The only way they could compare if they reissued them is if and ONLY if made in Japan, which would cost an arm and a leg, which would limit their market appeal. I have heard many times that if these were brought back made to the same standard that they likely would be quite expensive which makes sense if you look at Ibanez's focus on cheaper Asian (China, Korea) manufacturing; the few models that are made in Japan now are becoming prohibitively expensive whereas an original musician was affordable by a 15 year old just getting into bass. Not that cheap instruments can't be quite good but man how the times and quality have changed...
I bought an MC924 about 1981. I got a good deal on it but I really wanted a fretless bass. I had the MC924 modified several times. I ended up with fret markers, only under the E string, made of light colored inlaid wood. Direct replacement pickups by Bartolini were added. Volume and pan pots were rewired to be separate volumes for each pickup. A graphite nut was installed along with Ibanez branded, sealed mini “Y” shaped tuners. The headstock was doweled and re-drilled for the smaller tuning key shafts. I plan to change the Strap Locs to Schallers. This is truly a one of a kind bass!
Man, what a video, you speak out of my heart. I bought a Fender in 78 and regreted it when I discovered that Ibanez (and Aria) made suddenly own designs with the features of custom made basses, neck through, precious woods etc. Okay, the Precision is now of great value, but I'm still thinking about a Musician
This is a great video! Love those basses! About time someone dedicated a video about these gems! I want one also……but yeah…..my back says no….lol. Thanks!
Greg, thank you so much for this overview... you've now created a monster... I REALLY want to find one of these! Classic shape, and the even response sounds as good as my old Steinberger *but* with warmth and character, which the Steinberger lacked. Thanks again for the wonderful review!
Ibanez also made the G-series bass for Roland which is basically a Musician. I have a G-88 that I bought for about 60€ back in the late 90´s and it is hands down the best 4-string I´ve ever owned or played!
Thanks so much! This was very informative. I've always loved the look of these basses and I'm a big fan of both Sting and Adam Clayton. I've had my eye out for a fretless one. As you say though, the biggest issue is the weight. There is an '86 available now but weighs over 10 lbs. That's just too heavy for me. And thanks for including the Bean bass. I had been curious about that one as well. Cheers!
Oh man, this is so cool. I was in junior high school when these came out and my friend Mike Levin and I were OBSESSED with these in the music magazines. There was no way we even knew Alembic existed, but Ibanez was within reach, and the pinnacle of MIJ basses, well maybe pinnacle, but there were SOOOooo many legendary brands like Greco, Kawai, Fernandez, Univox, Aria Pro II, Seville, and so on... The Japanese Fujigen basses started as copies of American models, only to exceed them in quality ironically blowing them out of the water. Sure, a '59 Les Paul is the holy grail, but any MIJ Les Paul is gonna give it a run for it's money...
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Not sure if this one's heavier but it weighs 5kgs (11lbs). These are absolutely the best basses Ibanez ever made. The newer models like the EHB1500 (which I own) don't have the authoritative character of these MC924(0) models.
I had a fretless Musician in about 1984. It was beautiful but, stupidly, I traded it away to get a 4-track cassette recording system. Of course, it was obsolete in a few years, while some lucky person is probably still playing that bass.
Nice. I own an MC940 fretless. It' s the bass I have owned the longest and one I will keep hold of. Think mine must be a little bit later in the 80's different pick ups.
It’s quite easy to find the date they were built. Looking at the serial number; the letter is the month and the first 2 numbers are the year. So D85xxxx would be April 1985.
Love to see these great instruments getting some love. I have two of the guitar versions. Currently restoring them and I love them! The only time I’ve seen anyone using them in recent times was the bass player from the Swedish thrash band the haunted used one.
I have a natural finish "Slimbody Musician" like the one you said was your 4th Musician bass (11:46). I had the frets removed from mine and they filled the slots with maple shims. It always had a great tone. I love the controls on the passive electronics with balance, volume and tone.
I'd call the neck-through versions of the Soundgear basses the successors of the Musician. I own the SRX-700 NT from 2000/2001, and it's absolutely great. Carol Kaye uses it, too.
Yes, I’ve seen that too. I suspect his was another one off, as I haven’t seen another one. His was the Roadstar version, with the bolt on neck. Very similar to the Musician.
I’m a huge fan of the Ibanez Musician line of instruments and this was a great close up look at a selection of them. Could I just ask, at 8:21, is that a photo of you wearing a home made Vox amp jumper/sweater? Because that might be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!
