Hey bass players! Today, let's dive deep into the Ibanez Action DLX Plus bass guitar. If you're on the hunt for a reliable, versatile, and stylish instrument that won't break the bank, you've definitely come to the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this amazing bass, from its features and specs to its overall performance and value for money. Whether you're a beginner just starting your bass journey or a seasoned pro looking for a solid backup, stick around – this review is for you!

Overview of the Ibanez Action DLX Plus

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus is a standout model in Ibanez's lineup, known for its blend of quality, playability, and affordability. This bass is designed to cater to a wide range of musical styles, making it a versatile choice for any bassist. With its sleek design and comfortable feel, it's no wonder why so many players are drawn to it. Ibanez has a reputation for producing instruments that offer excellent value, and the Action DLX Plus is no exception.

The body is typically made from solid wood, often featuring a beautiful quilted maple top that enhances its visual appeal. The neck is usually crafted from maple, providing stability and a smooth playing surface. Equipped with quality pickups and electronics, the Action DLX Plus delivers a powerful and articulate sound. Whether you're laying down a solid groove or exploring more complex bass lines, this instrument has the versatility to handle it all. Plus, the hardware is designed for durability and reliability, ensuring that your bass performs consistently for years to come.

Many bassists appreciate the comfortable neck profile, which allows for hours of playing without fatigue. The carefully designed contours of the body also contribute to a comfortable playing experience, whether you're standing or sitting. It's an instrument that feels great in your hands and inspires you to play. Overall, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus offers a fantastic combination of features, aesthetics, and performance, making it a top choice for bassists of all levels. From its well-crafted construction to its versatile sound, this bass is a true workhorse that can handle any musical situation. So, if you're in the market for a new bass, be sure to give the Ibanez Action DLX Plus a serious look – you won't be disappointed!

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Ibanez Action DLX Plus tick. Knowing the specifications and key features will help you understand why this bass guitar is such a popular choice. We'll cover everything from the body and neck to the electronics and hardware.

Body

The body of the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is typically made from a solid wood, such as mahogany or basswood, providing a balanced and resonant tone. Many models feature a quilted maple top, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances the overall sound quality. The body is designed with comfortable contours, making it a pleasure to play for extended periods. The finish is usually a high-gloss polyurethane, which protects the wood and gives the bass a sleek, professional look. The body shape is designed for both comfort and balance, ensuring that the bass sits well whether you're standing or sitting. The choice of wood contributes significantly to the instrument's tone, providing a solid foundation for the pickups to build upon. The overall construction of the body is robust and durable, ensuring that the bass can withstand the rigors of regular use.

Neck

The neck is usually crafted from maple, known for its stability and bright tone. The neck profile is typically a slim and comfortable shape, making it easy to play fast and intricate bass lines. The fretboard is often made of rosewood or jatoba, providing a smooth and responsive surface for your fingers. The neck joint is designed to provide easy access to the upper frets, allowing you to explore the full range of the instrument. The scale length is usually 34 inches, which is standard for bass guitars and provides a comfortable string tension. The frets are typically medium-jumbo, offering a good balance between playability and sustain. The neck is finished with a smooth, satin finish, which allows for easy movement and prevents your hand from sticking. Overall, the neck is designed for comfort, speed, and precision, making it a joy to play.

Electronics

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus is equipped with a set of versatile pickups that deliver a wide range of tones. Many models feature a combination of P-style and J-style pickups, allowing you to dial in everything from punchy and aggressive sounds to smooth and mellow tones. The electronics typically include a volume control, a balance control, and a two- or three-band EQ, giving you plenty of control over your sound. The pickups are designed to be responsive and articulate, capturing the nuances of your playing. The preamp is usually active, providing a clean and powerful signal. The controls are easy to use and allow you to quickly adjust your tone on the fly. The overall electronic design is versatile and user-friendly, making it easy to find the perfect sound for any style of music. Whether you're playing rock, funk, jazz, or anything in between, the Action DLX Plus has you covered.

Hardware

The hardware on the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is designed for durability and reliability. The bridge is typically a solid and adjustable design, allowing you to fine-tune the string height and intonation. The tuners are usually high-quality and precise, ensuring that your bass stays in tune. The nut is often made of bone or synthetic material, providing good sustain and tone transfer. The hardware is finished in chrome or black, complementing the overall look of the bass. The strap buttons are securely mounted and designed to hold your strap in place. The overall hardware design is robust and functional, ensuring that your bass performs reliably for years to come. From the bridge to the tuners, every component is designed to meet the demands of professional bassists.

