The originals (I own an AFR104) use a combination of a magnetic pickup (that runs on 18 volt) and piezo's in the bridge. They were also way ahead of their time with the monorail bridge system (D-Tune on the low E), graphite truss rod, high quality select woods, a half-through neck construction etc. Rolf Spuler(the designer) knew what he was doing.
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Wow good news about the AFR, having looked through the entire history of Ibanez basses i consider that the best design of bass they ever made (although they need a 6 string version).
The design was used for the Ergodyne EDA which i had the pleasure of trying once, but i think the EDA was spoiled by using that smelly luthite material instead of wood (but only because i am sensitive to chemical odours). The EDA i tried had the most amazing sound due to the piezo / magnetic blend of pickups. It was also an ergonomic design for sitting. Love the deep neck pocket concept, like the Cort Curbow. Best headstock design i have seen on any bass.
The design was used for the Ergodyne EDA which i had the pleasure of trying once, but i think the EDA was spoiled by using that smelly luthite material instead of wood (but only because i am sensitive to chemical odours). The EDA i tried had the most amazing sound due to the piezo / magnetic blend of pickups. It was also an ergonomic design for sitting. Love the deep neck pocket concept, like the Cort Curbow. Best headstock design i have seen on any bass.
none that we've already known... since the new one is only the TCB1006 Thundercat signature bass.
Though there are some notes of spec change on few current signature models, which might be only minor change from the previous specification.
ah... that could be another story. Could be that red 5 string ANB are being made only in Japan... that is... if it has entered the mass production state. All I know, at least for now, there isn't any Indonesian version of it yet. The ANB Premium version is still the blue 6 string ANB306.
A new BTB33 without the “ramp” and with slim pickups like the first BTB7 would be sweet!
The new BTB33 has been shown at Bass Player Live: 2018 Ibanez Speculation Thread
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/2018-ibanez-speculation-thread.1305004/page-6#post-20596694
It's third from the right in the top picture. Specs seem to be mostly the same as the previous model, other than the updates to match the 2017 BTBs (new body shape, zero fret, new pickups).
you quoted my earlier post when I haven't got info about the new BTB Volo 33" scale which will have 2 new models: 5 string E to C BTB845V-ABL and 6 string B to C BTB846V-ABL.
The ramp is gonna still be included, but with matching wooden top just as on the bass, and these will likely to have the new Bart BH2, not slim jazz style BTB7, pickups.
Hope we get both the 5string and 6string version in Canada!
I wonder how the low B will be with the 33” scale though. I agree with most people that think it sounds best with 35” scale. I’ve occasionally tuned it to C on my SR506 for a smoother, tighter sound for this reason.
Thanks very much for the new BTB33 info! I like the new look.
Ahh gotcha. Do you know if they will be discontinuing the current ash body 6 string or putting it under a new name? Sweetwater says no longer available.
I would love the old EX to make a return. Basically an RG bass with PJ's although some soapbars would work too.
Make one at $299, one at $599, one at $999 and one at like $5,436,872(because Ibanez).
I would LOVE a nice option other than my jackson because the ibanez seem to be much better built for the cash.
Make one at $299, one at $599, one at $999 and one at like $5,436,872(because Ibanez).
I would LOVE a nice option other than my jackson because the ibanez seem to be much better built for the cash.
Like the old RD series like the RD727 or RD828?
I'd like to see the Saber bass make a return...
ugh yes... imagine those with same treatment as the $1000 range RG guitars get these days.
