Ibanez Electric Basses Instruction Manual

Maintenance
Our congratulations and deepest thanks on making Ibanez
your choice of instrument. Ibanez standards are second to
none. All Ibanez instruments are set up to our strict quality
control standards before shipping. The purpose of this
manual is to explain how to maintain your instrument's
finish and to keep your guitar playing as well as it did when
it left our factory.
Regular cleaning of your bass is
one of the most important ways
you can maintain the finish and
lengthen string life. After playing,
wipe down your instrument to
remove any perspiration from the
instrument. Perspiration can
actually contain acids that can be corrosive to the strings and metal parts of the
bass. Gloss finish basses should be polished with polish formulated specifically
for musical instruments, and a soft treated guitar cloth or a cotton rag. Abrasive
rags such as polyester can scratch the finish. Oil finished basses should be wiped
clean immediately after playing with a dry cotton rag only. If your bass has
become discolored due to extended use or heavy perspiration, factory
appearance, see a qualified bass repair person about methods to restore the oil
finish to its original factory appearance.
If strings become dirty, discolored,
or produce a dull sound or buzz,
replace the strings with new ones.
For best results we recommend
replacing one string at a time, this
will help to avoid removing the string
tension from the neck. When
replacing strings with different
gauge strings, it may be necessary
to adjust the truss rod tension. (We
recommend only qualified technicians perform this.)
Ibanez basses are factory equipped with the following
string gauges. Please follow the instructions below for
your particular model. The strings should be tightly
wound on to the tuning machines from top to bottom
with 2 to 3 string wraps around the post. In case of
tuning machines, where the string ends are inserted into
the posts, the string can be cut to length in advance
using a pair of string cutters. If the tuning machines are
sealed gear units, they are self-lubricating types. The set
TIGHTEN
screws for the tuning knob are adjustment screws that
can be tightened with a small Phillips head screwdriver
to increase the tension.
*The use of coarse strings may lead to buzzing and sound distortion. Using strings
LOOSEN
that have twists or kinds may cause buzzing or decreased sustain. Make sure
that the strings are smooth and free from any defects before installing.
STRING GAUGES
Solid and Semi Acoustic Guitars .009-.042"
Full Acoustic Guitars .013-.054" Flat Wound
TIGHTEN
4 String Basses .045-.105"
5 String Basses .045-.105 + .130"
LOOSEN
Ibanez steel string models are equipped with adjustable truss rods. The purpose
of a truss rod is to adjust the neck to counteract string tension. There are many
reasons for truss rod adjustments. One of the most frequent reasons is changing
string gauges or tuning pitch which can affect string tension. String tension
changes may affect the string height and cause fret buzz or incorrect notes. To
adjust the truss rod, locate the truss rod nut and adjust it by inserting the correct
wrench into the nut and tightening (clockwise) or loosening (counter clockwise)
the rod. Truss rod tension can be measured by installing a capo at the first fret,
holding the string down at the fret position where the neck joins the body. Insert a
thickness gauge between the
string and the fret at the 8th fret.
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
There should be between 0.3
mm to 0.5 mm clearance. That
clearance is referred to as "neck
relief" Too much neck relief can
cause the neck to have higher
action in the middle of the neck
causing poor intonation and
uncomfortable playability. No
neck relief can cause fret buzz.
*Appropriate care must be taken when
adjusting the neck and we recommend only
qualified technicians perform this procedure.
0.3~0.5mm
8TH FRET
Ibanez bass string action is set at
Solid Guitars
the factory. However, there are Full Acoustic Guitars
Basses
many reasons that an instrument's
string height can change.
Instruments can be affected by changes in temperature
and moisture. High string action can make the guitar
difficult to play. If the string action is too low, fret buzz or
unclear notes can occur. To remedy this, follow the
instructions for the particular type of bridge installed. In
the case of string action, make sure the guitar is in tune
and the truss rod is adjusted properly. Ibanez action is set
3
to 2.0mm for treble side and 2.5mm for bass side at the 12th fret. The action may
2
also need to be readjusted after the neck is adjusted or strings are changed to a
different gauge. Follow the instructions in the relevant bridge manual to make
adjustments.
*If strings other than those described above are used, gradually increase the action clearance from the treble side
1
through to the bass side.
Intonation adjustment is
the operation of adjusting
the location of the string at
the saddle to compensate
for different tuning. Follow
the instructions of the
particular bridge intonation
below. Intonation is properly set when the 12th fret note and the 12th fret
harmonic are exactly the same note. This is the center point of the scale and the
most accurate way of setting a standard scale length. With the harmonic note as
the standard, if the fretted note is flat move the bridge saddle forward toward the
headstock (a) to decrease the string length. If the fretted note is sharp, move it
back away from the headstock (b) to increase the string length intonation
adjustments.
*Please note that strings can be broken when the saddle is moved, so always loosen the strings before making
adjustment.
The output level of the instrument as well
as the quality of the signal can be affected
by the pickup height. Pickup height should
be adjusted until the volume of neck and
bridge pickups are almost equal with both
volumes wide open. The volume may drop
drastically if the pickup height is too low.
As the pickups are magnetic, fret buzzing
and distortion may occur if the pickup is too
close to the strings. Use a small
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN screwdriver to make adjustments to raise
or lower the pickup.
*Instruments that have adjustable pole pieces can be adjusted to balance the output of each string.
BATTERY
The battery should be changed when the
LOOSEN
volume becomes weak or the sound becomes
distorted. Use a new 9-volt alkaline (not
TIGHTEN
lithium or carbon) battery. The battery is
stored inside battery cavity or control cavity.
Inserting a plug into the jack activates the
power supply. Be sure to disconnect the cord
when the bass is not in use; this will prevent
the battery from draining.
TREBLE SIDE BASS SIDE
1.5mm 2.0mm
1.7mm 2.3mm
2.0mm 2.5mm
This is to certify that the aforementioned equipments fully
conform to protection requirements of the following EC
council directives.
DIRECTIVES: 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic compatibility
PRINTED IN KOREA 04001NOV
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
© 2004