Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – Which Should You Go For?

The Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 debate is one we believe most beginners would benefit from. The SR250 and SR300 are both beginner guitars. So, we’re hoping that by carefully examining each of them in detail in this article we can help you make an accurate decision.

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These two guitars are pretty inexpensive costing less than $600 a piece. In our opinion, getting either of them would be a good investment for two reasons. First, they are inexpensive. Secondly, Ibanez has a good reputation in the market. Their guitars are some of the best budget guitars available.

Table of Contents

Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – Comparison Overview

This section will give you a brief overview of what we’re up for in this review of the Ibanez SR250 vs SR300. There’s a lot to talk about in this review, trust us. So, if you won’t be able to go through the entire thing right now, this section can give you a summarized version of everything we will be addressing today.

Rating Of Features In General Of The Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300

Our overall rating of the features of the Ibanez SR250 vs SR300 is somewhat challenging. Let’s explain. Unlike the SR300, the SR250 only has one model. That is, there is no variation to the SR250 except for the 5- and 6-string variants which are no longer available.

The SR300 on the other hand has a lot of variations to the initial bass guitar. This already gives the SR300 a competitive advantage over the SR250. You have the SR300DX, SR300E, SR300EB, SR300M. and let’s not forget the left-handed versions as well.

Away from that though, it’s easy to see that the SR250 and SR300 are both well-made guitars. For what it’s made for, the SR250 does really well and customers agree. We won’t say we’re excited by the nato body, though. But then again, we aren’t excited for the agathis body either. Both are cheap wood anyhow.

The good thing about the SR300 though is that there’s the upgraded version called the SR300E. This one comes with a mahogany body which is a lot better than agathis, no question. So, if you can’t stand an agathis bass guitar, then you can try the SR300E.

The SR250, on the other hand, does not have that upgrade. So, you’re stuck with the nato body. The good thing, though is that the guitar still sounds great. Plus, its electronics are also pretty good too.

That said, the overall features here are pretty great. Ibanez always gets its ergonomics right, same as the weight of its guitars as well. So, those aspects are great. Besides, the features of the SR250 vs the Ibanez SR300 are practically the same except for the body tonewood.

Our Opinion On The Price/Value Ratio Of The Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300

You can be sure about it, the prices of the SR250 and SR300 are really decent. The most expensive guitar of all the guitars here is less than $600 which is half the price of some of other bass guitars from bigger brands. The best part? They perform just as well.

We think you’d find either guitar to your tastes. Loads of customers do and you could be one of them when you go for either guitar.

Ibanez SR300 Vs SR500 – Comparison of Major Specs And Features

Ibanez SR250

Ibanez SR300

Double cutaway body construction Double cutaway body construction
Basswood body Agathis body
3-piece maple bolt-on neck 5-piece maple bolt-on neck
Rosewood fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard (maple fretboard for 300M)
34 inch scale 34 inch scale
24 medium frets 24 medium frets
Accu-Cast B10 Bridge Accu-Cast B100 Bridge
CAP EXF-N2 CAP EXF-N2 Humbucking Neck Pickup
CAP EXF-N2 CAP EXF-N2 Humbucking Bridge Pickup
12 inch fingerboard radius 12 inch fingerboard radius
1.50 inch nut width 1.50 inch nut width
4 strings (5- and 6-string models also available) 4 strings (5- and 6-string models also available)
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Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – What Situation Is Each Best For?

Ibanez SR250

Ibanez SR300

The Ibanez SR250 is a pretty versatile guitar. The general idea most times is that Ibanez makes bass guitars best suited for metal. However, the Ibanez SR250 is decently versatile and works with most styles of music.  

At first, we were kinda uncomfortable with the nato body of the Ibanez SR250. We guess everyone already knows that, right? Nato isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite tonewood when it comes to bass guitar sounds.  

However, from the research we did, people seem to be pretty impressed with the sound. So, what we’re saying, in essence, is that this guitar has a great sound, despite its nato body. The pickups are also really good with a 3-band EQ that makes it easy to adjust the frequencies of your sound super easily.  

We recommend this strictly as a beginner guitar though. The subpar tone of nato body would be easy to pick up by a better-skilled guitarist.  

However, it is lightweight and because it is inexpensive, it makes a great budget guitar. This makes it really attractive to the average beginner who’s most likely on a budget.
The Ibanez SR300 is also a beginner guitar. It’s an entry-level instrument at an attractive price that works for most beginners. It’s also a pretty versatile instrument as well. So, generally, it works for all kinds of music.  