I tend to agree with all mentioned here,..I own both the MC924DS (‘81) ..and the Bean Bass MCDS (‘82) I 🇺🇸reside in Japoan🇯🇵so I had access to many Ibanez Bass & Guitars including some factory manufacturer shared Greco copies..The GO Basses in which were just as superb! Still using my Musician MC924DS TODAY and it sounds , feels fantastic!! Must rebuild/ restore my Bean Bass tho’..😌In my mind,..it gives a Fender Jazz Bass..” a run fo’ da’ Money!..” b(‘_
Yes, the Beans are amazing. I had heard that Greco were made for the local market, but have then heard that isn’t right. I don’t recall seeing or hearing about Greco in Australia, during the ‘80s, whereas Ibanez were everywhere.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Yeah,..the Greco Instruments were local but some got into other countries. I monitored for them for years and even had prototypes made that I still own & play today! (Such as my “Formula Basses,Greco’s answer to the Steinberger type Basses and a one of a kind 3 PU 6 String Bass! ✨🎸👍🏾) The Greco Basses & Guitars were mass produced at the same factory as Ibanez so, the same Wood resources and parts could be used to save costs in production for BOTH companies!! So, Yes some “Interchangeable Parts”….companies one in the same!! b(‘_
I have the mc940 fretless bass @5:10 still in original case looking fabulous. Prettiest bass guitar I've seen. Very classy looking bass guitar, what with the long sleek black fretboard, golden tone metal parts, dark stain body and maple high lighted neck running right through the guitar. Paid around 1200$ for it back in '82. Had to wait 4 months for it to be made in Japan and shipped to our local music shop for that happy day I picked it up. I wonder what it's worth now? Not for sale, just asking someone out there that knows.
The fret less usually sell for more, as they are so good and they didn’t make as many. Still selling for way less than they should be worth though. I agree that they look great too. 😎
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 I'm thinking about buying Bruce Thomas' Signature bass in salmon colour from the Bass Center. They are surprisingly cheap for what you get and Sir Bruce likes it! Ps: I knighted him.
Great vid, thanks! I still have my fretless - looks identical to your 940. I'm a guitar player but wanted some bass options for our studio work so have the obligatory Hofner, Rickenbacker and bought the Ibanez (in Hong Kong, where I live) mid 80's. Never owned a Fender Bass . . . one day maybe 😀
Fantastic basses. I have owned 2 mc 824 and it was brilliant. I did find my home with the roadster basses though and I’m a proud owner of 2 RS-924. I do think you confused the Roadster with the Roadstar series as being one of the cheaper series though.
I thought I said the Roadster and Blazers, were their cheapest basses, but at least as good as anything Fender were making. Definitely agree they are great instruments.
In some way, I think the late 70's and early to mid 80's was the days when the absolute best basses were produced, and that was in Japan. I have a number of Aria Pro II, Daion, Ibanez, Washburn and Westbury, and also Japanese Fenders from those days, and they are all fantastic instruments made with a quality and craftmanship that still would outcompete the most of mass produced instruments. Btw, I think Aria Pro was there before with the quick load bridge on their TSB, RSB and SB. Thank you for a great video.
Had one of these - the upgraded "Artist" series with the carved top - as a guitar - GREAT instrument - fabulous tone and playability, wonderful build quality - but sold it because it was SO damned heavy it broke my back playing standing, and put my leg to sleep playing seated. Made me feel sorry for Jerry Garcia hefting "Tiger" and "Rose" for hours at a time - they had to be just as heavy...
I’ve played a few of the Artist solid bodies and agree, they were all really heavy. I own an ‘81 Artist semi-acoustic (335 style) and even that has more weight than it should. Sounds great though.
Great vid. I've always played Ibanez guits. I have a 90's beginner Ibanez P-bass that I totally kitted out and reshaped. It's on my page. But what I really want to know is how you managed to "clock" the tuner capstans/posts so they are symmetrical side-to-side or top-to bottom?
I had a '83 Mc 940 fretless, that sounded dull and "complaining", like it always was out of tune, no matter how correct I fretted my fingers on it. The ebony fretboard was not that hard, so I did like Jaco - put 2 component laquer on the fretboard. But still not a thrill. I also missed fret lines, so it was not the bass for me. Then I bought a '85 fretted one, that is a real funk machine. No eq adjustment options, except treble roll off on each pickups. Sounds great, a better bass than Fender I think. Sir John Pattitucci played a '85 Mc924 in a Chick Corea concert from mid 80's (TH-cam)
I had a 1980 Ibanez 8 string bass that I bought at guitar center in San Francisco on Van Ness ave. I was in a band that did many Cheap Trick tunes, and it was a perfect sounding bass for that time period. I'm sorry I ever sold it many years later!!!! 😢
I regret not buying an 8 string. I had a couple of opportunities in the late ‘80s, but mainly playing guitar at that point. I love how they made the 8 strings a shorter scale, so they’d fit in the regular cases!
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Yeah I honestly regret selling mine many years after buying one in 1980. The sound of that bass was really incredible. I even was able to use it in the recording studio, and the sound engineer made it sound like a jumbo jet taking off the runway. Tom Petersson really influenced my playing style on bass, and that Ibanez 8 string sounded like a monster in the studio and also playing at live concerts. I'm surprised Ibanez never created a newer model!!!
I have a srt800dx, neck thru and active emgs, great bass from this century and made in Indonesia, it makes me wonder, if modern ones are great those japanese old schools must be really good
I’ve played some really nice instruments made in Indonesia. They’re producing some great ones. I’m sure there are similarities between the current neck through and Musicians, but haven’t compared them.
Hey Greg - I recently bought a mint 1979 MC900 Natural. Wow, incredible bass! Only problem is the 60 cycle pickup noise. It even makes noise when both pickups are on (selector swtich in middle position.) I can get rid of the noise by using an Electro-Harmonix Hum Debugger pedal, but wondering if you know of any different ways to get rid of it, such as rewiring the pickups series or something.
