Ibanez GSR180 Black

This second hand bass is in good condition.

All works, several dents and scrapes to the finish of the body.

The Ibanez GSR180 Black sits firmly in the budget/beginner category, but it’s one of those instruments that consistently punches above its price. If you’re looking for a first bass, a reliable backup, or a lightweight gigging option, this model deserves a serious look.

 Build & Design

The GSR180 is part of the Ibanez GIO line, introduced in 2004 and produced in both Indonesia and China. It features:

• A double‑cutaway body (typically agathis on the Black model)
• A bolted maple neck
• A 22‑fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
• A pair of passive Ibanez J‑style pickups
• A B10 bridge with 19mm spacing

These specs come straight from the Ibanez Wiki, which outlines the model’s evolution and materials over the years.

The overall feel is classic Soundgear: slim, comfortable, and easy to play for beginners or guitarists switching to bass.

 Sound Quality

Players consistently praise the GSR180 for delivering surprisingly versatile tones for the price.

• Ultimate Guitar reviewers highlight its ability to produce everything from fat lows to twangy highs, with slap tones that hold up well even through small practice amps.
• Audiofanzine users describe the sound as “right and very satisfying,” capable of walking bass lines, slap, and round, supportive tones for recording or jamming.

The passive J‑pickup configuration gives you a familiar, usable palette—nothing boutique, but absolutely solid for learning, rehearsing, or gigging on a budget.

 Playability

This is where the GSR180 really shines.

• The neck is slim and comfortable, especially for players who aren’t primarily bassists. One reviewer noted that it’s easy to lay down clean lines without fighting the instrument.
• The action and setup out of the box are generally good, and the lightweight body makes long rehearsals or gigs painless.

Ibanez’s Soundgear ergonomics are famous for a reason, and the GSR180 carries that DNA.

Features & Controls

The layout is simple and intuitive:

• Two volume knobs (one for each pickup)
• One master tone

Chorder.com confirms this straightforward setup, noting the Powersound J pickups and the durable, no‑nonsense hardware.

This simplicity is a plus for beginners—no overwhelming EQ sections, just clean, direct control.

The Ibanez GSR180 Black is ideal for:

• Beginners wanting a quality first instrument
• Guitarists transitioning to bass
• Players needing a lightweight, comfortable backup
• Anyone who wants a mod‑friendly platform

For the price, it’s hard to beat. The GSR180 delivers comfort, reliability, and genuinely good tone