When I played this model bass before, it was the natural finish, which I really liked a lot. The blue finish in the picture is not what you get on the bass. Personally, I'm glad; the blue in the picture is a little bright for my taste. The actual blue on the bass is kind of like "heather-blue," darker blue with grayish undertones. This is a BEAUTIFUL finish, and the chrome hardware really sets off the finish, not the other way around. When the light hits the dark blue dye, the figuring in the wood POPS!

It is heavy, as mentioned in other reviews, but the weight is part of what gives the good tone. I've found light wood to give "blah" tone. As I mentioned before, the only improvement that I can suggest for this bass is to install a single-coil at the neck position for some added warmth and a bit more versitility. This is a very versitle bass with versitile tone, but a J-style at the neck would put the tone over the top! I'm very impressed that Ibanez seems to be thinking outside of their quintessential "rock and metal" mindset and exploring new tonal options, body styles, and pickup configurations. This will not be my main bass, but for funky, slappy, or pick-driven gigs, this will be what I play.

Couple of points: Contrary to the description, these do NOT have birdseye maple fingerboards, but rather ones of normal straight-grain maple. These are also EXTREMELY heavy basses, mine being a little over eleven pounds.

Other than that, they are OK. The selector switch (which looks very vulnerable) doesn't have much effect on the sound, but the other active controls do. Two people I know have received these with DOA electronics.

Finish is pretty good and frets are adequate. For the sale price this is an excellent value, but only for those with strong backs.

I had never mail ordered a guitar before. When I stumbled on this listing a few days ago, I couldn't pass it up. The reviews were spectacular and the price is irresistible.

I've been playing a borrowed Fender American Jazz Bass so this Ibanez had a lot to live up to. All I can say is wow! I plug straight into the board in my band (planning on picking up a sansamp). This axe shines.

It plays just like the Jazz Bass. The action is low, the neck is fast and comfortable, not too thin. The sound is very melodic. It has a solid low thump but is very musical and brilliant. The selector switch brings significant sound variation on top of the triple tone knobs.

As an all around bass, this instrument is exceptional. For the clearance price, its practically criminal.

I'm very pleased with my purchase

Tried one in '96 and fell in love. Could'nt afford it at the time as I was in college. Years later, and a stable of Fenders, I saw THE deal. Tone, workmanship, and quality control are far superior to anything I've put my hands on in years! All I had to do was throw a quick tune on it, and replace the original dead generic 9V (serial indicates it was built in '06) and away I went. Can't wait to take her out on the town!!! I'll keep the Fenders, but I'll probably retire a few. BUY ONE!!!!

I own 3 of these already. Two fours and a five string. These are super durable with excellent tone and great playability. I use them in my metal band, my church praise band, and as a hired gun. I never need to adjust the EQ, I just leave the knobs at 12:00, and the tone always works! They can cut through Mesa and Marshall tone easily and fit just as well into quieter music. I would recommend these to anybody.