For some reason they didn’t go reverse polarity on one pickup, like Jazz Basses and there’s no way to modify that. I use humcancelling versions, that I make, in mine. Sound the same as the original pickups and use side by side coils, so they still operate as a single coil. I am just waiting for more covers to be made, so I can make some more.
I have an early 80s model Ibanez Musician. I'm not too sure of the year and model. All I know is that I took it off the rack in a small little shop in 1984 to try it out and the neck felt like it was custom-made for my left hand. I bought it on the spot, and it was my main bass for the next 20 years. Still have it although my old, arthritic hands now need/use a short-scale bass.
I agree. The necks are great. You can get the date from the serial numbers. The letter is the month. A = January to L = December. The first 2 numbers are the year. So C84xxxx would be March 1984. If it has the active eq, it’s an MC924. Without the eq, it’s a MC824.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Hey, thanks! My serial number is L84xxxx. Looks like it is an MC824DS made in December of 1984. So maybe it was in 1985 that I purchased it. All I know is that I had no qualms about ditching my Fender P-Bass for it (to hell with a brand name and legend...made that P-Bass neck feel like a hunk of lumber instead of a finely crafted neck on a musical instrument). It is still in great condition. Yes, I took care of it and even made sure there was no buckle rub (wore my belt buckle to the side and even used long sleeve shirts when I played, to prevent that top arm rub). The case, on the other hand, shows the years of use.
True. I feel the same way about some Les Pauls. Beautiful guitars but some of them are so heavy you wonder if your spine will survive the experience. 🏋🏻♂️
@@Joe-mz6dc A mate of mine had a LP Custom from around ‘81, that made my first Musician seem reasonable. I don’t think he ever played it standing for more than about 20 mins.
My first good bass was an Ibanez Musician MC824. Passive, two single coils, with volume / volume and tone. Great bass which sounded excellent. I foolishly sold it in '85 to buy a Fender Jazz bass that was nowhere near as good. In 1988 I thought I'd re-live the experience and bought an MC924 fretless - PJ with active EQ. The electronics were as noisy as hell and I sold it in short order. Oh well.
Sorry to hear that. The later eq had extra filtering, that was supposed to reduce the noise. Was it noisy with the eq bypassed? I mainly use mine with it bypassed.
I saw the great Bill Dickens in concert with the legendary Ramsey Lewis back in the 1980s and I'm pretty sure he played a1980 MC924. The bass sounded amazing and had an Alembic-like tone. Here's Bill with Ramsey on "I Can't Wait. The bass sounds like the MC924 he played at that time: th-cam.com/video/7ochTXQRX2M/w-d-xo.html Thank you for a very informative video!
The Musicians Beans were all passive. They made at least 2 Roadstar Bean basses. 1 of those had active EMG style pickups. Passive tone controls, as far as I know.
Great video, very informative. Could you please tell me how does the neck feel compared to a precision/jazz bass (thickness, shape, nut width)? Thanks!
The width is similar to a Precision. Each of mine is slightly different in depth, but not as deep as most P-Basses. I guess they’re a D shape. Maybe between a D and C.
Cool video. I noticed that the straps you used were pretty thin. Did you ever try a padded leather strap or any padded straps? It might help with the weight you mentioned.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 its a shame .....Ive been an solid ibanez man since my gibson '71 es-345 got ripped off and im a huge fan of japanese 70s neck throughs l
Yamaha had the BB series bass series round about the same time and still make those in cheap and expensive models and early mid 80's Musicians prices were going up each year...ie '83 $819A to '84 $949A when i bought mine..i was lucky in that the shop gave it to me for the '83 price as that was the price in then current catologue..i'm sure Ibanez could make a made in Indo model with Bartolini pick ups and electronics..mono rail bridge etc..top of the range SR's and BTB's are getting up to and above 3 grand there days..the Musician has a distinct shape and headstock..make them in bolt on and thru neck..they currently have a winner with new headstock less line...what's next???
@@lesgl yes, Yamaha, Aria and Ibanez made similar instruments. I think the rapid rise in price, was due to them basically selling them for not much more than cost originally. They couldn’t keep that up for long. If you look at the evolution of the design; most changes would have made the basses cheaper to produce, while the price crept up.
I added the extra filtering from the next version. I was going to make a video about that. Thanks for the reminder. You can find the schematics here. The top one is the original, with the 2nd version at the bottom. www.talkbass.com/wiki/ibanez-musician-club/
I would like to see that bass in 5 strings and broad neck because I have big hand and I can no play bases less than 19mm string spacing but the Ibanez sound is amazing but again I can no play less than 19mm
Double what original ‘vintage’ ones were selling for. Not double the price the 30TH listed at. Including postage to Australia, it was about 1/3 the original list price.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Ah, I got worried there for a second. Got a used '83-84 mc924 in the more rare brown/gold sparkle finish for my friend a couple years ago for his first bass. I am babysitting it atm because it has some neck issues I'm currently working on but what an instrument! Like you said, a bit heavy but the tone and flexibility are really nice not to mention everything just feels great to use on it. On a side note, are you familiar with Tune basses? The brand has a somewhat complicated history and has since split into two companies, one in Japan and one in South Korea. You may find the true Japanese ones interesting since they have a few things in common with the MC line (intricate preamps, smaller bodies etc). I believe Tune was actually mostly responsible for the downsizing/compacting of bass bodies in Japan which Ibanez caught onto going from the MC line to the SR series. Have a good one and thanks for the posting the videos on the MC series.
