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Description

Unleash your musical creativity with the Ibanez Artcore AGB205, a semi-hollowbody 5-string electric bass that marries the electric feel with the rich, resonant tones of an acoustic instrument. Designed for versatility, this bass is part of the prestigious Artcore series, known for delivering exceptional sound and playability. The AGB205 features an all-maple body, which contributes to its bright and expressive tonal character, perfect for any genre from jazz to rock.

At the heart of its sonic capabilities are a pair of humbucking pickups, offering a warm, punchy bass tone that fills any venue with ease. The AGB205's set-in mahogany neck, topped with a smooth rosewood fretboard, ensures a comfortable playing experience, enhanced by its 30" short scale and ergonomic Artcore Bass neck profile. Whether you're performing at an intimate club or a large auditorium, this bass is crafted to make a statement both in sound and style.

With its classic look and modern features, the Ibanez Artcore AGB205 is more than just an instrument—it's a bridge between tradition and innovation, providing musicians with a unique voice that stands out in any ensemble.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for a rich, acoustic-inspired tone
  • Maple top, back, and sides for bright, expressive sound
  • Set-in mahogany neck with a comfortable 30" scale
  • Humbucking pickups for warm and punchy tones
  • Ergonomic Artcore Bass neck profile for enhanced playability

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model AGB205-DVS Standard Artcore Bass
Finish Dark Violin Sunburst
Year 2013 - 2017
Made In China
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany, Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 5-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Ibanez Artcore, Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez Artcore AGB205 best suited for?

The Ibanez Artcore AGB205 is versatile and well-suited for genres like jazz, blues, and rock, thanks to its semi-hollow body design which offers a warm, resonant tone.

Does the Ibanez Artcore AGB205 have active or passive pickups?

The Ibanez Artcore AGB205 features passive pickups, which provide a natural and dynamic sound suitable for various musical styles.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez Artcore AGB205?

The Ibanez Artcore AGB205 has a comfortable neck profile that combines mahogany and maple, offering a smooth playing experience ideal for both beginners and experienced bassists.

Is the Ibanez Artcore AGB205 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ibanez Artcore AGB205 is suitable for live performances, offering a full-bodied sound with its semi-hollow construction and dual humbucking pickups, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

How does the Ibanez Artcore AGB205's body material affect its tone?

The maple body of the Ibanez Artcore AGB205 contributes to a bright and articulate tone, while the semi-hollow design adds warmth and resonance, making it a versatile option for various musical settings.

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Ibanez Artcore AGB205 Bass

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Ibanez Artcore AGB205 Bass by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Ibanez Artcore AGB205 Bass

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for ibanez AGB205 Demo (Hi-C setting) by Kenji Takeda - Kobe Japan

ibanez AGB205 Demo (Hi-C setting)

Kenji Takeda - Kobe Japan

Kenji Takeda - Kobe Japan

Video thumbnail for The Beatles "Come Together" bass play trough with Ibanez Artcore AGB205 bass by Alberto Rigoni

The Beatles "Come Together" bass play trough with Ibanez Artcore AGB205 bass

Alberto Rigoni

Alberto Rigoni

Video thumbnail for The Italians   "Hard to get by" bass play through with Ibanez AGB205 bass by Alberto Rigoni

The Italians "Hard to get by" bass play through with Ibanez AGB205 bass

Alberto Rigoni

Alberto Rigoni

Video thumbnail for Bass review NO TALK Ibanez AGB 205 Artcore Short scale semi hollowbody by Michele della Malva

Bass review NO TALK Ibanez AGB 205 Artcore Short scale semi hollowbody

Michele della Malva

Michele della Malva

Video thumbnail for Ibanez AGB 205 semihollow body bass + analog Delay by Michele della Malva

Ibanez AGB 205 semihollow body bass + analog Delay

Michele della Malva

Michele della Malva

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Artcore AGB205.

Setup and maintenance

  • Finding suitable flatwound strings is challenging; despite the short scale, it requires long-scale strings, which can cause tension issues on the low B string.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AGB205's hollow body is noted for its unique sound, contrary to some beliefs that it doesn't affect tone.

    Source
  • Owners report using the AGB205 with a high C string to play chords and bass lines simultaneously, enhancing its versatility for creative playing.

    Source

User experience

  • Initial impressions may be negative, but the bass reveals its potential once flatwound strings are added, offering a distinctive tone.

    Source
  • Some players keep foam rubber under the strings to achieve vintage tones, highlighting the adaptability of the AGB205 for different sound profiles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Warwick Rockbass Starbass 5, the Ibanez provides more hand space after the 15th fret and is often considered more visually appealing.

    Source
  • The AGB205's high C string setup is compared positively with other semi-hollow models like the Reverend Dub King for its distinct sound capability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The AGB205 is noted for achieving a "woody thump" suitable for semi-hollow bass enthusiasts, appealing especially to those with a background in upright bass playing.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez AGB205 5-String Bass Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Ibanez Artcore AGB205 5-string bass offers a classy, budget-friendly entry into the world of semi-hollowbody instruments. Its elegant design and resonant tones make it an appealing choice for players seeking deep, acoustic-like sounds. The neck's comfortable design allows for easy playability, making it more accessible than some other 5-strings on the market. However, it does have slight neck-diving tendencies and challenges with low B string tension, which are common in short-scale basses. Despite these trade-offs, the AGB205's powerful low end and versatility make it a valuable addition for those exploring short-scale basses.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thundercat uses Ibanez Artcore AGB205

Thundercat

Singer, Bassist

Suicidal Tendencies

...
Verified via YouTube

We can see Thundercat playing this 5 string bass in this live video.

In the Gear Rundown article on Thundercats on the Mixdown site it reads: “Thundercat also owned a five-string, solid body variation of this instrument [the Ibanez Artcore AGB200], which you can spot him rocking throughout this video of Suicidal Tendencies’ thrash-punk anthem ‘Institutionalized’.” https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/rig-rundown-thundercat/

See how Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu uses Ibanez Artcore AGB205

Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu

Bassist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live performance of "Lowrider" you can clearly see Fieldy playing this Bass.

A semi-hollow bodied Ibanez 5 string bass guitar. 22 frets, body is made of maple and neck is mostly maple with mahogany. 3 way selector switch.

Genre Usage

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

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