CB3, GIBRALTAR III BASS
NECK TONE
BRIDGE TONE
3 WAY
PICKUP SELECTOR
NECK
VOLUME
BRIDGE VOLUME
2V, 2T
MASTER TONE
MASTER
VOLUME
3WAY PICKUP
SELECTOR
1V, 1T
NECK
CENTER
BRIDGE
2 PICKUPS (H-H)
For best results we recommend replacing one string at a time. This will help to
avoid removing the string tension from the neck and keep the vibrato spring
under tension.
To replace the strings on the VBX60 and VBS80,
thread the new string under the front tailpiece
retainer bar (A). On VBF70 there is no front
retainer bar.
The ball end of the string should be threaded over
and around the rear tailpiece retainer bar (B).
The ball end of the string’s hole is inserted into
the rear tailpiece retainer bar pin and the string
should be pulled tight towards the headstock.
Releasing the string tension from the tailpiece
may cause the ball end to slip off the pin. Keeping
string tension on the string by pulling it towards
the headstock will alleviate this problem.
Thread the string through the machine head and
while keeping tension on the string, wind the
string around the post. Make sure that the string
lands on the proper string saddle on the bridge.
Once tight, tune the string to pitch. Repeat this
process for the other strings.
Below is the standard location of the bridge for AF, AFS and AG guitars.
Adjust the location to obtain proper intonation.
(A)
Bridge
➣➣
Tailpiece
➣➣
The intonation can be adjusted by moving the saddle
forward or backward using a Slot head (-) screwdriver on
the adjustment screw. String height is controlled by
raising or lowering the two height adjustment studs or
spinners on either side of the bridge (A).
(A)
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(B)
VBX60
VBS80
VBF70
Vintage Vibrato
➣➣
Bridge
➣➣
REPLACING THE STRINGS : CB30
Install strings by inserting them from the front of the
bridge.
ART1,2 BRIDGE
The height adjustment of the tailpiece can be raised or
lowered using the two height adjustment studs on
either side of the tailpiece (A).
QUICKCHANGE III /
QUICKCHANGE III BASS
The strings are installed by putting the ball end
into the slot (A) and hooking the ball end below
the string catch (B).
To raise or lower the string action, insert the
correct Allen wrench into the screw (A) at the
saddle. To raise the saddle turn the wrench
clockwise and to lower the saddle turn the
wrench counter clockwise.
Intonation adjustments can be made by adjusting
the intonation screws (B) at the rear of the bridge
clockwise to move the saddle back and counter
clockwise to move the saddle forward.
The string height of an arch top bridge can be
adjusted by turning the thumb wheel screws
located on either side of the bridge. Clockwise
lowers the string action; counter clockwise
raises the string action.
As the bridge is not fixed to the body,
intonation can be adjusted by loosening the
strings and moving the location of the bridge forward or backward.
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
FXB-50
ADJUSTABLE ARCH-TOP
Bridge Location
➣➣
Controls
➣➣
AF, AFS, AK
SWITCHING FUNCTION
CONTROLS
AG
Ibanez steel string models are equipped with adjustable truss rods. The purpose of a
truss rod is to adjust the neck to counteract string tension. There are many reasons
for truss rod adjustments. One of the most frequent reasons is changing string
gauges or tuning pitch which can affect string tension. String tension changes may
affect the string height and cause fret buzz or notes that don’t ring true. To adjust the
truss rod, locate the truss rod nut and adjust it by inserting the correct wrench into
the nut and tightening (clockwise) or loosening (counter clockwise) the rod. Truss rod
tension can be measured by installing a capo at the first fret the holding the strings
down at the fret position where the neck joins the body. Insert a thickness gauge
between the string and the fret at the 8th fret. There should between 0.3 mm to
0.5mm clearance. That clearance is referred to as “neck relief.” Too much neck
relief can cause the neck to have higher action in the middle of the neck causing
poor intonation and uncomfortable playability. No neck relief can cause fret buzz.
* Appropriate care must be taken when adjusting the neck and we recommend only qualified technicians perform
this procedure.
Intonation adjustment is
the operation of adjusting
the location of the string at
the saddle to compensate
for different string gauges
or different tunings. Follow
the instructions of the particular bridge intonation below. Intonation is properly
set when the 12th fret note and the 12th fret harmonic are exactly the same note .
This is the center point of the scale and the most accurate way of setting a
standard scale length. With the harmonic note as the standard, if the fretted note
is flat move the bridge saddle forward toward the headstock (a) to decrease the
string length. If the fretted note is sharp, move it back away from the headstock
(b) to increase the string length intonation adjustments.
