Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (15)
$1,099.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (6)
$1,099.99
Amazon
4.6 (3)
$1,099.99
Reverb
$1,099.99 New
$696.66 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$1,099.99

Average Price: $1,033

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

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

What kind of tone can I expect from the Ibanez GWB35's pickup?

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.

Is the Ibanez GWB35 suitable for beginners?

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.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez GWB35?

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.

Does the Ibanez GWB35 come with a case or gig bag?

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.

How does the Ibanez GWB35 handle different musical styles?

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.

BassCentreTV

BassCentreTV

Ibanez Gary Willis GWB35 fretless

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Gary Willis GWB35 fretless by BassCentreTV

Ibanez Gary Willis GWB35 fretless

BassCentreTV

BassCentreTV

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ GWB 35 Garry Willis Signature (Black Flat) by Marek Bero

IBANEZ GWB 35 Garry Willis Signature (Black Flat)

Marek Bero

Marek Bero

Video thumbnail for What You Need To Know About the Ibanez GWB35 Fretless Bass [Demo & Review] by OnlineBass Guitar

What You Need To Know About the Ibanez GWB35 Fretless Bass [Demo & Review]

OnlineBass Guitar

OnlineBass Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ibanez GWB35 modified - Bartolini - John East by Jackson Dias

Ibanez GWB35 modified - Bartolini - John East

Jackson Dias

Jackson Dias

Video thumbnail for Ibanez GWB35 First Impressions by Steven Dempster

Ibanez GWB35 First Impressions

Steven Dempster

Steven Dempster

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Gary Willis Fretless Bass GWB35@gagiktoroyan1288 by Gagik Toroyan

Ibanez Gary Willis Fretless Bass GWB35@gagiktoroyan1288

Gagik Toroyan

Gagik Toroyan

Video thumbnail for Ibanez  GWB 35 by AmpsOnAir

Ibanez GWB 35

AmpsOnAir

AmpsOnAir

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design, reducing shoulder strain during long playing sessions

  • Sleek, minimalist controls provide a modern aesthetic

  • Excellent pickup delivering clear and powerful output

  • Onboard active electronics enhance sound versatility

  • Comfortable, fast neck allows for agile finger movement

  • Finger ramp adds to playability and control

  • Affordable alternative to high-end fretless basses

  • Versatile tone suitable for multiple genres

  • Slim neck contributes to a fast and smooth playing experience

  • Unique pull-out volume knob can bypass EQ if battery fails

CONS

  • Ebonol fretboard prone to marking with roundwound strings

  • Bridge may bend under string tension over time

  • Narrow string spacing may require adjustment for some players

  • Battery panel design is less practical for quick changes

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The 2-band EQ provides a mid-focused treble adjustment, similar to the 'high-mid' control on Darkglass tone capsules.

    Source

Build quality

  • The ebonol fingerboard is appreciated for its resistance to grooving from roundwound strings, maintaining durability over time.

    Source
  • The GWB35 boasts a surprisingly high-quality ebony fingerboard with visible grain and lighter brown spots, unlike typical heavy dye jobs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GWB35 is highlighted for its light weight and balance, making it desirable for funk-inspired styles and standing play.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the bass is particularly well-suited for players with a light touch, aligning with Gary Willis's nuanced playing style.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the GWB35's flawless fit and finish, with no sharp edges or factory blemishes observed.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The bridge design of the GWB35 is considered conventional and may be replaced with a Babicz or BAII for more adjustment options.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez GWB35FD Gary Willis Signature Bass – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

The Ibanez GWB35 Gary Willis Signature Bass impresses with its sleek design, excellent craftsmanship, and innovative features, all at an affordable price. It delivers a tight, modern sound that's clear and articulate, making it a versatile choice for any bassist. The unique "Sure Grip Tuners" and removable ramp enhance playability, while the dual strap buttons add practicality. However, it may not satisfy those seeking a vintage tone. Overall, this bass offers exceptional value and quality for under $1,000, making it a standout option for serious players.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
T

Thomas MacLean

Bassist

To-Mera

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, at 0:25, Thomas MacLean is seen perfoming the song "Drowning in the Flood" with Haken, using a fretless Ibanez GWB35

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