Ibanez Axstar

i've got an 82 japanese model i think,
with the 24 frets laminate top. one volume two tones.
the twin humbuckers are the original, i've never had a problem with them.
the bridge is fantastic and helps to develop an awesome sound.
the tuning can stay in for years, and that's no exageration! the headless neck helps with the decrease in weight greatly.

i love the sound of it..... i had the same strings on it for seven years and it still sounded fresh. i have a problem with fret buzz in a studio environment (when D.I.ed into a desk) but the bridge is so good i can just lift the action a bit. it's definitely a better stage tool than studio.

i bought it second hand so i don't know what it was like new. but until recently when i started on the road again it has been perfect!

on stage it gets thrown about alot (hanging head in shame) and hasn't sustained ant injuries or faults from that at all. i've always used it live without back up. until very recently.

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do ibanez know that it exists?

had it for eight years and have been playing for eleven. if it was stolen it'd be nearly impossible to get another in the UK. it's the best bass i've ever had. i love it.
the bad news is that the bridge set up is off, i just can't seem to get it right, if anyone can help. please. i've broken four E strings in six months at the bridge i'm sure that's why they brake, this is a plee for help.

Not realy sure on the year but i bought it new in about 86. I have the 5 sting version, have seen the 4 but never had interest in it. Love the tuning pegs being in the head since they cannot be knocked and it stays in tune forever. AS soon as i bought it i changed the pickup to an EMG due to noise. I only replaced the neck pickup since I always disconnect the bridge pickup.

I have done alot of studio work and tried to bring other basses in but the studios, if i have used the axstar prefer me to use it do it sound. This is about the best sounding bass I have used. You could not give me a truck of Fenders for it.

Action is great - some have complained about the 5 string since its on the same neck as a four but I love it. I call it the humbler since many bass players have trying to use it on stage and go into a panic when they start playing. There are hairline cracks in the finish that you cannot see unless your inches away but i think that was from many nights of road travel in the back of a bus in -45 degree temps. BUt it never went out of tune!

Never have to do any work on it and after 18 years of Rotosound strings you would think i would need a fret job. Not a chance

NEver needed

I have a black one and unfortunatly sold a white one for a Yamaha bb1200s that i reget since i love the axstar

Wish i had a closet full of them.

Mine was made in '85 or '86 in Japan. It has 24 frets and the routine 4 strings. Has active electronics. It is headless, and stays in tune over MANY years of storage. It's got a nice thin neck, which was great for my smaller female hands; however, big guys really liked the way it played also. It came with a nice case also.

Goodness..I'm such a neophyte...well...I didn't ever use a pick, so I guess it sounded more "warm", however, you could get a great slap sound out of it also. The active electronics pretty much could give you whatever you'd like. I used it with an Ampeg bass amp, with no additional effects.

This bass STILL looks and performs like it did when I bought it 17 years ago. No flaws. Great action.

This has lasted though MY wimpy attempts at bass playing...through, a punk band, and a jazz/blues band (not ME playing). All who came in contact with it really enjoyed it.

I've never dealt with the company. It has never been in need of repair.

I haven't really played very much in the 20 years that I've had the equipment. I live through others with more talent and time. Before I bought this bass, I looked at a black one just like it in a music store practically every day for a year, depressed that I did not have $1000 to purchase it...and then...a miracle happened...I saw an ad for one in the paper. I've had one other "normal" bass in the past...an old Fender...but THIS one just has something special about it.

I love this bass because it is nice and light, it is beautiful to look at, and it is so EASY to tune, and stays in tune FOREVER.

I've been saving it this long hoping that perhaps one of my kids will want to play bass, and this would be a very impressive one for them to have. HOWEVER...I am a poor, starving medical student, and would probably part with it for the right price...and the kiddos are only 6 & 7...not quite ready yet.