Now, the SR300 is a great guitar. However, it comes in many variants. And of all these variants, the star of the occasion would be the SR300E. It’s the one we also really recommend if you want to get an SR300. It comes with a mahogany body and way better pickups and electronics.  

Overall though, the SR300 is a really sweet bass guitar. It’s also great for the average beginner willing to begin learning the bass guitar. The slim neck is comfortable, the long scale is just right. And yeah, by the way, this feature also works for the SR250.  

Furthermore, unlike the SR250, we will more easily recommend the SR300 to an intermediate player than we would recommend the SR250.  Its features and specs could easily work for the intermediate player as well. The SR300E especially.
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What Features Do The Ibanez SR250 And SR300 Have In Common?

Both of these guitars are designed with a double cutaway body construction.

They’re made with maple bolt-on necks, a 34-inch scale length, 24 medium frets, and a 12-inch fretboard radius.

They’re both made with maple necks and rosewood fretboards.

You can get these guitars in 4, 5, or 6-strings, depending on what exactly you need.

For electronics, these guitars are equipped with CAP EFX-N2 Pickups and a 3-band style sweeper EQ.

Double Cutaway Body Construction

With any guitar you get, ergonomics and, ultimately, comfort are really important factors you need to check off on your list before you decide on it. Fortunately, all Ibanez guitars come with a double cutaway body.

With a double cutaway body construction, your guitar is more comfortable to play with which is really important for several reasons. For one, if you had to practice or gig for extended periods at a time, your arms would thank you for a double cutaway body. The contours and grooves give your arms a comfortable nestling spot which makes playing more convenient.

In fact, Ibanez guitars are some of the most comfortable guitars you’d play with. Super lightweight, really comfortable, and overall always a joy to play.

Maple Necks

Both the SR250 and the SR400 come with maple necks. Maple is a dense and hard wood which could make your guitar somewhat heavy. It is the reason most manufacturers restrict its use to the neck. This way, it doesn’t make the guitar unduly heavy.

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That said, besides sound, the neck of your guitar also contributes to the overall tone of the guitar.

In this case, the neck is maple and maple is a bright-sounding tonewood. It is also really good at clearly distinguishing every note that makes up the chords you play. So, your tone always comes out focused and all.

Furthermore, maple also emphasizes your higher frequencies and upper mids which ensures that you’re always heard whatever the case. The lower frequencies too are also well emphasized as well.

Besides sound, maple is hardwood like we said, so it is pretty durable. For guitars this decently priced, this is good news as you can be sure that your guitar would last a really long time. It, therefore, makes the little money you spend on the guitar a huge investment.

Rosewood Fingerboards

Another shared similarity between the Ibanez SR250 vs SR300 is the rosewood fingerboard.

Rosewood is a semi-hard wood with a medium density. It’s a great material for a fretboard because you can bank on its durability. Your fingerboard, as you know, is the part of the guitar which you’d have to interact with the most. So, it has to be durable and gentle to your fingers too.

Rosewood also contributes to the tone of your guitar by lending its mellower, darker tones. Rosewood isn’t as bright sounding as maple. So, by layering the maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, it mellows the sound a bit and makes it less bright-sounding.

The darker and fuller sounds of rosewood make it really suitable for music genres such as shred and jazz. So, add that to the bright-sounding maple that’s great for heavy metal and the likes, then you see one of the reasons this guitar is quite versatile.

In maintenance, rosewood is low-maintenance. It is naturally hard so it is durable. Also, it does not require a finish because it is naturally oily. So, you get to enjoy the natural feel of the wood when you play your guitar.

Do keep in mind though that you have to condition your rosewood fingerboard regularly if you want your fingerboard to remain in the best conditions.

34 Inch Scale Lengths

The SR250 and SR300 both have long scale lengths with their 34-inch scale length. A 34-inch scale length is generally considered a long scale. It is also generally the average scale length of the average bass guitar and is mostly okay for an average-sized adult.

However, if you’re thinking of getting for a child, then you should probably consider getting something shorter. There are also longer lengths. But such guitars are generally recommended for extremely tall people.

Besides, a 34 inch scale length is considered best for a 4-stringed guitar.

