Ibanez Gary Willis 5-String Fretless, GWB-1

BluesWalker · #1 12-09-2011, 03:35 AM

I have decided that I am not fretless player and I need a backup fretted 5-string bass, so I am putting this beautiful, easy to play and great sounding fretless bass up for sale. I bought it from a TBer about a year ago and it has only been played through a headphone preamp in my smoke-free home.

This is the first version of the Gary Willis fretless bass. They were made in Japan by expert builders to their and Gary's high quality standards. I was told it was built in 1999.
It has everything you expect from a Gary Willis bass. The custom radiused Bartolini GWB1 pickup and Bartolini active electronics, 9V battery. Radiused ramp. A volume knob that switches the bass to passive mode when pulled up and stacked bass/treble knobs. A real ebony board with maple inlays and a peghead covered with a matching ash veneer. 34" scale. Tight B string. Good access to the upper frets on all strings. I have never played a GWB35 but I have been told this model is much better in regards to sound, construction and playability.

The Ibanez hard shell case is included and the bass will be shipped in the case.

The bass color is lighter than shown in the pictures, I didn't have great lighting for the picture nor a great camera nor am I much of a photographer.

I describe the condition as very good. It has been played but not abused. It has some little dings on the body, but they are not visible except for close inspection. The fretboard has some marks from the roundwound strings but they are superficial in that they they do not affect playabilty or the fretless MUAHH sound. It has years of playing left before it needs a fretboard job.

To answer a question I have been asked a couple times: the string spacing is 16.5 m, the width of the nut is 45 mm and the string width at the bridge is 67 mm.

Sale only, no trades. Paypal only. $1000 shipped anywhere in the CONUS.

BluesWalker · #2 12-09-2011, 03:36 AM

More pictures

BluesWalker · #3 12-09-2011, 03:38 AM

Here are 2 more

Humabass · #4 12-09-2011, 06:35 AM

If you sell this I have the exact model but fretted for sale.

Hugh

BluesWalker · #5 12-09-2011, 06:48 AM

Interesting proposition, I will let you know.

BluesWalker · #6 12-09-2011, 07:38 PM

Bump to the top of the list, at least for a few minutes

Mojo-Man · #7 12-09-2011, 10:19 PM

Can't remember, id this 34"scale or 35" scale?

BluesWalker · #8 12-10-2011, 07:53 AM

34" scale

BluesWalker · #9 12-12-2011, 10:45 AM

Monday bump

BluesWalker · #10 12-15-2011, 01:22 PM

jim777 · #11 12-16-2011, 08:42 AM

These are such beautiful, elegant basses!

BluesWalker · #12 12-16-2011, 06:46 PM

and it can be yours!

henry2513 · #13 12-16-2011, 07:07 PM

It's a shame it's not fretted, I'm looking for a fretted bass.

BluesWalker · #14 12-20-2011, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by henry2513

It's a shame it's not fretted, I'm looking for a fretted bass.

Check out #4 above.

slev · #15 12-20-2011, 08:47 AM

Great deal on an amazing bass! If only I had the cash! Free bump

BluesWalker · #16 12-28-2011, 09:54 AM

Post-Christmas Bump!

BluesWalker · #17 12-30-2011, 06:21 PM

Price Reduced to $1050!

BluesWalker · #18 01-03-2012, 08:45 AM

New Year Bump! I hope I don't have to move this to ebay!

BluesWalker · #19 01-06-2012, 08:50 AM

A couple of deals fell through this week, it is still available. Price dropped to $1000. I would like to sell this great bass to someone who will use it.

BluesWalker · #20 01-09-2012, 07:28 AM

Monday bump, somebody has to have a good home for this bass!