Anybody played one of these?? (70's Ibanez "Lawsuit" Jazz Bass)

BOWIE · 11th October 2008

1973 Ibanez Jazz copy often refered to as the lawsuit era. I wanted to ask, has anyone else played one and, is it just me, or do they kick some serious ass?!

I've played several 60's - early 70's Fender Jazz's and they all have an unmistakeable feel and a "purr" that you can't find in any newer bass. This Ibanez feels exactly the same and sounds VERY similar w/ incredible low-note definition and an overall smoothness. Granted, much of this is due to age but I can't get over the sound quality and the fact that it's close to being on-par with a true 70's Fender. Are all these old Ibanez like this or did I get lucky??

yellowrobin · 11th October 2008

I had a "lawsuit" super 70's Ibanez les Paul that I sold, and still think of to this day as one of the best I used to own...and I miss it.

allencollins · 11th October 2008

I had one. The neck was better than a fender. I thought the pickups were better too. I sold it cuz I hate the pbass shape and bolt on neck but it was better quality than a fender. But that doesn't say much.

BOWIE · 11th October 2008

Thx for confirming my initial impressions guys. I thought I was losing it when I first played this thing (today). I paid $250 for it (Craigslist) and I cannot get over the fact that it feels and sounds like a $3K vintage Fender. I bought it just for re-sale but, despite needing the cash badly, there's no way I'm letting it go. It'll be a perfect companion to my Warwick Thumb NT.

richiepalooza · 13th October 2008

I've always been a fan of '70's Ibanezs'. I think it's a mistake to think of it compared to a Fender (looks not withstanding). It's got its own thang. $250. ? Great deal. Yesterday, I looked at a '70's LP with Carlos Santana style gaudy MOP inlay. Very cool. . . in a cheap vintage kinda way.

BlueSprocket · 13th October 2008

No doubt about it. If you can get past the stigma some people have for the ibanez stuff, they make a damned nice guitar. I've got a 335 copy they made, it rocks hard. Knew a bassist who had a bass almost exactly like the one pictured (finish was different). Practically played itself.

11th October 2008	#1
BOWIE Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ. Posts: 3,231 Thread Starter	Anybody played one of these?? (70's Ibanez "Lawsuit" Jazz Bass) 1973 Ibanez Jazz copy often refered to as the lawsuit era. I wanted to ask, has anyone else played one and, is it just me, or do they kick some serious ass?! I've played several 60's - early 70's Fender Jazz's and they all have an unmistakeable feel and a "purr" that you can't find in any newer bass. This Ibanez feels exactly the same and sounds VERY similar w/ incredible low-note definition and an overall smoothness. Granted, much of this is due to age but I can't get over the sound quality and the fact that it's close to being on-par with a true 70's Fender. Are all these old Ibanez like this or did I get lucky?? Attached Thumbnails

11th October 2008	#2
yellowrobin Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton Ohio Posts: 211	I had a "lawsuit" super 70's Ibanez les Paul that I sold, and still think of to this day as one of the best I used to own...and I miss it. __________________ http://bandmix.com/profile.php?id=24846

13th October 2008	#6
BlueSprocket Gear addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 396	No doubt about it. If you can get past the stigma some people have for the ibanez stuff, they make a damned nice guitar. I've got a 335 copy they made, it rocks hard. Knew a bassist who had a bass almost exactly like the one pictured (finish was different). Practically played itself. __________________ "No stone throwing regardless of housing situation."

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11th October 2008	#3
allencollins 3 + infractions, forum membership suspended. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Rosedale Cemetery Singing Beach, MA Posts: 4,873	I had one. The neck was better than a fender. I thought the pickups were better too. I sold it cuz I hate the pbass shape and bolt on neck but it was better quality than a fender. But that doesn't say much.

13th October 2008	#5
richiepalooza Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: san antonio,texas Posts: 418	I've always been a fan of '70's Ibanezs'. I think it's a mistake to think of it compared to a Fender (looks not withstanding). It's got its own thang. $250. ? Great deal. Yesterday, I looked at a '70's LP with Carlos Santana style gaudy MOP inlay. Very cool. . . in a cheap vintage kinda way.