Ibanez SRAS7 CBS Ashula 7 String Bass Guitar Review

The team at the Ibanez Bass Workshop have delivered once again with their latest 2023 models. Here at Noisegate, we were lucky enough to spend some time with the brand new Cosmic Blue Stardust Ashula SRAS7, and holy moly does this bass do it all. A truly unique instrument both in design and craftsmanship, something that only Ibanez would be bold enough to create, I’ve found myself lost in this bass from the minute I first picked it up.

Seamlessly blending multiple facets of the electric bass world, the Ashula manages to push creative and technical boundaries past the norm. In the short period of time I had with it, I would say there was never a moment where I found myself struggling to find inspiration. The unusual string layout had me exploring ways that I could blend melody lines with the fretless neck, whilst simultaneously playing a supportive role with the fretted neck. To take this further, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate instrument for the solo bass player looking to build songs on the spot with a looper. Incorporating something like a TC Electronics Ditto, a Boss RC1, or in the case of this video an Elektron Octatrack, really gives you the chance to compose complex musical ideas – all on one instrument.

This is an absolutely feature-packed instrument, with plenty of tone-sculpting devices immediately at your control. When you combine this with the uniquely distinct split fretted/fretless neck build, Ibanez has managed to offer up an instrument you could really consider the all-in-one bass player’s dream. If we step back a little bit as well, it is important to also mention that fundamentally this bass is a very sound option for someone primarily gigging in a more traditional bass role. The 4-string fretted neck is a dream to play with, only taking a short while to become comfortable with how the neck falls underneath your fingers. The 3-string fretless side sounds absolutely stunning, very reminiscent of the Double Bass tone you’ll hear on many 70’s ECM recordings. Despite Ibanez being a longstanding powerhouse in the game when it comes to their electric basses, I still feel as though their fretless basses have been somewhat slept on. For anybody curious about exploring the fretless world a little further, but also needing a bass that can fill the usual role, look no further than the Ashula SRAS7.

Initially, this larger 7-string neck might appear intimidating, however, Ibanez has managed to craft an instrument that not only feels easy and enjoyable to play but doesn’t waiver in build quality. All in all, hats off to Ibanez for designing this wonderful and unique bass. Be sure to check one of these baddies out in person next time you visit your local Ibanez retailer.

Specs

• Neck type: SRAS77pc Maple/Walnut/Bubinga neck
• Top/back/body: Poplar Burl/Ash topOkoume body
• Fretboard: Indian Rosewood fretboard (Fretted part)/ Bubinga fretboard (Fretless part)SRAS special (fretted) inlay
• Fret: Medium frets/Fretless
• Number of frets: Fretless=24/Fretted=22
• Bridge: MR5 bridge(Fretted)/ AeroSilk MR5 bridge(Fretless)
• String space: 16mmIbanez SRAS7 CBS
• Neck pickup: SRAS Super J neck pickupPassive
• Bridge pickup: SRAS Super J bridge pickupPassive
• Equaliser: Ibanez 2-band EQ w/Piezo active tone control w/Piezo/Mix/Magnetic 3-way pickup selector
• Factory tuning: 1G,2D,3A,4E,5G,6D,7A
• Strings: D’Addario® Roundwound (fretted)/D’Addario® Flatwound (fretless)
• String gauge: .045/.065/.085/.105/.045/.065/.080

More info via the Ibanez Website Here: