Ibanez GSR205SM 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Natural Gray Burst
Ibanez's GSR205SM brings their budget-friendly GSR line to 5-string territory. $349 for a versatile, modern 5-string that doesn't commit to slap or pick styles.
Critics
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +5-string configuration opens up lower register without bulky body
- +Ibanez's modern C-neck profile is fast and playable
- +Dual pickups provide versatile tone for slap, pick, or finger styles
- +At $349, excellent value for a 5-string brand-name bass
- +Compact body is comfortable for players uncomfortable with massive basses
Cons
- −Entry-level pickups and electronics—not specialized for any style
- −Tight string spacing may challenge slap players
- −Doesn't excel at anything—designed to be versatile rather than specialized
The Verdict
The Ibanez GSR205SM scores 100/100 (Legendary) for value because you’re getting a competent 5-string for $349. Five-string at this price is rare. Ibanez’s modern C-neck is fast and playable, and dual pickups handle slap, pick, and finger styles adequately.
Compact body makes this accessible to smaller players or those uncomfortable with massive basses. The lower string opens up new register without jumping to a full-size 6-string monster. Build quality is solid for entry-level.
The tradeoff is specificity. You don’t get pickups optimized for slap tone or boutique electronics. But at $349, you’re not paying for specialization—you’re paying for accessibility and value.
Buy this if you want to explore 5-string bass or need a practice instrument that doesn’t sacrifice brand-name quality. It’s Legendary at this price because GSR build quality punches well above the budget category. Skip only if you need specialized tone or professional-grade components.
Specifications
| Body wood | Mahogany |
| Top wood | Maple |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right-handed |
| Scale length | 34in |
| Material | Jatoba |
| Radius | 12in |
| Fret size | Medium |
| Number of frets | 22 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.77in (45 mm) |
| Configuration | SS |
| Active or passive | Passive |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | 4-Saddle standard |
| Tailpiece | Not applicable |
| Tuning machines | Enclosed |
| Number of strings | 5 |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
