Introduction
Ibanez has a long history of producing high quality acoustic bass guitars dating back to the 1970s. The AEWB20 is part of their impressive AEW series of acoustic-electric basses and stands out for its impressive build quality and versatile sound.
Some key features that make the AEWB20 shine are its solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and Fishman Sonicore pickup system. The spruce top provides brightness and punch, while the mahogany body offers rich low-end and sustain. This classic tonewood combination produces balanced and nuanced acoustic tone.
The built-in Fishman electronics accurately capture the natural resonance and acoustic sound. With the Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp, players can shape their tone with onboard EQ and really dial in the perfect amplified sound.
From its premium appointments to its comfortable playability, the Ibanez AEWB20 delivers professional performance and versatility in an accessible package. This acoustic-electric bass is ideal for gigging musicians who need amplified acoustic bass tone for live shows across many genres.
Specs & Construction
The Ibanez AEWB20 features a dreadnought body shape, which is a tried and true acoustic design known for its balanced and rich tone. The body measures 17" wide, with a total length of 41". The depth is 4 5/8" at the lower bout.
For the top, Ibanez chose solid Sitka spruce, which is prized for its crisp highs, dynamic range, and balanced EQ. On the back and sides is mahogany, which adds warmth, sweetness, and good low-end punch. Mahogany is a popular tonewood pairing with spruce tops, creating a versatile and well-rounded acoustic voice.
The fretboard is rosewood, which feels smooth and comfortable under the fingers while providing excellent tonal transfer and sustain. It has a 12" radius and standard dot inlays. The nut width is 1.69", providing comfortable string spacing for the four strings. Both the nut and saddle are bone, which improves resonance and sustain compared to synthetic materials.
Electronics & Hardware
The Ibanez AEWB20 is equipped with a Fishman Sonicore pickup system that accurately captures the true unplugged acoustic tone of the instrument. This combines an under-saddle piezo pickup with an onboard preamp and EQ for shaping your amplified tone.
The Fishman Sonicore pickup utilizes a thin piezo crystal sensor that sits under the bridge saddle to pick up the vibrations of the strings. This allows it to capture the natural resonance and dynamics of the spruce top and mahogany body. Piezo pickups are known for their transparent and authentic acoustic tone when amplified.
Controlling the Fishman pickup is the Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp. This packs a simple and intuitive control set into the side of the bass, featuring volume, bass, and treble knobs. This allows you to dial in just the right amount of low-end thump and crisp high-end sparkle. There is also a built-in chromatic tuner for quick tuning on the fly.
The output jack is located on the side of the lower bout, with a small cover to keep things neat and tidy when not plugged in. The control cavity is also neatly covered to protect the electronic components.
Overall the Fishman pickup and Ibanez preamp provide an easy way to amplify the AEWB20 with excellent tone shaping control. Just plug in to an amp or PA system and you’ll be impressed by the authentic acoustic bass sound produced.
Hardware
The AEWB20 features high-quality hardware designed for acoustic basses. The tuners are chrome die-cast, which provide precise and stable tuning thanks to the dense, non-corrosive metal. Die-cast tuners are known for their durability and ability to stay in tune through changes in humidity and temperature.
The bridge utilizes Ibanez Advantage bridge pins, which have a ridged bottom end to firmly grip the bridge. This prevents the strings from slipping out of tune if they are strummed hard. The pins are made of plastic to reduce weight. The chrome plating gives them an attractive finish that matches the metal tuners.
Overall the hardware on the AEWB20 is built to last. The sealed chrome tuners and ridged plastic bridge pins work together to keep the bass in tune through different playing techniques and environmental conditions. This allows you to confidently play aggressive styles without worrying about going out of tune.
Unplugged Tone
When not plugged in, the Ibanez AEWB20 projects a full, resonant acoustic tone. The combination of a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides produces a balanced sound across the frequency spectrum.
The spruce top provides crisp highs and articulate note definition. As a light yet stiff tonewood, spruce imparts a sense of liveliness and responsiveness to the unplugged bass. The mahogany back and sides add warmth and body to the midrange, filling out the core of the acoustic tone. Mahogany is a dense, darker hardwood that complements the brightness of spruce nicely.
Together, these tonewoods give the AEWB20 excellent acoustic presence. Chords ring out with sustain and separation. The natural acoustic resonance allows each note to bloom and breathe. Whether playing fingerstyle or with a pick, the unplugged sound is well-balanced and highly responsive.
The all-mahogany neck also enhances the warm, organic tone. The smooth satin finish allows the natural resonance of the wood to shine through. Overall, the AEWB20 delivers a dynamic yet refined unplugged acoustic bass tone. The spruce and mahogany combination provides the perfect blend of articulation, warmth, and sustain.
Plugged-in Sound
The Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp provide excellent amplified tone for the AEWB20. The undersaddle piezo pickup accurately captures the natural resonance and dynamics of the acoustic bass. There is a crisp, balanced tone across the frequency range that retains the nuances of the spruce and mahogany woods.
The preamp offers robust EQ shaping capabilities with bass, mid, and treble controls, allowing you to dial in just the right tone. Cutting the bass and boosting mids gives an aggressive, biting growl perfect for rock and metal. Scooping the mids with boosted lows and highs produces a smooth, warm thump great for reggae and funk. The 3-band EQ provides a wide tonal palette to suit any genre or playing style.
