Ibanez Roadstar II RB 640 (1985) Reviews 5

I found this bass through an on-line classified ads site. It is a 1985 model (all black with white pickguard) and closely resembles a p bass. The seller was asking 200 Canadian but I managed to get him down to 150, including an old case. The body and neck looked really clean but the hardware was very tarnished and there was some minor rust on the frets. With the help of my brother (the technically competent one) we completely disassembled and cleaned all of the hardware including pickups, pots and fretboard. After we reassembled the bass and put fresh strings on I was amazed at how good it sounded. A lightweight p style bass with a thin fast neck and thick old school sound. I am in love.....

I like the way it looks (old style) and the way it plays. The maple neck is similar to a jazz bass in terms of thickness and it is really fast. One volume and one tone control and two passive pickups.

I don't like that fact that if I ever need spare anything, I might have a hard time finding it!!

Construction is rock solid and I am told by Ibanez experts that these basses were made to compete with US made precision basses in the early to mid 1980's. After playing this one for the last six months, I believe it.

If you like old style, no frills bass guitars with a fat sound, try to find one of these in decent shape. I guarantee you will keep it forever....

Danny Nichols rated this unit 5 on 2004-06-01.

Write a user review

© Gear Review Network / MusicGearReview.com - 2000