Ibanez SRF705 Review: Fretless Five String

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Ibanez SRF705 is an upper mid-range five string fretless electric bass from the Ibanez Workshop line. The product listing describes a Brown Burst Flat finish over a mahogany body, with a maple and bubinga neck and a panga panga fingerboard. This combination puts the instrument in a specialized category for players who want extended range and fretless expression without moving into premium custom territory.

Ibanez has a long history with the SR body shape and active electronics, and this model applies those ideas to a fretless platform. The listing highlights a piezo pickup system alongside two traditional pickups, which suggests a blend of solid body electric tone with acoustic like texture. Players looking for a fretless five string will see this as a distinctive upper mid-range option.

Body, Neck and Playability

The body is mahogany, which the listing lists as the primary tonewood. Mahogany is known for warm, rounded low end and midrange emphasis, a sensible pairing for a fretless bass where body resonance can shape the note. The Brown Burst Flat finish sits over that body, and the flat designation suggests a non glossy surface.

The neck is made from maple and bubinga, a multi piece construction that the listing names as Maple/Bubinga Neck. The fingerboard is panga panga, a dense tropical wood often used on fretless basses for its smooth surface and resistance to string wear. Because there are no frets, playability depends heavily on fingerboard preparation and setup, which the listing does not describe.

The listing does not publish scale length, fingerboard radius, nut width, or string spacing. For a five string fretless, players often want a slightly wider fingerboard to make intonation easier, but Ibanez does not state those dimensions here. On paper, the woods and five string layout point to a comfortable, modern playing experience, but exact feel remains unknown without a setup or demo.

Pickups and Tone

The published pickup set includes two magnetic pickups plus a piezo pickup system. The listing does not specify whether the magnetic pickups are single coils, humbuckers, or Ibanez brand models, and it does not name the preamp. However, the combination of magnetic and piezo sources is a strong clue that the bass is designed for tonal blending.

A piezo system picks up string vibration at the bridge, which can add percussive attack and a more acoustic fretless voice. Two magnetic pickups typically provide a range of electric bass tones, from round neck pickup warmth to brighter bridge pickup articulation. The Brown Burst Flat model's tone section is not detailed, so players cannot tell if there is active EQ, a blend control, or a piezo volume.

For fretless tone, the absence of frets lets notes slide and sing, and the mahogany body can contribute a deeper, more vocal character. The panga panga fingerboard is dense and may add clarity to the note attack despite the warm body. Overall, the published facts suggest a bass that can move between smooth, singing jazz lines and more detailed modern fingerstyle or progressive textures.

Hardware and Electronics

The listing does not name the bridge or tuners, so hardware quality is unknown. Ibanez Workshop models often use proprietary hardware, but this listing does not confirm that. The finish is Brown Burst Flat, which is a cosmetic fact rather than a hardware specification.

The electronics story is clearer. The bass has two pickups and a piezo pickup system, which implies some form of blending or switching between sources. Without a control layout or preamp name, the exact sonic flexibility cannot be verified from the listing. Buyers will need to look for the manufacturer's full specification sheet or a demo if those details matter.

• Mahogany body
• Maple and bubinga neck
• Panga panga fingerboard
• Two magnetic pickups plus piezo pickup system
• Five string fretless configuration
• Brown Burst Flat finish

Build Quality and Finish

Build quality on Ibanez instruments in the upper mid-range tier is generally regarded as consistent, but this review cannot verify the specific SRF705 example because it is based on listing facts alone. The materials named, mahogany, maple, bubinga, and panga panga, are meaningful tonewoods rather than budget laminates, which supports a higher quality expectation.

The Brown Burst Flat finish suggests a satin or matte top rather than a thick gloss, which many players prefer for a more natural feel on the body. The listing does not state the finish thickness, body contours, or any binding. Ibanez Workshop models often have modern ergonomic cuts, but those details are absent from this listing.

The fretless fingerboard has no frets to cover, so the quality of the panga panga surface and its sanding are important for smooth glissando and reduced string wear. The listing does not describe fingerboard coating or leveling. On paper, the use of panga panga is a positive sign because this wood is dense and frequently chosen for fretless boards.

Setup Out of the Box

A proper setup is crucial for fretless instruments, and this listing does not state whether the bass ships with a factory setup, what string height is used, or whether the truss rod is adjusted for a specific tuning. Fretless basses are more sensitive to neck relief and string action because the strings need to be close enough for comfort but high enough to avoid excessive buzzing against the fingerboard.

