Ibanez GSR200B Gio Bass Guitar Review - A Cheap Bass Guitar That Doesn't Suck

Dagan takes a look at the Ibanez GSR200B Gio Bass, a budget friendly guitar that actually sounds amazing.
Ibanez GSR200B Gio Bass Guitar in Weathered Black: bit.ly/2LwkJYY
Shop Other Finishes: bit.ly/2nEwlP8
The Ibanez GSR200B Gio Bass Guitar, pictured here in Weathered Black comes from the Soundgear Gio series which partners superb craftmanship with stunning playability whilst remaining budget friendly so everyone can enjoy the lush sound on offer.
At way under £200, you get a highly professional bass guitar that outperforms a lot of other options in its price range due to the combination of a Dynamix P Neck Pickup and Dynamix J Bridge Pickup which provides players with some seriously powerful sonic options.
This cheap bass guitar is lots of fun to play thanks to the Mahogany with deep horn design that allows access to the upper frets and the comfortable 34” scale GSR4 neck made of maple. Whether you’re just learning how to play bass or about to head out on tour - you’ll find this bass both comfortable and reliable.
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[@randomfluffyman21]

Thank you for using a pick because I play metal and wanted to know what it would sound with one. You people need to calm tf down lol

[@kelmcdowell404]

Dude same with punk rock it’s really fun to play bass with a pick but the Davie504 fans are gonna disagree

[@luisnunes2010]

@@kelmcdowell404 But Joey DeMaio agrees. Guess who I would care about... |,,| 😁 |,,|

[@one-eye1721]

Indeed. Every single bass video on KZbin is all about finger playing and slapping, with just barely a nod to pick playing. Which they all do badly; palm-muting the strings and all that bullshit.

[@ConspiredPictures]

I used to think playing bass with a pick was dumb... Then I started playing bass. If it's good enough for the Ramones and Joy Division, it's good enough for me

[@arontimoteusszabo9502]

@@kelmcdowell404 Davie504 is cringe. Using a pick is completely okay, and if Davie is so good at bass, he would know that.

[@Lil._.SpooKy666]

Just bought this bass and I'm mad in love with it! I just started and it's an amazing first bass. But I don't see ever selling it for a new one. This bass will stay with me for a long ass time

[@Fabian5150]

you bean a long bass time :DD

[@lunne14]

i've had mine for 16 years ;)

[@jessegomez559]

Hey I'm interested in this bass and was wondering if it needs batteries

[@Lil._.SpooKy666]

@@jessegomez559 it does, but only if you wish to use the preamp. If not, then you can still use the bass as normal

[@geraldross967]

​@jessegomez559 Yes, one 9volt.

[@danagboyer]

I’ve had one of these since 2000, and it’s still one of my favorites. I’ve recorded so much with it. It was before they added the Phat circuit, but other than that, it’s the same. Excellent...and I mean EXCELLENT bass for the price. Versatile as hell, lightweight, and comfortable. Never had to replace the pots or pickups, or any other part on the thing in 18 years. 🙌🏻

[@ctdvargas]

Was my first bass in 2005 and still kicking. Lightweight, gig friendly bass that can do a lot.

[@markhuse985]

I started a year ago with the "cheapest bass" on Amazon, now ready to move up to the Ibanez GSR200. Really love the sound and how lightweight they are. Tooling around with one in a guitar store felt great in my hands

[@BassOutcast]

After 8.5 years with this bass - honestly one of the best basses ever produced (and not just "budget basses"). I tried a LOT of pricier instrument, and until recently have also owned a 62' reissue Fender Jazz, which I ended up selling because it wasn't nearly as fun to play as the GSR. Swap the pickups, get the fretwork done, and you've got yourself one heck of a bass.

[@maxhoughtonmusic]

How exactly did you go about going the fretwork done and what pickups did you change them to?

[@siddharthagotamask9848]

I'd also like to know

[@miguelvargasflores1443]

I have 6 years with this bass, and sounds good as hell

[@joeyray446]

I’d really like to know what you did with the pickups

[@BassOutcast]

I'll add a quick update - I haven't touched the frets, my pickups are stock, I just learned how to set it up over the years (a luthier can do that for you, it's no expensive). The longer you play an instrument, and the better you get, the more you can fine-tune it to sound exactly whatever you like. Learn how to work the controls - both on your bass, and on your amp. It really is 90% all in that, and 10% in your talent. Don't focus so much on your gear, learn how to be a better musician. Modern instruments are SO good, especially when properly set up by a professional. Or, as the saying goes - "Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it!"