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Bolt-On Necks

The super slim necks of the SR250 and SR300 are installed on the body of the guitar using screws. This is the reason they are called bolt-on necks. As you can guess, bolt-on necks are really stable and durable. So, naturally, with bolt-on necks, your guitar neck is sure to last you a pretty long time.

Furthermore, bolt-on necks do not cost too much to install. So, automatically, they bring down the overall cost of your guitar. This is the reason many budget guitars come with bolt-on guitars. Bolt-on necks are efficient, they last and they are also inexpensive.

Finally, bolt-on necks do more than increase the durability of your guitar. They also work for your guitar’s tone giving it a certain level of bite and attack. Bolt-on necks are actually quite good, although not better than through-necks which you find on more expensive guitars.

24 Medium Frets

We’re still here on our Ibanez SR250 vs SR300 debate discussing the similarities between both guitars. This time we discuss their 24 medium frets.

Usually, the number of frets a guitar can have ranges between 21 and 24. Some people are of the opinion that more frets are unnecessary since you won’t even be using the ones between the 18th and 24th frets.

But then again, more frets translate to more notes available per string. Solo players would love this feature because of the extra notes available even though they most likely won’t even get to the 24th fret when they play. Either way though, you get enough space along the upper frets for your fingers. And who says no to that, right?

12 Inch Fretboard Radii

Both guitars come with a 12 inch fretboard radius which means that their fretboards are somewhat flat. Usually, fretboards with a smaller fretboard radius are rounder than those with a larger fretboard radius.

So, what can you do with a flatter fretboard? Well, a flat fretboard usually means that the string height is shorter. This means that it’s easier to depress them and more comfortable too. With this feature, therefore, it’s easier to play your solos as well as those large bends too.

Rounder fretboards, on the other hand, are better for barre chords which flatter fretboards cannot so easily achieve.

Number Of Strings Available – 4, 5, And 6 Strings Available

These guitars are 4-strings guitars. So, originally, the Ibanez SR250 vs SR300 debate is between two 4-stringed guitars. However, these two guitars also have both 5-, and 6-string models in addition to their 4-string.

Now, even though bass guitars are typically 4-stringed, there are also some that come as 5-strings or even 6 strings like a regular guitar. As a rule, 4-stringed bass guitars are usually recommended for beginners because they are easier to play.

However, it is not to say that experts do not play 4-stringed guitars. There are some pro players that never play anything besides a 4-stringed bass. However, there are also those who love to experiment and try for an even lower bass. Such people usually reach for either 5-string or 6-string bass guitars.

A 5-string guitar comes with an extra string which is referred to the lower B string. If you play the bass guitar, you know that that extra string lends some extra bass to your guitar’s tone. The good thing is that with a 5-stringed bass guitar, you won’t have to use either an effects pedal or alter your tuning in order to achieve that low bass.

Plus, you can get under the keyboardist and what they are playing with an extra string. This goes especially for keyboardists who like to play heavy within the mid to low range especially.

As for a 6-string guitar, it is less common than the 5-string guitar but not totally uncommon. There are people who actually prefer 6-string guitars just because they are rather interesting to play. You already know that they are very similar to the regular acoustic guitars because of their strings.

Now, with 6 strings, you can use one guitar to play bass like you’d play a normal bass. But you can also use it to play bass notes like you’re playing a regular guitar which is pretty interesting, right?

15.75 Inch Fretboard Radii For 6-String Models

That said, it’s important to note here that the 6-stringed variants of these guitars come with a 15.75-inch fretboard. This is, of course, higher than the 12-inch fretboard of the other guitars and therefore means that the 6-string guitars have a flatter fretboard.

We already explained what a flatter fretboard would translate to for you as a player. So, we won’t go back and discuss that.

CAP EFX-N2 Pickups

The Ibanez SR300 and SR250 use the CAP EFX-N2 pickups which some say doesn’t sound any different from the Bartolini MK-1s.

The Bartolini MK-1 pickups are actually pickups used on the SR500. They are supposedly more expensive which means they ought to be better-sounding than the CAP EFX-N2.

From all indications though, they both sound quite the same.  Nonetheless, here’s what you need to know about the CAP EFX-N2s. They are humbucking pickups just like the Bartolini MK-1s which, in many quarters, are considered better than single coils.

