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Description

Ibanez presents the MC940 Fretless Bass, a masterful instrument that seamlessly merges classic design with modern playability. Designed for bassists seeking a smooth, expressive sound without the hindrance of frets, this bass guitar delivers a unique tonal palette that is both warm and resonant. The fretless fingerboard allows for effortless glissandos, ideal for jazz, fusion, or any genre where musical expression takes center stage.

Crafted with precision, the MC940 features a sturdy neck-through construction that enhances sustain and stability. Its body is designed for balance and comfort, ensuring that it sits perfectly whether you're in the studio or on stage. Equally impressive are the pickups, which capture the rich nuances of your playing with clarity and depth, making sure every note resonates with soulful precision.

Ibanez has equipped this model with high-quality hardware to ensure reliability and durability, allowing you to focus on your performance without distraction. The controls are intuitive, providing seamless adjustments to your tone as you explore the range of this exceptional fretless bass.

Key Features:

  • Fretless fingerboard for smooth, expressive playing
  • Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain
  • High-quality pickups for clear, nuanced sound
  • Intuitive controls for easy tone adjustments
  • Durable hardware for reliable performance on stage and in the studio

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model MC940-DS Musician Bass Fretless
Finish Dark Stain
Year 1980 - 1984
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses, Fretless Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Frets Fretless
Model Family Ibanez Musician
Neck Material Maple, Walnut
Number of Strings 4-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass?

The Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass offers a warm, smooth tone with rich sustain, ideal for jazz, fusion, and experimental music. Its passive pickups combined with an active preamp provide a versatile sound palette.

Is the Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass suitable for beginners?

The Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass is better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to the precision required in finger placement on a fretless neck. Beginners may find it challenging but rewarding if they're committed to mastering the fretless technique.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass?

The Ibanez MC940 features a comfortable neck profile crafted from maple and walnut, offering smooth playability and easy access across the fretboard, making it suitable for fast and intricate playing styles.

Does the Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass have active or passive pickups?

The Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass is equipped with passive pickups, complemented by an active preamp for enhanced tonal shaping and flexibility.

What materials are used for the fretboard of the Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass?

The fretboard of the Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass is made from ebony, providing a slick, durable surface that contributes to its smooth, expressive tone.

Richard Howes

Richard Howes

1982 Ibanez Musician Fretless Bass MC940

Video thumbnail for 1982 Ibanez Musician Fretless Bass MC940 by Richard Howes

1982 Ibanez Musician Fretless Bass MC940

Richard Howes

Richard Howes

Video thumbnail for Ibanez MC940 DS / Bartolini on board by Bass Japan Direct

Ibanez MC940 DS / Bartolini on board

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Musician MC 940 fretless Bass 1981 by Yellow Bird

Ibanez Musician MC 940 fretless Bass 1981

Yellow Bird

Yellow Bird

Video thumbnail for 1982 Ibanez Musician Fretless Bass MC940 by Richard Howes

1982 Ibanez Musician Fretless Bass MC940

Richard Howes

Richard Howes

Video thumbnail for Ibanez mc940 test by Bass Japan Direct

Ibanez mc940 test

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ MUSICIAN BASS MC940 FRETLESS JAPAN 1983 - Guitar Shop Barcelona by Guitar Shop Barcelona

IBANEZ MUSICIAN BASS MC940 FRETLESS JAPAN 1983 - Guitar Shop Barcelona

Guitar Shop Barcelona

Guitar Shop Barcelona

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Mc 940 test by Bass Japan Direct

Ibanez Mc 940 test

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass.

Mods and upgrades

  • Grover Titan 145G tuners are recommended for their compatibility with large basses, providing robust tuning stability.

    Source
  • Lusithand dual NFP MKii filter offers versatility beyond a simple tone roll-off, greatly expanding tonal possibilities for fretless basses.

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Build quality

  • Automotive plug kits can effectively seal unused holes, offering a neat solution for modified basses.

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  • The MC940 is noted for its substantial weight, which can impact playability during extended performances.

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User experience

  • Owners who disliked the original sound found substantial improvement and renewed interest after upgrading electronics and pickups.

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  • Owners appreciate the unique characteristics of the MC940, but note the neck is fat and wide, which might not suit all players.

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Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the 1983 MC924 for its contoured body and thinner, narrower neck compared to the earlier models.

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  • The MC940 is distinct from the earlier MC900, which featured an older shape with shallower cutaways and a 22-position fingerboard.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sting uses Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass

Sting

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

This fretless bass was used by Sting on concerts in last seventies. It also appears in the music video for "Can't Stand Losing You" & most famously "Message In A Bottle". It is noticeable that regarding todays' standards, this bass is extremely heavy.

See how Aleksandr Titov uses Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass

Aleksandr Titov

Bassist

KINO

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo provided, Aleksandr Titov is shown standing to the right of Yuri Kasparyan with his 1983 Ibanez MC940 Fretless Bass in Pearl White, which is one of his first professional instruments and one he continues to play today.

Genre Usage

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