I figured Ibanez would release a 25th Anniversary Soundgear this year and I was right. However, when comparing it to the 20th Anniversary model, I see quite a few things that seem like Ibanez has taken a step back. On the 20th Anniversary models, there were only 350 made of each 4 string and 5 string models. But you also had a 20th Anniversary hardshell case come with it, 20th Anniversary leather strap and paperwork showing authenticity and what number your bass was.

With the 25th Anniversary, there is nothing at all mentioned similar to the 20th Anniversary. All they say is it comes with a special gig bag. Here is the listing.


SR 25TH LIMITED EDITION SERIES BASICS

* Made by Ibanez Premium factory
* USA Nordstrand® "Big Single" pickups provide huge, full, loud, and aggressive single-coil tone
* EQB-IIISC 3-band EQ, with Mid frequency switch and eq bypass switch, gives you a world of possibilities in tone
* Mono-Rail IV bridge with locking saddles allows each string to vibrate fully with no interference from the other strings
* Includes special gig bag

So if it is made in the Premium factory, it's not even made in Japan and all it comes with is a "Special" gig bag? Really? That is all. Your telling me an anniversary model that will cost in the 4 figures is only coming with a gig bag and wasn't even made in Japan like the previous anniversary models. Why did Ibanez take a step back with this bass especially considering it was such a big anniversary?