As I said, I assume they were influenced my makers like Alembic. They weren’t copies though and you’re right, definitely made them accessible. Did any boutique brands do the steel bars in the neck or quick release tailpiece? Haven’t found any yet.
The info sheet that came with the 30th anniversary model, talks about the Musicians leading to the Soundgear basses. They seem to imply SR were the best basses they made!
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 I mean they are objectively lighter, thinner and more ergonomic. I've never played an SR that wasn't, they just look and sound too bland for me
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A 5 strings musician would be a best seller in 2023
The only way they could compare if they reissued them is if and ONLY if made in Japan, which would cost an arm and a leg, which would limit their market appeal. I have heard many times that if these were brought back made to the same standard that they likely would be quite expensive which makes sense if you look at Ibanez's focus on cheaper Asian (China, Korea) manufacturing; the few models that are made in Japan now are becoming prohibitively expensive whereas an original musician was affordable by a 15 year old just getting into bass. Not that cheap instruments can't be quite good but man how the times and quality have changed...
The bass with the most perfect body shape ever in my opinion..
I thought I always wanted a Wal (which to me is the perfect shape). But these older Ibanez may have changed my mind!
I bought an MC924 about 1981. I got a good deal on it but I really wanted a fretless bass. I had the MC924 modified several times. I ended up with fret markers, only under the E string, made of light colored inlaid wood. Direct replacement pickups by Bartolini were added. Volume and pan pots were rewired to be separate volumes for each pickup. A graphite nut was installed along with Ibanez branded, sealed mini “Y” shaped tuners. The headstock was doweled and re-drilled for the smaller tuning key shafts. I plan to change the Strap Locs to Schallers. This is truly a one of a kind bass!
Sting with his fretless Musician and Lynott with hs Roadster RS900, superb tones, wonderful times!
I played one Musician 924 from 1981- 1995. Loved it
I bought a 79 Musician in 1986 and it’s been my main bass ever since…outstanding instrument
Love mine. Active and very light. Sounds great. Thank you for making this video
I love the old Japanese basses. I have several, Vantage, Morris, and a couple others. They still hold up to many current pro model basses.
My first bass was a Vantage Avenger.
Great vid! I had one of these in the 90's. Such a good bass.
Great video Greg.. I love these basses..
Man, what a video, you speak out of my heart. I bought a Fender in 78 and regreted it when I discovered that Ibanez (and Aria) made suddenly own designs with the features of custom made basses, neck through, precious woods etc. Okay, the Precision is now of great value, but I'm still thinking about a Musician
So glad to be an early subcriber to your channel. - Mike in California.
This is a great video! Love those basses! About time someone dedicated a video about these gems! I want one also……but yeah…..my back says no….lol. Thanks!
Greg, thank you so much for this overview... you've now created a monster... I REALLY want to find one of these! Classic shape, and the even response sounds as good as my old Steinberger *but* with warmth and character, which the Steinberger lacked. Thanks again for the wonderful review!
No problem. I have a a Steinberger and agree on your assessment. Hope you find a Musician (that isn’t too heavy).
Thumbs up, great lineup and test drives on them...
Ibanez also made the G-series bass for Roland which is basically a Musician. I have a G-88 that I bought for about 60€ back in the late 90´s and it is hands down the best 4-string I´ve ever owned or played!
I had one of these in the first half 80s. Excellent bass.
thanks again i probably commented already but as im re watching the videos i say it again
I'm not a huge ibanez guy, but their old ones are so cool. The ash (I think) roadstar that youtube lesson guy has is sweet. I love that headstock
Thanks so much! This was very informative. I've always loved the look of these basses and I'm a big fan of both Sting and Adam Clayton. I've had my eye out for a fretless one. As you say though, the biggest issue is the weight. There is an '86 available now but weighs over 10 lbs. That's just too heavy for me. And thanks for including the Bean bass. I had been curious about that one as well. Cheers!
Oh man, this is so cool. I was in junior high school when these came out and my friend Mike Levin and I were OBSESSED with these in the music magazines. There was no way we even knew Alembic existed, but Ibanez was within reach, and the pinnacle of MIJ basses, well maybe pinnacle, but there were SOOOooo many legendary brands like Greco, Kawai, Fernandez, Univox, Aria Pro II, Seville, and so on... The Japanese Fujigen basses started as copies of American models, only to exceed them in quality ironically blowing them out of the water. Sure, a '59 Les Paul is the holy grail, but any MIJ Les Paul is gonna give it a run for it's money...
I have a few Ibanez and Aria MIJ basses and they are built to last! One of my Aria's is from 1970!
