Audiofanzine FR
Published on 12/05/08 at 01:52
(Originally written by Bloodrain33/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- Where was it made? (USA, Japan, Mexico, France...)
Made in China... I don't have anything against Chinese guitar makers but...
More information: -> https://www.ibanez.co.jp/world/country/frame_france.html
- How many frets, what kind of pickups and what is the pickup configuration?
22 frets, piezo pickup, Ibanez SPT preamp
- What about controls (volume, tone, pickup selector...)?
I was surprised to see that the controls are very comprehensive: shape, treble, mid, bass, tuner plus a phase control but I don't know what for!
There's a picture on the following website: https://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/images/features/28.jpg
- What kind of neck?
Standard set neck...
- Is the neck comfortable?
Quite comfortable! It's very fast! (but not as fast because the neck varnish is too thick... :s)
- Is the access to the upper frets easy?
No problems up to the 19th fret! Then it becomes difficult but that's normal, it's an acoustic guitar...
- Is the instrument ergonomic (body shape, weight...)?
Light, playable...
- Does it fit your music style?
Perfect! It's an all-round instrument! I play rock, punk, metal, etc.
I sometimes like to slap and it's also quite good at that! (but don't expect too much, it's a budget Jazz Bass!)
- Which amp(s) or effect(s) do you use with it?
Amps: Behringer Ultrabass, Fender Rumble 15.
Effects: EHX Nano Clone Chorus and Ibanez Phat-Hed PD7.
- What kind of sounds do you get and which settings do you use ("crystal-clear", "fat", ...)?
Everything possible using the versatile EQ!
[/b]- Which sounds do you prefer / hate?[/b]
The unplugged sound is ok, but it's more interesting when plugged. It has a nice but special character so test it before buying it.
- How long have you been using it?
Since early December 2008 but I tested it before...
- Which feature do you like the most / the least?
Pros: Very comprehensive preamp, sound, average finish...
Cons: The varnish chips off too easily ...
- Did you try any other models before buying it?
I tested about ten models, three of which were interesting for me: a Cort, a Fender and this Ibanez (much cheaper)...
- How would you rate its value for money?
Unbeatable! Except for the too thick and chipping varnish, this bass is excellent!
- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?
For sure!
I give it between 16 and 18 because of the varnish. I'm not fan but other people might like it! I like natural finishes!
P.S. I will update this review at some later point because the bass is still very new.
- Where was it made? (USA, Japan, Mexico, France...)
Made in China... I don't have anything against Chinese guitar makers but...
More information: -> https://www.ibanez.co.jp/world/country/frame_france.html
- How many frets, what kind of pickups and what is the pickup configuration?
22 frets, piezo pickup, Ibanez SPT preamp
- What about controls (volume, tone, pickup selector...)?
I was surprised to see that the controls are very comprehensive: shape, treble, mid, bass, tuner plus a phase control but I don't know what for!
There's a picture on the following website: https://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/images/features/28.jpg
- What kind of neck?
Standard set neck...
- Is the neck comfortable?
Quite comfortable! It's very fast! (but not as fast because the neck varnish is too thick... :s)
- Is the access to the upper frets easy?
No problems up to the 19th fret! Then it becomes difficult but that's normal, it's an acoustic guitar...
- Is the instrument ergonomic (body shape, weight...)?
Light, playable...
- Does it fit your music style?
Perfect! It's an all-round instrument! I play rock, punk, metal, etc.
I sometimes like to slap and it's also quite good at that! (but don't expect too much, it's a budget Jazz Bass!)
- Which amp(s) or effect(s) do you use with it?
Amps: Behringer Ultrabass, Fender Rumble 15.
Effects: EHX Nano Clone Chorus and Ibanez Phat-Hed PD7.
- What kind of sounds do you get and which settings do you use ("crystal-clear", "fat", ...)?
Everything possible using the versatile EQ!
[/b]- Which sounds do you prefer / hate?[/b]
The unplugged sound is ok, but it's more interesting when plugged. It has a nice but special character so test it before buying it.
- How long have you been using it?
Since early December 2008 but I tested it before...
- Which feature do you like the most / the least?
Pros: Very comprehensive preamp, sound, average finish...
Cons: The varnish chips off too easily ...
- Did you try any other models before buying it?
I tested about ten models, three of which were interesting for me: a Cort, a Fender and this Ibanez (much cheaper)...
- How would you rate its value for money?
Unbeatable! Except for the too thick and chipping varnish, this bass is excellent!
- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?
For sure!
I give it between 16 and 18 because of the varnish. I'm not fan but other people might like it! I like natural finishes!
P.S. I will update this review at some later point because the bass is still very new.