-it is made in 1985,in japan.
-4 strings and 24 frets
-i don't know if it's a solid or laminated top
-1 volume, 2 tone conteols
-2 humbuckers by axtar
-passive electonic
-headless neck
-with case
-i would like to get some information about my bass guitar

1986 ibanez 'axstar' bass
purchased in pawn shop '97, for $145.00. nice black finish and most likely rosewood fretboard.mine has two EMG active pickups, the type with the electronics in the p.u...i.e. no circuit board in control cavity. two vol. controls and one tone.overall in excellant cond,except some "sweat corrosion" on the bridge saddles. a really nice case with orange plush ,and...in the acc. compartment..a truss rod wrench.! i use this bass most often as a backup on stage,[especially on long nights when a G@L or Fender is breaking my shoulder. this little bass sounds really good and has pretty versatile tone colors.it records well also, but a fresh battery is manditory. the only other Axstar i've seen, was on a re-run of SNL when Roy Orbison was the musical guest. his bassist was using one[ at least outwardly] identical to mine. i generally use GHS boomers, light guage and they work very well.[better than stienberger, that's for sure!] i don't think i would part with this instrument for four-times what i paid.

I learned to play bass when I borrowed a friend's Steinberger, and I really liked the feel of a headless bass. When I had to give the bass back I originally bought a Fender Precision Elite, which was the opposite end of the spectrum IMO. Eventually I ran across a 4-string Axstar in a pawn shop and purchased it. It was silver with black knobs and had active electronics in it. I loved this bass and wanted to customize it but it was so precious I wanted to find another for backup. Right now I have THREE Ibanez Axstars. The silver one I mentioned, a black 4-string with no active electronics and a 5-string that I recently got off eBay (with active electronics) that is so clean it looks like it was in stasis for 10 years and never played!

I have played all sorts of basses and I think the Axstar is by far one of the most versatile basses on the planet. At first glance it looks to be a "guitar player's bass" with a tight 24-fret neck, but this bass can funk out better than any P bass I've ever heard. I've had the pleasure of jamming with George Porter, the bass player for the Meters so I know what a good funky bass can sound like, and though he likes the Fender, I think the Axstar, through a good amp, blows it away.

The action is just heavenly. More importantly these basses are simply amazing at holding their tuning. I've gone through periods of casual play where the bass wasn't tuned in six months and subjected to radical temperature and humidity changes and it is rock solid. I've only seen two types of finishes on Axstars: silver and black, and they're very stylish in a reserved sort of way. Now that I have several, I will probably customize one of the 4-strings with some kind of creative artsy finish. But I said that after I bought my second one and it's so sweet I have a hard time doing anything to it.

Axstars are the best when it comes to reliability and durability. The only problem are the models with active electronics, which happen with any battery-powered instrument: sometimes the battery goes out and it's a pain. To be honest, I much prefer the non-active model. I don't think the difference is worth the hassel of having to worry about maintaining a battery and with today's bass rigs, you have much more control of the sound at the preamp/amp level.

The Ibanez Axstar is simply IMO, one of the best bass guitars I've ever played. The quality, sound and workmanship is unparalleled and so few of these units were made that not enough people got them to appreciate how great they are, which is good for those of us who do have 'em because you can still find them at great prices.

People think this bass is some sort of cheap knock-off of the Steinberger. They couldn't be farther from the truth. This bass is better than the steinberger in every respect - it is truly a significant upgrade. First, the Steinberger has this annoying nut which required you to purchase special Steinberger double-balled strings - you couldn't use regular bass strings. The Axstar improved on this by implementing a rock-solid hex-key lug lock on the neck that allows you to use any standard bass string. The Steinberger was badly balanced: the center of gravity was very far back and it was uncomfortable to play. The Axstar is much better balanced - perhaps perfectly balanced. The Steinberger's body shape was problematic: you couldn't play the bass while sitting because it would slip off your knee so you had to flip out this stupid metal plate. The Axstar's body design is fluid and natural like a normal bass. Add to that the superiority of having the tuning keys on the body so you can more easily make on-the-fly tuning changes while playing ANY note, and you can make finer tuning adjustments than most basses, plus you don't have to worry about some idiot bumping into the head and throwing your bass out of tune. This is one great bass.

