Ibanez Grooveline - anyone play one yet?

[mikeddd]

Haven't seen one locally yet, so haven't played one.

My initial thoughts:

They can't be worth $2K-$2.3K which is what they go for...that's custom-built bass territory and also up to $1K more than their previous top-tier Prestige line.

Curious if anyone's played one and what you think.

 

[BobaFret]

They are only not worth it if people don't buy them. Initially I liked the look and now I really don't. There are things I like but more that look odd ( to me ).

 

[SwagAttack]

I think it look's pretty sweet. I just got a used sr5000 prestige, which I think is a way better looking bass. The thing that interests me is "The CAP Sonic Arch neck and bridge pickups. Single-sized humbuckers with blade polepieces; well balanced traditional tone for any music and any style." Single coil sized humbucker?!?! Is that for real

Edit: I am also glad that they are starting to putt active/passive switches now. I don't know why this isn't more standard.

 

[zuma]

Check out Janek playing one:

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[thereturnfc]

i was in store , my friend pull it down and ask me to try it, i think it pretty cool, it does feel like 2k stuff , electronics are REALLY different than ibanez SR lines, tone is cool, like jazz bass style
but i wont buy, the look doesnt cut it...really

 

[milo]

Lorenzo Feliciati with E. Santacatterina and G. Palmieri - Mark World booth Musikmesse 2011 - YouTube
Lorenzo Feliciati e Ibanez Grooveline - "Groove First" - YouTube
SessionMusicTV's Channel - YouTube

 

[Hopper]

They haven't reached the UK yet.

Come on, Ibanez; get your act together!

 

[fourstringbliss]

Sure sounds great to me!

 

[jasper383]

These come from the Japan custom shop? That IS custom shop territory.

I'm sure these are as nice as any bass made as far as quality goes. Definitely up there with Sadowsky, US Lakland, etc.

 

[fourstringbliss]

These come from the Japan custom shop? That IS custom shop territory.

I'm sure these are as nice as any bass made as far as quality goes. Definitely up there with Sadowsky, US Lakland, etc.

Agreed. They still look weird to me, though.

 

[KingRazor]

Looks to me like they're redoing the ergodyne series (look at the similarities between the EDB 550 and one of the groovelines), but making it into a boutique instrument.

They probably play and sound great, but boy do they look ugly...

 

[RaginRog]

Not a very attractive bass...but I'm very practical...it's just so expensive. For that much cash, you're only $2-300 away from having a Sadowsky or Lull.

 

[RaginRog]

Check out Janek playing one:

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Yeah, but Janek could probably make a $500 SR500 sound like that.

 

[Kwesi]

I'm sure these are as nice as any bass made as far as quality goes. Definitely up there with Sadowsky, US Lakland, etc.

I seriously doubt that. Call me skeptical.

 

[conqr]

Hated the look at first from stills, but seeing/hearing them on video they've won me over. That weird shape actually does seem to address valid functional issues of balance in standing and playing position when sitting.

 

[JakeDPR]

This is the first I have seen these, and I can't stand the looks! Just not my style

 

[SwagAttack]

I seriously doubt that. Call me skeptical.

Why would you doubt that? Just because it is made in Japan? All of the materials look great. So I don't know why it would be lesser quality. My guess to why they are made in Japan is because like everyone in Japan plays Ibanez guitars.

 

[fourstringbliss]

My guess to why they are made in Japan is because like everyone in Japan plays Ibanez guitars.

They're made in Japan because the factory they make their best instruments in is located in Japan. Before American guitar/bass companies started making instruments in Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, and China (in order of craftsmanship) they were made in Japan. That's what MIJ means when you're talking about a Fender.

All of Ibanez's Prestige line of basses are made in their Japanese factory and the quality is generally just as good as factory-made American stuff. That's not to say that MIJ Ibanez stuff is the same quality as custom made Sadowsky, Lull, or Fodera (to name a few), but then neither is MIA Fender stuff.

 

[user3653753]

It's a really nice bass. Getting used to it still, and might have some custom work done on the bass to get it to where I want it. But I'm thinking about keeping it in the collection...

Janek

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I seriously doubt that. Call me skeptical.

I've played Groovelines multiple times, and they are boutique grade basses with a boutique ($2,000+) pricetag. You may may not like one if you play, but the quality is there.