Ibanez Review: EDB 605

History:

Purchase: I got this little mama from my first big purchase off eBay, and I paid 500 Australian for it second hand with a Gator hardcase. I wanted to move into progressive rock and I don't think proggies know 4-string basses exist.

What I Like About This Ibanez EDB 605: The bass and hardcase were good as new when I got them, and I couldn't believe I'd got them for the price I paid. Well, beauty's only skin deep, so I guess you can call me a shallow, superficial prick whom you never want to see again, no matter how much I call. Aww, now I feel bad. But yeah, this thing looks sleek as, and the solid Luthite body makes it weigh as much as a small horse. (Or a very large dog, if you're so inclined). Some might count this as a negative, but I hate the feeling of playing a guitar made of balsa wood. The active pickups combined with high, mid and low tonal control knobs make for an amazing diversity of sound. I can sound like an upright bass, a church bell, and even a small horse! (Ok, no more animals). The strings are fairly light, and the action nice n low, and the root of the neck angles off at the higher strings to allow more room for popping (the strings, you pervert).

What I Do NOT Like About The Ibanez EDB 605: Probably the only thing I'd whinge about is the tuners aren't the best - I have to retune before every time I play. Oh yeah, and this bass is going to cost me thouands of dollars to buy a stack to do it justice.

Ibanez EDB 605 Quality Rating: The Ergodyne is INDESTRUCTIBLE. This, and cockroaches, are the only things that will survive a global nuclear exchange. (So expect to see a lot of all-bass mutant roach bands if the world stage gets a little too tense). For the price I paid, this bass easily surpasses all expectations (except the tuning system, whihc I mentioned above). The low B string is a little slacker than it might be, but you have to go up to Warwicks and Spectors to find that sort of feel.

Review Summary: So in short, the EDB 650 Ergodyne bass is excellent value for money. Versatile sound, elegant look, and you could drive a semitrailer (or small horse) over it. Wouldn't part with this bass for almost anything. (And I've plasyed it's successor, the EDA series, and I think it's a step backwards). If you're looking for a first five-string and you don't have a couple of grand to splash, go with this.

Rating of this Ibanez product: 5

This Ibanez EDB 605 Bass Guitars Review Submitted By: Sanka

Review Date: 2004-11-29