Ibanez ARTB100

[Fergie Fulton]

I have been really busy so not had a chance to be here for a while, so i am playing catch up.
I am an AGB200 player and still have problems with solid body guitars due to medical problems, but would like to have another option to the AGB200 as its sound is quite unique. Has anybody been using the ART100 and if so how does it compare to say a precision or jazz in its sounds? I know the scale is right for me i am just wondering about its sound if it is comparable to other solid body basses as it is not a true solid bass, it just more solid than the AGB200 because the sound chamber is covered, i believe the chamber is still present but the bass is more solid than semi acoustic.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ffT108Wr1zg/TSXtY2wqFTI/AAAAAAAABt4/Ulf9ADsAq4I/s1600/iba.jpg

 

[jasper383]

I have the ARTB100, the white one. As far as I know, it's a true solid mahogany bass. No chambers.

Mine is about 7.5-8 pounds. Plays very, very easily.

Sound is a lot like a less punchy Jazz Bass; I guess that's to be expected.. Very deep J type sound with both pickups on. The bridge pickup honks okay, again, never as growly as a Jazz Bass.

I have La Bella 49-109 flats on it, and they are perfect in my opinion for this bass. It came with D'Addario rounds, and they sounded good, too.

Looks like Ibanez has discontinued them.

 

[Swin]

Confirmed, it is a true Solid body guitar. Basically built like any Les Paul is- Set neck, Mahogany body, 3pc Maple/ Mahogany neck, Gibraltar fixed bridge.

But what makes this bass sound so warm is the inclusion of the ceramic Artcore pickups, they sound great and are perfect if 70's classic rock is your flavour.

The Mahogany body and neck do make it one of the more heavier basses in the Ibanez lineup, so if you need a lightweight bass due to any medical reasons...do try it out before you commit and also have a look at the standard Soundgears from Ibanez as they are the lightest in their class and are great for longer standing sessions.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

Thanks for the info, i did not realise they were discontinued, hope this is not the case, but maybe i can get a better deal on one if true.

 

[jasper383]

Thanks for the info, i did not realise they were discontinued, hope this is not the case, but maybe i can get a better deal on one if true.

They are no longer on the Ibanez website.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

They are no longer on the Ibanez website.

Yes i noticed that, i have a friend who has a dealership with them, i have asked him to look into it for me.

 

[Swin]

Yes they are discontinued, best to either find a retailer that is sitting on old stock or look for a decent pre-owned one.

 

[Wildono]

I have the ARTB100, the white one. As far as I know, it's a true solid mahogany bass. No chambers.

Mine is about 7.5-8 pounds. Plays very, very easily.

Sound is a lot like a less punchy Jazz Bass; I guess that's to be expected.. Very deep J type sound with both pickups on. The bridge pickup honks okay, again, never as growly as a Jazz Bass.

I have La Bella 49-109 flats on it, and they are perfect in my opinion for this bass. It came with D'Addario rounds, and they sounded good, too.

Looks like Ibanez has discontinued them.

Jasper, if you knew what you know about the ARTB100, would you purchase again?

I love LOVE love the way it looks, but rarely have I seen any commentary about the playing/tone quality of the ARTB100. No meaningful reviews anywhere, unless you count comments about occasional body cracks. I wonder if anyone knows why they're being discontinued...

 

[evhest]

I had one untill recently. Well built and nice looking bass for the money. Didn't think much of the stock pickups though. Sold it a few weeks ago as I replaced it with a Gibson Recording bass.