SurroundedByManatees

Ibanez black eagle 1977

Rare original Ibanez black eagle from the ’70s. These basses are mainly known for being used by Krist Novoselic from Nirvana.

It’s truly a great take on the classic jazz bass. Not only because it’s looks (which is a matter of taste of course), but soundwise it delivers a bit more mids than most jazzes do. Probably because of the mahogany body. I’ve used this bass live with La Bella flats fitted as an all rounder for my former pop/rock band, and used this with both pickups engaged or one of them solood, it sounds solid in all settings.

Playability is very good; low action is possible. There is some fret wear, but is doesn’t affect playability. The neck has a fuller P bass profile rather than the usual skinny jazz bass profile.

The bass is in very good condition considering it’s age. All hardware and electronics work like they should. There is a repaired little crack at the F hole (which most have, if still complete), and otherwise just a bunch of small usermarks and scratches.

It’s a 5kg heavy piece of awesomeness, so might not be for everyone. I personally think it balances nicely with a decent strap, and didn’t mind playing it for an hour or two.

For the sale a set of rounds will be fitted, as I’ll keep the flats.

Asking €1650

(partial) trade offers will be considered. I'm looking for a Stingray 4/5, ideally honeyburst with maple fretboard and lacquered neck. 

I am located in the Netherlands, but happy to ship at buyers risk and expense.

I didnt expect this bass to leave anytime soon, but here we go:

For sale is my almost 1.5 month old Vintera Mustang Bass in better than new condition.

I bought this bass new almost 1.5 month ago, and it was actually unplayable out of the box. Action was super high as there wasn't any tension set on the truss rod. Also the fretboard was unfinished and very dry. I've since sorted this issues. Unbelievable how Fender sends their stuff out.

Anyway. Basic build quality is good with a tight neck pocket and good alignment. Hardware and electronics feel good too. Now it's a very supple playing bass that allows low action. It's very even sounding too.

There might be a few small marks somewhere, though I haven't seen anything. The bass hasn't left the house.

Okay so why am I selling this nice bass so quickly?? Answer: shortly after buying this reissue I got the chance to buy an original '70 competition Mustang bass that I could afford... And I took that chance.

The mustang will come in its original gigbag, and I probably have the tags as well. I'll take the flats off and put the original rounds back on it.

Price €995

Trades are considered. I'm not really looking for anything specific, but I could be tempted by an active 5er (narrow spacing) or effects stuff.. Or a nice electric guitar maybe.

I am located in the Netherlands. Shipping at buyers risk is no problem.

Quality check always has been a bit hit or miss 

That does not look like a real Fender logo. I´m about 100% sure its not original.

1 hour ago, steviedee said:

I almost impulsively bought another bass to replace the 1st one I bought on impulse that was delayed. 

It's not too late yet!

Very cool! They have such a pleasently quirky but balanced design. It's one of those basses I should try once.

Congrats with the purchase of this beauty!

From what I've read some of the instruments from this era have a pink tinted scratchplate (especially known on telecaster thinline guitars). Apparently it's a (kinda rare) feature from the factory. Tbh I like the more yellowed pickguards more for looks. 

Found this beauty in the mail today:

Indeed there is a burst going on. IIRC some of the original ones were done this way too, though I've never seen one in the flesh.

Here some attempts to capture the finish. It really gives some "movement".

17 minutes ago, Jonesy said:

Ohhhh, is that the competition burgundy? They look lovely in pics I've seen online, but the name really confuses me! 

 

Gorgeous bass - enjoy!

Yes, they look even better in real life! 

Maybe I've purchased an original '70 competition Mustang bass...

See how much the body contouring differs!

Just received the '70 2 hours ago. Strung it with Labella's and did a set-up.

They are very different basses imo in feel ('70 neck feels fuller with a rounder fretboard radius). Soundwise it's a bit harder to tell due to different strings. Though the vintera seems to be more aggressive while the oldie sounds more mellow.

50 minutes ago, nilorius said:

Looks funky !

And sounds too! It's in the name🙂

My best must be the Modulus:

The worst purchase must be a super rare Ibanez Artist 2615b. It sounded lovely but had severe issues (neck reset done poorly, truss rod not adjustable), so I had no other option than returning it to the shop...

I see it has EMG pickups. 

They shouldn't be really quiet. If I recall correctly these pickups are active (no preamp, just the pickups) and require a battery. Maybe the battery died?

P bass size nuts vary. I've owned a '66 Fender that measured 44mm Mostly they are 42mm I think. So in short, yes it's p-bass like in but width if it's a standard Sabre neck.

I think mine were 42mm. Not a deep profile front to back, so they don't feel massive.

If I recall right, there was also an option  (special order) for a slimmer 38mm like jazz bass width profile too back in the day. Seems they are pretty rare though. 

La Bella Mus are great. A good vintage sound with enough dynamics and definition with good range (incl low-end). I didn't experience them as stiff at all.

Actually I just ordered a set for my new mustang. Will install them soon and I know I will enjoy them 😊

On 07/12/2023 at 15:47, SurroundedByManatees said:

I just ordered a competition blue Mustang....

 

I'd love to have an original, but one of these will come out at 3,5 to 4,5 times the price of a Vintera. That's a bit too much for my liking.

The vintera looks like the next best thing, and will probably have a better fit and finish than the original anyway. 

 

Hopefully I can update tomorrow 😙

Received the bass yesterday!

At first sight; beautiful finish, but out of the box it was pretty much unplayable due to high action. But the truss rod works, so this was sorted out quickly. It plays well after some adjustment.

First and second impressions on the sound are very good. It's a loud instrument acoustically, and sounds great and balanced when amplified. It has rounds fitted now. Sounds good, but me like some flats on a mustang

Build quality is very good. I haven't found any faults yet and fit and finish are very tight. Frets are good too. The only remark is that the fretboard is a bit rough and needs some sanding to get a smooth surface. This will be sorted in the next week when fitting some Labella's.

I noticed that the body contours are less rounded than on the original ones I played/owned, that had a deeper bellycut.

I just ordered a competition blue Mustang....

I'd love to have an original, but one of these will come out at 3,5 to 4,5 times the price of a Vintera. That's a bit too much for my liking.

The vintera looks like the next best thing, and will probably have a better fit and finish than the original anyway. 

Hopefully I can update tomorrow 😙

Fantastic, just gorgeous with a very alive burst.

"is this still available?"

After confirming.....nothing. Classic.

"If it only had one string more/less ..."

Tried flats, now withdrawn 😁

Rival Sons (one of my favorite bands) in Amsterdam last Thursday. I've seen them about 8 times now, and they just keep impressing me. They haven't lost any of their authenticity through the years, and helped by the relatively small venues they play they always feel close to and with the crowd. I enjoyed 🙂

I think all would do well. Personally I would take the precision based on sound characteristics.

Thanks!

Maybe I'll keep her and slap some flats on it for some different sonic goodness ✌️