So about a year ago I picked up this little beauty:
The band that I was in at the time was looking into doing some acoustic type gigs and I've always wanted an acoustic bass as a toy so I thought why not treat myself. I tried several 4 string Deans and a Rogue, but wasn't completely happy. So I thought why not just get a 5 string? I'm only going to buy one and I sometimes sit in with an old band of mine where I do use a 5 string exclusively.
So that decision made, I started creeping around the net. I had played a 5 string Ibanez years ago at a local store and absolutely dug it. It was my intention to try and find that same model, but that totally didn't pan out.
I took a look at "The Friend" and this bass was one of three 5 string acoustics listed. However seeing as how it was a tad outside the budget my better half and I had discussed, I passed on it.
I was starting to get a little down, and decided to go back to scoping out the local stores. I walked into one such store that I hadn't previously visited and low and behold they had my Ibanez on clearance! So I picked it up and played with it for about an hour. Satisfied that it would meet my requirements, I then put it down and walked out the store....
Later that evening I checked with "The better half" and mentioned that I had found an acoustic bass that I dug and was wanting to purchase it, but it was a bit more than we had originally discussed. At which point she informed me that my b-day was close and that I should go a head and get it. Joy of joys! My heart soared! Then she causally mentioned that there was a horse for sell that she wanted to buy...so we did a trade off. I could get the bass if she could get the horse (mind you that the horse cost 3 times the bass).
So walking back into the store the next day, I haggled them down to $329 with tax included and walked out the door with the bass. List price was around $700 and "The Friend" had it listed for $550, so I feel really good about the price I got it for.
The strings that were on it were trashed so I purchased some Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic strings to put on it. They are a tad lighter that I normally like, but sound good and are still in great shape after almost a year.
A couple of quick notes about the bass:
It plays very well. Surprisingly fast action.
The electronics run off of 2 Double A batteries.
Built in Pre-amp and tuner.
Has both XLR and 1/4" jack inputs.
It is meant to be plugged in when played. - More on that later.
I also bought the Ibanez hard shell case for it from "The Friend". Just happened to have a gift certificate that covered that cost and the strings (I love my wife!).
I'll try and post some sound clips and a full review later this weekend if I can find time.
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