Humbuckers are called that because they “buck the hum”. That is, they cancel the hum which single coils usually have. They also produce a thicker and darker sound than single coils which makes them better suited for heavy metal, metal, and rock music.

As per normal standards, thee pickups come in a pair with one for the bridge and the other for the neck. Neck and bridge pickups behave differently. But you can check out this comparison article we did on the Ibanez SR500 vs SR700 for a full gist about that.

3-Band Style Sweeper EQ

The CAP EFX-N2 comes with a 3-band Style Sweeper EQ system which is an active circuit. This EQ system is great at its job, no doubt. It makes your tone real sharp and does an excellent job scooping your mids so they come out really clearly. For this reason, therefore, the pickup is great if you’re into the slapping technique.

The Style Sweeper EQ is a pretty straightforward system to use, although it might take some getting used to at first. The system allows you pick from a selection of really nice tones it offers. It’s also pretty easy to do that too.

Alright to the mode of operation, this EQ system comes with one rear knob which is actually a multi-knob. That is, the control knob comes as two knobs in one. Like we said, working this system might take a bit of getting used to but with time, you will get used to it.

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In the end, once you are able to pair this guitar with its pickups and electronics with a good quality amp, you’d get to enjoy its versatility. The EQ and pickups on this guitar make it possible for you to enjoy both classical and modern music using your Ibanez SR300.

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Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – Features Unique To Each Guitar

Features Unique To The Ibanez SR250

The only difference between the Ibanez SR250 and the SR300 is the tonewood. The Ibanez SR250 is made with Nato as its tonewood.

Nato Body

The Ibanez SR250 is not as high end as the SR300. So, it is not surprising that the guitar comes with a nato body. And nato is cheap wood, sadly. But then again, it is not that bad. In total honesty, it’s a pretty decent guitar tonewood.

Nato is another tonewood that is compared to mahogany, of course a lower end version. Some people even refer to nato as Asian mahogany or Vietnamese mahogany or Eastern mahogany. All in all, even though it mimics mahogany in a way, it’s not as great.

The sound isn’t exactly as warm as mahogany which has its warm sound spread across board. Plus, it isn’t as deep in the bass mids. Instead, it has this really sharp higher frequency.

Generally though, nato has a decent sound at best. It isn’t comparable to mahogany but it is still somewhat manageable, especially when paired with the right pickups.

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Features Unique To The Ibanez SR300

While the Ibanez SR250 is made with Nato tonewood, Ibanez decided to go for Agathis as the tonewood in the Ibanez SR300.

You can get the Ibanez SR300 in the following models:

1. SR300M

2. 300DX

3. 300E

4. 300EB

Agathis Body

Unlike the SR250, the Ibanez SR300 comes with an agathis body. This is somewhat better than nato tonally although not by much in our own opinion. Agathis somewhat sounds like mahogany in the much poorer kinda way. It doesn’t have that high-end warmth that mahogany usually comes with.

For this reason therefore, agathis is a common choice for less expensive guitars. It’s not found in more expensive guitars which usually feature either a mahogany body or a maple body. This comes as no surprise though as the SR300 is a budget beginner guitar.

Considering the problem of a poor tone that agathis is known for, many people might, understandably, be skeptical about going for any guitar with an agathis body. However, from what customers who have used this guitar are saying, there’s no cause for that.

Apparently, other factors add up to contribute to the sound of this guitar. So, it is not that bad. The electronics of the SR300 are actually good enough to maintain a great tone for your guitar. This tone is also powerful enough to cut through a mix which makes it great for recording or for playing with a band.

Several Models Of The Ibanez SR300 Available

The Ibanez SR300 comes in several models, some still available, some not. Of course we will let you know which are available and even give you links to where you can get good quality ones. Let’s check out these models.

Ibanez SR300M

The first model we will be reviewing will be the SR300M. Here “M” sounds for maple which is the material for the fretboard. Now, that’s the main difference between the SR300M and the SR300. The SR300 features a rosewood fretboard which we’ve already described while the SR300M comes with a maple fretboard.

How exactly is maple different from rosewood? Well, rosewood is somewhat dense, but maple is denser. Also, rosewood is medium weight, but maple is heavyweight.

To how it translates to sound, maple is denser so it packs a brighter tone than rosewood that tends to come out mellower and darker than rosewood. Maple also has a higher level of clarity it brings to sound than rosewood.

