2019 Ibanez Affirma

[nonohmic]

How do these feel when strapped? Longer or shorter than your typical 34" bass?

 

[smcd]

This is pretty exciting news. I'm astonished Ibanez reissued this bass. I wonder where this bass is being manufactured?

 

[nonohmic]

. I'm disappointed to see these may be limited for 2019 only, hopefully they'll decide to keep them.

If that's true, I'm nabbing one.

 

[Michael Jewels]

How do these feel when strapped? Longer or shorter than your typical 34" bass?

They feel just like a regular 34" scale instrument. I'm referring to the EDAs.

They are, to me, the most comfortable instrument I have ever played, standing or sitting.

This is because the EDA series have a body that's curved to match the human body. This is especially true if you have a slight to moderate belly, and who doesn't? It wraps around your stomach, which makes the bass feel as though it's part of you.

The body of the EDAs were molded from plastic; the Affirma appears flat in the back, so it doesn't have this feature.

Mike

 

[bigfellow]

This is pretty exciting news. I'm astonished Ibanez reissued this bass. I wonder where this bass is being manufactured?

Invalid Link Removed
writes:
"The Affirma series will be produced in Indonesia, unlike the original Japanese-crafted basses, offering great value for players with a very high-spec (almost boutique-style) design."

 

[hypercarrots]

and they come with a hard shell case

 

[jcburn]

I've owned 2 if the original Affirmas, an A305 aan an A105. Also owned an EDA905. The EDA just didn't compare in any way, and I'm not hanging poop on that model or people that own them\like them.
The AFR basses are something special, and to be honest the only reason I moved them on is totally I just couldn't get a sound I wanted. They are special and I'm glad they will be made again.
Not to derail... I would love to see Ibanez do a Sound gear with wise string spacing, even if it were something like limited edition\J Custom.

 

[smcd]

Invalid Link Removed
writes:
"The Affirma series will be produced in Indonesia, unlike the original Japanese-crafted basses, offering great value for players with a very high-spec (almost boutique-style) design."

$1,500 for an Indonesian-made instrument? Ouch.


I remember the original Affirmas being expensive. Something like $1,200 list 25 years ago. Does anyone remember what they cost??

 

[TolerancEJ]

$1,500 for an Indonesian-made instrument? Ouch.


I remember the original Affirmas being expensive. Something like $1,200 list 25 years ago. Does anyone remember what they cost??

One of the original AFR 5s has been on Reverb at $1400 for a very long time. I was hoping these new releases would force existing owners to start reducing their asking prices.

 

[I-play-bass]

I-play-bass, if you look at the front-on photos at the Ibanez site you'll see the B string angle to the post would be more extreme if wound the other way. The EDA photo above is taken at an angle. Also, tuners are possibly engineered for the intended winding direction.

It's a good idea that allows a narrower headstock. Affirma and EDA headstocks are some of the best looking headstocks i've seen.
Gorgeous instruments and still so far ahead of the times 27+ years later. Mainstream bass guitar design is so stagnant and still in the 1960's. I'm disappointed to see these may be limited for 2019 only, hopefully they'll decide to keep them.

Even if it's more extreme inwards, I'd rather than than any sort of pressure pulling to the outside. I've had a nut break in that way before, and that's enough for me to shy away from that even if it's plastic.

 

[miljoneir]

I found a short demo of one.

 

[skeeler]

These are made in the Premium factory in Indonesia, where the other Premium basses are made. Given the build quality on my SR1305E, I don’t think $1500-1600 is ridiculous.

 

[Aidil]

demo from Ibanez by Dave Swift:

 

[hypercarrots]

There’s the blue one

 

[miljoneir]

Another clip.

 

[yellowmiata]

How do these feel when strapped? Longer or shorter than your typical 34" bass?

It feels shorter than a standard 34”. But it’s a little wider throughout the neck (top to bottom) relative to my SR. Stats say it’s 2mm wider at all parts. The neck is smooth, stiff and the half-thru neck is divine.
Kevi

 

[nonohmic]

Word. I'd love to try one sitting too. It looks like it sits the bridge back a bit further than on a typical Fender type instrument, which would be awesome if true.

 

[gigetto]

I've a 4 AFR used in very good condition. For the price a good versatile bass, but in my opinion the original Japan model is a little more refined. Good piezo and not bad magnetic but I prefer to use singularly, in my other bass I use only PU coupled.