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Average Price: $735
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$400
$1001+
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Description
The Ibanez Roadster Series Bass is your passport to powerful sound and exceptional playability. Designed for both aspiring bassists and seasoned professionals, this electric bass guitar offers a harmonious blend of style and substance. At its core, the Roadster Series is known for its versatile tone that can adapt to any musical genre, thanks to its dynamic pickups and robust electronics.
This bass guitar is crafted with precision, featuring a sleek body that ensures comfortable play across all frets. The neck is designed for speed and agility, allowing for quick transitions and effortless finger movement. The instrument's hardware is built to last, providing reliable performance during intense practice sessions or live performances. Whether you're laying down a smooth groove or leading a thunderous riff, the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass is engineered to deliver with clarity and force.
With a rich legacy in the music industry, Ibanez continues to innovate and inspire musicians around the globe. The Roadster Series Bass is a testament to this commitment, offering outstanding sound quality and craftsmanship that has been fine-tuned for the modern musician.
Key Features:
- Dynamic pickups for versatile sound
- Sleek, comfortable body design
- Fast, agile neck for quick playability
- Durable hardware for reliable performance
- Ideal for a range of musical genres
Product specs
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | RS900-NT Roadster Bass, RS900-TV Roadster Bass |
| Finish | Natural, Traditional Violin |
| Year | 1978 - 1980 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | 4-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Brown, Natural, Tan |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Series | Ibanez Roadster |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass use?
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The Ibanez Roadster Series Bass is equipped with passive pickups, which provide a warm, vintage tone ideal for a variety of musical styles.
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Is the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass suitable for beginner bass players?
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Yes, the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and manageable 34" scale length, making it easy to play and learn on.
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What is the body material of the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass, and how does it affect the sound?
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The body of the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass is made from ash, which contributes to a balanced tone with clear highs and pronounced lows, making it versatile for different music genres.
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How many frets does the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass have?
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The Ibanez Roadster Series Bass features 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playability across various musical styles.
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What are the finish options available for the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass?
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The Ibanez Roadster Series Bass is available in two finish options: Natural and Traditional Violin, both offering a classic and stylish look.
Videos
Dave's World of Fun Stuff
Ibanez Roadster Bass Guitar
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Roadster Series Bass.
Comparisons
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Described as having a P-bass feel with the added versatility of PJ pickup configuration, offering both punchy and warm tones.
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User experience
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A user noted that the stock pickups, likely DiMarzios, were hot and punchy, enhancing the bass's presence in a mix.
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Some owners find the string spacing on the 5-string version to be tight, which may suit specific playing styles.
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Some users emphasize the importance of checking the neck and truss rod's condition before purchasing to avoid costly repairs.
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Use cases and applications
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Bassists have used this model in school settings and band performances, highlighting its reliability and durability.
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Gerald Veasley used a Roadster Series bass on the "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" book, indicating its professional use in iconic recordings.
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Despite potential setup costs, this model is seen as viable for gigging due to its collectible status and unique vintage vibe.
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Features and functionality
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Known for its well-made construction and comfortable neck, highly praised by those who have borrowed or owned the bass.
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Setup and maintenance
Build quality
Mods and upgrades
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A Hipshot bridge is suggested for better tuning stability; its compatibility should be checked against original screw spacing.
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Value and pricing
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
The Ibanez Roadster is shown in this very early photo of Krist with his tongue out.
In the music video for "The Trooper" Harris can be seen playing a blue Ibanez Roadster bass.
In this video at 4:33, it is said that Brown bought this Bass just prior to joining Pantera and was used to record the albums "Metal Magic" in '83, "Projects In The Jungle" in '84 and "I Am The Night" in '85. The Bass was later put up for auction in 2015 with the starting bid at $6500.
The discription for the item read:
In Rex's own words; "This was my every first professional bass that I ever bought. It was purchased off Division Street in Arlington in 1981. The original color was black, but in those days Dime and I were always trying different pick-ups, paint jobs, electronics, etc. It was not until '85 that it became what it is today. I recorded the first 3 Independent records with this bass, in whatever setup we were in. It was my backup after I bought a Hamer explorer that ended up in pieces, right up until the Jackson/Charvel era. It had the sound of an old P-bass that I always liked, as I still have some to this day. The drilled bullet holes and blood splatter was done in Dime's garage on a very late and beer swilled evening. This bass really is the building block bass for me in many ways, it was part of the learning experience we all went thru in laying the foundation of what that rhythm section was all about. That Texas boogie that eventually grew into the Power Groove!! I'm still at odds with getting rid of her, but I'd much rather someone else enjoy it, than it just sitting in a case for another 30 years... Sigh !! The stories it could tell..."
He is seen holding an old Roadster bass. He was also known to use it live in 1982.
I got an Ibanez Roadster then. That got smashed as well – the body split down the middle. A bloke in Hull said ‘I’ll fix it for you’, so he glued it back together and bolted a big brass plate across the front of the thing to hold it together. That was basically the bass I used throughout the ‘Sisters’. We played the Albert Hall, and I played this £70 guitar! That was it and it was fine until I lost it. It disappeared and I do not know where it’s gone. I’ll know it as soon as I see it because of this great brass plate on the front. It was the heaviest guitar in the world!
Album Usage
The Ibanez Roadster Series Bass has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez Roadster Series Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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