Is the Ibanez AEB5E good for a beginner?

Yes, if you want an acoustic bass for practice at home. The 32-inch scale and 1.77-inch nut feel close to an electric bass, and the onboard tuner helps new players stay in tune.

Can I play it unplugged with a group?

Only in small settings. Owners say it keeps up with about three acoustic players but gets lost in larger groups, so plan to plug in for anything bigger.

Does it feedback when amplified?

Some owners report feedback at higher volumes. The soundhole is larger than many feedback busters fit, so keep amp volume moderate and stand away from the speaker.

What is included in the box?

You get the bass, a higher bridge and a hex wrench for neck adjustment. A case and strap are not included.

How does it compare with a short-scale electric bass?

It has a similar 32-inch scale and nut width, so the fretboard feels familiar. The difference is the acoustic body and piezo electronics, which give an upright-ish unplugged tone but less volume than an amp.

Does it need a setup out of the box?

Some owners needed a truss rod adjustment to reduce string buzz. Check the action and intonation when it arrives, or have a tech set it up.

What do buyers say about the Ibanez Aeb5e Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar Black?

Buyers like: Fun to play and good feel; Good sound and tone; Stays in tune nicely. Common complaints: Requires constant tuning; Poor quality reported by some.

Where can I buy the Ibanez Aeb5e Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar Black?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Musician's Friend, Guitar Center.

Ibanez Aeb5e Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar Black

Q: Where is the Ibanez Aeb5e Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar Black cheapest?

At Musician's Friend, for $239.99, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$239.99at Musician's FriendChecked Nov 9

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

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What reviewers say

Owners generally enjoy playing the AEB5E and praise its feel, plugged-in sound and onboard tuner for the money. Complaints center on tuning stability, feedback when amplified and setup issues like string buzz.

What people mention

Tuning stabilityCriticisedMany owners say it needs constant tuning, though some report it stays in tune nicely.
FeedbackCriticisedOwners report feedback when amplified, and the soundhole is larger than common feedback busters fit.
Unplugged volumeCriticisedIt is not loud enough unplugged for groups larger than about three players.
Feel and playabilityPraisedOwners call it fun to play with a good feel and a comfortable neck.
Onboard tunerPraisedThe built-in tuner is described as user friendly and accurate.
Setup and buildMixedSome owners needed a neck setup to fix string buzz, and a few report neck cracking or poor quality.

About the Ibanez Aeb5e Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar Black

The Ibanez AEB5E is a black acoustic-electric bass guitar. It has Agathis back and sides, which give a warm, resonant tone when played unplugged. The bridge and fretboard are rosewood, and the nut and saddle are Ivorex II.

An Ibanez piezo pickup captures the extended low end of an acoustic bass when the guitar is plugged in. The Ibanez AEQ-202T preamp has a 2-band EQ and an onboard tuner.

The scale length is a standard 32" and the nut width is 1.77", for familiar spacing. The neck has a satin finish that feels natural and doesn't stick to the hand. The tuners are chrome die-cast.

Color

Black

Body

Agathis back and sides

Bridge

Rosewood

Fretboard

Rosewood

Nut and saddle

Ivorex II

Scale length

32"