LeftyBassist.com

I ordered this bass over six months ago. It finally came in last week.
Since we lefties have limited access to affordable EUBs, I took the chance
on this Ibanez that the individual saddles would have enough play to properly intonate the bass -
and my bet paid off! I love everything about this bass - and the factory places the front dots
on the side of the bass such that you can clearly see your finger position. Sounds great!
Plays great! Let me know what questions I can answer.

This was $899 shipped from Sweetwater.

pete

Looks great!

How does the curvature of the neck feel? Any idea if it's similar to a NS Designs? I found the NS not to be a good candidate for conversion.

The NS has an asymmetrical radius not usable for lefty stringing. It requires a planing for lefty stringing.

Does the radius of the Ibanez suit playing with a bow? How is the intonation, with that bridge alignment?

Is it 34" scale, or 3/4 upright scale? I have a Stagg, which is 3/4 scale, and, while it is a challenge to play, I enjoy getting used to the length, and makes me think of a double bass when I play it - it makes me think like an upright player... and I don't feel like I'm "cheating" by playing a 34" neck masquerading as an upright... hope I don't piss anyone off too much with this post!

I've never really played an EUB before, though I've tinkered with righty uprights, so I have limited experience.
I believe, according to the Ibanez website, that the neck is asymmetrical. I haven't yet got a bow for it, but it
feels very comfortable playing. The intonation is spot on, with a little more play on the G and E strings,but they're
almost maxed out.

Here's the thing. People have been poo-pooing this bass because it's 34" scale. This isn't meant to be or replace
other EUBs, but it's a great way to "get into" playing upright. An actual upright bass player tried this out on Saturday
and loved it. Her only "complaint was that it was bright" like an electric bass, which it is. I played it a lot this weekend,
and what I came away with is that it's super fun to play and I can play this better than my actual fretless. It does sound
very different than my fretless - way more mwuh.

pete

Sound sample:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRwdpJro5ms

Given it's only 34", couldn't you just play it horizontally like an electric?

Yes, that's exactly what it sounds like, and no, you can't play it horizontally - the neck is very thick and the strings are spaced
like an upright.

pete

I was very interested in this bass when it first came out, and thought "dang", wish they made a lefty model. Glad you're liking it!

Here's another demo clip, the first one I ever saw, and made me want one.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffcy8n_f23M

Thank you for the tip screambass. I will most likely consider this option myself. I tend to play a lot of music calling for an upright.

Besides, I spent years trying to get better at playing jazz and walkin' but I am only decent at it. The toughest part being finding guys who play jazz at your level to practice with. I have always hated the sound of Jazz bands using electric bassists.

I find myself playing this bass every day, and practicing by playing with songs I already know. It's my new favorite thing.

pete

...and now it's discontinued on Sweetwater's website.


pete

DAMN!!!