Ibanez: Grooveline 6

Ibanez's Grooveline bass has gone 6-string. It's massive unlike the Soundgear series but it will have its applications, especially for jazz cats looking for a deep, thumping tone. It seems that bass chaps get less flak for having more strings in their instruments, unlike guitar players.

Got groove?

This is a classic case of dismissal via looks- Ibanez's Grooveline bass isn't visually pleasant but this compromise was to make way for the instrument's ergonomics in terms of playability, handling & tone. Despite being in the catalogue, the Groovelines are only to be released mid-year but let's hear what this bass has to offer...

Anthony Crawford gives us an insight on design considerations & you just have to impressed with his slap applications here:




Now listen to the Lorenzo Feliciati's Grooveline in a non-slap setting:

Attractive?

That mysterious, very unattractive bass highlighted here late last year, is the new Ibanez Grooveline bass. I don't think it'll win any accolades in the design department but the ergonomics are there. The body's offset design is a fusion of what I believe to be the RD & Affirma curves, both are extinct now. The designers' objective is for the Grooveline to epitomize balance so visual attraction takes a back seat here. The bridge is also fresh for an Ibanez bass- the Tight End unit; we've seen them before in the FR & RG1451, though.