Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,350

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature is a meticulously crafted electric bass designed in collaboration with the virtuoso bassist Gary Willis. This signature model exemplifies precision and innovation, offering a smooth playing experience for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. Engineered for those who demand exceptional sound quality and effortless playability, the GWB1 is equipped with features that reflect Gary's distinct playing style.

The custom Bartolini pickup is a standout feature, delivering a rich, warm tone that complements a wide range of musical genres. This bass is crafted with a 3-piece maple neck, which provides stability and a comfortable playing feel, while the fretless fingerboard allows for expressive slides and a unique tonal palette. The detachable finger ramp is a thoughtful addition, supporting a consistent fingerstyle technique and offering flexibility in your playing dynamics.

Constructed with body contours that provide both aesthetic appeal and ergonomic comfort, the GWB1 is a bass guitar that is as visually stunning as it is functional. Whether you are laying down grooves in a studio session or performing live, this signature model offers the reliability and tonal versatility that modern bassists need.

Key Features:

  • Custom Bartolini pickup for rich tonal output
  • 3-piece maple neck for enhanced playability and stability
  • Fretless fingerboard for expressive performance
  • Detachable finger ramp for consistent fingerstyle technique
  • Ergonomically contoured body for comfort during extended play sessions

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model GWB1-NTF Gary Willis Signature Soundgear Fretless, GWB1-TKF Gary Willis Signature Soundgear Fretless
Finish Natural Flat, Transparent Black Flat
Year 1999 - 2004
Made In Japan
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Fretless Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Natural, Tan
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Frets Fretless
Neck Material Maple
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Series Ibanez Artist Signature

FAQs

What makes the Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature bass suitable for fretless playing?

The Ibanez GWB1 features an ebony fretboard and a fretless design, providing a smooth surface ideal for gliding techniques and expressive playing. Its active preamp and passive pickups offer dynamic control and a rich tonal palette, tailored for nuanced fretless bass performances.

How does the ash body material of the Ibanez GWB1 affect its sound?

The ash body of the Ibanez GWB1 contributes to a balanced tone with clear highs and pronounced lows. This makes it versatile for various music styles, enhancing the natural resonance and sustain of the fretless bass.

Is the Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature bass suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, the Ibanez GWB1 is designed with professional features, including an active preamp and high-quality construction, making it suitable for advanced players seeking a reliable and expressive fretless bass for studio or live performances.

What kind of music genres is the Ibanez GWB1 best suited for?

The Ibanez GWB1 is particularly well-suited for jazz, fusion, and progressive music genres due to its fretless design and versatile tone capabilities, allowing for expressive playing and complex musical phrasing.

Does the Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature bass come in different finishes?

Yes, the Ibanez GWB1 is available in two finishes: Natural Flat and Transparent Black Flat, offering aesthetic options to suit personal preference while maintaining the same high-quality build and sound.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature.

Comparisons

  • The Ibanez ATK is likened to a "working man's Stingray," praised for its durability and punchy attack suitable for rock genres.

    Source
  • The GWB1 is compared to the GWB-35, with some owners considering the latter to preserve the ebony fretboard of the former.

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Use cases and applications

  • The light touch setup, emulating Gary Willis's style, can be challenging but enhances playability once adapted.

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  • The GWB1's light weight and balance make it suitable for funk-inspired playing, especially when standing for long periods.

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  • Owners find the GWB1 suitable for various genres, with its fast neck and dynamic control aiding in both metal and jazz performances.

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  • The bass features inlays on the fretboard to aid in positioning and intonation, similar to the fretless Fender Jazz.

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User experience

  • Owners report the ramp's utility as a thumb rest, allowing for playing "between" pickups and aiding lighter touch techniques.

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  • Some owners noted the low output on the pickup, requiring amp adjustments when switching from other basses.

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  • The neck of the GWB1 is praised for its playability, with some owners considering it perfect for their style.

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Build quality

  • The ebonol fingerboard is appreciated for its hardness that resists grooving from roundwound strings.

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  • One user highlighted issues with the bridge, noting it required minor repairs that were easily manageable with some effort.

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Features and functionality

  • The bass can be balanced on its two strap buttons when placed down, preventing it from falling over.

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  • The ramp helps with speed and dynamic control, providing a backstop for fingers to prevent playing too hard.

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  • The GWB1's neck is often compared favorably to high-end basses, with one user likening its playability to a Fodera priced at $8,750.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that the GWB35FD fretted model might require slightly higher action and more neck relief compared to fretless models to avoid fret buzz.

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  • Owners recommend buying used Ibanez basses from experienced players for better initial setup, as store models often have high action and poor maintenance.

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  • Output volume issues can be addressed by adjusting the preamp in the back, as demonstrated in detailed setup videos.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users report issues with the active pickup wiring breaking due to battery box design, suggesting caution during battery swaps.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sean Malone uses Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature

Sean Malone

Bassist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via Photo

In this screencap of the Roadrunner United documentary, Sean can be seen playing an Ibanez GWB1 Garry Willis Signature model. The GWB1 can be distinguished from Garry's other signature models by its natural coloured headstock.

Link to clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j49BPiks51M

Genre Usage

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

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