. I hear good things about those basses. And of course I'm a big fan of gary's music. Pretty sure I'm going to buy one. I want to get into fretless and I might as well start out with a good one. Thanks again for the channel.
You sound Better on This bass than the Others!! I'm getting one,(baring this "Covid" B.S.!!) Always have been a Fan of Ibanez, off the Rack, they RULE!! (and I'm Not a "ROOKIE" I play upright too..)
Thanks MaliVinny! Yeah these are very fun and focused fretless instruments :). Enjoy!
I’m considering the 706
Hi Lobster! Great review! I was looking for a good forum on this specific bass and now I've found one, and subscribed to your channel!
'You do a great job delving into the specifics on why this is such a unique and fun bass. I wanted to ask you for your opinion, you state that the preamp is a little toppy and could use improvement. Any ideas what to install as a replacement? A Sadowsky for example? And, if you were going to upgrade the pickups, do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your insight!
( I was a SRF 700 owner for some years and just upgraded to the SRF 705 -- some nice improvements such as a darker board and a beefier neck profile.) AND... just found your video where you show the bass with Aguilar DCB pickups. QUESTION ANSWERED regarding the pickups, thanks!
...and... believe it or not I actually prefer the SRF 705 to my NS Designs CR4 Radius fretless bass... which is 3x more expensive! Obviously the pickups and preamp in the Radius are much better quality, but the Ibanez concept and design for this bass are just too cool.
This video sounds great in my bass amp !
Ok. Trying to compare that to a FBass Alain Caron signature would be very ‘unfair.’ But I LIKE THAT BASS! Sounds great with that piezo bridge. Play that through a chorus pedal? OMG! My only grip is I wish Ibanez would offer more colors. If they had a white one; I’m in! Great bass, Lobster!🤨🎶👍🏾
GREAT IDEA! I forgot about playing with a Chorus. I'm gonna be modding this and doing another video, probably in 2-3 weeks. Will DEFINITELY whip out my chorus for this. Thank you!
@@LowEndLobster Have fun! Can’t wait! Happy Holidays to you & yours.😌🎶👍🏾
I love this channel
Thank you :)
Phew, his hand turned back to normal
It was a close one!
I have one of these and it's at least a 4
I used to own the 5 string one. It looked and played stunning, and had a perfectly nice sound, I was just slowly going off of active basses at the time and the Bartolinis are a bit too "polite" sounding IMO. Piezo in it was the nicest sounding aspect for me. I'd sooner have a fretless Jazz these days.
I was just thinking about getting a 5-string fretless Ibanez! I'm a happy jazz bass owner, but I want something fretless and also light and everybody says the Ibanez models are nice and light. Getting another Jazz bass (well a fretless one this time) makes me feel uncreative. Have you played other fretless Ibanez models? What about the tone of the Gary Willis model?
I really want to try a Willis!
@@prodevus I once owned a fretless SR300 also, which was decent, but it was a limited run one I think.
Such deep descriptions, such as "not bad"- how many times does he say "not bad"?
I agree that the price is the top issue if buying this bass. It should’ve been around the $400-600 range instead in my opinion. I’ve tried out the 5-string version of this bass at a local music store until someone bought it out. It was able to give out some fretless growling tones while flat wound strings were loaded in. I’m however not a real fan of active basses mainly because of battery replacements.
I'm confused.... for me the MK1 are some pickups to run away from.... but in this bass sound actually nice
That's how I felt! We're going to upgrade them to see if we can get a bit more clarity, but honestly they're not as bad in this bass as some people say.
@@LowEndLobster what upgrade do you have in mind ?
( btw : thx for your excellent work, seriously)
Not bad... not bad ! 😉
Good job and play, good sound 👍
Hope roundwound strings will not accommodate too much the fretboard in time ...
Very cool fretless🥰
Thank you! We'll be revisiting this with a set of Aguilar DCB pickups installed very soon :)
@@LowEndLobster 🔝🔝
"This thing is fun and this thing is a lotta fun". :)
super versatile fretless
Some Ibby love woot woot! Looks kind of like my SR655, but not. (if that makes any sense 🤪) Mariah watch out,🦞 going to steal your job! 🤣 (Guess what today's Bass Channel vid was MM USA vs Sterling...)
Thanks Boomer!
Bravo, thanks for your videos, I love and often you have bass that i bought after, or that I'm interested to see, very beauty the Mariah Carey Bass 😁 Good continuation LowEndLobster 🐙🎸 Bass friend and Subscriber.
