This Ibanez was identified as a 1961 Ibanez Bass by its previous owner. I can’t find a 1961 Ibanez catalog to correctly date it, but a 1962 Ibanez catalog has a bass that is similar. The original Hardshell Flannel lined Ibanez case I did find in 1961 Ibanez catalog so we can at least date its case.
The bass has been completely gone over and setup by Jeff the Tech. We had to modify a couple of the string adjustment screws on the adjustable bridge and he made a new bone nut for the missing plastic one so all we have done is get it working properly with quality replacement parts. Jeff has the bass set up with great playing action with flat wound strings and it’s a boomer. The original Ibanez Pickup is full of stomach pounding tone. You won’t be playing many treble edged leads with this one, but if you are looking for a thumper, look no further. The true “Baseball bat” fat FAT FAT neck is just awesome. I don’t think I have ever held a fatter neck. It feels great even in my smaller hands.
It just feels like a what a 1960’s Made in Japan bass should feel like. The knobs are original, the cool Pickguard that has a greenish gray tint to it looks really cool and is original as is the Bridge cover. These are always missing. Even the Thumb rest is still here. The original tuners work great but I would put them in the case and upgrade if you are going to gig with this one. I hope the new owner does. It should be played.The original Sunburst finish has crazed off in high stress areas but no signs of abuse on this one. Original frets have plenty of life in them.
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