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Help me find my new bass

dataraxia

dataraxia

Nov 24, 2022
4
1
#1
Alright, so I'm currently between basses. Started playing around 2020, just moved to a new place, and it's time for an upgrade.

Not too long ago I learned about the Ibanez Ergodyne line of basses, and fell in love with the style. Not a fan of the Luthite though. But turns out that near the end of the line, Ibanez released a few Ergodyne guitars made of wood...
20221103_224437.png

These are my white whale.

But I can't seem to find any for a reasonable price. So I gotta fill the Ergodyne shaped hole in my Ergodyne shaped heart.

I'm looking for something:
- Made of natural materials
- $200-$500
- Not too heavy
- Japanese (preferably Ibanez)

What should I look for?
 
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#2
Not sure where you’re located, but the later wood-bodied, Indonesian-made Ibanez EDBs pop up from time to time on the U.S. pre-owned market within your price range.

I’d also keep an eye out for the older Japanese-made Ibanez Roadstar II models, such as the RB850. @Standalone might be able to provide some other Ibanez recommendations.
 
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#5
garp said:
I’d also keep an eye out for the older Japanese-made Ibanez Roadstar II models, such as the RB850. @Standalone might be able to provide some other Ibanez recommendations.
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dataraxia said:
Hey garp! I'm located in Japan currently, which is why I'm looking for Japanese basses hahaha

I'll look out for those!
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It seems that I’m doing a poor job hiding my vintage Ibanez compulsive habit…!

Dararaxia, I often see nice vintage Ibanez gear on Reverb that is located in Japan. That would be one place to look.

Garp is right to suggest mid-80’s Roadstar II basses. They are universally excellent (I’ve only ever seen one model panned; an 86 with Jazz Bass pickups)

Here is one. Tiny body, but it is 34” scale. Ibanez Japan RB-888 Roadstar II Electric Bass RefNo 3120 | Reverb

Just an example. They come up from time to time. Japan is an excellent place to look for older Ibanez, I suggest you expand your search beyond just the ergodynes, but agree that a wood one would be nice.
 
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#6
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#8
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#9
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#12
@Standalone

These are some beautiful basses. I can already feel my wallet crying though. I'm looking through some other second-hane Japanese retail sites right now, but I'm definitely keeping a close eye on the ones you sent.

I scouted a few, but admittedly I'm still pretty newb when it comes to things like pickups. Do any of these jump out to you?

Ibanez / アイバニーズ SSR620 ブラウン
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Ibanez　SSR630
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Ibanez エレキベース SR600 NTM ソフトケース アクティブ
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アクティブ5弦ベース
IBANEZ|アクティブ5弦ベース|HARDOFFオフモール|2013870000015204

エレキベース
IBANEZ|エレキベース|HARDOFFオフモール|2013240000034449

IBANEZ SSR620 アイバニーズ(IBANEZ)|IBANEZ SSR620|HARDOFFオフモール|1010780000018399

エレキベース
IBANEZ|エレキベース|HARDOFFオフモール|1010780000023998

Ibanez SSR-500　bartolini／3バンドアクティブEQ Ibanez SSR-500 bartolini／3バンドアクティブEQ - ヤフオク!
 
#13
without knowing you as a person and the styles you play, its hard to make a recommendation.......for example: that Ergodyne looks great, but the neck pickup looks like it might be a hinderence for slap style compared to other basses (my EB HH is similar) so I personally may pass where that may not be a criteria for yourself
 
#14
@dataraxia I think FGN are Japanese basses produced in old fender MIJ factory. I've heard great things about them. A little more fendery than your initial post, but they are Japanese. And all the good choices are mentioned already. fwiw Sire (Indonesian) has great qc and is in your range.

Sorry for going further away from your stated taste. Best choices are mentioned already. 2018 used AFR would be close to your goals, and I've played one. It was a killer deal I didn't have money for.
 
#17
lidl e said:
Au contrairé my fellow vintage ibanez loving friend.
The super P5 are the greatest pickups ever made for bass!

Lol
But seriously, its good to know other people hold this line of pickups in the same regards i always have.
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I have that one in one of my Musician basses. The cream Dimarzio style P in the 81 Roadster is hotter and more complex I think — but the Super P5 is up there for sure. Those big pickups from that era are awesome
 
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#18
mrperkolator said:
@dataraxia I think FGN are Japanese basses produced in old fender MIJ factory. I've heard great things about them. A little more fendery than your initial post, but they are Japanese. And all the good choices are mentioned already. fwiw Sire (Indonesian) has great qc and is in your range.

Sorry for going further away from your stated taste. Best choices are mentioned already. 2018 used AFR would be close to your goals, and I've played one. It was a killer deal I didn't have money for.
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FGN is Fujigen. They made Ibanez basses from mid/late 70’s through 1990’s and I think beyond. Greatest mass production factory ever IMO. I’m sure the new FGNs are fine instruments as well.
 
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#19
#20
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