Not sure. Perhaps it has something to do with the ramp. It looks a little odd, but I don't notice it when playing. (I only rest my thumb on the pickup when playing the lowest string.)
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So joined the BTB club yesterday with a second hand BTB33. Build quality is not perfect in finish details but very good otherwise. Surprisingly I don't find the ramp all that helpful so I guess I might already have fairly good technique. The short scale and fairly narrow neck for a 5-string do make it easier to handle and very comfortable to play. Not sold on the Neutrik locking jack though, cables falling out are an issue I haven't had with any guitar or bass before so it's just extra hassle to remove the cable.
I'm happy that mine also turned out to be without any dead spots. Maybe Ibanez has hit something here and the 33" scale in this design just helps avoid them.
I'm happy that mine also turned out to be without any dead spots. Maybe Ibanez has hit something here and the 33" scale in this design just helps avoid them.
Here is my Ibanez BTB 405. It is an awesome bass I love it! Solid sound, no dead spots on the neck, cuts thru the mix with authority... I got it second hand in a trade and thought why not give it a spin for a while and sell it if it does not deliver...but I am changing my mind about this one quickly. It is much, much better in comparison with their cheep SDGR basses.
She is more faithful than any other woman I've met. I do feel bad about playing her, but she knows I just love her bottom.
Got my BTB33 finally setup with fresh Fodera strings. Lowered the action and set the intonation correct and boy it plays like butter and sounds fantastic now. I also replaced the volume and balance pots with some ebony ones that have a small golden dot indicator. Helps when checking the balance pot position.
Here is some finished product pictures of my 2016 Ibanez BTB1605DTF. I have had a set of Nordstrand Dual Coil pickups and Aguilar OBP-3 preamp installed int his beauty. I also have a set of custom knobs with lumilay dots for the markers made by Devin Cline. I recently put a set of Labella Copper White Tapes on it and they really add to the look on top of being really superb sounding strings. This bass is a tone monster and sounds as good as any bass I've owned. I had to make myself get used to the 19mm spacing but now I have no issues with it. Top notch construction and tone.
Honestly the 35' scale didn't bother me in the least but going from my other main bass SR5005 prestige and it being 16.5 spacing to this really took some time. I simply made myself practice daily with both for over a month and now I have no issues at all going from one to the other.
Thanks. Speaking of BTB scales...
Since Ibanez doesn't have a short-scale model that isn't super-cheap (GSRM20, GSRM25, TMB30) or a Bass VI-style instrument (SRC6), I'd love to seem them offer a BTB with a 30-inch scale in a 4-string and a 5-string (possibly tuned EADGC) at a ~1000-dollar price point. I would buy each of those.
Since Ibanez doesn't have a short-scale model that isn't super-cheap (GSRM20, GSRM25, TMB30) or a Bass VI-style instrument (SRC6), I'd love to seem them offer a BTB with a 30-inch scale in a 4-string and a 5-string (possibly tuned EADGC) at a ~1000-dollar price point. I would buy each of those.
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Check out the Ibanez Crossover 6 string. EADGBE Really interesting for short scale lovers 30" scale, guitar players or those interested in the Fender VI. Worth a look.
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I am familiar with the SRC6. That's why I specifically mentioned a Bass VI-style instrument. I've edited my post to make that more clear.
I'm looking for something with 4 or 5 stings and a wider spacing. Also, the SRC6 and Bass VI put the bridge in a more guitar-like location, so the reach to the lower frets isn't that different from a long-scale bass. I want something with the bridge near the end of the body to reduce the reach. The BTBs, even the BTB33, all have the bridge very close to the end of the body.
I just re-read your post and got it. Oops. The concept is interesting to me as a guitar player of 50+ years that is moving into bass. But I see what you mean as it is not like my BTB775B in the least. Bolt on and doesn't really make me GAS to the point of pulling out my wallet.
Yeah, I like the idea of that kind of instrument, and I like Ibanez's design far more than Fender's, but it's not what I'm looking for right now. Also, I'm waiting for Ibanez to update the design with black hardware (since they seem to be moving from Cosmo Black to true black black. Gold hardware would also be OK.
Yea, that's right, sorry a little tired today. I looked on their website but didn't see anything like those.
Yeah, I don't know anything about that. I think campbems knows someone who makes custom knobs, but I should let him or her tell you about that.
I had those knobs and several more sets for my other basses made by Devin Cline at D-Cline Designs. He is the head luthier for Nordstrand Guitars in making their pickups covers and custom knobs. The guy is a true artist.
Here's is the set he made for my BTB and my Prestige 5005.
Here's is the set he made for my BTB and my Prestige 5005.