To make your final decision, you can check out this video below:

Ibanez SR300DX

The Ibanez SR300 Deluxe or SR300DX as it occurs is a slightly older model when compared to the SR300. Although it shares a lot of similar features with the SR300, there are, of course, areas where the two differ.

For similarities, both guitars offer an agathis body, 24 medium frets, and a slim profile neck. However, they also differ in that the SR300DX comes with a rosewood neck rather than a maple neck like the SR300.

We already explained rosewood before and how it performs in tone. Although not as strong a neck wood as maple, rosewood is also quite durable. It’s medium weight, naturally oily, but not as bright-sounding as maple. Rosewood sounds mellower and darker than maple.

Also, the rosewood neck comes as a 3-piece rather than a 5-piece neck like the SR300. Remember that although rosewood does not need a finish, it does require regular conditioning to keep it in the best of conditions.

Now, the Ibanez SR300DX comes in different variants. There’s the 4-string model and the 5-string model. It does not have a 6-string model though unlike the SR300 which does have.

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 IBZ DX Pickups – Split And Single-Coil Dynamix Pickups

The IBZ DX pickups are really good pickups as are all pickups on Ibanez guitars. There’s one for the bridge and the other for the neck. It does come with a 2-band EQ though which can be a little limiting. But even at that, the electronics still work quite good and customers who have used this confirm that.

Just like the CAP EFX-N2s, these pickups give a really versatile sound which allows you to achieve an amazing tone for all kinds of music styles. Whether it’s jazz or rock, your guitar will easily blend in thanks to the pickups.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that the knob is also easy to use as well. Well, at least, once you get around to understanding how it works which usually doesn’t take so much time.

One feature we found particularly interesting is the “Phat Control.” This control makes gives you a fatter tone by giving you that heavy lower B sound that causes chests to rumble. It also brings a perfect balance between the lows and the highs of your guitar’s sound.

Thankfully, these pickups already distort your sound. So, you won’t be needing a distortion pedal.

Ibanez SR300E

We’re still comparing the Ibanez SR250 vs SR300. The Ibanez SR300 has an upgraded version called the SR300E which comes with better electronics and tonewood. Its body is mahogany and its pickup is the PowerSpan dual coils.

Mahogany is way better than agathis and we’re pretty sure that has already been established. Its tone is warmer and more solid. It is also a harder wood than agathis which means that your guitar stands a better chance of lasting longer.

For the other parts though, both guitars are really similar. They both share maple necks, rosewood fingerboards, 24 medium frets and a double cutaway construction. Also, this guitar comes in the 4-string, 5-string, and 6-string models. Fortunately, all of them are available for purchase.

Click here to get the Ibanez SR300E now!     Click here to get the Ibanez SR305E now!     Click here to get the Ibanez SR306E now!

PowerSpan Dual Coils

PowerSpan dual coils are some of the best pickups on any Ibanez guitar. To us, and this is just our honest opinion, the PowerSpan dual coils are even better than the Bartolini MK-1s you find on the SR500. They give better sound and also have more functions than the MK-1s.

It also comes as a pair – one for the neck and the other for the bridge.

The really interesting thing about these pickups is their function. These pickups come with a Power Tap Switch which allows you switch between modes, from single coil to humbuckers. Mind you, these pickups are actually humbuckers.

However, with the Power Tap Switch, you can switch from single coil (Normal Tap), to humbuckers (Series Tap), to single coil with bigger bass (Power Tap).

In case you don’t know why you should need a single-coil pickup when you have humbuckers, remember that single-coil pickups are more sensitive and more expressive with a better attack and bite than humbuckers. They are also better suited to classical music and country music.

Humbuckers, on the other hand, are known for their thicker and heavier sound making them better suited for heavy metal and hard rock. This means you can switch your style easily by simply tapping a button.

Finally, these pickups are paired with a 3-band passive circuit which are versatile and also great quality.

Ibanez SR300EB

The Ibanez SR300EB is practically the same as the SR300EB except that the SR300EB comes with black hardware while the SR300E comes with chrome hardware. So, yeah the “B” stands for black. Away from that, the SR300EB is available in the 4-, 5-, 6-string models. However, only two are available for purchase which are the 4-string and the 6-string models.

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Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – Unique Pros

Why Some People Love The Ibanez SR250 More Than The Ibanez SR300

The only reason why some people pick the Ibanez SR250 over the Ibanez SR300 is the fact that the SR250 is more affordable than the SR300. For most people, price is a huge determining factor and we totally understand that.