Hi lowendlobster I miss you hope everything is ok
Ouch only 3 out of 5 pincers for this model, but it makes sense since it suffers from the Bartolini Mk-1 debuff in that price tag. Ibanez should have updated this model with the BH2 pickups that they introduced in 2017.
The range face 🤣🤘.
;P
Very good review👍. The magnetic pickups on this bass suck. The piezo pickup makes it sound really fine. I was thinking about getting a 6-string version of this bass. But from this review, it clearly doesn't sound nearly as good as my fretless Carvin BB76PF.
Thanks Pierro! Yeah, I really don't like these barts either. I swapped em out for some Aguilar DCBs and personally liked the results, but the swap was a bit more divisive than the DCB swap into the EHB1005 which was a huge improvement
Me: Jeremy, if you could have one bass on lobsters wall back there what would you pick?
Also me: either the bongo or the fretless Stingray! Lol
Ever think about reviewing one of Ibanez’s guitar/bass hybrids like the SRC6?
Yes! I actually bought one from GC Online, but they sent the wrong bass and I gave up. Still on the hunt though ;)
I have the Ibby SHR 500 F. The semi hollow with piezo.It gets a woody sort of upright sound.Id like a more Jaco "mawh" sound.I was wondering if adding a conventional magnetic pup might facilitate this.Also been listening.for a while and think you're a very good player.
Thank you Kev!
Hi, Thanks for that video review on that particular bass. Ibanez has a semi hollow fretless bass, called the work bench bass I think . I used to own the five string one, I thought it had a kind of upright sound to it could you do a review on that base so I can see what you think about it. Thanks, and may the bees be in your face.PEACE!
Have you ever considered reviewing/owning a Spector spectorcore fret less?
I have not... but I should! Those are neat and I honestly forgot the existed. I do have another Spector coming (and I'll finally review my Eurobolt at some point!)
Mine included the case in the cost of the bass (A few years ago). Did the one you review include an Ibanez HS Case?
Fantastic video, it sounds fantastic and I will definitely have to get one! Can I ask what you played at 12:49? It's familiar but I can't put my finger on it.
Thank you! No idea, I just made it up ;P
I liked the slapping
Mick Karn fan after all
I liked how it made you work for the sound
Thank you! I've never heard of Mick but I just looked him up and I'm intrigued. Thank you for sharing :)
Lobster, I don't like the sound of those Ibanez frets. What pedals do you think can improve that sound?
Seems like the 500, which is cheaper is a bit more appealing but both seem good
Can you do the Gary Willis GWB35 model? That be sick
I REALLY want to try one of those. They're definitely on my list
Nice review! What's that melody at about 14:00? I recognized it instantly, but can't place it. Something from Zelda?
Yes! The kokori forest song, I love to play it hahaha
It is possible to slap on this fretless bass, you just have to get used to it, and find a way to do it, perhaps between elements..
So this was with round wound stings? My experience with fretless has always been with flats. Do you prefer the rounds? Should I give them a shot?
Flats! I'll update the description :). I don't mind rounds though. This one works well with flats.
Man, I think you have my browser history! :D
;)
2:40 - when you say "girth", are you referring to the thickness of the neck as measured from front to back? More "baseball bat" than "yardstick"?
Yes
hi Lobster, could you do a review on the Jackson JS3QV 5 string spectra bass
thanks buddy.
Hey Robert! Yes, likely sometime in the early new year. Got a lot of stuff to unload!
Just as I was about to comment about a Mariah Carey Christmas tune, you went for it!
I’ll shut up now...
LOL XD
I like it.
Thanks Randy!
would this sound good with hard attack + over drive for metal
How is your intonation so damn perfect?!
Thanks James! That means a lot :)
@@LowEndLobster it’s inspirational lol. My SRF actually just came in the other day, and I have a question about the markers. On my other lined fretless bass, I play directly on the lines to get proper intonation. However, with the SRF, it almost seems as if I’m supposed to play right under where the line WOULD be, as indicated by the partial markers on the SRF. How is it like on yours?
Sound good for ibanez fretless just a little bit hollow sound not fat and creamy if you know what i mean.
Thanks Ram! I have a video on this bass with new pickups coming later this week, IMO improves the sound a lot! Stay tuned :)
I like the bass ,not so much the price. I think I would still buy the Sire V5 over this one. My dream fretless is something like the Fender Tony Franklin bass at $1700 . I've tried one at CME it's nice
Thanks Michael! We'll be checking out a Franklin at some point in the future :)