This is a Japanmade bass in the early 80s. I believe this bass came only in the four string model im quite sure its been a long time since they came out. The bass I had was a black with a rosewood fretboard. The body I believe is basswood. Two Ibanez passive humbucking pickups. This is a lightweight string thru body headless bass. Ibanez had its own case for this bass.

This bass came with passive humbucking pickups. You cant get the brightness as an active pickup. I put a set of EMG humbucking pickups on this bass which made it sound alot brighter. This bass worked great in the studio.

Action is great. The fit and finish of this bass was flawless.

This bass is definately durable and reliable, its an Ibanez.

never had any problems with this bass

Ive been playing bass for 21 years. This bass is very light actually too light. This is not a professional bass and I wouldnt recommend any one learning how to play the bass to choose this one. A student learning how to play the bass should use a Fender Style bass with a normal headstock and body. I wouldnt look for another bass like this if it went missing. As my bass playing improved I felt no longer need to keep this bass so I sold it. The only bass I have now is an Ibanez PL5050. The worst thing about the Axstar is it is just too light. The neck isnt that fast also. I guess you get what you pay for in this bass.

I bought my Axstar new in 1982 on Long Island. I could not afford a Steinberger, which was $1100 and the one made famous by Sting when The Police were touring, so I came across this Axstar which looked like it was from outer space and as soon as I picked it up, I new it was a keeper. I new the Ibanez because they made Fender Precision copies and I figured this was their takeoff on the Steinberger. Now over 20 years later and the Ibanez name one of the most prominent in music, the Axstar is a classic and rare instrument that is probably worth twice what I paid for it. It's all black and made of a lightweight, high-grade plastic I believe. It's headless of course with four black easy knobs to tune. A few screws hold two small metal pieces that interlock to hold the strings in place. You have basic controls for volume and tone. The body is very thin and come to a small point on top when you see "Axstar by Ibanex" inscribed. The pickups are these small black inserts in the usual places. Strap hooks on top near that point and behind the body above the knobs that control the strings.

Sound is interesting. Guitar is probably best suited for funk style and slap bass playing. The sound is unique and "tinnier" than a Fender Precision but strong enough to fill out any bottom end. I would compress the sound a bit and get a good juicy amp head like a GK to drive it.

God bless this bass as by far the easiest thing I ever played. It's lightweight, you don't have to reach to tune it, and you don't need any special polishes on the body as the unique material never wears. Changing strings should take less than 5 minutes. It should be the model used for anyone who has a young teenager who wants to play. The weight, shape, and ease-of-use is perfect.

"The Who" could have used this thing to crack their amps with, then serve their dinner on it, then wipe it down and be ready for the next show. It's indestructable.

Never had to get it serviced so I would not know.

Have been playing bass 20 years and own a Fender Precision as well. I think the Axstar is a true classic because they were not produced for a long time, the Ibanez name went from wannabee to powerhouse since the product was discontinued, and they did not sell that well so very few are available. Most should fetch $600-$1000 on the open market.

24 frets, 4string, no idea about the top, two soupbar Axstar pic-ups, passif, volume, balance andtone control, satin finish, headless, small body but nevertheless, it looks like a bass, locking at the head, tuning system at the other side, specail hardcase.
great stuff, but the bridge PU should be more powerfull.

great sound, great switchability in sound. gives a warm , powerfull and active-like sound

good action, could be better, a bit flossy at the bridge positions

it stand everything, mine has 9 years, and still works great

great thing!!

Black 1986 five string Axstar. 24 frets. The active electronics give it a wide tone range. Volume\Pickup fade\Active tone. Headless with Steinburger type bridge.

I have played it since it was new and have been very satisfied. It has a sound from a "clean crisp punch" to a "muffled" stand up bass.
The low B string is not as clean as it should be.

I am amazed how it stays in tune in all kinds of temperature conditions. When I bought it I heard that headless necks were known to twist and go out of tune. It is light and solid.
I can't count the times I have heard. "Cool Bass"

I have played in many locations and tested its road worthiness and it has held up in a cold trailer in the winter many times. It is light and solid.

