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Description

The Ibanez AFR4WAP Premium Affirma is a masterclass in bass guitar craftsmanship, combining high-end boutique quality with modern enhancements. This electric bass is a nod to the elegant designs of the early '90s, featuring a compact and lightweight body originally designed by Swiss luthier Rolf Spuler. The result is an instrument that merges aesthetic appeal with a natural and sensitive sound, boasting effortless playability for those long gigs and recording sessions.

At the heart of the AFR4WAP is its full walnut body, delivering unparalleled tonal clarity and note attack. Its 3-piece maple neck is reinforced with two graphite rods, ensuring added stability and sustain, while the ebony fingerboard contributes a tight, bright response. The inclusion of the AeroSilk MR5 piezo bridge is a standout, featuring unique saddles that enhance the acoustic double bass quality of the sound. This, coupled with the Bartolini X44JX split single-coil pickup, allows bassists to achieve a deep, punchy tone with ease.

With its combination of piezo and magnetic pickups alongside a versatile 2-band EQ, the AFR4WAP offers a wide dynamic range and the ability to fine-tune your tone for any gig or session. A special thumb rest is grooved into the body, providing ample plucking space and adding to the instrument's thoughtful design.

Key Features:

  • Full walnut body for tonal clarity
  • 3-piece maple neck with graphite reinforcement
  • Ebony fingerboard with 24 frets
  • AeroSilk MR5 piezo bridge
  • Bartolini X44JX split single-coil pickup
  • Master volume, treble, and bass controls
  • Dual-action truss rod with headstock access
  • Piezo volume and tone controls
  • 34" scale length with 19mm string spacing

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AFR4WAP-NTF Premium Affirma
Year 2019 - 2020
Made In Indonesia
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Walnut
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Series Ibanez Premium
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez AFR4WAP Premium Affirma?

The Ibanez AFR4WAP Premium Affirma features a slim, comfortable neck profile made from maple, which is designed to provide smooth playability and fast action, ideal for both beginners and experienced bassists.

How does the walnut body of the Ibanez AFR4WAP affect its tone?

The walnut body of the Ibanez AFR4WAP provides a warm, rich tone with a balanced midrange, making it versatile for a wide range of musical styles from jazz to rock.

Are the pickups on the Ibanez AFR4WAP active or passive?

The Ibanez AFR4WAP is equipped with passive pickups, which deliver a natural, dynamic sound, complemented by an active preamp for enhanced tonal shaping.

Is the Ibanez AFR4WAP Premium Affirma suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Ibanez AFR4WAP Premium Affirma's 24-fret ebony fretboard and responsive pickups make it well-suited for slap bass techniques, offering clarity and punch.

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez AFR4WAP Premium Affirma best suited for?

The Ibanez AFR4WAP Premium Affirma is versatile and performs well in genres such as jazz, funk, and rock, thanks to its rich tonal characteristics and active preamp.

American Musical Supply

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Ibanez AFR4WAP - American Musical Supply

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Ibanez AFR4WAP - American Musical Supply

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez AFR4WAP Premium Affirma.

Build quality

  • The Amara ebony fretboard, identified by its light streaks, is highly praised for its beautiful grain and texture.

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  • The stainless steel fretwork is described as impeccable, contributing to the overall premium feel.

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  • The bass's lines and weight distribution are highly regarded, contributing to its status as one of the most sculpted and balanced instruments users have encountered.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Switching to flatwound or tapewound strings can reduce string noise and enhance the bass's tonal qualities.

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Features and functionality

  • The neck pickup is a Bartolini X44JX passive, and the bridge features AeroSilk piezos, providing a wide tonal range.

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  • Owners appreciate the unique combination of Bartolini X44JX passive and AeroSilk piezos for their expansive tonal range.

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User experience

  • The bass weighs only 7.8 pounds, making it lightweight and comfortable to play, but distinct in feel compared to other models.

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  • Some users have reported quality control issues, such as visible glue in joints and a poorly fitting case, highlighting the importance of thorough initial inspection.

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  • There's a positive mention of the bass's aesthetic, with a preference for the unique grain of Amara ebony over other ebony types.

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  • Owners praise the comfortable body contour, highlighting its ergonomic design as superior to many other models.

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  • Players accustomed to tighter string spacing find the wider spacing on the AFR4WAP allows for more expressive play, enabling them to dig into the strings more effectively.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Adjusting the single coil pickup height and piezo gain is recommended for optimal sound customization.

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Comparisons

  • An owner compared this bass to their nostalgic luthite Ergodynes, noting the Affirma as a modern counterpart but with some QC issues.

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  • The Affirma is compared to the Ergodyne EDA, noted for its unique control setup, specifically a knob that boosts both bass and treble simultaneously.

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  • Some users consider the Affirma as a luxury counterpart to the Ergodyne EDA, appreciating its refined aesthetic and craftsmanship.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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