Ibanez ATK300, Natural

Year: 1998
Finish/Color: Natural
Made in: Japan
Factory/Plant: Fujigen Gakki

While it earned the nickname “The poor man’s StingRay”, many players find the Ibanez ATK300 to be a much more versatile beast than its inspiration. The heart of this bass is the massive Triple-Coil pickup and the 3-band active EQ. Unlike the classic Ray, the ATK features a 3-way Character switch that allows you to toggle between traditional humbucking, a bright single-coil attack mode, and a unique traditional setting. It’s a Japanese-engineered powerhouse that offers all the punch of a boutique Californian bass, but with a rugged, no-nonsense attitude that has made it a cult favorite for decades.

Did you know? The ATK300 is one of the few Ibanez designs that feels more “Old School” than modern. To achieve that signature StingRay-on-steroids tone, Ibanez used a massive bridge plate and a substantial Light Ash body, giving it a physical resonance that you can feel in your chest. This Natural finish specimen is a purist’s dream, showing off the heavy grain of the Ash. Interestingly, despite being the “Poor Man’s” choice, it became a primary weapon for legends like Paul Gray of Slipknot, proving that when it comes to massive low-end and stage reliability, the ATK is a world-class contender in its own right.