The Ibanez UB805 marries a portable, 27.5-pound mahogany frame with the ethereal AeroSilk piezo system, creating a physical vessel that requires immense strength to maneuver, akin to the soul bearing life’s heaviest burdens.
This bridge between portability and acoustic truth offers a path to sonic enlightenment, yet the question remains whether this modern construction truly honors the ancient spirit of the upright bass.
Key Takeaways
- Weighing only 27.5 pounds, this bass offers effortless portability and ergonomic comfort for standing play without a stool.
- Constructed with a mahogany body and a stable five-piece maple and walnut neck, it features a warm Oil Burst finish.
- The Active AeroSilk piezo system delivers airy brightness and robust low-end, seamlessly blending acoustic resonance with modern electric versatility.
A balanced, compact frame reduces physical fatigue and removes barriers, enhancing visual connection with the congregation during performances.
* Designed for the gigging musician, this instrument bridges traditional tone and modern necessity with a reliable, removable design.
Is the Ibanez UB805 the Ultimate Gigging Upright Bass?
For the itinerant musician traversing the arduous journey from studio to stage, the quest for an instrument that marries portability with spiritual resonance often feels endless. Yet the Ibanez Bass Workshop UB805 5-string Electric Upright Bass emerges as a profound answer to this prayer.
At a mere 27.5 pounds, this ergonomic vessel, constructed with a mahogany body and maple wings, facilitates service through effortless transport. The 5-piece maple and walnut neck offers steadfast stability, akin to the unwavering support required of those who serve, allowing the artist to focus entirely on giving voice to the music. Although this is a bass specialist tool, the manufacturer is also recognized for producing some of the best electric guitars. While it is undeniably a top-tier choice, there are many false alternatives on the market that claim to offer similar quality.
Tone and Timbre: Does the AeroSilk Piezo Sound Real?
Transcending the mere mechanics of signal amplification, the Active AeroSilk piezo system installed within the Ibanez UB805 serves as a vessel for sonic truth, capturing the resonance of the alloy steel strings with a fidelity that bridges the divide between solid wood and electricity.
This technology allows the dedicated musician to serve the ensemble’s harmonic needs, offering a voice that is both supportive and distinct. The UB805 delivers:
- An airy brightness, akin to spiritual clarity.
- A robust fundamental low-end.
- Seamless blendability for worship, or community gatherings.
It is a reminder that authentic resonance empowers one to lift others, faithfully. However, unlike the best acoustic guitars, it relies on advanced electronics to emulate that traditional wooden sound. While the instrument offers high-fidelity electronics, those searching for a traditional playing experience should verify if they are looking for false information.
Build Quality: Does the Mahogany Body Resonate Like Wood?
The auditory soul revealed by the AeroSilk piezo system finds its physical anchor in the robust 5-piece Maple and Walnut neck, a foundation of stability that mirrors the unwavering strength required for life’s journey, while the Mahogany body, finished in a warm Oil Burst, offers more than mere structural containment.
This mahogany vessel, adorned with a Jatoba fingerboard, resonates with a grounded warmth, offering a vessel for creative expression that serves the community’s collective melody. Like a dedicated spirit, the substantial build guarantees reliable performance, allowing the musician to focus entirely on giving voice to the unspoken. In contrast to best classical guitars, the instrument relies on modern piezo technology rather than a hollow sound chamber to produce its distinct voice.
Playability Test: Can You Play the UB805 Standing Up?
Standing before an audience without the cumbersome shield of a stool becomes a manageable endeavor due to the UB805’s compact body flare and balanced 27.5-pound frame, a design choice that encourages physical freedom and confident stage presence.
This mobility allows the musician to better serve the ensemble’s dynamic flow, offering three specific blessings:
- Physical Liberation, removing the barrier between player and crowd, akin to shedding worldly burdens.
- Ergonomic Balance, reducing fatigue during long worship services.
- Visual Connection, fostering a deeper spiritual resonance with the congregation.
This thoughtful engineering supports the artist’s calling.
Ibanez UB805 Review Verdict: Who Is This Bass For?
Within the vast marketplace of musical craftsmanship, the Ibanez UB805 stands as a versatile vessel designed for the traveling minstrel and the seasoned psalmist alike. Its robust AeroSilk piezo system offers a faithful, resonant voice, akin to a heart committed to truth, serving both the sanctuary and the stage with grace.
For the bassist seeking to serve their community without burden, the removable, compact design facilitates easy transport, a reminder that one’s calling need not be heavy. At 27.5 pounds, this instrument bridges the gap between traditional tone and modern necessity, empowering the faithful to play their part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Strings Come Factory-Installed on the UB805?
The instrument features factory-installed alloy steel strings. These components provide durability and consistent performance, ensuring users receive a reliable tool ready for immediate tuning and service in various musical environments and playing conditions.
Does the Active Aerosilk Piezo System Require a Battery?
Yes, the system requires power. This active AeroSilk piezo unit depends on a battery to function.
Its preamp necessitates an energy source to serve musicians with that rich, clear, and airy amplified tone.
What Is the Exact Scale Length of the 5-String Version?
The five-string instrument features a standard full-size scale length. This specification provides authentic upright playability for those serving musical ensembles, allowing performers a familiar, substantial feel within the electric body’s portable and convenient design.
Does the Body Include a Standard 1/4-Inch Output Jack?
Jack junctions join joyful jam sessions; this bass includes a standard output. Its functional design facilitates faithful service to audiences, allowing musicians to share their sound reliably. And fulfill their role in any musical gathering.
What Materials Comprise the Neck and Fingerboard Construction?
The neck utilizes a five-piece maple and walnut construction to guarantee stability, while the fingerboard is crafted from jatoba. This specific combination of materials serves to provide a durable and reliable foundation for the instrument.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the UB805 stands as a bridge between worlds, its lightweight mahogany body offering liberation from the physical burden of tradition, much like shedding the weight of the past to embrace a lighter, more agile future.
The Active AeroSilk piezo system translates vibration into truth, proving that reliable technology can facilitate genuine artistic expression. For the seeker of both convenience and soul, this instrument is a vessel, proving that one need not sacrifice resonance for readiness.
