(SOLD) Ibanez RS800 Roadster Bass 1980
Ibanez RS800 Roadster Bass, made in Japan 1980, sunburst finish. The Roadster line existed alongside the also iconic Blazer and Musician lines; between 1975-85 Ibanez had really started to hit their straps with their own shapes and models. This was one of the top models of Roadster, so it's blessed with a super tasty flame maple top and back. The combo of a high mass bridge, ash body, maple cap and fretboard and a high output pickup deliver a whole heap of grind and heft; there's heaps of presence and growl. The neck features a cool little piece of tech called 'Tuned Response'; they embed individually tuned bits of steel under the board to eliminate any tonal dead spots. The faded burst over flame maple and aged maple board is a cool look; this has certain low-key upmarket class to the aesthetic. These list for crazy prices sometimes and it's fair to say they're becoming more collectable as the decades roll on, so if you're after a quirky beast with a heap of tone then nab this while it's looking for love.
Model: Ibanez RS800 Roadster Bass
Made: Japan, 1980 (serial A800524)
Finish: sunburst over flame maple, gloss poly
Body: sen ash, maple veneer top and back
Neck: maple with maple board, 12" radius, 34" scale
Weight: 4.450kg
Mods: knobs replaced
Pickup: Ibanez 'super 4' hot single coil
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just a few minor dimples on the back. The back has no major marks, but there is some widespread light scuffs and surface scratches around the body. The sides have a few minor dimples extending around the whole body, but nothing big or nasty. The front has a few minor dimples around the bridge and some play wear scratches on both horns, nothing major. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets look good, minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Set up with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.