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Average Price: $1,325

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass offers a seamless blend of playability and tone, making it a favorite among seasoned bassists and emerging artists alike. This bass guitar is part of Ibanez's renowned Roadstar series, celebrated for its quality craftsmanship and versatile sound. Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, the RB885 delivers a powerful, clear voice that cuts through any mix, whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio.

The RB885 features a sleek five-string design that extends your musical range, allowing you to explore deeper bass notes with ease. Its comfortable neck profile and smooth fingerboard ensure effortless playability, perfect for long gigs or practice sessions. The Roadstar II's robust construction promises durability, while its advanced electronics offer a wide range of tonal possibilities, from rich, warm lows to bright, articulate highs.

Whether you're slapping, tapping, or fingerpicking, this bass responds with precision and clarity. The Ibanez RB885 is not just an instrument; it’s a versatile tool for expressing your musical creativity.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbucking pickups for powerful sound
  • Five-string design for extended range
  • Advanced electronics for wide tonal versatility
  • Comfortable neck profile for easy playability
  • Robust construction for lasting durability

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RB885-BK Roadstar II Bass, RB885-PW Roadstar II Bass
Year 1985 - 1987
Made In Japan
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, White
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 5-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Series Ibanez Roadstar II

FAQs

What kind of tonal characteristics can I expect from the Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass?

The Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass, with its basswood body and passive pickups, offers a warm and balanced tone. The ebony fretboard and maple neck contribute to a clear, articulate sound, making it versatile for various music genres.

Is the Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass is well-suited for advanced players due to its 5-string configuration and 24-fret neck, providing extended range and flexibility for complex playing styles.

How does the Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass handle different playing styles?

The double cutaway design and 34" scale length of the Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass offer excellent playability for both fingerstyle and slap techniques, accommodating a wide range of playing styles.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass?

The Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass features a slim, comfortable neck profile that facilitates fast playing and easy access to higher frets, enhancing the overall playing experience.

Does the Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass come in different finishes?

Yes, the Ibanez RB885 Roadstar II Bass is available in black and white, both with a gloss, metallic finish, offering a sleek and stylish appearance.

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Vintage Japanese Bass Guitars: Ibanez Roadstar RB885 1985 #bass #electricbass #ibanez #bassguitar

Video thumbnail for Vintage Japanese Bass Guitars: Ibanez Roadstar RB885 1985 #bass #electricbass #ibanez #bassguitar by Bass Japan Direct

Vintage Japanese Bass Guitars: Ibanez Roadstar RB885 1985 #bass #electricbass #ibanez #bassguitar

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 RB885 Roadstar II Bass.

Setup and maintenance

  • The bridge saddles have alignment issues; they are crooked, potentially affecting string alignment and spacing, especially on the high side.

    Source
  • It's possible to string the bass E-C, offering flexibility for players who might prefer higher tonal ranges over the traditional low B string.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Hipshot or Gotoh 505 bridge is recommended for improved tuning stability if the original bridge shows corrosion or rust.

    Source

Build quality

  • The original bridge is likely a black chrome plated brass, rather than steel, which may require careful cleaning to maintain its appearance.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the bass's weight and tight string spacing, which can enhance playability for those preferring these characteristics.

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  • Some users who played this bass in the 1980s report a strong sense of nostalgia, indicating its lasting impression and quality from that era.

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  • Owners with smaller hands find the neck manageable, suggesting it accommodates a range of hand sizes without causing strain.

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Comparisons

  • This model was part of Ibanez's competition with Korean-made import basses during the mid-1980s, offering quality alternatives to brands like Spector.

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  • Players note the bass has a feel similar to a P-bass, offering a familiar experience to those accustomed to Precision bass models.

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  • The neck is described as medium thickness, not as slim as the Ibanez SR300 or as chunky as other models, offering a balanced feel.

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Features and functionality

  • The stock pickups are believed to be DiMarzios, noted for their hot and punchy sound, which suits aggressive playing styles or genres like rock and punk.

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Use cases and applications

  • A YouTube bass tutor uses this model as his primary instrument, suggesting its reliability and suitability for educational and performance settings.

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Value and pricing

  • At $225, it's considered a solid deal, particularly for those looking to experiment with a 5-string bass without significant investment.

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