NBD: ibanez fan fret

[magyk8ball]

My thoughts there are that it's a combination of not terribly different than a 35" scale and also it's only 1.5" of fan, which is pretty mild, you know? So something that's 32-35 or 33-35, or 34-36 etc. would seem to be a bigger benefit for many playing choices if that makes sense.

Got it. I can see that point of view.
All my other basses, 5strings included, are 34”. So, i was happy to get into something 1.5” longer on this bass just for something different.
And, maybe thats just the niche right there? Theres a lot of 34” 5strings, and probably even more 34” 4strings out there.

 

[Alex Masters]

I'm not saying you're wrong, but probably what you have is just DR long scale set, since DR calls its 38" winding length strings as long scale. Had you gotten DR extra long scale set (40.7" winding length), the thick winding of the low-B string would have reached the tuner string post and gotten wound on the post. But you could be right, cause the low-B tuner on the 5 string Ibanez multi-scale bass is located further away from the bridge, which would allow the usage of longer winding length string.

Another reason is that DR extra long scale sets are rarely available in the market. Only a few retailers like FN has these, although I don't know whether these are in-stock items or need to be ordered first.

Actually I deliberately chose the super long sets as I didn't know the winding length of DR's long scale set. D'Addarrio long scale are too short for this bass, but normal, long-scale DRs would be fine.

I've just checked on my bass, and the 'B' is actually fractionally too long - the last half-wrap on the tuning peg is not tapered. All working and sounding fine, but i suspect you're right the long scale DRs are fine for this bass. Suprisingly I bought two sets of DR hi-beams super long for $24.95 on amazon - that's a good deal IMO, and cheaper than regular long scale set. Availability isn't that good for them though.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[Standalone]

Your fretwork comment comports with my experience playing one off the wall at Sam Ash. I love the older Ibanez basses so much, and I am used to superior workmanship. The roughness of the feel of the neck and fretboard were a turnoff.

The post above about the change in conditions that would shrink wood coming from indonesia makes a lot of sense.

 

[non]

i am a big fan of the ibanez sr line. i own two. i almost pulled the trigger on the srms800 when they came out.
i know this will sound nitpicky but the way the fretboard ends and the nut being at a slant was bugging my ocd.
most other manufactures with fanned frets have the fretboard ending in a slant matching the slanted nut and the headstock ending in a slant at the nut. i know ibanez have very affordable basses and i am sure the way they did this cut costs but how much would it add to the price to make it look "finished"?

 

[Alex Masters]

I didn't like the Jatoba's open pore feel on the neck at first meeting, but now I really like it - much more than my satin maple. It feels like wood rather than a coating of some plastic material, but tastes vary!. My fretwork was more than good.

 

[magyk8ball]

I didn't like the Jatoba's open pore feel on the neck at first meeting, but now I really like it - much more than my satin maple. It feels like wood rather than a coating of some plastic material, but tastes vary!. My fretwork was more than good.

It almost feels like it breaks in a bit as i play it more.