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaa358]

I have had mine for 4 years now, totally love the sound, the weight and how soft it feels. I totally recommend it!

[@IcanWinBig]

Loved your review and also very inspired 🎸

[@ryxtan]

I just ordered one of these as my first bass and I'm so excited to get started

[@michaelmadsen-yq5kw]

I had one of these bass's about 2 years ago, and the sustain on this bad boy is awesome. Depending on settings, you can hit one note and hold it for days! I will be getting another as it is excellent for my small hands and the EQ is a nice gem to bottom out. Thanks for your great review!

[@Mega666Master]

That sound of both pickups together. Awesome!!! Put a little distortion on it and you can play any brutal metal track🤘🏻

[@TiredLessGary]

Just snagged one on eBay for £56! Glad I did. This thing sounds fantastic. I can see my heavy Matt freeman signature taking a back seat for a while.

[@burtcocain1986]

Yep, definitely a musical instrument. Unmistakeable.

[@angle.0255]

Picking this up since I had surgery on my left leg so I can't move so I wanted to get this to learn

[@LynX435]

Found my Gio for $120. Very cheap used bass that can really take a beating. I've dropped it accidentally so many times while leaving it against the wall, enough to make me get a stand finally haha. Ive had mine for a few years now and I really dont want to part ways with it

[@bentrod3405]

Same here. 125$ at a pawn shop and it can take a beating.

[@Joey0367]

I love my Ibanez basses, best looking, fun to play, and great sounding basses. Ibanez rules!

[@EmeryLinks]

What string gauge best for this badass bass?

[@nesbittinstrumentals]

Pretty solid bass!!

[@HDProductionsLive]

I love the fact that he demos this bass with the plastic film still on the pickups. I wonder how it would sound without that. :-)

[@Velimir-MirRus]

Нет разницы.

[@richardrichard5409]

No difference

[@jessepks5627]

WHAT KINDA AMP ARE YOU USING? I AM LOOKING FOR ONE FOR THIS EXACT BASS. THANKS

[@dkp_773yeah2]

I might get one

[@domc6541]

For your first bass would you recommend this over the stingray sub 4?

[@harryforster602]

I have this in red and I can’t recommend it enough! As dagan said, it’s incredibly versatile, I recently picked up new strings for it and it sounds incredible. Only cost me £180 at the time. Best bargain I’ve ever had

[@Mike-ol7xp]

I know it's been a couple years but I'm just wondering how your bass is holding up?, I can get one 'near mint' for $100 is it worth it you think?? Thanks.

[@Mike-ol7xp]

I know it's been a couple years but I'm just wondering how your bass is holding up?, I can get one 'near mint' for $100 is it worth it you think?? Thanks.

[@xNhaZul]

@@Mike-ol7xp i got one about 5 months ago and it is AMAZING i would def pick it up for 100 since i got mine for 200

[@Mike-ol7xp]

@@xNhaZul Got it, Thanks.

[@Bedroomrips]

@@Mike-ol7xp I got one it’s pretty good for the price and it’s not Chinese garbage. Mines a 200$ Indo its perfect for me cuz I don’t play bass like I used to as I’m a big guitar guy now. Only complaint is the neck thickness. It’s not insane I felt a custom shop 50s les Paul with a thicker neck but I have baby hands and now I’m loving thin necks on bass and guitar.

[@Jeffrey9In4Chains]

Should I get this one or the tmb100?

[@gabbishleegifted4752]

lol this video has only pick sounds.. for a bass.. just a bit more finger style would really help us tell how good it is

[@SammyJCuthbert]

Don’t worry this bass is still killer with finger style.

[@Skaxarrat]

He's the only one that 'dares' to play bass with a Pick up. Search the same bass on YT and you'll find a lot of finger style

[@CharlesNotBronson]

i play bass with a pick and i'm kinda thankful whenever he reviews basses because he always use a pick. 😅

[@CharlesNotBronson]

@Madison Bruchman it is also the same with playing it with a pick too

[@gabbishleegifted4752]

TATON ehh.. well I play bass and classical guitar and finger style and pick do not sound the sound.. when playing a “treble guitar” as I refer to them I can see the benefits of picks- even though I don’t use them on those either, but for bass low tones.. that’s where the fingers really shine. But I guess you gotta be that kind of bass player that loves those low funky, jazzy soulful tones. Nothing wrong with other genres though. I’m just not that bass player.

