[quote name='Paulhauser' timestamp='1483516743' post='3207733']
I think the main goal behind the Ibanez Bass Workshop is to get people talk about Ibanez.
They churn out interesting bass designs, none of which are completely new or never done before, run some small batches and have people talk about them.
So in a way it is a clever marketing solution because there is not a lot to talk about for ex the zillionth version of the new Soundgear 5 string with xy top and z neck.
For the record I love my Prestige Ibanez SR basses, but they are doing more or less the same for 20+ years and it is getting harder to get excited about the new model year's finishes, colors etc. With the Bass Workshop they get the excitement back to the brand for a certain degree and its also great for increasing brand image.
I think the Soundgear platform is great, really like the singlecut version and the fanned fret ones as well. I like this one in the OP as well but would be good that they'd do a 'normal' 7 string version, too. Soundgear design seems to fit better for extended range than the BTB of which they already done a 7 string version.
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I find that Ibanez, for a well known and established brand, have been brave enough to try different designs with their Workshop series. You do not see this happening with other big mannufacturers.
Fender have been doing the same designs for 60+ years and when they "try" and bring out a pimped up version of one of their basses, the general public complains by stating that they do not innovate and stick to their old designs too much.
I agree that Ibanez tend to re-do over and over the same thing with their normal series yearly... new top/finish with such neck and that bridge design with these pick ups... but that is what all other mannufacturers do every year.