I have never needed any support.

I am not sure what this bass is made of but it has two humbucking Gotoh pickups in passive state. The neck contains 24 frets, the layout of knobs is volume,tone and blend.

this bass' sound is alot better than my Fender Squire Musicmaster and has a lot more features to change the sound. I really like how you can position your thumb on the neck, first pickup and second pickup to change that sound dramstically when combined with the pickup controls.

I could not find any flaws on this bass.

This bass is great for live shows not only beacuse it looks increadible but it is light wieght and durable. I can always count on this bass.

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This is a great bass. I also own a Fender Squire musicmaster and this Ibanez kicks its ass. I love how there are many feature like the many thumb rests and the odd headless style. I would definitly buy this bass again if it was stolen but they seem to be very rare.
This bass is great.

I have this baby for a year or so. It's a Steinberger look like type (i.e. headless). It was made in 1986 and I've got it defreted (originaly it had a 24 frets).It has 5 string (High C)two active PU, 3 controls: Volume, Bland and Tone. there's an active EQ (I have no idea who installed it). Mine came with the original hardshell case.

I was not setisfied with the posibilities of the EQ so I have replaced it with an EMG 2 band EQ kit. Now it has much more options. Since I play mostly Jazz, I don't fool around to much with the EQ. As it is now, with Labella Flatwound strings I can produce from a worm and deep sound to a crispy sound at will. I have tried once to rplace the high C with a Low B but it sounded dead (no sustain). But I'm realy happy with the High C configuration.

If it survived for so many years, my compliments to Ibanez. It looks great with only very small scraches. It's hi glose finish (off white)is in a very good condition and so are the tuners bridge etc.

As I've said before after so many years... no cons

I've tried to get some info from Ibanez but got no responce from them. Some people provided me with additional info over the net.

It's small in size and still a 34" scale. It's comfortble and easy to play. I wish Ibanez would still make them.

The Axstar (new technology by Ibanez) is an odd looking instrument. Built between '80 and '82, it featured a headless neck (in that time!)and a extremely streamlined body. The whole bass (except for the neck-front) is laquered with a durable finish. It has two humbucking Gotoh pickups in passive state. The neck contains 24 frets, the layout of knobs is volume,tone and blend. The neck is bolted on with 4 large screws and it has 3 posibilities for strap attachment.

Though this instrument is small,very small, it has very specific things about it. First of all, I must admit I installed a active preamp onboard, and this boosts the sound a lot. The bass is very light and has not much mass for the strings to swing on. Boosting the bass a little leaves you with a very good tone, resembling somewhere between a fretless and an active. It sings, actually. The good thing about the headless is, that the strings go about 3 cm further from the nut to the actual attachment, leaving space to bend the string inbetween, hence featuring the same as a normal headstock would do. The stringchanging is a matter of 3 minutes, no fumbling needed.

The action is very low, a bit of buzzing around the 7th on the Gstring, but not irritating. Below the 24th fret a complete cavity has been cut to facilitate your hand to do the slap-trick. The rear pickup is very near to the Steinberger-like bridge, gaining a very clear sound. The bridge is totally resettable and can be tightened from the side. The wing where the stringballs have to be inserted is made of a big piece of metal, enhancing sustain. Very easy in use.

I use it next to my Jaydee Supernatural Mark King and both are backups of eatchother. Though the Jaydee is very versatile in funk and slapping, the Axstar (which is about half as small) makes beautiful singing lines and offers the 24 frets. It's very useful for fast leaps and tapping: slapping tends to become a cacaphony because of a lot of overtones , probably becuase of the totally laqcuered body.

I don't think Ibanez remembers ever making these basses... I don't know about support, never needed it.

It looks very "cyber", is extremely light though has a great tone. This is a bass that should have lived a longer life and could even use a Kahler trem because of its guitar-like sound. Although already 20 years old, I wouldn't trade it for a "better" bass ever