Sound Quality and Performance

When it comes to a bass guitar, sound quality and performance are paramount. The Ibanez Action DLX Plus does not disappoint in this regard. This bass is known for its versatile sound and comfortable playability, making it a favorite among bassists of all levels. Let's explore the tonal characteristics and performance aspects of this instrument.

Tonal Characteristics

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus offers a wide range of tonal possibilities, thanks to its versatile pickups and active electronics. The combination of P-style and J-style pickups allows you to dial in a variety of sounds, from punchy and aggressive to smooth and mellow. The active EQ provides further control over your tone, allowing you to boost or cut frequencies to suit your needs. The bass is capable of producing deep and resonant lows, clear and articulate mids, and crisp and bright highs. Whether you're playing fingerstyle, with a pick, or slapping, the Action DLX Plus can handle it all. The tonal characteristics of this bass make it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, including rock, funk, jazz, blues, and more. The pickups are designed to be responsive and articulate, capturing the nuances of your playing and translating them into a clear and powerful sound. Overall, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus offers a versatile and expressive tonal palette that will inspire you to create your best music.

Playability

Playability is another area where the Ibanez Action DLX Plus excels. The slim and comfortable neck profile makes it easy to play fast and intricate bass lines. The fretboard is smooth and responsive, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the frets. The neck joint is designed to provide easy access to the upper frets, allowing you to explore the full range of the instrument. The body is ergonomically designed for comfort, whether you're standing or sitting. The bass is well-balanced and doesn't feel too heavy, even after hours of playing. The hardware is reliable and easy to adjust, allowing you to fine-tune the action and intonation to your liking. Overall, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus is a joy to play, thanks to its comfortable neck, smooth fretboard, and ergonomic design. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bassist, you'll appreciate the playability of this instrument.

Pros and Cons

Like any instrument, the Ibanez Action DLX Plus has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a balanced look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Versatile Sound: The combination of P-style and J-style pickups, along with the active EQ, provides a wide range of tonal possibilities.
• Comfortable Playability: The slim neck profile, smooth fretboard, and ergonomic body design make it a pleasure to play.
• Affordable Price: The Action DLX Plus offers excellent value for money, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
• Quality Construction: The bass is well-built and designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.
• Stylish Design: The quilted maple top and sleek finish give the bass a professional and attractive look.

Cons

• Stock Pickups: While versatile, the stock pickups may not be as high-end as those found in more expensive basses. Some players may choose to upgrade them for improved tone.
• Active Electronics: The active electronics require a 9V battery, which needs to be replaced periodically. Some players prefer passive electronics for their simplicity.
• Hardware: The hardware is functional and reliable, but it may not be as high-quality as that found on more expensive basses. Some players may choose to upgrade certain components, such as the bridge or tuners.

Who is This Bass For?

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus is an excellent choice for a wide range of bassists. It's particularly well-suited for:

• Beginners: The comfortable playability and affordable price make it a great option for those just starting out on the bass.
• Intermediate Players: The versatile sound and quality construction make it a solid choice for players looking to upgrade from a beginner instrument.
• Gigging Musicians: The reliable hardware and versatile tone make it a dependable workhorse for performing live.
• Studio Musicians: The wide range of tonal possibilities makes it a valuable tool for recording in the studio.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Ibanez Action DLX Plus isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Yamaha TRBX304: The Yamaha TRBX304 is another popular bass in the same price range, offering similar features and quality.
• Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazz Bass: The Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazz Bass is a great option for those who prefer a more vintage-style instrument.
• Sterling by Music Man Ray4: The Sterling by Music Man Ray4 is a good choice for those who want a bass with a more aggressive and punchy tone.

Final Thoughts

The Ibanez Action DLX Plus is a fantastic bass guitar that offers a great combination of features, playability, and value. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bassist, this instrument has something to offer. Its versatile sound, comfortable neck, and quality construction make it a top choice in its price range. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you're in the market for a new bass, be sure to give the Ibanez Action DLX Plus a serious look – you won't be disappointed!