@@michaelj.742 Yeah the Aria SB1000 I think? Fantastic quality and sound!
@@scarcam I got the Aria 1820 short scale,a more affordable model.I still like it,I did change out the tuners to Gotoh tuners though.
@@scarcam I wish it was the SB1000
Appearance wise they definitely remind me of Alembics, very handsome indeed.
Yes, I’m sure they were a big influence. Definitely a different instrument though.
Oh yeah! This is what TH-cam is for! Very informative. Never owned a Musician but always wanted one.
time for a reissue !!
Thnx for making this video! I own a MC9240 LE and I'll never ever sell it, this beauty has tone for days.
Were those even heavier than the regular ones?
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Not sure if this one's heavier but it weighs 5kgs (11lbs). These are absolutely the best basses Ibanez ever made. The newer models like the EHB1500 (which I own) don't have the authoritative character of these MC924(0) models.
@@MrAKbass That’s slightly lighter than my first one, which is 5.2kg
SOME OF THE FINEST BASS ON THE MARKET.
I had a fretless Musician in about 1984. It was beautiful but, stupidly, I traded it away to get a 4-track cassette recording system. Of course, it was obsolete in a few years, while some lucky person is probably still playing that bass.
Nice video, I used to Own a RS924L, A rare left handed model. Weighed a fair bit, but sounded awesome.
They were great basses too.
This is excellent.
Thanks.
Nice. I own an MC940 fretless. It' s the bass I have owned the longest and one I will keep hold of. Think mine must be a little bit later in the 80's different pick ups.
It’s quite easy to find the date they were built. Looking at the serial number; the letter is the month and the first 2 numbers are the year. So D85xxxx would be April 1985.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 thanks for the info, mine is September 82 then.
Just ran downstairs to check my 940. 40 years old this month! I’m the original owner.
@@stephenmarsh6746 Happy Birthday to you MC940. 🥳
I had no idea that Ibanez ever made a run with that ornate a set of fretboard inlays. That looks supreme!
I didn’t know either. There were only 15, so you wouldn’t see them at your local store. I found mine online, at a Guitar Centre.
Love to see these great instruments getting some love. I have two of the guitar versions. Currently restoring them and I love them! The only time I’ve seen anyone using them in recent times was the bass player from the Swedish thrash band the haunted used one.
You’d need to watch your back, playing on in a thrash metal band!
Great history thnx !
Nice basses ,I have a 8 String Version
Very nice. I should have bought one years ago, when I had the chance.
Guy at church who taught me bass when I was 15 played a Musician. Thing was cool.
I have a natural finish "Slimbody Musician" like the one you said was your 4th Musician bass (11:46). I had the frets removed from mine and they filled the slots with maple shims. It always had a great tone. I love the controls on the passive electronics with balance, volume and tone.
I’ve often said they would make a great fretless. Sounds like I was correct. 😇
I'd call the neck-through versions of the Soundgear basses the successors of the Musician. I own the SRX-700 NT from 2000/2001, and it's absolutely great. Carol Kaye uses it, too.
I agree. I think the 5 piece neck construction is a big part of why they work so well. I’ve seen footage of Carol talking about hers.
I have a 2004 SR900 neck thru and having owned a Musician bass in the 80's i think it's the closest Ibanez bass to a Musician..ie the balanced sound
I had an 80's Musician bass. It was heavy and the electronics were a bit noisy but it sounded killer! I regret selling it.
I wish I still had mine😢
I never understood how intricate these instruments were my favorite charming tone is this bass 12:34
Me too. I should have used a pick on the others.
I remember seeing Sting using a fretless version of the Bean bass on SNL maybe, during Soul Cages or a little before that.
Yes, I’ve seen that too. I suspect his was another one off, as I haven’t seen another one. His was the Roadstar version, with the bolt on neck. Very similar to the Musician.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Ok 👍
Looks like something Alembic would have created: beautiful workmanship
I’m a huge fan of the Ibanez Musician line of instruments and this was a great close up look at a selection of them.
Could I just ask, at 8:21, is that a photo of you wearing a home made Vox amp jumper/sweater? Because that might be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!
You are correct. One of 2 my mother made on a knitting machine. I gave one away and the other stopped fitting many years ago. 😁
Always wanted one....
Still have (and play!) the early '80s MC924 I bought new back then...
Cleverer than me. I was without mine for almost 30 years.
Ibanez has been making some really sweet basses the last decade, plus. I would literally love to own one of each. 2 of a couple. Lol
I had the ATK 305 and it was a power house bass I didn’t even know they made these , that’s a shame
I’ve recorded a few of those over the years. They always sounded great. Most of those were pretty heavy too.
Nice review. I never found one of these here in Brazil. I have a bass gear review channel in portuguese and I love to review such Japanese classics!
It’s always interesting seeing what was sold where. Sorry you guys missed out. I bought my 2 1980 models online from Japan, in ‘19 and ‘20.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 from time to time it is possible to find such gems here too.
