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Description

Dive into the world of expressive bass playing with the Ibanez Roadster Fretless, a meticulously crafted instrument designed for musicians seeking smooth, seamless transitions across the fretboard. This bass guitar is tailored for those who appreciate the tonal precision and versatility that only a fretless design can offer. Its ebony fretboard ensures a rich, warm tone that resonates beautifully, while allowing for effortless glissandos and dynamic note slides.

The Roadster Fretless is equipped with Ibanez's renowned reliability and craftsmanship, making it a staple for both studio sessions and live performances. Its body is constructed to enhance sound projection and sustain, providing a balanced and resonant output. The dual passive pickups capture every nuance of your playing, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities whether you're laying down a groovy bassline or exploring more intricate melodic passages.

This model is perfect for bassists who want to push their musical boundaries and experiment with new sonic landscapes. Whether you're exploring jazz, rock, or fusion, the Ibanez Roadster Fretless offers the flexibility and expressive depth to elevate your performance.

Key Features:

  • Fretless design for smooth, expressive play
  • Ebony fretboard for rich tonal quality
  • Dual passive pickups for versatile sound options
  • Solid body construction for enhanced sustain and projection
  • Renowned Ibanez craftsmanship and reliability

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RS840-BK Roadster Bass Fretless, RS840-BS Roadster Bass Fretless
Finish Black, Brown Sunburst
Year 1980 - 1981
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses, Fretless Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Frets Fretless
Neck Material Maple
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration Split-Coil / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Series Ibanez Roadster

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez Roadster Fretless Bass best suited for?

The Ibanez Roadster Fretless Bass is ideal for jazz, fusion, and experimental music due to its smooth, gliding sound and expressive tonal capabilities.

How does the fretless design of the Ibanez Roadster affect playability?

The fretless design allows for seamless slides and a more expressive playing style, but it requires precise finger placement for accurate intonation.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Ibanez Roadster's passive pickups?

The passive pickups on the Ibanez Roadster provide a warm and natural tone, perfect for players seeking a classic, organic bass sound without the need for battery-powered electronics.

Is the Ibanez Roadster Fretless Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Ibanez Roadster Fretless Bass offers rich tonal possibilities, its fretless nature may present a steeper learning curve for beginners compared to fretted basses.

What is the body shape of the Ibanez Roadster Fretless Bass?

The Ibanez Roadster Fretless Bass features a double cutaway body shape, allowing for easy access to higher frets and comfortable playability.

arnaud morin

arnaud morin

Essai Ibanez Roadster RS820 79 fretless

Video thumbnail for Essai Ibanez Roadster RS820 79 fretless by arnaud morin

Essai Ibanez Roadster RS820 79 fretless

arnaud morin

arnaud morin

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The 1983 fretless Ibanez Roadster is compared favorably against newer models, suggesting vintage appeal and potentially better value for collectors.

    Source
  • Squier 60s Jazz is noted for its quality at just over $400, offering a compelling alternative to pricier options like the Fender Player series.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SR370EF model features a thin, 5-piece bolt-on neck and a 3-band EQ with two humbuckers, including a coil split switch for versatile tones.

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Use cases and applications

  • Transitioning from a five-string to a four-string fretless is seen as simplifying, with the Ibanez Roadster being an appealing choice for this shift.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Converting a fretted bass to fretless by professional defretting is a viable option for those seeking lined fretless models.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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stera

An old horse with a magic power

SOunds great this fretted bass from the 80's

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