The Ibanez SR375EF Brown Burst is a versatile 5-string fretless electric bass that combines the fast, ergonomic feel of the Ibanez Soundgear range with an extended low-B string and a highly flexible active electronics package.

Its PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups, Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ and 3-way Power Tap switch provide everything from clear, articulate sounds to fuller humbucking tones, while the fretless fingerboard opens the door to expressive slides, fluid phrasing and vocal-style note transitions.

This pre-owned example is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully functional. Serial number 170612781. No case is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Ibanez
Model	SR375EF
Series	Soundgear SR
Finish	Brown Burst
Type	5-String Fretless Electric Bass
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Serial Number	170612781
Included	Bass Only – No Case
Main Appeal	Modern, versatile fretless bass with extended low-B range
Best For	Fretless players, studio work, jazz, fusion, progressive music and contemporary bass

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Ibanez SR375EF is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the instrument shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully functional and well suited to regular playing, recording and live use.

What’s Included?

✔ Ibanez SR375EF Brown Burst 5-String Fretless Bass

✘ No Case Included
✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

The bass shows some cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with its Very Good condition grading.

No specific faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Serial Number: 170612781

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Ibanez SR375EF has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks cover:

• PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups
• Volume and pickup balance controls
• 3-band active EQ
• 3-way Power Tap switch
• Output jack
• Fretless fingerboard condition
• Neck condition
• Tuning machines
• Accu-cast bridge
• Hardware
• Battery-powered electronics
• General playability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned bass guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fingerboard condition
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Intonation
• Hardware
• General playability

Fretless basses are particularly sensitive to setup, as string height and neck relief can have a noticeable effect on sustain, note clarity and the characteristic fretless response.

As with any wooden instrument, minor adjustment can occasionally be beneficial after delivery as temperature and humidity changes can affect the setup.

What Makes The Ibanez SR375EF Special?

The SR375EF combines three features that are rarely found together at this price point: a fretless fingerboard, five-string extended range and a highly flexible active electronics system. It gives players access to the smooth articulation and expressive phrasing of a fretless while retaining the powerful low-B range required for modern bass work.

Its slim Soundgear design also makes it particularly approachable for players who find traditional 5-string basses bulky. Combined with Ibanez's PowerSpan pickups and Power Tap switching, the SR375EF can move between rounded fretless warmth, clearer single-coil-style definition and fuller dual-coil sounds without becoming complicated to operate.

Key Features & Benefits

5-String Fretless Design

The fretless fingerboard allows notes to flow smoothly into one another, making slides, vibrato and subtle pitch expression a fundamental part of the instrument. Adding a low-B string extends the range below a conventional 4-string bass without requiring alternative tuning.

PowerSpan Dual Coil Pickups

A pair of Ibanez PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups delivers a strong, full-range signal with good harmonic detail. They provide enough depth for low-B work while retaining the articulation needed to hear the nuances of fretless technique.

3-Way Power Tap Switching

The Power Tap switch provides three different pickup characters. Series mode produces the fuller response associated with dual-coil operation, Tap mode gives a leaner and more articulate sound, while Power Tap combines added low-end weight with increased clarity.

Active 3-Band EQ

Separate bass, middle and treble controls allow substantial tonal adjustment directly from the instrument. This is particularly useful with fretless bass, where changes in midrange and treble can dramatically alter how much fingerboard character and note articulation comes through in a mix.

34" Scale Length

The familiar 34" scale keeps the SR375EF comfortable for players moving across from conventional basses while providing sufficient tension and definition for its low-B string.

Narrow 16.5mm String Spacing

The Accu-cast B125 bridge uses relatively compact 16.5mm string spacing, helping keep the overall feel manageable despite the extra fifth string. This particularly suits players who prefer Ibanez's slimmer, more modern bass ergonomics.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Ibanez SR375EF vs Ibanez SR375E

The SR375E offers a similar modern 5-string Soundgear platform but with conventional frets, making it the easier choice for players who need precise familiar fretting and do not specifically want fretless expression. The SR375EF is aimed at players who value slides, fluid phrasing and the distinctive response of a fretless fingerboard.

Ibanez SR375EF vs Ibanez SR370EF

The SR370EF follows the same fretless Soundgear concept in a traditional 4-string format. It is a natural alternative for players who do not need the additional low-B string, while the SR375EF provides greater range for modern arrangements, extended chord voicings and lower-register playing.

Ibanez SR375EF vs Fender Fretless Jazz Bass

A fretless Jazz Bass offers a more traditional bass design with the familiar character of two single-coil pickups. The Ibanez takes a distinctly modern approach, adding five-string range, active EQ, dual-coil pickups, Power Tap switching and tighter string spacing for players who want greater tonal control and contemporary ergonomics.

Who Is It For?

Fretless bass players – A versatile option for musicians who enjoy expressive slides, vibrato and precise control over pitch.

Players moving into 5-string bass – The slim SR design and compact string spacing make the additional low-B string relatively easy to accommodate.

Studio musicians – The combination of fretless expression and extensive onboard EQ gives the SR375EF plenty of scope for shaping sounds to fit different recordings.

Jazz and fusion players – Its fluid fretless response works naturally for melodic lines, chordal passages and expressive solo playing.

Progressive and modern bassists – Five-string range and flexible electronics make it well suited to more technical arrangements and contemporary low-end requirements.

Suitable Genres & Applications

The Ibanez SR375EF is particularly well suited to:

• Jazz
• Fusion
• Progressive rock
• Progressive metal
• R&B
• Soul
• Funk
• Ambient music
• Experimental music
• Pop
• Worship
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Melodic bass playing
• Solo bass
• Players exploring fretless technique

Why Choose A 5-String Fretless Bass?