I tend to agree with all mentioned here,..I own both the MC924DS (‘81) ..and the Bean Bass MCDS (‘82) I 🇺🇸reside in Japoan🇯🇵so I had access to many Ibanez Bass & Guitars including some factory manufacturer shared Greco copies..The GO Basses in which were just as superb! Still using my Musician MC924DS TODAY and it sounds , feels fantastic!! Must rebuild/ restore my Bean Bass tho’..😌In my mind,..it gives a Fender Jazz Bass..” a run fo’ da’ Money!..” b(‘_
Yes, the Beans are amazing. I had heard that Greco were made for the local market, but have then heard that isn’t right. I don’t recall seeing or hearing about Greco in Australia, during the ‘80s, whereas Ibanez were everywhere.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Yeah,..the Greco Instruments were local but some got into other countries. I monitored for them for years and even had prototypes made that I still own & play today! (Such as my “Formula Basses,Greco’s answer to the Steinberger type Basses and a one of a kind 3 PU 6 String Bass! ✨🎸👍🏾) The Greco Basses & Guitars were mass produced at the same factory as Ibanez so, the same Wood resources and parts could be used to save costs in production for BOTH companies!! So, Yes some “Interchangeable Parts”….companies one in the same!! b(‘_
@@FlamesAt1000ft I’ve noticed the same parts on Greco and Ibanez, so could tell they were closely related.
I have the mc940 fretless bass @5:10 still in original case looking fabulous. Prettiest bass guitar I've seen. Very classy looking bass guitar, what with the long sleek black fretboard, golden tone metal parts, dark stain body and maple high lighted neck running right through the guitar. Paid around 1200$ for it back in '82. Had to wait 4 months for it to be made in Japan and shipped to our local music shop for that happy day I picked it up.
I wonder what it's worth now? Not for sale, just asking someone out there that knows.
The fret less usually sell for more, as they are so good and they didn’t make as many. Still selling for way less than they should be worth though. I agree that they look great too. 😎
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 I'm thinking about buying Bruce Thomas' Signature bass in salmon colour from the Bass Center. They are surprisingly cheap for what you get and Sir Bruce likes it! Ps: I knighted him.
Great vid, thanks! I still have my fretless - looks identical to your 940. I'm a guitar player but wanted some bass options for our studio work so have the obligatory Hofner, Rickenbacker and bought the Ibanez (in Hong Kong, where I live) mid 80's. Never owned a Fender Bass . . . one day maybe 😀
The Musician basses are easier to record and get sitting well in the mix. 🤫
The only Ibanez in my collection is an MC914DS fretless. It is mint and a closet queen.
Fantastic basses. I have owned 2 mc 824 and it was brilliant. I did find my home with the roadster basses though and I’m a proud owner of 2 RS-924. I do think you confused the Roadster with the Roadstar series as being one of the cheaper series though.
I thought I said the Roadster and Blazers, were their cheapest basses, but at least as good as anything Fender were making. Definitely agree they are great instruments.
In some way, I think the late 70's and early to mid 80's was the days when the absolute best basses were produced, and that was in Japan. I have a number of Aria Pro II, Daion, Ibanez, Washburn and Westbury, and also Japanese Fenders from those days, and they are all fantastic instruments made with a quality and craftmanship that still would outcompete the most of mass produced instruments. Btw, I think Aria Pro was there before with the quick load bridge on their TSB, RSB and SB. Thank you for a great video.
I agree. The trouble was they couldn’t keep it up, for the prices they were charging.
Had one of these - the upgraded "Artist" series with the carved top - as a guitar - GREAT instrument - fabulous tone and playability, wonderful build quality - but sold it because it was SO damned heavy it broke my back playing standing, and put my leg to sleep playing seated. Made me feel sorry for Jerry Garcia hefting "Tiger" and "Rose" for hours at a time - they had to be just as heavy...
I’ve played a few of the Artist solid bodies and agree, they were all really heavy. I own an ‘81 Artist semi-acoustic (335 style) and even that has more weight than it should. Sounds great though.
Great vid. I've always played Ibanez guits. I have a 90's beginner Ibanez P-bass that I totally kitted out and reshaped. It's on my page.
But what I really want to know is how you managed to "clock" the tuner capstans/posts so they are symmetrical side-to-side or top-to bottom?
Thanks. No idea that I had done that.
I had a '83 Mc 940 fretless, that sounded dull and "complaining", like it always was out of tune, no matter how correct I fretted my fingers on it. The ebony fretboard was not that hard, so I did like Jaco - put 2 component laquer on the fretboard. But still not a thrill. I also missed fret lines, so it was not the bass for me. Then I bought a '85 fretted one, that is a real funk machine. No eq adjustment options, except treble roll off on each pickups. Sounds great, a better bass than Fender I think.
Sir John Pattitucci played a '85 Mc924 in a Chick Corea concert from mid 80's (TH-cam)
I had a 1980 Ibanez 8 string bass that I bought at guitar center in San Francisco on Van Ness ave. I was in a band that did many Cheap Trick tunes, and it was a perfect sounding bass for that time period. I'm sorry I ever sold it many years later!!!! 😢
I regret not buying an 8 string. I had a couple of opportunities in the late ‘80s, but mainly playing guitar at that point. I love how they made the 8 strings a shorter scale, so they’d fit in the regular cases!