For a five string, the low B string adds setup complexity. A poorly cut nut or uneven fingerboard can cause the low string to rattle or feel undefined. Since no nut material or bridge saddle type is listed, buyers should plan for a professional setup or at least a careful inspection on arrival.

The flat finish and modern Ibanez body shape likely make the bass comfortable right away, but setup is the real test. On paper, the listing gives no data about neck relief, string height at the 12th fret, or pickup height. That is normal for a product listing, but it means the first playing experience may vary widely from one example to another.

Daily Use and Practice

A fretless five string can be a demanding daily player because every note requires the hand to land at the exact position. The listing does not publish weight, body thickness, or balance, so long practice sessions may depend on personal comfort. The mahogany body is likely heavier than some lightweight alternatives, but that is not confirmed.

The panga panga fingerboard should stand up to roundwound or flatwound strings without wearing as quickly as softer woods, but the listing does not mention recommended string type. Many fretless players use flatwound strings to reduce fingerboard wear and produce a warmer, more traditional fretless voice, while others prefer roundwounds for more bite and harmonic content.

Without strap buttons, tuning machines, or control layout named, daily use details like reaching the knobs or replacing strings are unknown. The five string layout adds a low B, which is useful for modern styles and for staying in lower registers without detuning. On paper, the SRF705 is a purposeful instrument for a player committed to fretless technique.

Versatility and Styles

The two pickups plus piezo system suggest broad tonal range, from classic electric fretless to more acoustic like or percussive voices. This flexibility makes the SRF705 relevant for jazz, fusion, R&B, progressive rock, and ambient music where a singing, sliding low end is valued. The listing does not specify switching or blending options, so the actual range is not fully confirmed.

Fretless bass is less common in aggressive slap or heavily fretted metal styles, but some players use fretless for melodic sections and fretless friendly techniques. The five string range extends downward, which suits modern gospel, hip hop, and synth bass influenced lines. The mahogany body and panga panga fingerboard likely produce a warm but articulate tone that can fit many contexts.

Versatility may be limited by the lack of published control details. If the bass has only a simple blend or no midrange control, players may need an external preamp or EQ for more radical sounds. Still, the dual source configuration is inherently more versatile than a single pickup fretless design.

Who Should Buy It

This bass is for a player who already knows they want a fretless five string and does not need beginner guidance with intonation. The listing points to a serious instrument rather than an entry level model, with upper mid-range pricing and a feature set built around fretless tone. Ibanez fans who like the SR body shape and modern electronics will find this model familiar.

It should appeal to jazz and fusion bassists, session players who need a low B and a fretless voice, and experimental musicians who want piezo and magnetic pickup blending. The panga panga fingerboard and mahogany body are encouraging for players who value tonewood selection. Buyers who want a factory built fretless without going to a custom luthier may also find this a practical choice.

Because the listing omits control layout and hardware specifics, the ideal buyer is willing to research or try the bass in person before purchasing. If you value the Ibanez Workshop approach and want a distinctive five string fretless with a flat finish, the SRF705 sits in a compelling upper mid-range spot.

Verdict

The Ibanez SRF705 stands out as a purpose built fretless five string in the upper mid-range class. On paper, the combination of a mahogany body, maple and bubinga neck, panga panga fingerboard, and dual pickup plus piezo system gives it a clear identity. The absence of frets pushes the player toward a smoother, more vocal approach, and the five string range adds low end depth.

Without published details for scale length, controls, bridge, and tuners, this review cannot fully validate the playing experience. Potential buyers should treat the SRF705 as a strong platform that may require a professional setup and personal evaluation. For the right player, it offers a compelling blend of Ibanez ergonomics and fretless character.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Schecter Stargazer-4

Players who want an upper mid-range four string with a mahogany body, maple neck, and dual humbuckers for warm, punchy tone without excessive controls.

Read the Schecter Stargazer-4 review →

Fender Player II Modified Active Jazz Bass V

Working bassists who want an upper mid-range five string active Jazz Bass with classic single coil tone and do not need every spec confirmed in the listing.

Read the Fender Player II Modified Active Jazz Bass V review →

Ibanez SRF700

Bass players who want an upper mid range four string fretless with piezo and humbucker flexibility for jazz, fusion and session work.

Read the Ibanez SRF700 review →

Questions Buyers Ask