Why Some People Love The Ibanez SR300 More Than The Ibanez SR250

There are quite a number of reasons why people prefer the SR300 over the SR250. These are:

1. It’s available in 4-, 5-, and 6- string models which are available for purchase right now, unlike the SR250.

2. There are so many different variants available to the guitarist which gives room for players to choose the bass that works best for their use case.

3. The SR300E model is an amazing upgrade to the SR300. Everything is better. The body is better with mahogany tonewood. Plus you also have the PowerSpan dual coils which are obviously the best pickups in the SR300 and SR250 series.

4. There’s a left-handed version for people who are lefties.

Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – Pros Common To Both Guitars

Ibanez SR250

Ibanez SR300

You will be getting this guitar at a price that far belies the quality it carries. This is an impressive budget guitar that sounds nothing like a budget guitar. It, instead, sounds like a professional instrument and it has also received a lot of praise among its users. The Ibanez SR300 is also decently priced and, to us, the price/value match is uneven in that your experience with this guitar would make the price look like a giveaway.  

This becomes even more important when you check out the SR300E. For all the upgrade done to the guitar, it still sells for under $600.  You most definitely won’t find a new Fender bass guitar within this price range. And yet the SR300 performs just about the same way as a Fender bass guitar.
Super ergonomic and super lightweight, this is a guitar that’s really comfy to play. Are you going to be playing for long hours at a time? Then this guitar works superbly. The same also goes for the Ibanez SR300. It is lightweight with double cutaway contours just like on the SR250 which make it convenient for you to place your hands on the guitar while you play.
The pickup quality here is pretty standard. It works real good and users who have owned this guitar say it does its job seamlessly. We also love the electronics on the SR300. However, the PowerSpan dual coils on the SR300E impresses us even more. Those super pickups don’t just accentuate your sound, they make your sound really versatile. Imagine having three modes at your disposal! With one pickup, you get both single-coil and humbucking pickups. Does it get any better than that? Hardly.
Ibanez already gets it right with its necks. Check out the guitar neck on the SR250. It is super slim which makes for an attractive guitar on several counts. For one, it’s easier to play with especially for beginners just starting out on bass guitars for the first time. Also, a slim neck makes it possible to play even faster. This also applies to the SR300. It comes with a pretty slim neck profile as well.
24 medium frets mean you get more notes along your strings and also get more finger room along the 18th to 24th frets. The same also applies here.
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Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – Cons Common To Both Guitars

Ibanez SR250

Ibanez SR300

The one con this guitar might possibly have is the fact that it comes with a nato body.  

Thankfully, Ibanez did their homework and the guitar doesn’t sound half that bad.

Plus, pickups are good quality. So, they deliver on the tone of the guitar and deliver well actually.
As for the SR300, the same is actually the case even though it comes with an agathis body. It’s hard to see which is better between agathis and nato. However, as in the case of the SR250, Ibanez made up for that with quality construction and pickups. So, the SR300 also doesn’t so bad.  

Also, if you can’t stand to think about owning an agathis guitar, then you could go for the SR300E instead. It comes with a mahogany body.

Keep in mind though that mahogany is heavy wood so the guitar would be slightly heavier than the SR300.
See also  Ibanez SR300 Vs SR400 – Which Is The Better Option For You?

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Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – General Feeling Among Customers

So here’s what customers have to say about the Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300. Keep reading, we’re inching closer to this review on the Ibanez SR250 vs SR300.

Ibanez S

R250

Ibanez SR300

First off, there were loads of compliments for the look of this guitar. Loads of people found them really attractive.

Also, Ibanez apparently got the finishing of their instruments down to the tee as many customers were impressed to find that there were no scratches or any such thing. This is a testimony to Ibanez’s carefulness and painstakingness in craftsmanship.  

Ergonomics and a light weight were also really commended.  

Now to playability, most customers found this guitar easy to plat especially with the super-fast neck that makes the guitar easier to hold and faster to play.  

Nonetheless, a significant number of customers found that they had to set their guitar up to be able to play it. This especially applied to people who bought online. They weren’t major issues, though but the truth is the guitar had to be set up either way. Things like the truss, intonation and action were some of the things that needed some adjustment. Not in all cases, though.  

