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Description

The Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass is a testament to precision and craftsmanship, offering musicians unparalleled performance and reliability. This electric bass guitar is designed with both seasoned professionals and aspiring bassists in mind, delivering a rich and versatile sound that fits seamlessly into any music genre. Its sleek design and expertly crafted body ensure comfort during long sessions, whether in the studio or on stage.

Equipped with dual Ibanez Super P5 and J5 pickups, this bass provides a powerful and dynamic tonal range, making it perfect for everything from smooth jazz to hard rock. The bolt-on neck construction enhances sustain and stability, while the 24-fret rosewood fingerboard allows for effortless playability across all octaves. The PL5050's bridge and tuning hardware are built to withstand the rigors of frequent use, ensuring your sound remains consistent and in tune.

The control layout features separate volume and tone knobs for each pickup, allowing for precise sound customization. This level of control, combined with the bass's natural resonance, makes the Ibanez PL5050 a versatile choice for musicians looking to explore new sonic landscapes.

Key Features:

  • Dual Ibanez Super P5 and J5 pickups
  • Bolt-on neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • 24-fret rosewood fingerboard
  • Separate volume and tone controls for each pickup
  • Durable bridge and tuning hardware for consistent performance

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model PL5050-BK Pro Line Bass, PL5050-CP Pro Line Bass, PL5050-GM Pro Line Bass
Year 1986 - 1987
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Grey, White
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass for rock music?

The Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass features active pickups and an active preamp, delivering a powerful and punchy tone ideal for rock music. Its dual humbucker configuration provides a wide range of tonal options, from deep lows to bright highs.

Is the Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass is well-suited for advanced players. It features a 24-fret ebony fretboard and a maple neck, offering excellent playability and access to higher frets for complex bass lines.

How does the active preamp in the Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass enhance its sound?

The active preamp in the Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass boosts the signal and allows for more precise tone shaping. This results in a clearer, more dynamic sound that can cut through a mix, making it versatile for various music styles.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass?

The Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass features a slim maple neck, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience. This design is ideal for players who prefer quick movements and intricate fingerwork.

Is the Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass is suitable for slap bass techniques. Its active electronics and dual humbuckers provide the clarity and punch necessary for slap styles, while the 24-fret ebony fretboard allows for smooth execution of complex rhythms.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez PL5050 Pro Line Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The B string is noted for its powerful presence, contributing significantly to the bass's punchy and versatile tone.

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  • The sustain is highlighted as a key feature, especially noted by players who often play sitting down.

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  • The Ibanez PL5050's neck is particularly praised for its comfort and ease of play, suited for both casual practice and intense gigging sessions.

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Setup and maintenance

  • One owner set the neck relief to 8 thousandths of an inch and the B-string height to under 5/64ths, maintaining clean playability.

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  • One previous owner reported a warped neck and improperly installed new bridge, impacting playability and requiring careful maintenance.

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  • An owner who frequently repairs and customizes basses used the Ibanez GSR200 for lower tunings by adding thicker strings, highlighting its versatility.

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Comparisons

  • The neck-through design with multiple wood layers is compared to racing stripes, visually enhancing the bass's aesthetic appeal.

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  • The Ibanez PL5050 is directly mentioned alongside an Alembic Europa, suggesting a preference shift in high-end bass choices for gigs.

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  • The Ibanez MC924, with its 7-ply laminate neck-through design and 3-band EQ, is described as the best sounding bass compared to others an owner has played.

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User experience

  • Owners report achieving "Warwick-y burp tones," highlighting the bass's tonal versatility.

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  • An owner confirmed the PL5050's finish, showing consistency in aesthetics across models, which may appeal to players seeking a visually distinct instrument.

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  • Owners with a history of using multiple basses find the PL5050 a reliable choice, often keeping it among their collection of 10+ instruments for its unique tone.

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Use cases and applications

  • It's been noted that this model is particularly comfortable and reliable for extensive gigging, with over 80 gigs performed by an owner.

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  • Trevor Dunn's use of the PL5050 during early Mr. Bungle performances highlights its place in experimental rock and avant-garde music scenes.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One owner upgraded the Ibanez RB850's pickups with cheap Music Man style passive pickups, significantly improving its sound for only $20 each.

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