Hey there, bass players! Let's dive deep into the Ibanez Action DLX Plus bass guitar. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your bass journey, this instrument packs a serious punch in terms of features, playability, and overall value. This comprehensive review will cover everything you need to know, from its construction and sound to its pros and cons, helping you decide if it’s the right bass for you. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the ins and outs of the Ibanez Action DLX Plus!

Overview of the Ibanez Action DLX Plus

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus is a popular choice among bassists for a good reason. It’s designed to offer a blend of quality, versatility, and affordability. This bass guitar is part of Ibanez's Action series, known for providing reliable instruments that cater to a wide range of playing styles and skill levels. The DLX Plus model stands out with its enhanced features and upgraded components, making it a step above the standard Action basses.

From a sleek design to its powerful electronics, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus aims to deliver a professional-grade experience without breaking the bank. It's built with a solid body, typically made of mahogany or other tonewoods that offer a warm and resonant sound. The neck is usually crafted from maple, providing stability and a smooth playing surface. Equipped with active electronics, this bass allows for precise tone shaping, making it suitable for various genres, including rock, pop, funk, and metal.

What sets the DLX Plus apart is its attention to detail and player comfort. The body is ergonomically designed for hours of comfortable playing, and the neck profile is slim and easy to navigate. The active preamp system provides a wide range of tonal options, allowing bassists to dial in their desired sound with ease. Additionally, the DLX Plus often features upgraded hardware, such as improved tuners and a more robust bridge, ensuring reliable performance and tuning stability.

For bassists looking for an instrument that can handle diverse musical styles and provide a professional feel, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is definitely worth considering. It combines quality construction, versatile electronics, and player-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players alike. Whether you're playing on stage, recording in the studio, or practicing at home, this bass is built to deliver exceptional performance and value.

Key Features and Specifications

When you're checking out a bass guitar, knowing its key features and specs is super important. These details tell you a lot about how the instrument sounds, feels, and performs. Let's break down what makes the Ibanez Action DLX Plus tick.

Body and Neck

The body of the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is typically made from mahogany, which gives it a warm and resonant tone. Mahogany is a popular choice for bass guitars because it provides a good balance of sustain and clarity. The body shape is designed for comfort, allowing you to play for hours without feeling strained. The sleek contours and balanced weight distribution make it a joy to hold, whether you're standing or sitting.

The neck is usually made of maple, known for its stability and bright tone. Maple necks are less prone to warping and provide a smooth surface for your fingers to glide across. The neck profile is slim and designed for easy playability, making it comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a faster action. The rosewood fretboard adds warmth and enhances the overall tone of the bass. With 24 medium frets, you'll have plenty of range to explore different musical styles and techniques. The neck joint is typically a bolt-on, which provides a solid connection to the body and contributes to the bass's overall sustain and resonance.

Electronics

One of the standout features of the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is its active electronics. It comes equipped with Ibanez's own active pickups and a custom preamp system. Active pickups provide a hotter signal and a more focused tone compared to passive pickups. The active preamp allows you to boost or cut frequencies, giving you precise control over your sound. Usually, there are controls for volume, balance, bass, mid, and treble, allowing you to dial in a wide range of tones. Whether you want a deep, booming bass for reggae or a punchy, aggressive tone for metal, the active electronics make it easy to achieve your desired sound.

Hardware

The hardware on the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is designed for reliability and performance. The bridge is sturdy and adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the string height and intonation. This ensures that your bass plays in tune across the entire fretboard. The tuners are typically die-cast, providing smooth and accurate tuning. Die-cast tuners are more durable and less prone to slipping compared to cheaper tuners. The nut is usually made of plastic or graphite, providing a smooth surface for the strings to pass over. Overall, the hardware on the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is built to withstand the rigors of regular use and provide reliable performance for years to come.

Sound Quality and Performance

The sound quality and performance of the Ibanez Action DLX Plus are where this bass truly shines. It's not just about the features; it's about how those features come together to create a satisfying playing experience. Let's get into the specifics.

Tonal Characteristics

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus is known for its versatile tonal characteristics. The combination of a mahogany body, maple neck, and active electronics gives it a wide range of sounds suitable for various musical styles. The mahogany body provides a warm and resonant tone, while the maple neck adds brightness and clarity. The active pickups deliver a strong and focused signal, allowing you to cut through the mix with ease. With the active preamp, you can shape the tone to your liking, whether you want a deep, booming bass or a bright, punchy sound.

