Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,033
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ibanez GWB35". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the realm of smooth, expressive bass lines with the Ibanez GWB35, a fretless 5-string bass that brings Gary Willis' legendary touch right to your fingertips. Whether you're crafting moody, resonant lows or soaring, melodic highs, this bass has you covered. With a design that emphasizes ease of play and tonal versatility, the GWB35 stands as a testament to Ibanez's commitment to quality and innovation, all while paying homage to one of fusion's most revered bassists.
Constructed with a lightweight basswood body and a sleek, 3-piece maple neck, this instrument promises comfort across long playing sessions. The ebony fingerboard ensures smooth, gliding transitions between notes, capturing the quintessential fretless sound. Equipped with a GWB Custom humbucker and a custom 2-band EQ, the GWB35 offers an expansive palette of tones, from deep, growling lows to crisp, articulate highs. Whether you're laying down the groove in a funk jam, driving the rhythm in a rock anthem, or weaving complex lines in a jazz fusion piece, this bass adapts to your every need with precision and flair.
Key Features:
- Fretless 5-string configuration for expressive, gliding melodies and deep lows
- Lightweight basswood body for enhanced comfort and playability
- 3-piece maple neck and ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
- GWB Custom humbucker for versatile, dynamic tone shaping
- Custom 2-band EQ for fine-tuned sound sculpting
- Detachable finger ramp for consistent attack and ease of play
- Extended cutaway design for complete fretboard access
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | SR |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Body Finish | Flat Finish |
| Neck Material | 3-piece Maple, Bolt-on |
| Neck Shape | GWB Shape |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | Fretless |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.77" |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | B105 |
| Tuners | Sure Grip Tuners |
| Bridge Pickup | SFR-GWB Custom Humbucker |
| Controls | Volume, treble Boost/Cut, Bass Boost/Cut |
| Strings | .045-.130 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Ibanez GWB35's pickup?
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The Ibanez GWB35 features an SFR-GWB custom humbucker, which provides a warm and punchy tone ideal for fretless bass playing. It offers a smooth, articulate sound that suits jazz, fusion, and other genres where nuanced expression is key.
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Is the Ibanez GWB35 suitable for beginners?
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While the Ibanez GWB35 is designed with professional bassist Gary Willis, its playability and fretless design can be challenging for beginners. It's best suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with fretless bass techniques.
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What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez GWB35?
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The Ibanez GWB35 features a GWB-shaped neck, which is slim and comfortable, allowing for fast playability and easy access across the fingerboard. This design is ideal for players who prefer a sleek neck for complex bass lines.
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Does the Ibanez GWB35 come with a case or gig bag?
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The Ibanez GWB35 does not include a case or gig bag. It is recommended to purchase a suitable case separately to protect the instrument during transport and storage.
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How does the Ibanez GWB35 handle different musical styles?
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The Ibanez GWB35 is versatile, excelling in jazz, fusion, and other styles that benefit from its fretless design and expressive tonal range. Its custom humbucker and EQ controls allow for a wide variety of sounds, making it adaptable to various musical genres.
Videos
BassCentreTV
Ibanez Gary Willis GWB35 fretless
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight design, reducing shoulder strain during long playing sessions
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Sleek, minimalist controls provide a modern aesthetic
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Excellent pickup delivering clear and powerful output
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Onboard active electronics enhance sound versatility
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Comfortable, fast neck allows for agile finger movement
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Finger ramp adds to playability and control
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Affordable alternative to high-end fretless basses
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Versatile tone suitable for multiple genres
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Slim neck contributes to a fast and smooth playing experience
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Unique pull-out volume knob can bypass EQ if battery fails
CONS
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Ebonol fretboard prone to marking with roundwound strings
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Bridge may bend under string tension over time
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Narrow string spacing may require adjustment for some players
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Battery panel design is less practical for quick changes
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Treble can be excessively bright for some setups
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez GWB35.
Setup and maintenance
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The GWB35 ships with a super low action to mimic Gary Willis's setup, but owners recommend adjusting action if experiencing fret buzz when digging in.
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Owners find the GWB35's electronics to be silent, with no need for intonation or action adjustments after string changes to a high C setup.
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Features and functionality
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The ramp is praised for enabling playing between pickups and serving as an effective thumb rest, though it's noted it can warp if stored improperly.
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The GWB35's pickup offers a sound comparable to a bridge position single coil with a wide range, reminiscent of a guitar single coil compared to a P90.
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The 2-band EQ provides a mid-focused treble adjustment, similar to the 'high-mid' control on Darkglass tone capsules.
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Build quality
Use cases and applications
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The GWB35 is highlighted for its light weight and balance, making it desirable for funk-inspired styles and standing play.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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