[@Αδιάφθορος]

I love this guy

[@blinddog4288]

I would love to know what amp system he was using because that will make or break a good sound.

[@dominicadler-biddle9199]

My dads getting me one as i type this, the deal was i learn the sultans of swing solo and he’ll get me a (reasonably priced bass) and I chose this after debating a thunderbird. super excited to try it out when I get home, i think i made a good decision lol

[@SethBower]

i also know that solo, can he buy me one please?

[@ashbailey6874]

Just found one of these in a pawn shop and I’m I’m learning more about it I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. I’m a (bad) guitarist dabbling in something new and im falling in love with it. If there’s anything id emphasize it’s how light it is. Feels good in your hands and light in your lap.

[@derin111]

I'm the same...guitar player thinking of having a dabble with a bass. Would you say it's worth getting?

[@ashbailey6874]

@@derin111 absolutely. Not much negative I can say about it other than the placement of the bridge feels unusual being so close to the bottom of the body. Definitely recommend it.

[@chair4joeyb826]

alright you’ve convinced me

[@andikarahyudi7873]

Thanks mate, you’re veryvery helping

[@Lost_me_rivet_gun]

I had a Washburn T24, it was about £400 when I bought it about 10 years ago. This Ibanez sounds better and it's more than half the price of the T24! Sounds the business!

[@Skaxarrat]

This video is 2 years old and this bass is discontinued. There is a newer version of this one? I love how it sounds.

[@SirSDG]

www.ibanez.com/usa/products/detail/gsr200bl_02.html seems Ibanez thinks its still in production??

[@blinddog4288]

Sweet water has them still

[@nathyatta]

I actually really like the bass lines you are doing in this video? Are any of them from songs?

[@RolandDeschain1]

The first one was 'New Born' by Muse.

[@one-eye1721]

The first one is from 'New Born' by Muse. An awesome riff.

[@captaincrunch7661]

So does Rosewood grow on trees,or not

[@gonzalofvazquez]

many of the best bassists play with a pick ... on the other hand I think it is necessary to say that the precision microphone is upside down .... not many basses bring them like this

[@Ethan-ms3eo]

Is that Muse in the beginning?

[@katyaalbescu3913]

Guys, what do you think about this bass but second hand?

[@IcanWinBig]

Of course I subscribed too🎸

[@sanakassara]

Guess the mahogany was cut down in three years as well, because the body in the new ones is nyatoh.

[@emilamor]

Hi, should I get the GSR200 or Cort Action Bass Plus as my first bass?

[@PMTVUK]

All comes down to personal preference! I suggest you try out both. -Lee

[@emilamor]

@@PMTVUK which one would you suggest?

[@stringxa]

Well, lets say i am a student, interested in learning bass guitar. Would this be a good beginner bass or should i go with a different one?

[@ctdvargas]

This was my first bass and I still own it 15 years later. Its a good bass but dont overlook the jackson js2 spectra, the yamaha trbx204 and the cort action basses. Try and get one with nice tight knobs so that they will last.

[@sune6708]

Same, I decided to choose this guitar, and I'm having a blast so far.

[@jaiyemanp4699]

This is a great bass for anyone beginner or not

[@quag1481]

just got this for christmas it’s so sexy

[@lil_weasel219]

the fretboard on that one looks like jatoba not new zealand pine. I have a GSRM20 mikro woth nz pine and it looks way darker.

[@mrarchr]

I just looked it up and you are correct. Its Jabota, not New Zealand pine

[@lil_weasel219]

@@mrarchr some are jatoba some NZ pine and the first ones were rosewood. Great that they stopped the rosewood bacause its nearing extinction due to literal superstition (neck tonewood). Jatoba is great. And good looking

[@conb-hill6166]

I'm in stitches 😂 Rosewood comes from roses 😂😭

[@mickavoidant4780]

Rosewood has nothing to do with roses. It's name comes from the smell that the tree has. Look it up.

