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Ibanez 2024 release disappointing

#141
Root 5 said:
I look frequently. I just feel that if everything isn’t black, it’s finished in the snotburst of the day that have no appeal to 50+ players (generally).
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I mean yeah, that is just their strategy. They want to be modern. They have the EHB1000, SRMS720 and the BTB605MLM as more solid color choices for 2024.
The thing is that there are more than enough brands that cater to the 50+ generation. Why should Ibanez try to compete here? They know they have no chance against Fender, G&L and Musicman in that sector.
 
#142
I empathize, I have a nice long list of things I'd like to see Spector offer in their Euro line... but alas, I don't think the demand warrants any of the above, at least not in a way that has a favorable outlook in terms of profit.

Manufacturers, eventually, implement the most popular mods as options. Examples being string through bigsby posts and pinned bridges on Gretsch guitars, hum-cancelling pickups on Stratocasters, high mass bridges on Fender basses, etc. etc... unfortunately I don't think the mod you are referencing is out of the niche enough.
 
#143
The one that stands out for me is the BTB605MLM. Normally I'm not really attracted to 5-string basses but this one, just wow! Also, it features a 35" - 34" multi-scale ("light multi-scale" as they call it) which is perfect IMHO. This one is really high on my GAS list.

gizw00fytf0tiuoxocbe.jpg
 
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#148
Ibanez, like Fender (and everyone else) makes what will sell enough to be profitable. You (OP) are talking an incredibly niche instrument ("to the masses?"). You want something no one else wants, commission a custom build. For every short scale, 5 string E-C bass, how many Talmans do you think they would sell?

Just like the thread last week with the person lamenting that Fodera doesn't sell instruments on a sliding price scale based on the buyer's income.
 
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#151
Arjank said:
The one that stands out for me is the BTB605MLM. Normally I'm not really attracted to 5-string basses but this one, just wow! Also, it features a 35" - 34" multi-scale ("light multi-scale" as they call it) which is perfect IMHO. This one is really high on my GAS list.

gizw00fytf0tiuoxocbe.jpg
Click to expand...

I think this one looks incredible - I really wish the 605ms was offered in a finish more like this.

I go back and forth as to what is more important, the 37" B, or the aesthetics. I pretty much never needed to go below a B, but every note on the B string of the 605ms I tried sounded so good. But then I prefer the aesthetics of the 605mlm, and it's $200 CAD less.

Decisions, decisions.
 
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#152
My guess is that Ibanez figures the short scale market is saturated right now. Every manufacturer has released one in the last few years. When Ibanez has released higher and lower end versions of the same bass they have come out at the same time. Good example would be the Talman bass series. The TMB2000, TMB600, TMB300, and the TMB100 came out about the same time. That way consumers could see the difference in quality between them from the beginning.

I doubt they would take a model already firmly established as a lower end model like the Mikro or Mezzo and try to make a better quality version. The average consumer would not see the difference, and not understand the price increase.

I'm not saying I wouldn't buy one myself. I really like the feel of the Mezzo bass, even though the tone and control layout leaves a lot to be desired.
 

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