Product: Ibanez EWB205WNE Exotic Woods 5-String Acoustic-Electric Bass
Price Paid: CDN 620
Submitted
05/30/2008
at
02:10pm
by
Brian
Features
:
9
This 5-string acoustic/electric bass is made in China from a high gloss natural finish cordia wood body and a 34" scale mohogany neck. It is equipped with a rosewood fretboard and bridge with a cutaway for access to higher frets. The nut and saddle are both Ivorex II.
The pickup is a Fishman Sonicore coupled with an Ibanez AEQ-SST Shape Shifter preamp. There's a three-band EQ and a built in tuner. A balanced XLR and a 1/4" output connector are both equipped.
A very nice fitted hardshell case was included with my bass. Groovy!
Sound
:
7
I like to play a variety of styles including classic rock, blues and whatnot. I bought this bass because the sound appealed to me for this purpose and primarily to play anywhere without toting an amp around. To that end it fits the bill very well.
The tone is warm and mellow to my ears and as I mentioned appeals to me. As with any guitar play it to see if it suits you. Additionally, play more than one of the model since they all sound slightly different.
My only complaint is that when playing unplugged the bass is a bit quiet. I'd like it to be able to push through accompaniment better. When plugged in however, the pickup produces plenty of signal. No complaint there.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
The bass was well set up and comparable to my 5-string electric except that the neck is significantly thicker (no surprise). The action requires a little more force but nothing (to my fingers) extraordinary. When I examined the bass I could find no significant flaws. It's very attractive and well built.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
The bass seems to be well built. Since it's an acoustic I baby it more than I would a solid body electric, but keeping that in mind I think it would handle the road and daily playing as well as any other well built acoustic. I'm never comfortable without a backup, but I think this bass is reliable.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
No support has been required.
Overall Rating
:
8
I've been playing guitar as a hobby for several years and picked up bass within the last year. So far I'm quite happy with this bass and would likely buy it again.
I love that it's a 5-string since my electric bass of choice is also 5-string (Ibanez BTB455QM). There is nothing that I hate about the bass, but I do wish it was a little louder when playing unplugged.