In the low end, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus delivers a solid and powerful bass response. The mahogany body adds depth and warmth, making it ideal for reggae, funk, and R&B. The active bass control allows you to boost the low frequencies for an even bigger sound. In the midrange, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus offers clarity and definition. The maple neck adds brightness, while the active mid control allows you to shape the midrange frequencies to your liking. This makes it suitable for rock, pop, and jazz. In the high end, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus provides crisp and clear highs. The active treble control allows you to boost the high frequencies for added sparkle and clarity. This makes it ideal for slap bass and other techniques that require a bright and articulate sound.

Playability

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus is designed for comfortable playability. The slim neck profile makes it easy to move around the fretboard, allowing you to play fast and complex lines with ease. The 24 medium frets provide plenty of range, giving you access to higher notes. The body shape is ergonomically designed, making it comfortable to hold whether you're sitting or standing. The balanced weight distribution ensures that the bass doesn't feel too heavy or unwieldy. Overall, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is a pleasure to play, whether you're practicing at home or performing on stage.

Performance in Different Genres

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus is a versatile bass that can perform well in various genres. In rock and metal, it delivers a powerful and aggressive tone that cuts through the mix. The active electronics allow you to dial in a punchy and articulate sound, while the mahogany body provides warmth and sustain. In funk and R&B, it offers a deep and groovy bass response that locks in with the drums. The active bass control allows you to boost the low frequencies for an even bigger sound. In jazz, it provides a clear and articulate tone that allows you to explore complex harmonies and melodies. The active mid and treble controls allow you to shape the tone to your liking.

Pros and Cons

Like any piece of gear, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus has its pros and cons. Knowing these can help you make a more informed decision about whether it's the right bass for you.

Pros

• Versatile Tone: The active electronics and tonewood combination offer a wide range of tones suitable for various musical styles.
• Comfortable Playability: The slim neck profile and ergonomic body design make it comfortable to play for extended periods.
• Affordable Price: It offers excellent value for the features and quality you get.
• Reliable Hardware: The sturdy bridge and die-cast tuners ensure tuning stability and reliable performance.
• Sleek Design: The sleek body shape and finish options make it a visually appealing instrument.

Cons

• Active Electronics: Some players prefer the simplicity and natural tone of passive pickups.
• Stock Pickups: While decent, some players may eventually want to upgrade the pickups for even better tone.
• Potential for Fret Buzz: Like any bass, it may require a professional setup to eliminate fret buzz, especially with low action.
• Weight: Depending on the wood, some may find it a little heavy compared to other basses.

Alternatives to the Ibanez Action DLX Plus

If the Ibanez Action DLX Plus isn't quite what you're looking for, there are several alternatives worth considering. Here are a few options that offer similar features and value:

• Yamaha TRBX304: The Yamaha TRBX304 is another excellent option in the same price range. It features a solid mahogany body, a slim neck, and versatile electronics. The Yamaha's 5-way performance EQ switch allows for quick and easy tone shaping, making it suitable for various musical styles. Many players praise the Yamaha for its build quality and reliability.
• Sire Marcus Miller V3: The Sire Marcus Miller V3 is known for its exceptional value and high-quality components. It features a solid body, a maple neck, and Marcus Miller's signature electronics. The V3 offers a wide range of tones and is suitable for various musical styles. Many players consider it one of the best basses in its price range.
• Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4: The Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4 is a more affordable version of the iconic Music Man StingRay bass. It features a solid body, a maple neck, and a single humbucker pickup. The SUB Ray4 delivers a powerful and punchy tone that's perfect for rock, funk, and R&B. It's a great option for players who want the StingRay sound on a budget.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Ibanez Action DLX Plus? Overall, it's a fantastic bass guitar that offers a lot of value for the price. Its versatile tone, comfortable playability, and reliable hardware make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced players. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, such as the potential for fret buzz and the need for a setup, these are easily addressed. If you're looking for an affordable and versatile bass that can handle various musical styles, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is definitely worth considering.

Whether you're just starting your bass journey or looking to upgrade your current instrument, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus offers a blend of quality, performance, and affordability that's hard to beat. Give it a try and see if it's the right bass for you!