Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $290

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Passive dual humbucker bass with push-push switches to change to single coil for a Fender Jazz style tone. Tons of output. The RB850 is a great bass for a gigging musician. Very versatile and easy to play. If you are looking for a "Daily Player" this is a great choice. This bass was built during the golden age of Ibanez.

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RB850-BK Roadstar II Bass, RB850-BP Roadstar II Bass, RB850-DW Roadstar II Bass, RB850-FR Roadstar II Bass, RB850-PR Roadstar II Bass, RB850-RV Roadstar II Bass, RB850-WH Roadstar II Bass
Finish Black, Black Pearl Burst, Dark Wine, Fire Red, Red Pearl, Royal Violet, White
Year 1984 - 1987
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Purple, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Series Ibanez Roadstar II

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 best suited for?

The Ibanez Roadstar II RB850, with its passive HH pickup configuration and basswood body, is versatile and well-suited for rock, pop, and funk genres, offering a balanced tone with good clarity and punch.

How does the neck profile of the Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 affect playability?

The Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 features a slim maple neck with 24 frets, providing fast playability and easy access to higher frets, making it ideal for players who enjoy intricate bass lines and solos.

Are the pickups on the Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 passive or active?

The Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 bass guitar is equipped with passive pickups, which deliver a warm and natural sound suitable for a variety of musical styles.

What is the scale length of the Ibanez Roadstar II RB850, and why does it matter?

The Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 has a 34" scale length, which is standard for electric basses, providing a balanced tension and feel that accommodates both fingerstyle and slap techniques.

Is the Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 suitable for beginner bass players?

Yes, the Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone, allowing new players to explore different styles and techniques easily.

Владимир Демидов

Владимир Демидов

IBANEZ Roadstar II RB-850 Japan 1984

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ Roadstar II RB-850 Japan 1984 by Владимир Демидов

IBANEZ Roadstar II RB-850 Japan 1984

Владимир Демидов

Владимир Демидов

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ ROADSTAR II RB850 (1984) by Denis Burle

IBANEZ ROADSTAR II RB850 (1984)

Denis Burle

Denis Burle

Video thumbnail for 1984 Ibanez RB850 Roadstar II Bass Review by mindhead2005

1984 Ibanez RB850 Roadstar II Bass Review

mindhead2005

mindhead2005

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Roadstar II RB850.

Setup and maintenance

  • Ensure the neck shows no twists or ski jumps, and check the frets for sufficient life, critical for maintaining playability on older models.

    Source
  • Some users note bridge saddle misalignment can be fixed by cleaning the bridge plate and replacing only the saddles without drilling.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ibanez Roadstar II RB850, if new, would likely be priced comparably to mid-range Japanese-made instruments, potentially exceeding $700 based on historical quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used RB850 at $150 is a good deal, potentially outperforming new $200 options due to its vintage Japanese craftsmanship.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RB850's smaller body and lighter weight make it a favored choice for players with a smaller stature, offering comfort without compromising on sound quality.

    Source
  • Gerald Veasley reportedly used the RB series for his work in "Standing in the Shadows of Motown," highlighting its versatility for Motown styles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners appreciate the Roadstar's versatile range of tones, which are suitable for various musical styles, showcasing its adaptability in different playing situations.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Roadstar II RB850 is noted for its sturdy construction despite being lightweight, making it an ideal choice for long practice sessions without causing fatigue.

    Source
  • Corrosion on the bridge indicates it's not steel, but cleaning and repainting may restore its appearance while maintaining originality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A suggestion for upgrading includes using a Hipshot bridge, which may fit with minimal adjustments, offering improved tuning stability and string alignment.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the tight string spacing, which some find enhances playability, although it may not suit every player's preference.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
davidlachlanlewis

An excellent bass.

I’ve had mine since 1992. Great bass. Single file jazz and with the push pull switches making them hum buckers it’s an incredibly versatile bass. Criminally undervalued and despite it being a 1985 model. It has an extremely playable neck, much like a jazz neck. Can do a P facsimile, and slaps like a funk machine.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Put that bridge pickup on, and Marcus Miller your way into the wee hours. Or humbucker neck for jamerson.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Curt Smith uses Ibanez Roadstar II RB850

Curt Smith

Singer, Bassist

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via Photo

Smith can be seen using the Roadstar in the third music video for Mothers Talk. It is unlikely he used it for anything else, as the band were probably given instruments to match the black and white theme of the set.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Ibanez Electric Basses

Ibanez GSR200

$229.99 - $256.00

# 28

Rank

Mike Starr Adam Neely Roger Lima
14 artists using
Ibanez SR505

$777.00 - $845.85

# 46

Rank

Matt Kean Daniel Klossek Jen Majura
11 artists using
Ibanez SR300

$183.94 - $331.00

# 47

Rank

Paul Raven Katherine Cimorelli Arian Rashidi
4 artists using
Ibanez GSRM20

$191.00 - $200.00

# 77

Rank

cavetown Cole Alexander carter c
4 artists using
Ibanez GSR180

$177.25 - $190.00

# 90

Rank

Zubin Sedghi Maxime Solemn Plunkake
4 artists using
Ibanez SR500

$349.00 - $722.00

 
Alex Webster Wilbur Soot Mike D'Antonio
8 artists using
Ibanez SR506

$749.99 - $902.13

 
John Cooper Ivan Munguia Adrian Lambert
4 artists using
Ibanez SR405

$256.79 - $579.99

 
Clay Gober Johnny April Peter Spinazola
3 artists using
Ibanez SR500E

$635.00 - $1,101.48

 
Hettsu Ross Dolan Justin Rissmiller
3 artists using
Ibanez SRF705

$969.00 - $1,099.99

 
Just Leo
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides