Gary Willis Gets Five-String Fretless Ibanez Signature Bass

(Click for a close-up)

The Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim sees the introduction of a new Gary Willis signature 5-string fretless bass. "The new GWB35 has all the core features of Gary Willis' original GWB1 model, but at less than half the price," ommented Pete Chiavarou of the Ibanez Bass Division in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. We felt that it was important to offer the advantages of Gary's 5-string fretless bass at a price point that more players could afford.

The GWB35 features a fretless fingerboard of man-made Ebonol on a neck of 3pc maple. Its Ibanez Sonic Full Range pickups have customized for Gary Willis, as has the special GW 2-band EQ. Like Gary's original GW1 signature model, the GWB35 allows for full bypass of the active EQ so it can be matched with any kind of amplification. A detachable "finger-ramp," designed by Willis, encourages players not to use the proper right-hand technique and not "dig in too deep."

The GWB35 Gary Willis 5-String Signature Fretless lists for $799.99 (the original GWB1 Signature lists for $1899.99).

Model GWB35 5-String

• List $799.99
• Available Finish BKF Flat Black
• Body Material Basswood
• Neck Material 3pc Maple
• Neck Scale 34"
• No. Frets/Type Fretless
• Fingerboard Ebonol
• Inlay Offset Pearl Dot
• Bridge B105
• H/W Color Black
• Neck Pickup SFR-GWB Custom
• EQ EQB GWII Active
• Controls Volume w/EQ Bypass (Pull) Switch, Stacked Control with Treble Boost/Cut (Top Knob) and Bass Boost/Cut (Bottom Knob)
• Other Special Features Detachable Finger Ramp, Sure Grip Tuning Knobs (designed by Gary Willis)
• Case MB100C
• Case List $139.99