New from Ibanez (video demo is below) is the 7-string Ibanez SR “ASHULA”.
What’s interesting about this bass – other than the fact it’s a fretted/fretless hybrid – is that the fretted strings are set up like a standard 4-string in E-A-D-G tuning, and the fretless is tuned A-D-G (no low E). So while it is true you’re dealing with a 7-string electric bass, this is definitely something that a 4-string player could actually play without the feeling of, “Oh, wow, I have to learn the bass all over again.”
As for whether this Ibanez is a simple instrument, no it’s not. Advanced electronics are present (shown below), which includes an Aerosilk piezo for the fretless area and the SRAS “Super J” set for the fretted area.
To make things even more interesting, this bass comes stock with flatwound strings for fretless and roundwound for fretted!
For those interested in string sizing and tuning, this is how Ibanez ships it (remember, the 1 string is the treble side thinnest string):
Fretted: 1 – G – 0.045
Fretted: 2 – D – 0.065
Fretted: 3 – A – 0.085
Fretted: 4 – E – 0.105
Fretless: 5 – G – 0.045
Fretless: 6 – D – 0.065
Fretless: 7 – A – 0.080
What do the controls do? They do this:
As for weight, the only thing Ibanez says is “lightweight body” and that’s all. No official weight is stated. What is known is you’re seeing a Poplar Burl/Ash top/Mahogany body and a Purpleheart fretboard (fretless)/Rosewood fretboard (fretted) neck.
Video demo
What do you think?
Does a hybrid fretted/fretless bass seem like a good idea to you? Post a comment with your thoughts.
On a final note, if the Ibanez seems like a little too much to handle, but you like the idea of piezo (and there are many who do), check out what we offer as we have a very wide selection.
Probably but would need to check it out rirst
First
I would if the fretless side had four strings too. Why omit the E?
This is the 2nd Inanez Ashula design. Original was 6 with top d and g strings added as fretless but could be set up as a 6 etc. schecter also makes a hybrid in a straight 5 config. As I play both fretted and fretless a lot, I’m intrigued by the concept. This new 7 is pretty over the top, like two necks glued together.
My first impression is this is a beautiful instrument and well thought out, especially electronically. My second thought is that I wish they would not have left out the E. Would have been cool if it were 8 string BEAD fretted and EADG fretless…
no. I play a fretless and fretted. no use for combo.
If you do the kind of music whereas you play both on some tunes I see it may be okay. Me personally I like either fretted or fretless. But nice concept, tho.
I play both, and find this concept intriguing … would love to check this out!
It’s a beast, alright! Yet, you tame it well. I’m an amazed old school thumper with his jaw hanging.
Okay
Thank you for allowing myself and others to comment on your completed instrument. Since I have owned and played a few of your companies Instruments I can say that this is a beautiful instrument for those that want to visit other galaxies with their musical but for those of us here on Earth I would like it to be offered in a 4,5,6,or 7string bass design with some type of clamping system that you could replace the whole fret board with a whole fretted or whole fret less board system. Then with the colour and features it would be AWESOME . Do this and I would have to cut down my Fender Bass Collection
Sounds great. I just love my Pedula penta buzz for frettless work. Not sure if I would like this set-up.
Offer options for setup. I would prefer Low B, E and A for the Fretless side with no overlap and and Piccolo setup of D, G, C, and F for the fretted side. I would also like to see a development of the bridge so one could comfortably bow the fretless side of this instrument. WTF, as long as we’re going for broke how about adding a MIDI controller on the four side as well. However, I realize I’m asking for the moon AND the stars, now! The R&D on something like this would be impressive. but they’re already halfway there and St. Louis Music has a Midi controller.
Very cool. Now if only i could play that well. Definitely would like to have one of these.
Well, I have the first 6-strings Ashula and I think it has more smart concept. The fretted side above the fretless is more comfortable for solo on fretless side. The main problem of first Ashula is interpenetration of sound of second strings in pickups of fretted side and 3 strings in pickups of fretless side . Therefore sound of this strings different from another if you not reduce volume of the unplayed side to zero. Piezo pickup have even more problem in this case I think. May be good decision will be to divide the output of the sides.
Again, Ibanez takes the lead. I play fretted 5 and 4-strings and I would like to try a fretless. But my suggestion would be:
4 strings: EA fretless and DG fretted.
5 strings: BEA fretless and DG fretted or BE fretless and ADG fretted.
6 strings: BEA fretless and DGC fretted.