White Cloud

That is a beautiful bass...congrats.

I have owned many Fenders over the years, some were better than others ...but in fairness none were remotely close to being absolute dogs. They were great gigging basses one and all. My two favourite P basses however were an old 80's Tokai "hard puncher" and a Lakland "Bob Glaub".

I empathise as I feel the exact same way. When gigging becomes a pain then its time to give it a rest!

I would imagine that the production costs of the raw material required for a large production line of F type basses would actually be extremely low (decent quality Alder/Ash/Rosewood). Therefore, imo these basses will stand or fall by the quality of their fit & finish, electronics package and hardware

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1420724089' post='2652565'] I know I'm not the target audience for this but, the world needs another entry level bass? [/quote] If these deliver on the early promise that they show, and I really hope they do, then this wont be just any old "another" entry level bass. They look great...however the proof will be in the pudding

Really glad to see the back of the 3 point bridge...worst piece of bass hardware of all time.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the pickup at all...simply buy a Sansamp bassdriver, Hartke bass attack or other tube emulator. That will easily dirty things up as much as you like.

These look great value...they are going to sell a lot of these bad boys!

It looks fabulous...and knowing Ibanez it won't disappoint..

Flats on a Ray?....no, just ...no!

Ibanez build brilliant entry level instruments, mid range instruments (Premium) and exceptional professional quality instruments (prestige). Their highest calibre instruments are without a doubt easily as good as anything within the same price range....and better than most. You need to get hands on with a prestige quality Ibanez to appreciate the difference in quality to their less expensive models.

I just don't get the whole Fodera thing at all. They do look very nicely put together indeed - but on the other hand, top notch timbers aside they are not built using any particularly special type of materials or building techniques. In fact I would go as far as to say I really don't like the unrefined look of the way in whch they use scarf joints in their purest, but most basic form when forming the headstock/neck joint. I am sure they are superb instruments...but not at that price. I am certain that the AJ bass in question is not worth 6 Wal's or Ken Smiths.

Lakland Skyline Duck Dunn or Bob Glaub models would do a damn fine job of this.

Dont have any info on those old Washburns..but I remember them well as being quite desirable back in the day. Rudy Sarzo played one amongst others!

I tried a 2nd hand one about four years ago, I was really impressed by the build quality, feel and woods used...but in all honesty still preferred my lakland skyline Darryl Jones at half the price.

Wow...what an honest review. That is truly commendable.