Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $735

Standard/Professional

$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

What type of pickups does the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass use?

The Ibanez Roadster Series Bass is equipped with passive pickups, which provide a warm, vintage tone ideal for a variety of musical styles.

Is the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass suitable for beginner bass players?

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.

What is the body material of the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass, and how does it affect the sound?

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.

How many frets does the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass have?

The Ibanez Roadster Series Bass features 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playability across various musical styles.

What are the finish options available for the Ibanez Roadster Series Bass?

The Ibanez Roadster Series Bass is available in two finish options: Natural and Traditional Violin, both offering a classic and stylish look.

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Ibanez Roadster Bass Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Roadster Bass Guitar by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Ibanez Roadster Bass Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

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

  • Described as having a P-bass feel with the added versatility of PJ pickup configuration, offering both punchy and warm tones.

    Source

User experience

  • A user noted that the stock pickups, likely DiMarzios, were hot and punchy, enhancing the bass's presence in a mix.

    Source
  • Some owners find the string spacing on the 5-string version to be tight, which may suit specific playing styles.

    Source
  • Some users emphasize the importance of checking the neck and truss rod's condition before purchasing to avoid costly repairs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Bassists have used this model in school settings and band performances, highlighting its reliability and durability.

    Source
  • Gerald Veasley used a Roadster Series bass on the "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" book, indicating its professional use in iconic recordings.

    Source
  • Despite potential setup costs, this model is seen as viable for gigging due to its collectible status and unique vintage vibe.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Known for its well-made construction and comfortable neck, highly praised by those who have borrowed or owned the bass.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The bridge saddles can be misaligned, causing string spacing issues; replacing or adjusting saddles may resolve this without drilling.

    Source
  • Fretwork may be needed to ensure optimal playability, especially for those considering it as a main gigging instrument.

    Source

Build quality

  • The bridge is likely black chrome plated brass, which may show corrosion that can be cleaned without replacement.

    Source
  • The 1979 RS900's finish may not be original, as some owners suspect it might have been stripped, affecting its vintage aesthetic.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Hipshot bridge is suggested for better tuning stability; its compatibility should be checked against original screw spacing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The 1985 RB885 model can be difficult to find, with prices varying widely; examples in mint condition can exceed double the price paid.

    Source
  • The RS900 is considered a fair deal at $470, with potential for future appreciation as other vintage Ibanez models have increased in value.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

The Backup

My current backup bass its a black Ibanez roadster II all stock

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Krist Novoselic uses Ibanez Roadster Series Bass

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

The Ibanez Roadster is shown in this very early photo of Krist with his tongue out.

See how Steve Harris uses Ibanez Roadster Series Bass

Steve Harris

Bassist, Composer

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "The Trooper" Harris can be seen playing a blue Ibanez Roadster bass.

See how Rex Brown uses Ibanez Roadster Series Bass

Rex Brown

Bassist

Pantera

...
Verified via YouTube

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..."

See how Ron McGovney uses Ibanez Roadster Series Bass

Ron McGovney

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

He is seen holding an old Roadster bass. He was also known to use it live in 1982.

See how Craig Adams uses Ibanez Roadster Series Bass

Craig Adams

Bassist

The Sisters of Mercy

...
Verified via Thealarm

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!

See how Headnodic uses Ibanez Roadster Series Bass

Headnodic

Bassist, Music Producer

The Mighty Underdogs

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Headnodic introduces a new addition to his gear collection: an Ibanez Roadster Series Bass, affectionately named Joanie.

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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