NBD: 1985 Ibanez Roadstar II

[Vinny_G]

The strings are a bit of a mystery: definitely stainless, and the white/light grey silk are on both ends. I'm thinking Blue Steels; they sound great, but a little dull.

Hi, great looking bass you have there For the strings, could these be GHS Super Steels, as I know the silks on them are a very light grey, but I don't remember if they have on the ball end side?

 

[TheAnalogKid]

Hi, great looking bass you have there For the strings, could these be GHS Super Steels, as I know the silks on them are a very light grey, but I don't remember if they have on the ball end side?

I am going to find out which brand they are; I really like them and didn't have to "get used" to the feel. I wonder if the people at BSO have any insight to this.

 

[Milk]

I sold one very similar earlier this year. RB960. It was a black that had been sanded off by a previous owner though. Actually i think i have pics online still.

yep, there:

Thing is, i inherited it from my grandad (played mainly guitar, probably barely touched this), but i didn't like anything about it. Dont care for the shape, don't like wood grain or gold hardware, didn't like how the neck felt (too thick and round) and didn't care for the tone. Because it had been sanded, the ibanez logo was gone from the headstock and i think its why it was hard to sell. I tried it around 300 for months, nothing. it went for 230 finally.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I love it. Let me know if you ever want to sell it.

 

[kzr750r1]

Lucky dog... Good find and great price to boot. Not all that sure about this model with this pickup config... Probably plays great. I've owned 3-RB650 now in my lifetime. Found out the buyer of my first still has it...Just picked up a carbon copy of it as well... Great budget basses.

 

[rustindeth]

Worth the wait?

I've been quite busy the last few weeks modding my RB850, I love my RB760 just as it is and would never touch it.

Best of luck to you, just be warned Roadstars are addictive. In a few weeks you'll be looking for another to add to your collection. I'm at number four and already looking for another.

 

[TheAnalogKid]

Worth the wait?

I've been quite busy the last few weeks modding my RB850, I love my RB760 just as it is and would never touch it.

Best of luck to you, just be warned Roadstars are addictive. In a few weeks you'll be looking for another to add to your collection. I'm at number four and already looking for another.

The wait was a bit agonizing, but worth it! I don't think I will do any mods to it, since I see no point. I tried to lift off the control knobs, but they are probably "welded" on. They have no set screws, but I don't want to risk destroying the pot by trying to lift them off. That's one reservation I have about Ibanez: difficult to mod and nearly impossible to get OEM replacement parts.

 

[JimmyThunder]

wow what a looker! nice score! i recommend wearing a tuxedo while you play it.

 

[RED J]

The 80's did produce some unsung gems, Ibanez and Peavey being at the top of the list.

 

[rojo412]

I'm super jealous. That's a killer bass and an even better price on it.

 

[Runnerman]

That's a stunner. And what a super deal.
Would love one like that.
Now another GAS attack (facepalm)

 

[rustindeth]

Love the natural look RB960, I've just sanded my RB850 and the wood grain is very light, about the color of the 960's headstock. I'm assuming the 960's body was stained a bit darker.
I know it's a bit too late but did you not consider repainting it when you were struggling to sell it?

 

[rustindeth]

The wait was a bit agonizing, but worth it! I don't think I will do any mods to it, since I see no point. I tried to lift off the control knobs, but they are probably "welded" on. They have no set screws, but I don't want to risk destroying the pot by trying to lift them off. That's one reservation I have about Ibanez: difficult to mod and nearly impossible to get OEM replacement parts.

Ibanez parts are very hard to get hold of, ebay sellers will try and change stupid money for e.g. a control knob.
The control knobs do pull off, I don't think they're glued but very tight fit.
On the 850 I bought one was cracked so I replaced the whole set.
I'll have to list the original two on ebay for $30 each lol

 

[TheAnalogKid]

Thanks, rustindeth. After some careful finagling, I managed to loosen and remove the control knobs. This was largely to correct loose potentiometer lock-nuts. I bought some knobs that are kind of a funky 1980-style stereo with the white "pointers" for 50 cents each, nothing too fancy-schmancy. I tightened the pots' nuts and put on the new knobs. This is what they look like:

All being said and done, this old boy needs a pro setup, far beyond my capabilities. I found evidence, via the fretboard, that someone was a serious slapper (oy, vey!). The strings are shot and a few frets could use a crowning (frets 1-3 have dents and all). I expected this, however, but my Precision is my main, anyway.

Update: I showed the bass to a local tech who said that the frets are OK, and no crowning necessary...yet. After a good fret polishing and string change (by me), it's good to go!