Build and features

This is a particularly well-balanced design, thanks to its short scale length and the resulting proportions. Adopting the persona of a Les Paul-style bass, it offers a far more conventional look with two large f-holes, gold-plated hardware and a deep and luxurious transparent brown finish, which reminds us of the Gretsch Country Gentleman.

Fully-bound all round (including the f-holes) this also benefits from an arched back and front and a classic slimline feel about it - it’s genuinely slender from front to back.

The AGB200 has a separate bridge and tailpiece and these individual units are chunky in appearance, which suits the instrument well. The same can be said for the keener-sized pickups, which are much more visually appropriate for a shorter-scaled instrument than regular units.

The choice of control knobs is also spot on, carrying on the gold-on-brown theme. We also like the white pearloid buttons on the tuners.

Next: Ibanez AGB200 Artcore Bass sounds, pros and cons