The preamp also features a built-in tuner for quick on-stage tuning. The tuner can be muted while playing live so the audience doesn’t hear tuning activity. The volume and EQ controls are ergonomically designed and easy to adjust mid-song if needed. Overall, the Fishman electronics translate the unplugged acoustic tone beautifully while providing great sound shaping options.
Playability & Feel
The AEWB20 features a slim, fast mahogany neck with a smooth satin finish. It has a C-shaped profile that provides a comfortable, contoured feel that fits nicely in the hand. The width of the nut is 1.69" which provides ample room between strings for fingerstyle playing. The action on the AEWB20 is set low but still provides enough fret clearance for aggressive playing styles.
The rosewood fretboard has a 12" radius which allows for easy, low-action chording without buzzing. The medium jumbo frets are nicely finished, providing a smooth feel during runs up and down the neck. The overall setup right out of the box is impressive, with low action and no sharp fret ends to cause discomfort.
When seated, the AEWB20 feels well-balanced and ergonomic. The contours of the backside and forearm area allow the bass to fit snugly against the body. The weight distribution makes the AEWB20 comfortable for both seated playing and standing with a strap. It’s a lightweight acoustic bass that doesn’t cause fatigue, even during long practice or gigging sessions.
Overall, the playability and feel of the AEWB20 acoustic-electric bass make it a joy to play. The slim neck, quality fretwork, and comfortable body shape come together to provide a smooth playing experience ideal for various techniques and genres.
Value & Comparison
The Ibanez AEWB20 has an MSRP of $399 but can readily be found from various retailers for around $299. This positions it as a very competitively priced acoustic-electric bass in the sub-$500 price range.
For your money, the AEWB20 comes with a padded gig bag for protection during transport and storage. Some other accessories that pair well with this model are a strap, extra strings, and potentially a pickup preamp if more tone shaping is desired.
As far as alternatives, here are some other acoustic basses to consider around the $300 price point:
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Yamaha TRBX174EW – Similar build but with a slightly smaller body and narrower neck. The preamp doesn’t have as much control but the tone is balanced.
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Fender CB-60CE – All mahogany construction so a darker acoustic voice. Nice plugged-in sound but heavier in weight.
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Dean EAB Acoustic Bass – Thinner body style for more comfort. The tone isn’t as rich but playability is a strong point. Preamp is basic.
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Mitchell MB200 – Budget option with laminate back and sides. Decent unplugged but needs preamp help when amplified.
The Ibanez stands out with its solid spruce and mahogany tonewoods at this price. It’s a great middle ground between an affordable acoustic and a more professional-grade instrument.
Pros & Cons
The Ibanez AEWB20 acoustic-electric bass guitar has several standout pros worth highlighting:
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Impressive acoustic tone and projection – The combination of a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides produces a balanced, nuanced acoustic tone. It projects well unplugged while retaining warmth and resonance.
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Quality electronics and preamp – The Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp accurately translate the natural acoustic tone and allow for shaping via the onboard EQ and tuner.
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Great playability right out of the box – With its slim neck profile, low action, and smooth fretwork, the AEWB20 feels comfortable to play and is set up well from the factory.
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Lightweight design – Weighing under 8 lbs, this bass is lighter than many acoustic basses, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions and live performances.
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Excellent value – For its build quality, electronics, and acoustic performance, the AEWB20 provides impressive value in its price range.
Some potential downsides to consider:
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Limited acoustic volume – While it projects well for an acoustic bass, it may still struggle to keep up with louder acoustic instruments without amplification.
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Not as loud plugged in – When amplified, it may not get as loud on stage as an electric bass, especially for hard-hitting rock/metal genres.
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No cutaway for upper fret access – The lack of a cutaway can limit accessibility to higher frets.
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Wide string spacing – The wider string spacing, while great for fingerstyle playing, may take some adjustment for those used to narrower electric bass necks.
Overall though, the pros seem to far outweigh the cons for the Ibanez AEWB20 acoustic-electric bass, making it a compelling option for those seeking a quality, affordable acoustic bass.
Conclusion
The Ibanez AEWB20 acoustic-electric bass guitar proves itself to be a versatile, great-sounding instrument that punches above its weight class. With its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, it produces a balanced, warm unplugged tone perfect for acoustic jams. The Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez preamp provide excellent amplified tone shaping options while retaining the guitar’s natural acoustic resonance.
The AEWB20’s fast, slim neck and smooth fretwork make it a joy to play. It’s comfortable to hold and balances nicely whether seated or standing. While not the cheapest acoustic bass around, it represents excellent value with professional-grade appointments found on more expensive instruments.
This Ibanez is best suited for fingerstyle players who want the versatility to play small gigs or sessions with acoustic amplification. The natural acoustic projection is ideal for solo performers and the Fishman pickup makes it stage-ready. The AEWB20 works well for a wide range of genres from folk to jazz to rock due to its balanced tone. Beginner to intermediate players will appreciate the comfortable playability and acoustic/electric flexibility.
For those seeking a quality, mid-priced acoustic bass that excels at both amplified and unplugged applications, the Ibanez AEWB20 is easy to recommend. It punches above its weight with impressive tone and playability.