Ibanez Celebrates Soundgear 20th Anniversary with 4- and 5-String Japanese-Made Bass Guitars

Jul 30, 2007

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The Austin NAMM Show musical instrument convention will see the official debut of two Ibanez limited edition Soundgear basses that commemorate the unveiling of the Soundgear line at the 1987 Chicago NAMM Show. Like the originals, these 20th Anniversary models are made in Japan; however, they have premium mahogany bodies rather than the basswood bodies of the first models.

The SR20TH5 SOL 5-string lists for $2133.32. The SR20TH4 SOL 4-string lists for $1999.99. Only 100 pcs of each will be available in the U.S.A. Both models include an SR20TH leather strap, SR20TH deluxe case, and a copy of the 300 page full color Ibanez history book, Ibanez - The Untold Story.

Background
Soundgear basses were much different than basses of the '50s, which had large bodies, big necks and passive pickups: Soundgears featured comfortably contoured bodies; thin, fast-playing, two-octave necks, and versatile and powerful active electronics—features much more in tune with the increasingly out-front, virtuosic bass styles that emerged in the '80s.

Today, Soundgear basses can be found in the hands of players in all musical genres, from electric jazz to r&b to metal. Available in all price ranges from beginner to high-end pro, Soundgear basses are one of most played and recognized instruments in the history of the electric bass.

The 1987 Chicago NAMM Show represented a huge turning point in the fortunes of Ibanez with the simultaneous introduction of the Soundgear bass as well as the now classic JEM, RG, and S guitars.

For more information, visit their web site at www.ibanez.com.