Ibanez AEGB420 Black Out

AEGB: Ibanez's "modern" approach to acoustic bass

With the AEGB series, Ibanez applies its philosophy of "a modern approach to tradition" to the acoustic bass. The idea is simple: offer an acoustic with a thinner body and smoother playability than a traditional jumbo, while maintaining credible projection when played unplugged and real effectiveness when amplified. The AEGB420 fits this logic: an inspiring, versatile instrument that transitions from unplugged rehearsals to amplified stage or PA use without sacrificing comfort.

Who is it for and which styles?

The Ibanez AEGB420 targets beginner to intermediate bassists seeking an easy-to-handle acoustic, as well as experienced musicians looking for a reliable backup bass for "light live" settings. Its medium scale of 32" / 815 mm offers a very pleasant compromise: a feel softer than a 34", while retaining enough tension for precise lines.

In terms of styles, it performs well in pop, folk, variety, live acoustic, worship, and voice-guitar accompaniment. The single cutaway facilitates access to higher frets for melodic lines, and the built-in tuner ensures quick and reliable tuning changes on stage.

Balanced tone: woods, craftsmanship, and amplification

The core tonal character comes from the combination of a spruce top and sapele back and sides. Spruce is prized for its clarity and ability to maintain clear attacks, a key point on an acoustic bass where note separation is essential. Sapele adds a warm midrange and a rather full response, helping the bass stay present in an acoustic mix.

The AEG (thin body) format promotes comfort and control: it delivers balanced projection with controlled lows and usable mids to lock in the groove without overwhelming. The rosewood bridge contributes to direct vibration transmission, while the bone nut and compensated bone saddle (black stained) support articulation and intonation.

When plugged in, the AEGB420 relies on an Ibanez undersaddle pickup that faithfully captures the instrument's acoustic nature, paired with the Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp. This preamp offers simple and effective EQ with Bass and Treble controls, plus a master volume, and most importantly, a built-in tuner activated via a dedicated switch. The result: you can quickly adjust your low-end foundation and brightness depending on the venue, whether through an acoustic bass amp, DI box, or mixing console input.

Recommended compatible accessories

To fully utilize the electronics, prepare a 9V battery (x1) compatible with the preamp. For connection to an amp or PA, a 1/4" / 6.35 mm jack cable is required. Finally, if you want to stick to the original specification, the AEGB420 is designed for Ibanez IABS4XC32 carbon coated strings, with gauges .040" / 1.02 mm, .060" / 1.52 mm, .075" / 1.91 mm, .095" / 2.41 mm.

Technical specifications

Left handed	No	Nbr of strings	4
Strings	Steel	Color	Black

Series	AEGB	Total length	46.06" / 1170 mm
Model	AEGB420	Neck type	AEGB
Color Name	Black Out	Joint	dovetail
Shape	AEG (acoustic), single cutaway	Neck/body joint position	16th fret
Top	spruce	Neck wood	3-piece nyatoh/maple
Back	sapele	Neck finish	Open Pore Polyurethane
Sides	sapele	Neck thickness at 1st fret	0.83" / 21 mm
Body depth	3.75" / 95.25 mm	Neck thickness at 7th fret	0.89" / 22.5 mm
Body depth at heel (Body Depth@Joint)	3.35" / 85 mm	Scale length	32" / 815 mm
Body depth at end (Body Depth@End)	3.74" / 95 mm	Nut width	1.7" / 43 mm
Body length	19.375" / 490 mm	End width	2.32" / 59 mm at 14th fret
Body width	15" / 380 mm	Fingerboard	rosewood
Body thickness	3.74" / 95 mm	Radius	15.75" / 400 mm
Body finish	Open Pore Polyurethane	Number of frets	21