Ibanez GWB205-TQF Tequila Sunrise Flat Signature Gary Willis Premium
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Manufacturer Information
Ibanez
https://www.ibanez.com
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Hoshino Europe
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A Gary Willis Signature Serving Modern Fretless Playing
The GWB205 embodies the spirit of Ibanez Signature instruments: a performance-oriented design with functional choices directly linked to Gary Willis's playing style. Without seeking stylistic gimmicks, this bass focuses on real-world efficiency (comfort, dynamic control, and attack consistency), notably thanks to the removable access ramp and Bartolini electronics calibrated for high clarity.
For Which Bassists and Styles?
This bass is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced bassists who want to explore 5-string fretless playing with a precise and modern approach. It excels in genres where placement and nuances make the difference: jazz fusion, groove, funk, sophisticated pop, instrumental music, and any context requiring a singing line, controlled vibrato, and clean slides.
The Sound
The ebony fingerboard delivers tight lows and mids, a clear attack in the highs, and fast response: a real plus for note definition on fretless and sustain retention. The Bartolini GWB pickup, with its curved format and separate coils, contributes to a precise balance between strings, ideal for maintaining even projection across the entire range.
The Bartolini NTBT 2-band equalizer allows fine-tuning of the low and high spectrum to shift from a round, deep sound to a more incisive presence. In practice, the bass control features a peak around 20 Hz (up to approximately +/-15 dB) and the treble control a peak around 10,000 Hz (up to approximately +/-20 dB). The volume knob also acts as a bypass: pulling it up disables the equalizer for a more direct operation.
Recommended Compatible Accessories
To maintain the original feel and balance, replacing strings with D'Addario EXP165-5 (.045/.065/.085/.105/.135 gauge) is the safest choice, as this is the factory-installed set on this model.
Technical specifications
| Left handed | No | Nbr of strings | 4 |
| Strings | Steel | Nbrs of frets | 0 |
| Body | ash | Frets | fretless |
| Neck type | GWB | Bridge | standard |
| Neck | 3-piece maple | String spacing | 0.65" / 16.5 mm |
| Scale length | 34" / 864 mm | Tuners | Gotoh |
| Nut width (a) | 1.77" / 45 mm | Hardware color | black |
| Width at 24th fret (b) | 2.68" / 68 mm | Pickup | Bartolini GWB (passive) |
| Thickness at 1st fret (c) | 0.75" / 19 mm | Equalizer | Bartolini NTBT 2-band EQ |
| Thickness at 12th fret (d) | 0.83" / 21 mm | Controls | volume (EQ bypass with push/pull), treble (boost/cut), bass (boost/cut) |
| Radius | 12" / 305 mm | Factory tuning | 1G, 2D, 3A, 4E, 5B |
| Fingerboard | ebony | String gauge | .045/.065/.085/.105/.135 |
| Inlays | offset white dots | Access ramp | removable (Gary Willis design) |
Questions frequently asked
Is this 5-string fretless bass suitable for jazz fusion and funk?
The ebony fingerboard promotes a clear attack and tight mids, useful for defining fretless notes. This model is aimed at jazz fusion, groove, funk, and melodic lines requiring controlled vibrato and slides.
What is the purpose of the removable Gary Willis ramp?
The removable access ramp, designed to Gary Willis's specifications, is integrated to support a playing approach focused on attack control.
How does the Bartolini EQ bypass work?
The Bartolini NTBT EQ features two bands, bass and treble, with boost/cut correction. The bass control operates around 20 Hz with about +/-15 dB, while the treble is centered around 10,000 Hz with about +/-20 dB. The push/pull volume knob disables the EQ when pulled up.
What strings come installed on the Ibanez GWB205-TQF by default?
The factory setup uses a D'Addario EXP165-5 set in gauges .045/.065/.085/.105/.135. The indicated tuning is B-E-A-D-G, with a low B string.
Is the neck suitable for a 5-string fretless bass?
With a 34-inch (864 mm) scale length, the three-piece maple neck has a nut width of 45 mm and 68 mm width at the 24th fret. The bridge spacing is 16.5 mm and the fingerboard radius measures 305 mm.