[@blacksabbathmatters]

I bought one of these...took me weeks to get it setup right as it came in the box from amazon, it had horrible fret buzz and vibration from the frets behind where you were playing because the truss rod was too tight, .i can actually hear it in this video....i tweaked and tweaked and tweaked, finally got it under control....i guess for 200 bucks i shouldnt expect perfection 🤣 The fret buzz in this video is overpowering 😆

[@megafreddyb123]

How come all the reviews of this I see are black or red, I rarely see the sunburst model I have

[@TriSpedsOfficial]

Because that one at least where I live cost 50$ more and it really isn't even that good looking imo

[@ennytiss5674]

Lol same, I have one in electric blue

[@iplaypearldrums7935]

he could sit in for Nikki Sixx on the new "" we need more money as Vince tries to lose weight tour"", sounds as good....

[@angelodeleon519]

Do anyone know how much is this?

[@eduavi8544]

What music is it? 1:46

[@dougalguthrie7209]

I bought this and I find it super tingy, I'm on my second one as I sent back for a replacement and the same thing. Any tips on how to get over this? I've tried heightening the action, even tried putting card paper under the strings on the nut to heighten the strings but still get such an annoying buzz

[@Nicknyamka]

Maybe try adjusting your truss rod a little bit? The neck might be bowed forward

[@mickavoidant4780]

@@Nicknyamka Bowed forward would give less buzz. Buzzing on the top frets means too straight a neck.

[@blacksabbathmatters]

I have the same bass, i just finished tweaking for 3 hours....i had to loosen the truss rodd and really mess with the saddle adjustments for a while but i finally got it....it had alot of buzzing and vibration and now its gone....keep at it....just fyi...move the truss rod carefully dont crank on it...do a lil bit then play,...till you get it right.

[@aspyr5681]

Ibanez has the best budget bass guitars, period. Out of 100 basses, the budget GSRs stand out the most. In mid range price point however, their EB series is around $100 too expensive for what it is, but it IS a great bass, and of course, the most expensive ones are epic, but also too expensive for what they are and what they're made of.

[@cable78]

Is there a differnece between 200 and 200b?

[@one-eye1721]

I have a 200 and the only difference appears to be that the 200B has an open pore finish.

[@nairamdiam]

Wtf, this bass sounds so great!

[@emilylunn3954]

I’m thinking of staring bass, I play the guitar but I’ve always wanted to learn bass and I was wondering if u have any suggestions of which bass I should get ?

[@The.Scott.Johnson]

The one in this video for sure!! Unless you've got money for premium or better

[@vmusic3032]

Probably a tangle wood there really good quality for what you get and there not ridiculously overpriced

[@beeb294]

El. Guitars I have one of these, bought it used from a friend back in high school (about 13 years ago). Loved it then, love it now. It's not too expensive and pretty versatile.

[@mr.phil.a]

I've got the older gsr200 through a ampeg 108. Great for a guitarist mucking about amd didn't want to spend too much, like myself.

[@stevenvincentiusgoutama2329]

Yamaha TRBX 505 or 304

[@ladyjulia4038]

Hey friend thanks for the demo. I'm now the proud owner of one of these bad boys in red. Work on muting the strings that you are not playing and you'll be golden. Not that it's easy but you can do it friend. Keep killing it! Ps your accent is super sexy

[@Tavukpilav292]

is it active or passive bass and what do you recomand maybe ı will perform in so many concerts

[@ladyjulia4038]

Oh I think they're both great but mine is passive. The active one is a bit nicer

[@Tavukpilav292]

@@ladyjulia4038 thank ou my englis is a little bad sorry for that

[@ladyjulia4038]

@@Tavukpilav292 No problem at all friend

[@akosslive03]

Should I start with bass or guitar!! I just cant decide which would be better!! Someone help pls😢😭🎸

[@rocconekic6236]

Im planning to start as well Im picking a bass

[@b7aksou718]

BASSS ALL DAY BROTHA join tha family

[@ZombieDeMierda]

i recommend that you should learn to play guitar, and if you like to play rhythm role, you'll try to play bass guitar.

[@akosslive03]

@@ZombieDeMierda I was thinking about this too, I think I'll start playing guitar!🎸💜

[@ZombieDeMierda]

Just don't spend too much money on your first instrument, 100-150$ is ok

[@pietrostimoli]

Weight?

[@johnfairweather9188]

Car alarm goes off...hilarious. Must be the bass boost.

[@dirtblock2147]

Considering purchasing this bass as I am a beginner and I need a solid affordable good bass for a beginner

[@XxxLoveBug76xxX]

Why does it make a rattling sound?

[@aaroncohenour559]

It’s a bit buzzy towards the end

[@celsoijr]

o meu tem neck dive

[@rileyschmalz3939]

Does this have active pickups? Im a beginner.

