Avid fans of Ibanez bass guitars, especially the multi-scale models, are curious about the outcome of an SRMS805 vs SRFF805 face off. Aside from their incredible sound and overall performance, both basses are also well-known for possessing these unique fanned frets that are a relatively new innovation in electric stringed instrument building.
Multi-scale fingerboards, also known as fanned frets, were introduced particularly in 7 or 8 string guitars and 5 string basses that are commonly used in heavier variants of modern metal. As certain music genres undergo evolution, the tools for creating also go through some significant changes to accommodate the expanding ideas of legions of artists around the world.
Fanned frets make use of multiple scale lengths for each string and this design serves a variety of purposes from providing a more even string tension, to improving fingerboard ergonomics and playability. Multi-scale fingerboards can also solve a host of issues brought about by extremely low tuning and thick string gauges. With fanned frets, your B string won’t be as wobbly as the ones on conventional fingerboards, and you can expect more intonation and tuning stability.
With the rise in popularity of djent and progressive metal, the need for fanned frets has increased tremendously and Ibanez is not one to be left out when it comes to perfecting fresh ideas. The SRMS805 vs SRFF806 is a matchup worth tuning in to and comparing them side by side can help bass players choose which one they should include in their low-end arsenal.
SRMS805 vs SRFF805: Battle of Ibanez 5-string basses
SRMS805 Multi-Scale Bass Guitar
Finish/Look
Ibanez excels once again in bass guitar building by combining walnut/mahogany body with a 5-piece jatoba/walnut neck to create the SRMS805. This interesting fusion of tone woods provides a balanced sound that cohesively blends warmth and brightness.
Frets/Playability
According to testimonials by countless bass players, the multi-scale frets on the SRMS805 brings improved intonation and more stable string tension. This is made possible by making the bass side’s scale longer and the treble’s side shorter to maintain a constant tension on every string.
The weird looking fretboard may intimidate a lot of guitarists, however, any worries concerning acclimatization will easily disappear the moment you start playing this multi-scale bass. The feeling will even be more comfortable than an ordinary bass and rest assured that your transition to fanned fret is going to be as smooth as possible.
Electronics
Powered by Bartolini BH2 pickups, the SRMS805 shines in the tone department with its deep and clear sound. For flexible tonal control, the SRMS805 is equipped with a 3-band EQ and a 3-way midrange switch, making it a well-rounded workhorse that will definitely work well with the heaviest metal songs, as well as the most polished R&B joints.
Bridge
Using a Mono-Rail VS bridge, the SRMS805 allows each string to be totally independent, without the other strings affecting its transfer of vibration. Instead of the typical one-piece bridge, the Mono-Rail system consists of five mini-bridges that lock the strings tightly in place, for maximum sustain and clarity.
SRFF805 Fanned Fret 5 String Bass
Finish/Look
The SRFF805 is a beautiful blend of ash body, a jatoba/bubinga neck and a 24-fret rosewood fretboard. The cosmo black hardware is a good match together with either black stained or walnut flat finish body.
Frets/Playability
Just like the SRMS805, getting used to the SRFF805 was also a breeze for a lot of bass players. Some expert reviewers have even praised the stable intonation, the high level of comfort and piano-like tone that can be attributed to this 5-string beast’s fanned frets.
Electronics
The SRFF805 is equipped with Bartolini BH1 passive pickups for the neck and the bridge. For versatile tonal control, it has an active 3-band EQ, and a 3-way toggle switch for mid-range selection.
Bridge
Your strings will be anchored safely by the SRFF805’s mono-rail bridge system, with Its 16.5 mm spacing between strings.
Which Ibanez multi-scale 5-string bass is better?
SRMS805 vs SRFF805: Which multi-scale bass wins? For a vast majority of bass players, the SRMS805 has clearly improved on some of the features of the SRFF805, especially in terms of sound quality.
Any flaws that some discerning bassists have pointed out in the Bartolini BH1-equipped SRFF805, was addressed in the newer BH2 pickups, making the SRMS805 the clear favorite in shaping tone. Moreover, when it comes to aesthetics, the SRMS805 also looks like a more expensive bass, although some bass players would rather go for the more subdued look of the SRFF805.
Although the SRMS805 is preferred by most bass players, that doesn’t mean that the SRFF805 is a slouch, especially when compared to other brands. Ibanez never fails to deliver high quality instruments, but there will always be a little bit of space for some future improvements.
Today, the Ibanez SRMS805 may be the winner versus the Ibanez SRFF805, but both bass guitars will always be used and abused by throngs of low-end keepers for creating kickass music in the coming years.
