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Ibanez Artcore AGB140
List: $700
Ibanez has extended the Artcore family into its bass offerings with the AGB140- a single cut, full-scale semi-hollow unit. While the looks of it resembles a certain American product which we are too familiar with, the resemblance is purely visual. What does the ABG offer the discerning players who are after a classic semi-hollow voicing?
First up, do note that the arched top (& rear) body is a maple make, coupled with a 3-piece set-in maple neck. The only sound reason (forgive the pun) for laminating the neck with a layer of mahogany here is to ensure the instrument looks flushed with the transparent root beer finish. Many would agree that the bass, in its entirety, is simply captivating by virtue of its bindings; headstock, neck, body and even the f-holes aren’t spared. To top it all off, the level of finish on display is a testimony of good workmanship.
Secondly, the AGB is simply a well-balanced bass. Ibanez had done well to ensure maximum handling comfort when one plays this bass; the neck in particular, sports an addictive C-profile albeit being wide & finished (in fact, all Artcore units feature a finished neck). Nevertheless, if you are unaccustomed to a full-scale bass (like yours truly), reaching low notes necessitates finger & arm expansion. This is further aggravated by the illusion that the neck is actually an extended unit, simply due to the 17th fret neck joint.
The overall serving is substantial, nothing too routine & predictable. The body depth on offer is nothing too different from the Artcore guitars so the physical attachment to the player here is rather marked. Its elegant arched top and rear ensures playing comfort despite the absence of elbow relief & rear ribcage chamfer.
Thirdly, the AGB’s Gibraltar III Bass bridge is simply praise-worthy; upon playing, one finds the rounded parts very palm-friendly & caters to muting (more relevant if you pick your bass) unobtrusively. Knobs placement is proximate to the strings so no excessive stretching to manipulate volume & tone is necessary- neat & functional.
Tone
There is a particular sweetness from this bass that will make many players smile, even if you have some preconceived ideas about semi-hollow units. The more refined midrange is rather predictable from a bass lacking in wood in certain strategic body areas. However, devotees of deep voicing might deem this bass a little too bright & one-dimensional. The tone knob does not help manifest a low frequency inclination should the need arises. With it rolled back, the notes churned out are still rather stinging. You’d expect the humbucker here to polish some top end inherently, but blame the excessive maple content & the gouged out areas for the tonal acuteness.
The surprise here (tone-wise) is the AGB’s dynamics when one employs a pick. The commanding clarity will please players who struggle to cut through the mix or be heard in live situations.
Last say.
The ABG looks vintage but is more than vintage in tone. The timeless design & Ibanez’s own refinements make this bass simply very attractive, especially when it sings convincingly too. After playing one, you’d agree that the AGB isn’t tonally versatile but we are dealing with a single pickup instrument with no switching options- you either like what’s on offer or shop for something else. For seasoned players who think the ABG is a reincarnated EB-2/ Starfire, be informed that it’s not. Reflecting on the pleasantries on offer here, we’d be eager to audition the AGB’s dual cut sibling, the ASB100.
Prospective buyers, be informed that due to the AGB’s unique outline & width, it will only fit selected bags.
Likes:
• Everything on offer
• Price
Dislikes:
• Tone is arguably one-dimensional
• Body’s angular edges