[@PMTVUK]

Hi there, these are passive pickups. -Lee

[@b7aksou718]

It's a Active bass.

[@cheabuns8168]

passive pickups, active bass boost. so you require a battery

[@currerbell-eyre606]

@@cheabuns8168 Very new to bass. Since the pickup are passive, but the boost is active, do I *have* to have a battery or can I use it without the 9v and without the bass boost?

[@cheabuns8168]

@@currerbell-eyre606 you need the battery.

[@alexandergeodakyan1988]

Is it a short scale or is he just tall as hell ?

[@Nick-ne4ln]

I own one and the scale is just your average length. He’s just really tall.

[@joseaustria8594]

Is he picking?

[@bennettcarrarini2023]

Is that a pick

[@lil_weasel219]

I think this one would get lost in the mix because of how bright it is.

[@finnerickson4463]

why does it buzz so much

[@koller8930]

A PICC HAS BEEN USED I'M NOT AMUSED

[@Veshremy_god]

Only bass ill play is the gsr200b

[@moriahmars1462]

aye its a muse riff

[@chuckschuldiner5884]

yep) noticed that too

[@hazimahmad1458]

that bass line on the intro coming from what song????

[@aeromancerclash8615]

Peace Sells By Megadeath. Legendary bass riff by Dave elefeson

[@aeromancerclash8615]

Actually... Maybe not, very similar To it though

[@maccatele]

My guess is Kiss, Strutter

[@jag4492]

Actually its New Born by Muse, just wait after the beginning part then youll herr it

[@bassdrummer9849]

Yep, New Born by Muse

[@reginaldgreen6221]

Not much of a sound difference w/pick ups

[@finthechat3094]

WHAT? A PICK NOT EPIC

[@adamnovak7602]

must slapp

[@ChiliDUDE27]

This video is illegal. I'm calling the police.

[@ekokarss]

Ahh i see you slap like on videos too

[@alienattack1630]

I see you're a man of culture ass well

[@dirtblock2147]

Davie504

[@XnazxulX]

Don’t care how it looks, just care how it sounds without picking. I want a muted sound so I’m thinking this would not work. Who’s got one of these that DONT USE A GDAMN PICK, does it still have that tinny sound?

[@newsles2]

Kind of a limited review given only one style of playing was featured.

[@iplaypearldrums7935]

I wish they played as good as him where I live. Good bass players are far & few.......while drummers are a dime a dozen,,lol.

[@liamdahlberg1332]

0:31

[@kaybhee6]

no battery huh

[@user-zj9kh6be1o]

Yea

[@sos6967]

Lel...can you demo using finger

[@anaphylastiks]

Don't need a pick for metal. And every pick sounds different.

[@yurilive5411]

You use pick for play bass, its illegal i'm going to call the police

[@scottrichter341]

Not E P I C

[@MattMtys]

a man of culture!

[@luisnunes2010]

That sh!t is getting real old and tired! 👎

[@water_feind9152]

You’re playing bASS with a pick. That’s illegal, I’m calling the police

[@squidwardtortillini8816]

What did they say Are they sending anyone

[@squidward761]

Nice to see that your a are man of culture. I need slap.

[@Vazaqin]

Epico

[@tormentor502]

Shut up Davie fan

[@PMTVUK]

Sting and the Police? ;)

[@sparkmemes2018]

Using a pick young man?

[@elvergalarga3908]

A lot of Bass players use pick

[@davidtm98]

Its Nice.

[@orkunozdemir8296]

Chris Squire man, come on. Using pick isn't bad. Even I love the pick sound more than fingerstyle.

[@philcollinshill2951]

Michael Anthony comes to mind when I hear the whole "pick vs fingers" argument. He's a great bass player that switches between pick and fingers depending on the song.

[@BassOutcast]

If Paul McCartney, Mike Kerr, Gene Simmons, Duff McKagen, Chris Squire and Lemmy do it, then it's good enough for the rest of us.

[@newharleymama]

5 th comment

[@isaacrodriguez7977]

No pic please. 🤦‍♂️🙏✌

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

Rock and Metal bassists use picks because they have to keep up with the rhythm guitarist

[@zeckham100]

Soudse really bad

[@jeffmartin4238]

tried to leave a comment , got censored for being honest. good luck if you buy that piece of crap

[@nim831]

He use pick, He need to be kick.

[@whysopanda]

slap ... no pick !