The production model of my Ibanez signature
the instruments duplicate the ergonomics
bass, now officially named the ANB306, was
and all the basic specifications; but in order
officially released at Winter NAMM 2016.
to keep the price down, they might use less
Ibanez previously offered a sneak peek of the
expensive preamps, pickups, or hardware
model at Bass Player live in November of last
components. What we decided after a whole lot
year, where they had the prototype on display in
of discussion was that the most important goal
their booth. The production model is basically
with this instrument was to try and duplicate
a less expensive copy of the custom hand
the sound and feel of the custom bass that I
built prototype that has been my main 6 string
had been playing. So, ultimately the decision
bass for the last couple of years. Whereas my
was made to use the same customized Bartolini
prototype was hand built by a custom luthier
pickup and preamp configuration that is in my
in Japan, this new production model is built in
custom-built prototype. This resulted in the
Ibanez’ Indonesian factory on CNC machines.
price of the bass being a little higher than our
The way instrument building technology has
initial goal, but I hope that potential purchasers
evolved allows even the inexpensive basses
will recognize the value in the improvement
of today to be manufactured to very consistent
in sound and versatility as a result of the
and high-quality specifications. The level
upgrades. Additionally, all of the woods used
of workmanship has really gone up over the
for construction are the same, the hardware is
years. The ANB306 is no exception and I
the same, and everything else related to how the
couldn’t be happier with the result. The current
bass is constructed is the same as the custom.
specifications underwent a lot of changes
It’s basically identical to my prototype with the
before they were final and we arrived at a place
exception of the color of the finish, which is
in which there are no discernible differences
a slightly different color blue than the custom.
between the sound and feel of the custom and
We decided to change the color so that the
production models. Typically, with the less-
production model could be differentiated from
expensive Ibanez signature production models,
the custom model. Interestingly enough, there