Agathis bodies on Ibanez basses

[sonnos]

So I've noticed that on a lot of Ibanez's beginner/intermediate basses they use agathis bodies. this is the only company I've seen using agathis for any part of a guitar, i don't imagine it sounds too good, but i could be wrong. does anyone here know anything or have any experience with agathis body basses?

 

[wvbass]

Many manufacturers use agathis on some of their inexpensive models. My assumption would be that it is more inexpensive than ash, alder, maple, or mahogany. Why would your assumption be that it "doesn't sound too good?"

Edit: here is an example of a non-Ibanez bass with an Agathis body: Invalid Link Removed

 

[GIBrat51]

Italia basses and guitars are made of agathis, and are generally well thought of. Agathis (or Kauri) is a tropical conifer; it's generally not a pretty wood, so don't expect to see a lot of Agathis boutique basses. Like basswood, it is a decent/good tonewood; generally not as soft as basswood, though. If you like the way the bass feels and sounds, I wouldn't worry about it. Just play the snot out of it, and enjoy!

 

[rockscott]

I had a fender jaguar that was agathis, it sounded fine but it was very heavy!

 

[RED J]

I have had a few Agathis basses and liked the sound, and had no durability issues. Just as good as alder or poplar IMHO. It like most tone woods, can vary in density. I would take it before basswood, which bites royally across the board in my humble experience, opinion, of course.