Ibanez btb 556, is it worth it?

[Bass Troll]

A friend offered to sell me his 6 string Ibanez btb 556 (which I'm pretty sure is the older, bolt on version of the 676). He's asking $600 AUD ($550 USD) with hardcase, do you guys think this is a good deal?
It's in great condition, Korean made late 2007/early 2008 model with Bartolini MK1s.
It's either this, or I save my money for a new Schecter Custom 6, or Studio 6...
Only hesitation is the fretboard looks a little... dry maybe? Seems to have faint white lines running up some of the woodgrain, is this normal?

Also, does anyone know how to date the newer Ibanez serial numbers?
Thanks!
Edit:

Dodgy webcam pic, incase it jogs anyones memory.

[bobknowsbass]

When I was thinking of getting my SR506, everywhere I looked people were saying that the BTB was better. I would have gotten it instead but I really don't like that huge upper horn. It makes the bass look like Satan (which is cool if that's your thing )
Overall, I love the SR506 so if the the BTB is even better, I think you have a heck of a deal here. I haven't played one, but plenty of TBer's praise them. Make an informed decision and good luck!

[Bass Troll]

Originally Posted by bobknowsbass

When I was thinking of getting my SR506, everywhere I looked people were saying that the BTB was better. I would have gotten it instead but I really don't like that huge upper horn. It makes the bass look like Satan (which is cool if that's your thing )
Overall, I love the SR506 so if the the BTB is even better, I think you have a heck of a deal here. I haven't played one, but plenty of TBer's praise them. Make an informed decision and good luck!

Thanks for the response. Haha, don't really mind if my bass looks like satan, I suppose it could look worse!

[zMatko]

I've been on and off about these BTB's and they are quite good for whatever purpose.
The fretboard on that particular version is good, it might not be oiled in since it left the jungle, on the other hand a fretboard that grooves easily is no good.
I saw recently an identical BTB go for 360 euro's on ebay so 550$ is not bad.

But if you like it, don't show it too much or he knows you will buy it, try to talk down the price a little.

[ratdog73]

I've got 3 BTB's and love them.
If you decide not to buy it let me know.
I'd be very interested.

[Bass Troll]

Originally Posted by zMatko

I've been on and off about these BTB's and they are quite good for whatever purpose.
The fretboard on that particular version is good, it might not be oiled in since it left the jungle, on the other hand a fretboard that grooves easily is no good.
I saw recently an identical BTB go for 360 euro's on ebay so 550$ is not bad.

But if you like it, don't show it too much or he knows you will buy it, try to talk down the price a little.

Was the BTB on ebay a neck through, or a bolt on like this one?

Originally Posted by ratdog73

I've got 3 BTB's and love them.
If you decide not to buy it let me know.
I'd be very interested.

Would definitely line you up man, but there is another buyer (personal friend) who'll buy it if I don't. However, if THAT falls through as well I'll let the seller know you're interested.

Does anyone have any more information on this particular model? Apparently it's a 556, but I can't find any information at all on them, google just shows up with the 676, which is a neck though... Seems a little weird.

Anyway, thanks for the help guys.

[zMatko]

Actually i reckon it was the 5-stringer, with bolt-on joint so it must've been BTB555.

[Bass Troll]

Ahh, he must of got the model wrong, it's actually a btb 556 from what I can tell...

[mollyscaresme]

Just got one used for $450 CDN, so after reading this I feel good about it, I agree, info is limited. For the record it is a 6 string, body is well worn but seems technically intact with no white marks on the fretboard

[hgiles]

Play it. Decide for yourself if it's worth it. I love Ibanez basses.