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Average Price: $2,350
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$400
$1001+
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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
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What makes the Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature bass suitable for fretless playing?
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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.
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How does the ash body material of the Ibanez GWB1 affect its sound?
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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.
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Is the Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature bass suitable for professional musicians?
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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.
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What kind of music genres is the Ibanez GWB1 best suited for?
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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.
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Does the Ibanez GWB1 Gary Willis Signature bass come in different finishes?
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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
Use cases and applications
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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
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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
Features and functionality
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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
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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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Artist usage
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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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