GVB36AM-B8176 vs UB805MOB-B7040 — Compare
Ibanez GVB36 AM Gerald Veasley Bass Amber B-Stock with case vs Ibanez UB805 5-String Upright Bass in Mahogany Oil Burst B-Stock 7040
The GVB36 AM is a fretted 6-string electric bass designed for fingerstyle, slap, and modern techniques across jazz, funk, and fusion; the UB805 is a fretless 5-string upright with a piezo system tailored for traditional jazz, world music, and studio work requiring woody articulation and transparency. Choose the GVB36 for contemporary slap and extended range versatility, or the UB805 for classic upright character and fretless expression.
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Ibanez GVB36 AM Gerald Veasley Bass Amber B-Stock with case
Ibanez UB805 5-String Upright Bass in Mahogany Oil Burst B-Stock 7040
Specs side by side
| Ibanez GVB36 AM Gerald Veasley Bass Amber B-Stock with case | Ibanez UB805 5-String Upright Bass in Mahogany Oil Burst B-Stock 7040 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,239.00 | $1,039.99 |
| Brand | Ibanez | Ibanez |
| Body | Modern Bass | — |
| Body Type | Solid | — |
| Scale | — | 34" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 5 |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Jatoba |
| Neck | — | Maple/Walnut |
| Year | 2022 | Unknown |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose Ibanez GVB36 AM Gerald Veasley Bass Amber B-Stock with case
- ✓ 6-string extended range for wider harmonic vocabulary and solo capability
- ✓ Fretted fingerboard enables faster, more precise intonation and techniques like slap
- ✓ Bartolini passive soapbars with active EQ provide powerful tonal shaping for modern styles
- ✓ Ergonomic bolt-on neck and Mono Rail IV bridge optimize fingerstyle and slap without compromise
Why choose Ibanez UB805 5-String Upright Bass in Mahogany Oil Burst B-Stock 7040
- ✓ Fretless jatoba fingerboard delivers expressive pitch bending and traditional upright jazz character
- ✓ Piezo electronics capture articulate, woody sustain with transparent signal ideal for studio and acoustic contexts
- ✓ Neck-through construction provides superior structural integrity and tonal clarity
- ✓ Lighter 5-string setup reduces string tension and ergonomic load for classical posture and bowing
Frequently asked questions
Can I play slap bass on the UB805?
The UB805 is a fretless upright bass designed for traditional playing styles including fingerstyle and arco; slap technique is not primary to its design and would not leverage its woody, articulate character effectively. The GVB36 AM is purpose-built for slap with its bolt-on neck, narrow string spacing, and electric bridge design.
Which has better fret access for solo work?
The GVB36 AM offers a fretted neck with 24 medium frets and a narrower nut (54mm) optimized for speed and soloing across all registers. The UB805 is fretless, which provides expressive pitch control but requires more ear training and does not offer the speed and precision of frets for fast passage work.
What is the tonal difference between passive Bartolini and active Piezo pickups?
The GVB36 AM's Bartolini passive soapbars with 3-band active EQ deliver punchy, articulate mids ideal for cutting through a modern mix and shaping tone dynamically. The UB805's AeroSilk Piezo system captures a transparent, woody sustain closer to acoustic upright character, prioritizing natural resonance over modern EQ shaping.
What is the playing posture difference between these basses?
The GVB36 AM is an electric bass held horizontally like a guitar, suitable for standing or sitting in any genre context. The UB805 is a full-size upright requiring traditional classical posture (seated, bass resting on an endpin) and is designed for acoustic ensemble and studio work, not gigging in loud rock or metal settings.