As for the sound and overall performance, we’d say that most customers were really impressed. The pickups and EQ both work great and many were able to achieve all kinds of tones from them. Issues with the pickups though were mostly issues of personal preference.  

So, overall, people found this to be a “sweet bass!”
The Ibanez SR300 is a popular bass with the customers. The price was a real hit for many people calling it the best money they’d ever had to spend on any guitar at all. That’s quite strong, init? Plus the guitar looks attractive which is another thing customers couldn’t stop happing on. The finish and craftsmanship were obviously well done.  

Now, another recurring comment was that this bass isn’t for lazy guitarists. What do they mean? Well, apparently, the pickups are really great quality. They pick up every single sound. So, if you haven’t been doing your homework and you play this to an audience, it will show. Everyone will know you have been sitting on your butt all day rather than practicing.  

Furthermore, for tone and performance, most found this guitar to be quite versatile. In fact, a customer said they were able to play traditional folk music, some punk, as well as metal which Ibanez guitars are popular for on this one guitar. All with one guitar!  

Many who switch styles a lot found the Style Sweeper EQ to be particularly useful. The EQ system flows with you and gives you the sound you want on demand. The absence of a volume control though was a small gripe or some customers.  

Ergonomics and neck were on point as usual. So, overall, customers gave the SR300 a pretty high rating.  
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Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – Conclusion

So, in conclusion, the battle between the Ibanez SR250 vs SR300 was a keenly contested one. However, the SR300 had an upper hand when compared vs the Ibanez SR250. It has more models for one. Plus, its 5- and 6-string models are still available for purchase unlike the SR250.

So, if we were hard pressed to pick a winner in the Ibanez SR250 vs SR300 contest, it would have to be the SR300 for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, this is just our opinion and you’re entitled to making your choice regardless. Check out the links below where you can get either the SR250 or SR300.

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Ibanez SR250 Vs SR300 – Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ibanez are made in Japan?

Ibanez is a Japanese company that was set up in 1935. Consequently, a lot of the guitars made by Ibanez were made in Japan. In fact, most Ibanez guitars were made out of the FujiGen Guitar facility in Japan till the late 80s, when other factories were opened elsewhere in Asia. Some of the guitar models from Ibanez that are made in Japan include the Prestige series, the Iceman series, Roadstar series, Ibanez JEM, Ibanez Universe, RG series amongst others 

Why are bass strings so expensive?

It is common knowledge that bass strings are notoriously more expensive than regular guitar strings. A major reason for this is that bass strings are made with more material than the regular guitar strings. In fact, the thinnest bass string, which is G, is made with more material than the six strings of a regular guitar combined. Generally, bass strings are thicker and heavier than regular guitar strings. They require more wounding than regular guitars too. This also makes its production more complex and consequently more expensive. 

Can you use a guitar tuner to tune a bass?

A bass guitar can be tuned with the same tools that you would normally use to tune a regular guitar. For instance, an Electric clip-on tuner works perfectly on a bass guitar. The clip-on tuner is clipped to the guitar’s headstock, where it picks up vibrations from the strings and indicates if the string played is in tune, too high or too flat. Also a tuning app on your smartphone can be used to tune your bass guitar. 

What gauge of bass strings should I use?

The type of strings you use on a bass guitar can affect the quality of the sound produced from your guitar and your style of playing. Consequently, you need to choose strings that are best suited to your style of playing, your sound and your comfort. If the way you play involves moving across your fretboard frequently, then using higher gauge strings will be a challenge for you. Lower gauge strings are common in funk and jazz and are reputed for their slapping style. This is a great choice if you do not have much finger strength. 

Does boiling your bass strings work?

Boiling your guitar strings loosens them. This releases all the grime that would have found their way into the strings while they were played. It is inevitable that grime and dirt builds up in your guitar strings and it turns out that booking your strings is one way to get rid of them. Of course, boiled strings will not sound like brand new strings, but they will certainly sound better than they previously did. 

How can I make my bass strings last longer?

Bass strings are quite expensive. To save yourself the trouble of always having to replace them, there are best practices you can adopt to keep them lasting longer. One of such is to always keep your instrument in its case after use. This protects it from corrosion. Also, make it a habit to always wipe down your instrument after playing. This will get rid of oil and dirt from your hands that would have gotten on the strings. You should always wash your hands before playing your instrument too. Consider investing in some guitar cleaning products that you can use to wipe down your strings after use.

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