DESCRIPTION

For sale is an early-production Ibanez Soundgear 5-string bass made in Japan at FujiGen in 1990.

This instrument comes from the transition period between the late SR885LE production and the early SR885 generation, representing an early example of Japanese-made Soundgear basses.

Serial number: F005530

Factory: FujiGen, Japan

Year: 1990

Configuration: 5-string active bass

An internal “885LE” factory sticker is present, consistent with transitional FujiGen production practices during this period.

KEY FEATURES

• Made in Japan (FujiGen production)

• Early Soundgear generation (1990 transition era)

• 4-knob layout (Volume / Balance / Bass / Treble EQ)

• Slim fast Ibanez neck profile

• Lightweight ergonomic body

• Active electronics

• 24 frets

• Brass nut installed (non-original upgrade for improved sustain and stability)

• High-quality early 90s Japanese construction

TRANSITION PERIOD DETAILS

This bass shows characteristics associated with both SR885LE and early SR885 production.

During 1990, Ibanez production overlapped between late SR885LE units and early SR885 instruments, resulting in transitional examples such as this one.

It is therefore presented as a FujiGen transition-era Soundgear rather than a strictly defined single catalog variant.

CONDITION

• Electronics fully functional and stable

• Preamp and EQ operate cleanly with no crackling, noise, or unwanted hiss

• Frets show no visible wear or flat spots

• Neck is stable and plays cleanly

• Very light cosmetic signs of use consistent with age

• Some extremely minor surface wear consistent with a 1990 instrument, barely visible and difficult to capture accurately in photos due to its subtle nature

• Brass nut installed (non-original upgrade, likely added for improved sustain and tuning stability)

• Overall very clean condition for a 1990 instrument

PLAYABILITY & TONE

Fast and comfortable Ibanez Soundgear neck with excellent upper fret access.

Lightweight ergonomic design typical of early MIJ Soundgear basses.

Clear articulation, strong note definition, and balanced response across the frequency range.

Suitable for rock, funk, fusion, metal, and modern fingerstyle playing.

90s SOUNDGEAR CONTEXT

Early Ibanez Soundgear basses from this era were part of a generation that influenced modern bass design in the 1990s.

They were widely adopted in alternative and modern rock scenes due to their fast necks, clarity, and ergonomic design philosophy.

WHY IT STANDS OUT

Early FujiGen Soundgear instruments from the 1990 transition period are increasingly uncommon on the used market.

This is a well-preserved early MIJ example representing the first generation of modern Ibanez bass design evolution.

SHIPPING

Worldwide shipping available.

The bass will be shipped in a hard case (non-Ibanez branded protective case). The case is fully functional and suitable for safe international transport.

Instrument will be professionally packed with neck detensioned for shipping.

Additional photos or detailed measurements available upon request.