After making the leap from 4 strings to 5 earlier this pandemic, I've been craving an acoustic 5 string to practice with. As you may know, the market for 5 string acoustic basses is pretty slim... most of the instruments out there are $1k+, which is waay more then I wanted to spend on a practice guitar that would probably get abused. Enter the Ibanez AEB105E...
I had my eye on this Sweetwater deal for months, but I couldn't pull the trigger because I thought it was super overpriced ($400). I own an old (20 years?) 4 string Ibanez AEB. It's definitely not something I would pay a few hundred for... So I contacted Ibanez and spoke with a sales rep.. He soothed my fear of repeating the same issues as before. I dropped the coin for a new one from Sweetwater! You may notice the photos are professionally done; that is because Sweetwater used my actual instrument to update their store listing (which was previously lacking any useful photos). Non-valuable brag, I own the website's showroom model...
The B String
Surprisingly full in volume. After reading so many bad things about 5 string acoustic ABGs, I was half expecting the B string to be inaudible. However, even with the bronze acoustic strings the B is pronounced and full. The tone is not as focused as I wish, but it's definitely good enough for the cost.
The Quality
Surprisingly high quality and built well. The set-up on it is decent. A luthier or repair shop could probably file/level the frets and lower the action, but out of the box it's not bad. I'm stoked that the truss rod actually works! This was a big hesitation from my 4 string Ibanez AEB. Overall, quality materials with a handsome appearance.
The Tone
Full and round. Like I mentioned, the bronze strings keep it modest, but the tone is consistent across all strings. It's not the loudest acoustic bass, but you shouldn't expect them to be. It could keep up with one acoustic guitar, but as a practice instrument the volume is fine.
The Feel
It's definitely on the bulky side. It feels like a classical guitar equivalent to a generic acoustic guitar. Broad and flat fretboard with a big squared off body. It is 32" scale, which helps, but as a 5 string it's not your smallest contour. I don't mind because it has a similar feel to my Stingray Special 5, which is my go-to bass.
Features
I have not plugged it in yet, so I'll have to update later. You can see the 1/4" and XLR jacks, that's nice to have the option. The Fishman pre-amp has a built in tuner, which I appreciate VERY much. It's not the most accurate, but again, for practice it is very convenient. Surprise feature... strap button on the neck heel! Due to the lack of photos before buying, I had no idea that it would have a heel strap button, so that was a pleasant surprise. I emailed my rep at Sweetwater encouraging them to add that to their feature list because it matters to bassists.
Overall
Good value and positive playing experience. Great for 5 string practice on the couch during the baseball game!
I had my eye on this Sweetwater deal for months, but I couldn't pull the trigger because I thought it was super overpriced ($400). I own an old (20 years?) 4 string Ibanez AEB. It's definitely not something I would pay a few hundred for... So I contacted Ibanez and spoke with a sales rep.. He soothed my fear of repeating the same issues as before. I dropped the coin for a new one from Sweetwater! You may notice the photos are professionally done; that is because Sweetwater used my actual instrument to update their store listing (which was previously lacking any useful photos). Non-valuable brag, I own the website's showroom model...
The B String
Surprisingly full in volume. After reading so many bad things about 5 string acoustic ABGs, I was half expecting the B string to be inaudible. However, even with the bronze acoustic strings the B is pronounced and full. The tone is not as focused as I wish, but it's definitely good enough for the cost.
The Quality
Surprisingly high quality and built well. The set-up on it is decent. A luthier or repair shop could probably file/level the frets and lower the action, but out of the box it's not bad. I'm stoked that the truss rod actually works! This was a big hesitation from my 4 string Ibanez AEB. Overall, quality materials with a handsome appearance.
The Tone
Full and round. Like I mentioned, the bronze strings keep it modest, but the tone is consistent across all strings. It's not the loudest acoustic bass, but you shouldn't expect them to be. It could keep up with one acoustic guitar, but as a practice instrument the volume is fine.
The Feel
It's definitely on the bulky side. It feels like a classical guitar equivalent to a generic acoustic guitar. Broad and flat fretboard with a big squared off body. It is 32" scale, which helps, but as a 5 string it's not your smallest contour. I don't mind because it has a similar feel to my Stingray Special 5, which is my go-to bass.
Features
I have not plugged it in yet, so I'll have to update later. You can see the 1/4" and XLR jacks, that's nice to have the option. The Fishman pre-amp has a built in tuner, which I appreciate VERY much. It's not the most accurate, but again, for practice it is very convenient. Surprise feature... strap button on the neck heel! Due to the lack of photos before buying, I had no idea that it would have a heel strap button, so that was a pleasant surprise. I emailed my rep at Sweetwater encouraging them to add that to their feature list because it matters to bassists.
Overall
Good value and positive playing experience. Great for 5 string practice on the couch during the baseball game!
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