* Please note that strings can be broken when the saddle is moved, so always loosen the strings before
making adjustments.
The output level of the instrument as well as the quality
of the signal can be affected by the pickup height. Pickup
height should be adjusted until the volume of neck and
bridge pickups are almost equal with both volumes wide
open. The volume may drop drastically if the pickup
height is too low. As the pickups are magnetic, fret
buzzing and distortion may occur if the pickup is too close to the strings. Use a
small screwdriver to make adjustments to raise or lower the pickup.
*Instruments that have adjustable pole pieces can be adjusted to balance the output of each string.
Regular cleaning of your guitar is
one the most important ways you
can maintain the finish and
lengthen string life. After playing,
wipe down your instrument to
remove any perspiration from the
instrument. Perspiration can actually contain acids that can be corrosive to the
strings and metal parts of the guitar. Gloss finish guitars should be polished with
polish formulated specifically for musical instruments, and a soft, treated guitar
cloth or a cotton rag. Abrasive rags such as polyester can scratch the finish. Oil
finished guitars should be wiped clean immediately after playing with a dry cotton
rag only. If your guitar has become discolored due to extended use or heavy
perspiration, factory appearance, see a qualified guitar repair person about
methods to restore the oil finish to its original factory appearance.
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
8TH FRET
0.3~0.5mm
Maintenance
➣➣
Our congratulations and deepest thanks on
making Ibanez your choice of instrument.
Ibanez standards are second to none. All Ibanez
instruments are set up to our strict quality
control standards before shipping. The purpose
of this manual is to explain how to maintain
your instrument’s finish and to keep your guitar
playing as well as it did when it left our factory.
If strings become dirty, discolored, or produce a dull
sound or buzz, replace the strings with new ones. For
best results we recommend replacing one string at a
time, this will help to avoid removing the string tension
from the neck. When replacing strings with different
gauge strings, it may be necessary to adjust the truss rod
tension. (We recommend only qualified technicians
perform this.) Instruments that have tremolo systems
installed may need to be adjusted after string
replacement as changes in string tension can cause the
tremolo to raise or lower. Ibanez guitars and basses are
factory equipped with the following string gauges. Please
follow the instructions below for your particular model.
The strings should be tightly wound on to the tuning
machines from top to bottom with 2 to 3 string wraps
around the post. In the case of unwound guitar strings,
the ends of the strings should be prepared as shown in
the diagram to prevent unintentional slippage from the
posts. In the case of tuning machines, where the string
ends are inserted into the posts, the string can be cut to
length in advance using a pair of string cutters.
If the tuning machines are sealed gear units, they are
self-lubricating types. The set screws for the tuning knob
are adjustment screws that can be tightened with a small
Phillips head screwdriver to increase the tension.
*The use of coarse strings may lead to buzzing and sound distortion. Using strings
that have twists or kinks may cause buzzing or decreased sustain. Make sure
that the new strings are smooth and free from any defects before installing.
1
3
2
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
Artcore Guitars
.010-.046”
STRING GAUGES
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
Ibanez guitar and bass string action is set at the factory.
However there are many reasons that an instrument’s
string height can change. Instruments can be affected by
changes in temperature and moisture. High string action
can make the guitar difficult to play. If the string action is
too low, fret buzz or unclear notes can occur. To remedy
this, follow the instructions for the particular type of
bridge installed. In the case of
string action, make sure the
guitar is in tune and the truss
rod is adjusted properly. Ibanez
action is set at the 14th fret (Basses: 12th fret). The action may also need to be
readjusted after the neck has been adjusted or strings have been changed to a
different gauge. Follow the instructions in the relevant bridge manual to make
adjustments.
* If strings other than those described above are used, gradually increase the action clearance from the treble side
through to the bass side.
Artcore Guitars
Artcore Basses
1.7mm
2.0mm
2.3mm
2.5mm
BASS SIDE
TREBLE SIDE
CLEANING
STRINGS AND TUNING MACHINES
INTONATION
ACTION
NECK
PICKUPS
(A)
(B)
The intonation can be adjusted by moving the saddle
forward or backward using an Allen wrench on the
adjustment screw at the rear of the bridge (A). String
height is controlled by raising or lowering the two
height adjustment studs on either side of the bridge (B).
Manual̲artcoreAUG03618 04.9.28 9:51 AM ページ 1