A 5-string fretless combines two forms of extended expression. Removing the frets allows continuous movement between notes, more expressive vibrato and subtle control over intonation, while the fifth low-B string extends the instrument's lower register.

This can be especially useful in studio work and modern arrangements, where the player can move below the conventional low E without changing tuning. The additional range also creates more fingering options across the neck, allowing some passages to be played without shifting position.

A fretless instrument does demand greater accuracy from the player, but this is also part of its appeal. Intonation, touch and phrasing become much more directly connected to the player's technique.

Story & Context

Ibanez's Soundgear SR series has long been built around a different philosophy from traditional large-bodied bass guitars. The emphasis is on slim necks, compact ergonomics, modern electronics and instruments that remain comfortable across long rehearsals, sessions and live performances.

The SR375EF applies that philosophy to a relatively unusual specification. Rather than treating fretless bass solely as a traditional 4-string format, Ibanez combines it with a five-string platform and flexible active electronics, giving the instrument a distinctly modern identity.

The Brown Burst finish complements the sculpted SR body particularly well, giving the bass a warmer, more traditional visual character despite its contemporary specification.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Fretless Solid Body Electric Bass
Brand	Ibanez
Series	Soundgear SR
Model	SR375EF
Finish	Brown Burst
Number of Strings	5
Body Material	Maple
Neck Profile	SR5
Fingerboard	Fretless
Scale Length	34" / 864mm
Fingerboard Radius	305mm
Nut Width	45mm
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	PowerSpan Dual Coil
Bridge Pickup	PowerSpan Dual Coil
Pickup Type	Passive
Preamp	Ibanez Custom Electronics Active 3-Band EQ
Controls	Volume, Pickup Balancer, Bass, Mid, Treble
Additional Switching	3-Way Power Tap Switch
Bridge	Accu-cast B125
String Spacing	16.5mm
Hardware Finish	Cosmo Black
Factory Tuning	B, E, A, D, G
Serial Number	170612781
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Case	Not Included

Power Requirements

The PowerSpan pickups themselves are passive, while the onboard Ibanez Custom Electronics preamp is active and powered by a 9V battery.

Keeping a spare 9V battery in a gig bag or accessories case is recommended for regular rehearsal, studio or live use.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Ibanez SR375EF Brown Burst is an excellent choice for players looking to explore fretless bass without sacrificing modern versatility or extended range.

Its combination of a comfortable Soundgear platform, low-B string, flexible PowerSpan pickups, Power Tap switching and active 3-band EQ makes it considerably more adaptable than a simple traditional fretless design. In Very Good Condition, this example offers a strong route into a capable 5-string fretless bass for studio, stage or home playing.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing a pre-owned instrument can offer excellent value while opening up access to models, finishes and specifications that may be harder to find in current stock.

Every pre-owned instrument at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale, helping customers make an informed choice based on the actual instrument rather than relying solely on a generic model description.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major city-centre showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience helping musicians choose the right equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with new and pre-owned instruments
• Pre-owned equipment individually assessed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading your current bass?

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of bass guitars, electric guitars, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Your existing gear could help reduce the cost of this Ibanez SR375EF. Speak to our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current equipment could be worth towards your next purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ibanez SR375EF suitable for someone learning fretless bass?

Yes. Although fretless playing requires more accurate finger placement than a fretted bass, the SR375EF's comfortable Soundgear ergonomics make it a practical instrument for developing fretless technique.

What advantage does the fifth string provide?

The additional low-B string extends the range below a conventional 4-string bass, giving access to lower notes without changing tuning and providing more fingering options across the neck.

What does the Power Tap switch do?

The 3-way Power Tap system changes the response of the PowerSpan pickups between fuller series operation, a more articulate tapped response and Ibanez's Power Tap setting, which combines clarity with additional low-end weight.

How does the 16.5mm string spacing feel?

At 16.5mm, the spacing is narrower than many traditional bass bridges. This helps keep the five strings within a compact playing area and suits players who prefer the tighter feel associated with modern Ibanez SR basses.

Can you use roundwound strings on a fretless bass?

Yes. Roundwound strings provide plenty of brightness, attack and harmonic detail, although they can produce more fingerboard wear over time than smoother flatwound strings.

Would flatwound strings work well on the SR375EF?

Yes. Flatwounds can give the instrument a smoother feel and warmer, more traditional fretless voice. String choice is largely a matter of the tone and response the player prefers.

Does fretless bass require different playing technique?

The basic right-hand technique remains familiar, but the fretting hand needs greater precision because there are no metal frets fixing the pitch. Players also gain much more control over slides, vibrato and subtle intonation.

Does the active EQ require a battery?

Yes. The onboard active preamp is powered by a 9V battery. It is sensible to keep a spare battery available if the bass is being used regularly for gigs or sessions.

Is the SR375EF suitable for recording?

Very much so. Its active EQ, multiple pickup modes and fretless response provide a broad tonal palette, from warm sustained bass lines to more articulate and expressive sounds that can work particularly well in studio arrangements.

Can the SR375EF handle heavier styles of music?

Yes. The low-B string, dual-coil pickups and active EQ make it suitable for progressive rock, progressive metal and other heavier styles where extended low range and tonal control are useful.

What kind of bass amplifier works with the SR375EF?

It can be used with virtually any suitable bass amplifier, modelling system, recording interface or bass-compatible PA setup. An amplifier with good low-frequency handling is particularly worthwhile when making full use of the low-B string.

Can I request a closer look before buying?

Yes. As an individual pre-owned instrument, this bass can be viewed through the Fair Deal Music Birmingham showroom, and customers can also enquire about a Request a Video Demo for a closer look before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another bass against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers part exchanges and trade-ins across a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Contact the team for a no-obligation valuation.