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Yeah I honestly regret selling mine many years after buying one in 1980. The sound of that bass was really incredible. I even was able to use it in the recording studio, and the sound engineer made it sound like a jumbo jet taking off the runway. Tom Petersson really influenced my playing style on bass, and that Ibanez 8 string sounded like a monster in the studio and also playing at live concerts. I'm surprised Ibanez never created a newer model!!!
@@bartonpercival3216 Presumably they didn’t sell many of them.
I have a srt800dx, neck thru and active emgs, great bass from this century and made in Indonesia, it makes me wonder, if modern ones are great those japanese old schools must be really good
I’ve played some really nice instruments made in Indonesia. They’re producing some great ones. I’m sure there are similarities between the current neck through and Musicians, but haven’t compared them.
They need to bring these back and the Roadstars and blazers, they are far better than all the strats, les pauls, teles and rickenbackers etc
Hey Greg - I recently bought a mint 1979 MC900 Natural. Wow, incredible bass! Only problem is the 60 cycle pickup noise. It even makes noise when both pickups are on (selector swtich in middle position.) I can get rid of the noise by using an Electro-Harmonix Hum Debugger pedal, but wondering if you know of any different ways to get rid of it, such as rewiring the pickups series or something.
For some reason they didn’t go reverse polarity on one pickup, like Jazz Basses and there’s no way to modify that. I use humcancelling versions, that I make, in mine. Sound the same as the original pickups and use side by side coils, so they still operate as a single coil. I am just waiting for more covers to be made, so I can make some more.
I have an early 80s model Ibanez Musician. I'm not too sure of the year and model. All I know is that I took it off the rack in a small little shop in 1984 to try it out and the neck felt like it was custom-made for my left hand. I bought it on the spot, and it was my main bass for the next 20 years. Still have it although my old, arthritic hands now need/use a short-scale bass.
I agree. The necks are great. You can get the date from the serial numbers. The letter is the month. A = January to L = December. The first 2 numbers are the year. So C84xxxx would be March 1984. If it has the active eq, it’s an MC924. Without the eq, it’s a MC824.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Hey, thanks! My serial number is L84xxxx. Looks like it is an MC824DS made in December of 1984. So maybe it was in 1985 that I purchased it. All I know is that I had no qualms about ditching my Fender P-Bass for it (to hell with a brand name and legend...made that P-Bass neck feel like a hunk of lumber instead of a finely crafted neck on a musical instrument). It is still in great condition. Yes, I took care of it and even made sure there was no buckle rub (wore my belt buckle to the side and even used long sleeve shirts when I played, to prevent that top arm rub). The case, on the other hand, shows the years of use.
Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet used both a fretted and fret less Idanez Musician basses in the early 80s
I remember his fretted one.
Bring that headstock back!!
They sound great and they look beautiful. What's not to like?
The weight. 🥺
True. I feel the same way about some Les Pauls. Beautiful guitars but some of them are so heavy you wonder if your spine will survive the experience. 🏋🏻♂️
@@Joe-mz6dc A mate of mine had a LP Custom from around ‘81, that made my first Musician seem reasonable. I don’t think he ever played it standing for more than about 20 mins.
My first good bass was an Ibanez Musician MC824. Passive, two single coils, with volume / volume and tone. Great bass which sounded excellent. I foolishly sold it in '85 to buy a Fender Jazz bass that was nowhere near as good. In 1988 I thought I'd re-live the experience and bought an MC924 fretless - PJ with active EQ. The electronics were as noisy as hell and I sold it in short order. Oh well.
Sorry to hear that. The later eq had extra filtering, that was supposed to reduce the noise. Was it noisy with the eq bypassed? I mainly use mine with it bypassed.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Honestly I don't remember. I did one gig with it and then sold it for half of what I paid for it.
Hello! Is it possible for you to measure the diameter of the dot on the fretboard and their location from the edge of the overlay?
Thank you!
I saw the great Bill Dickens in concert with the legendary Ramsey Lewis back in the 1980s and I'm pretty sure he played a1980 MC924. The bass sounded amazing and had an Alembic-like tone. Here's Bill with Ramsey on "I Can't Wait. The bass sounds like the MC924 he played at that time:
th-cam.com/video/7ochTXQRX2M/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for a very informative video!
awesome video thank you! Did the bean bass model come as an active version as well as the passive?
The Musicians Beans were all passive. They made at least 2 Roadstar Bean basses. 1 of those had active EMG style pickups. Passive tone controls, as far as I know.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 thank you - Ive also sent you a private email with other questions, best D
oye, my back and shoulder are F'd as well, from heavy basses
Great video, very informative. Could you please tell me how does the neck feel compared to a precision/jazz bass (thickness, shape, nut width)? Thanks!
The width is similar to a Precision. Each of mine is slightly different in depth, but not as deep as most P-Basses. I guess they’re a D shape. Maybe between a D and C.
The Phrase,"Off the Rack" Perfectly describes their Axe's
Not sure what you mean? As in ready to go, no modification required?
Ibanez #482 was my first real bass - unfortunately no MC has found his way to me so far - only have 32" MC - perhaps in future
Good Bass Ibanez
Cool video. I noticed that the straps you used were pretty thin. Did you ever try a padded leather strap or any padded straps? It might help with the weight you mentioned.
