GWB35 Serial Number

Hey Everyone! I just purchased a used Ibanez Gary Willis bass in black (GWB35BLK). It was bought used from GC online. I love it but am trying to figure out about its origins. It was listed as '2002 Ibanez GWB35 Fretless Black' with serial number 02984 (no letters). It is stamped on the back and notes 'Indonesia'. Upon research, it seems that this bass would have debuted in the lineup in 2004. It is flat black, Ibanez pickup (not the Bart or current Agi), has the heavy Ibanez bridge and labeled Gotoh tuners. The fretboard is definitely ebony not ebonal. So it lines up with the 2004 models, but those seem to have come from the Korean factory not Indonesian ... the serial number does suggest 2002, but this model doesn't seem to have been made until 2004 according to the Ibanez archives on their website. So my question is when and where was this bass made? I mean the country is obvious, but there is no letter before the numbers... and I am curious if it was made in the prestidge factory or regular production?

Any ideas????

 

Anyone have any ideas?

 

I sent Ibanez an email. I’ll post the answer here if they get back to me. The bass is in mint condition aside from the usual roundwound marks on the fretboard. Whoever had it took amazing care of it if it is 18 years old!

 

Ha!! Yes!! That’s exactly where I bought it from! What can you tell me about the bass? I tweaked the neck and re-strung with Mangan Custom Strings. Plays like a dream now. Just curious why did you part with it?

 

For those interested... I contacted Ibanez and they were awesome. The serial number on the bass headstock is actually that of a replacement neck. This bass is ACTUALLY circa 2012, built in the Cort Premium factory in Indonesia. The neck was replaced because it didn't have the logo. My guess is maybe the signature was missing? The rep provided me with 2 actual serial numbers it could be. Either way, mystery solved! And what a fantastic bass!! Highly recommended if you are looking for a very playable and clean sounding fretless.

 

AAANND the fretboard is Ebonal... bummer... that's pretty disappointing. Some of the fretlines are slightly risen and I am not sure you can dress an ebonal fretboard...

 

Well here's the rub, if you will, I was under the impression it was ebony this whole time... I mean I see grain in it and it seems like wood. I am happy with the sound of the bass... so if I could correct the lines issue, then it'd be a screaming bass. Its already awesome. So the ebonal thing is mostly in my freakin head...

 

I’m still convinced the board is ebony.

 

That’s the bass.

 

When I contacted Ibanez the rep said our records say it’s ebonal. But this looks like wood not ebonal.

 

When the neck was replaced, they probably had old stock with ebony boards. I’m thinking this one got one of those Korean necks and was stamped Indonesia. That’s my only guess.