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NBD! 1984 Ibanez Roadstar II RB960

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by StathisBass, Jul 1, 2020.

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  1. Jul 1, 2020 #1
    StathisBass

    StathisBass

    Jul 8, 2017
    Thessaloniki
    After searching for a new bass for a long time, I stumbled upon this little gem from the 80s. I didn't know much about vintage Ibanez in general but it did look amazing and so after some talk, I acquired it.

    After doing some research on it, I found out that it's an 1984 Japanese Ibanez, it's build quality is excellent and after playing for some time, it seems to be really easy to navigate on the fretboard.

    I read on some forums that these basses are quite rare and have a good value, although as I said I don't know much about them. After posting it on other forums though I had people asking me to sell it to them. Considering it's quality, tone and playability, selling it isn't an option for, especially since the only bass that I still lust for is a Rickenbacker 4003. And selling it wouldn't get me anywhere near to the price of those or trading wouldn't even be a choice. Oh well.

    If anyone has any info on these basses, their history, etc let me know, I'd like to know more about what I've got!

    Pics:
    IMG_20200616_165232_1.jpg IMG_20200616_165051.jpg IMG_20200616_203758.jpg
     
    Riff Ranger, Kitsapbass, Bass V and 7 others like this.
  2. Jul 1, 2020 #2
    garp

    garp

    Feb 7, 2009
    Connecticut USA
    Congrats! What you have there is a fine example of what I like to refer to as "The Golden Age of Ibanez." Not that Hoshino Gakki doesn't still make nice instruments, but the Japan-built ones from this era are really quite special...I've got two of 'em.

    You'll find plenty of additional reading material at The Official Ibanez Blazer/Roadstar Club.
     
    Riff Ranger, Kitsapbass and StathisBass like this.
  3. Jul 1, 2020 #3
    StathisBass

    StathisBass

    Jul 8, 2017
    Thessaloniki
    Thank you very much, I'll check it out! It really amazes me how a bass, after so many years plays this good. It feels like it's made like a tank, nothing moves, nothing rattles, no problems whatsoever. Ibanez did some amazing work here!
     
  4. Jul 1, 2020 #4
    scuzzy

    scuzzy

    Feb 15, 2006
    Troy, MO
    I love the old ibby's, nice find.. black with binding looks great.

    Please fix the stringing at the headstock. The reversed D and G strings are killing my OCD.
     
    Lucca, B-Mac and StathisBass like this.
  5. Jul 1, 2020 #5
    StathisBass

    StathisBass

    Jul 8, 2017
    Thessaloniki
    Hahaha, I intend to change them when the exams are over. I tried changing them and put them in the correct tuning peg but they seem to be wrongly cut too.
     
    scuzzy likes this.
  6. Jul 1, 2020 #6
    tindrum

    tindrum Supporting Member

    May 2, 2007
    Suffolk, VA
    Congrats! Those are incredible basses!
     
  7. Jul 1, 2020 #7
    Nekomata

    Nekomata

    May 13, 2020
    Leiderdorp, Neverlands
    Cool! Those vintage Ibbies are excellent instruments. Actually, the first bass I bought (not for myself, for my girlfriend—who is since then (April 2020) to blame for my bass craze) was this one:

    vqIxP49.jpg

    A 1984 RB824 (Roadstar II series) in very good condition. My girlfriend is very fond of it, and so is her bass teacher.

    Enjoy that black beauty!
     
    Bass V and Abner like this.
  8. Jul 3, 2020 #8
    B-Mac

    B-Mac Happiness is a warm puppy and a great bass Gold Supporting Member

    Jan 7, 2017
    Lower Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania
    :drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

    Gotta show that off here to!:hyper:

    Let's see those beautiful Black Basses
     
  9. Dec 31, 2021 #9
    butterfingers1

    butterfingers1

    Apr 22, 2019
    Montreal
    I had that exact bass, black gold Ibanez RB960 bought new in 1986. I never quite bonded with it. It sounded muffled and dull. The tone knobs had almost no effect, and the two pickups sounded almost identical (oddly). Beautiful luxurious finish though, and mine was is mint condition. The two «low impedance pickup» stickers were still there on each pickup. I am holding it in my avatar photo.

    Anyway in 2020 the battery wire ripped out, wasn’t going to have it repaired and gave it to a charity. I hope they sold it to someone who appreciates it.