I use padded straps on all my basses now. As I said, I had no idea at the time. I wasn’t aware of padded straps back then either.
baffles me why they dont make these and the guitars anymore????????!!!!!!
I think it’s the cost. Don’t think they made much money on these.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 gibson charges 3000$ for garbage ...Ibanez could re-issue these..... they could re-issue the PS-200 too!
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 its a shame .....Ive been an solid ibanez man since my gibson '71 es-345 got ripped off and im a huge fan of japanese 70s neck throughs l
Yamaha had the BB series bass series round about the same time and still make those in cheap and expensive models and early mid 80's Musicians prices were going up each year...ie '83 $819A to '84 $949A when i bought mine..i was lucky in that the shop gave it to me for the '83 price as that was the price in then current catologue..i'm sure Ibanez could make a made in Indo model with Bartolini pick ups and electronics..mono rail bridge etc..top of the range SR's and BTB's are getting up to and above 3 grand there days..the Musician has a distinct shape and headstock..make them in bolt on and thru neck..they currently have a winner with new headstock less line...what's next???
@@lesgl yes, Yamaha, Aria and Ibanez made similar instruments. I think the rapid rise in price, was due to them basically selling them for not much more than cost originally. They couldn’t keep that up for long. If you look at the evolution of the design; most changes would have made the basses cheaper to produce, while the price crept up.
Do any of yours have a 60hz hum? I can’t figure out why mine does or if it’s just how they are.
6:09 What did you use to add a filter to the 1980 MC924 active circuit?
I added the extra filtering from the next version. I was going to make a video about that. Thanks for the reminder. You can find the schematics here. The top one is the original, with the 2nd version at the bottom. www.talkbass.com/wiki/ibanez-musician-club/
I have a yellow one.
I believe my mc924 has active eq.
If it has 6 knobs and the tiny toggle switch, it has the active eq. Also the battery door on the back.
I would like to see that bass in 5 strings and broad neck because I have big hand and I can no play bases less than 19mm string spacing but the Ibanez sound is amazing but again I can no play less than 19mm
19mm from string to string? You do have big hands. I just measured one and it’s 12mm from centre to centre of the strings.
Hello! What strings do you think are best for a music bass?
Depends on the sound you’re wanting? Personally, I prefer stainless steel, but have nickel on one and flatwounds on another.
@ 12:32 please tell me when you said you found one used for double that you meant to say half...?
Double what original ‘vintage’ ones were selling for. Not double the price the 30TH listed at. Including postage to Australia, it was about 1/3 the original list price.
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 Ah, I got worried there for a second. Got a used '83-84 mc924 in the more rare brown/gold sparkle finish for my friend a couple years ago for his first bass. I am babysitting it atm because it has some neck issues I'm currently working on but what an instrument! Like you said, a bit heavy but the tone and flexibility are really nice not to mention everything just feels great to use on it. On a side note, are you familiar with Tune basses? The brand has a somewhat complicated history and has since split into two companies, one in Japan and one in South Korea. You may find the true Japanese ones interesting since they have a few things in common with the MC line (intricate preamps, smaller bodies etc). I believe Tune was actually mostly responsible for the downsizing/compacting of bass bodies in Japan which Ibanez caught onto going from the MC line to the SR series. Have a good one and thanks for the posting the videos on the MC series.
Have you owned or ever tried an ST824 or ST924 (Studio bass)?
I played one briefly, a very long time ago. Even heavier than these, from memory.
I had a fretless for years. Wish I had kept hold of it. It was a great bass but it weighed a tone.
Yes, that is the one flaw in the design. Those Bean basses prove they didn’t need to be so heavy.
Modern Ibanez instruments are nowhere near as good.
I owned a fretless musician in 1986 and the build quality was outstanding.
was it really though? it seem they borrowed heavily from boutique brands from the 70's and 80's and made them just more accessible.
As I said, I assume they were influenced my makers like Alembic. They weren’t copies though and you’re right, definitely made them accessible. Did any boutique brands do the steel bars in the neck or quick release tailpiece? Haven’t found any yet.
I wish Ibanez stuck to this kind of instrument instead of making everything into the bland SR style shape
Yup, enough of the sr shape already
The info sheet that came with the 30th anniversary model, talks about the Musicians leading to the Soundgear basses. They seem to imply SR were the best basses they made!
@@aphekrecordingstudio4274 I mean they are objectively lighter, thinner and more ergonomic. I've never played an SR that wasn't, they just look and sound too bland for me
Did carvin rip these off?
I don’t know. They definitely had some similar designs. I don’t think we go their instruments down here. A few places sold their amps.
"Looking for the "Perfect One"!! Sigh........
I know. That’s how I ended up with 6 of them. Wasn’t the plan.
Hummm
🐂💩!😂
5. Kilos. My bass . Fretless
Can you speak more clear. And slow down your talk.? .. is that possible
Trying. There are subtitles, that have been checked to be accurate.
Its such an ugly color and shape tho
Definitely an ugly colour brown. It was the ‘70s when they introduced them. 🙂