Aria IGB-68/5

Refer to the last review for features. The features were definately vast if you consider the 3 band EQ, coil tap switch, passive/active switch, and sturdy hardware. But I found that the electronics, were weak, lacking real punch and growl. I'd say the best feature was definately the body shape, feel, and look.

The active tone was somewhat sterile. I disliked the obnoxious gain that tended to overdrive the amps I'd play. Of course this could be remedied by more subtle use of the EQ. But I also found problems switching since the switches made loud pops. This was reinforced by the problem that the input jack was very crackly when the chord was jostled. The passive tone was slightly weak, but still usable. This bass makes a unique tone that cuts through, but I prefer a thicker tone which could probably be acquired using an old fender bassman amp.

The look is amazing in my opinion. The bass was smaller than I expected since I purchased it on ebay, but I was definately pleased nevertheless. It is heavy despite being small. I found many construction flaws though starting with the seperation of fretboard and neck at the top where the nut is located. The nut became unattached when I first changed by strings, which is definately not normal. The fretwork wasn't amazing but satisfactory. Other than that, the bass was solid.

The neck was very small and from what I noticed already, it was not particularly durable. But, the actual body of the bass was very solid. This bass could take a beating but from my extensive use of Arias, I find that there are often problems with the neck seperating from the fingerboard wood slab at the top by the nut region. The electronics are also unreliable probably due to attempts to save money with cheap parts including crackly input jacks and poor pots for tone and volume. Aria usually doesn't have good pickups either so I'd most likely just replace all the electronics if I thought it was worth the effort.

No clue?

I've been playing for 5 or 6 years now. I can't quite remember exactly. But, I have been gigging a lot and have tried out a lot of basses. This Aria was just a catch since I found it floating around on eBay, allegedly "new" for $200 so I swiped it up. I used it a lot for a year then replaced it with an old 70's Aria (Fender Lawsuit) bass that I got fixed up by a friend who has too much free time. The Aria IG68 bass is definately an upgrade to any beginner bass you find nowadays, but I suggest looking elsewhere to a bass with better tonal qualities. This bass would be amazing if the electronics and pickup were replaced. It has a nice fast, small neck and curvy body with an amazing wood grain. If you like the look and feel, and you are willing to spend say another $250 + for a new input, preamp, and say a seamour duncan pickup then go for it. Personally, I would rather go for the ibanez, fender, or another bass with more punch, fullness, and character, thats why I sold mine.

Great Features, 24 Medium Frets, Active Controls (1X Volume,1x Treble,
1X Middle,1x Bass, Coil Tap Switch and a by-pass switch. Truly so complete when it comes to controls. MBH-4 Humbucking Pickups, Beautiful Ash Body, Rosewood Fingerboard, and a well made Maple Bolt On 14' Neck and some cool Matt Chrome Hardware.

100% All-Rounder, From the highest pitch to the lower octaves!!!
100% Versatile, Excellent for some jazzy background in Metal Music, I Love Palying Mudvayne with it!

It was Ok, a little adjusting here and over there with my key and done!!
Perfectly tuned!!! Nothing to really worry about.

Only the roaches and this bass would survive a nuclear blast, I mean It seriously!!

Never Tried, No need to

Fantastic Value, User Friendly, Confortable body (much smaller than egular body, great in every aspects. My personal opinion is that i could put it against a Warwick and still have faith in this piece of art!