Ibanez GSR205-BMT Blue Moon Burst 5-string Bassguitar

Ibanez GSR205 Blue Moon Burst — A 5-String Bass with SR DNA

The Ibanez GSR205 Blue Moon Burst brings the legendary SR bass platform into the Gio series, Ibanez's gateway line for budget-conscious players. Finished in a striking Blue Moon Burst gloss, this 5-string electric bass combines a slim GSR5 maple neck with a lightweight Okoume body, delivering the fast, comfortable feel that has defined the SR family for decades. Built for players stepping into five-string territory, it pairs passive Dynamix H humbuckers with an active Phat II EQ for tonal flexibility across genres. The Ibanez GSR205 Blue Moon Burst is the right choice for beginners and intermediate players who need Ibanez's signature playability without the higher-tier price tag.

What Sets This Model Apart in the Gio Lineup

Purpleheart is a tonewood rarely seen on entry-level basses, and its inclusion on the fretboard gives this 5-string a richer midrange character than most competitors in its segment. The Phat II EQ is an active bass-boost circuit that adds approximately 15 dB of low-end power around 100 Hz, transforming a clean passive tone into a thick, modern growl at the turn of a single knob. Combined with the B15 bridge's 16.5 mm string spacing, the setup supports both precise fingerstyle articulation and aggressive pick attack.

Lightweight Body and Hardware Built for Daily Play

A slim, contoured Okoume body keeps the instrument comfortable during long sessions, whether standing on stage or sitting in a practice room. The 864 mm scale length is the standard for five-string electric basses, providing the string tension needed for a defined low B string. Chrome hardware and a B15 bridge with adjustable saddles ensure stable tuning and accurate intonation across all 22 frets.

• Body Material: Okoume — lightweight tonewood with a warm, balanced response
• Scale Length: 864 mm — standard five-string scale for tight B-string definition
• Bridge: B15 with 16.5 mm string spacing — fully adjustable intonation per saddle
• Hardware Finish: Chrome

SR-Series Neck Profile for Speed and Comfort

The GSR5 maple neck is one of the slimmest profiles in the Ibanez bass catalog, designed for players who prioritize speed and low-fret access. A 45 mm nut width keeps string spacing tight enough for fast walking bass lines, while the 305 mm fingerboard radius supports comfortable thumb anchoring across all positions. Medium frets and 22 frets total provide enough range for upper-register soloing without sacrificing lower-fret comfort.

• Neck Type: GSR5 Maple — slim, fast profile inspired by the SR series
• Fretboard: Purpleheart with white dot inlays — dense tonewood with bright attack
• Fret Size: Medium, 22 frets
• Nut Width: 45 mm — narrow enough for tight string spacing
• Fingerboard Radius: 305 mm

Dynamix H Pickups and Phat II EQ for Modern Bass Tones

Passive Dynamix H humbuckers in both neck and bridge positions deliver a thick, full-range signal that suits rock, metal, funk, and pop styles. The Phat II EQ adds an active bass-boost stage with approximately 15 dB of cut or boost around 100 Hz, plus additional shaping at higher frequencies for presence and air. Four control knobs — two volume, one master tone, and one Phat II EQ — give players straightforward access to a wide tonal palette without menu-diving.

• Neck Pickup: Dynamix H (Passive)
• Bridge Pickup: Dynamix H (Passive)
• Equalizer: Phat II active EQ — bass-boost circuit with ~15 dB range at 100 Hz
• Factory Tuning: 1G, 2D, 3A, 4E, 5B
• String Gauge: .045 / .065 / .080 / .100 / .125

Ideal for First-Time Five-String Players and Gigging Bassists on a Budget

The Blue Moon Burst model is the right choice for beginners who want a reliable five-string bass with Ibanez's signature SR neck profile, without paying for features they may not yet need. Intermediate players expanding from four-string to five-string setups will appreciate the 864 mm scale length and the B-string tension that comes with the factory .125 gauge low string. Gigging musicians who need a dependable backup bass will find the Phat II EQ and passive pickup combination flexible enough for most live situations. The Blue Moon Burst finish also makes it a visually striking option for players who want their instrument to stand out on stage.

The SR Legacy and the Gio Series Philosophy

For 30 years, the Ibanez SR series has given bass players a modern alternative to traditional bass designs, with slim necks, lightweight bodies, and electronics matched to contemporary playing styles. The Gio series was developed to bring that same SR DNA to players at more accessible price points, maintaining the same quality standards and warranty coverage as Ibanez's higher-tier models. Ibanez began its legacy in Japan in 1908 as a music distributor before crafting its own guitars in the mid-1960s, and the GSR205 continues that tradition of player-focused design.