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Ibanez BTB846V (33 scale)
I normally like the SR series basses because of their 34 scale length and narrow string spacing, so I stayed away from the BTB series. Then I stumbled upon this 33 scale model, which also has narrower string spacing
.
I tuned it EADGCF to take advantage of the slightly shorter scale. It has pretty low action so it’s got a little twang, which I like. Also playing directly over the ramp is really comfortable. I feel like it has a flatter radius than the SR series which is interesting. The only con for me is the back of the neck is glossy, which I don’t really care for because of the slight stickiness.
(Next to SR for scale)
I normally like the SR series basses because of their 34 scale length and narrow string spacing, so I stayed away from the BTB series. Then I stumbled upon this 33 scale model, which also has narrower string spacing
. I tuned it EADGCF to take advantage of the slightly shorter scale. It has pretty low action so it’s got a little twang, which I like. Also playing directly over the ramp is really comfortable. I feel like it has a flatter radius than the SR series which is interesting. The only con for me is the back of the neck is glossy, which I don’t really care for because of the slight stickiness.
(Next to SR for scale)
Attachments
Yes, the price was not bad considering the options and quality. I ordered it from Sweetwater so I was able to make sure I liked the specific wood grain on the one I picked
Sure, I used the notation available on imslp
http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/1/1e/IMSLP17772-Concerti_4vl_40_201-204.pdf
I originally arranged down an octave from the notation for a standard 6-string bass (using guitar pro), but then moved everything up a string to use the EADGCF six string bass in the video. If you would like the tab, just shoot me a PM
Ibanez BTB846V (33 scale)
I normally like the SR series basses because of their 34 scale length and narrow string spacing, so I stayed away from the BTB series. Then I stumbled upon this 33 scale model, which also has narrower string spacing
I tuned it EADGCF to take advantage of the slightly shorter scale. It has pretty low action so it’s got a little twang, which I like. Also playing directly over the ramp is really comfortable. I feel like it has a flatter radius than the SR series which is interesting. The only con for me is the back of the neck is glossy, which I don’t really care for because of the slight stickiness.
View attachment 3814497
(Next to SR for scale)
View attachment 3814507
Congrats on bringing home your 846V! It’s such a fun bass to play. I recently just picked up a Stingray 5 Special HH because I got a pretty decent deal on it from American Musical Supply. I’ve had it for a couple months now, but I think I’ve only played it 4 times. My 846V is always the first bass I grab .
Quick maintenance question. What do you guys use to clean/condition the Jatoba fret board with? What does Ibanez recommend?
While I wouldn't bet any money on it, my go-to cleaner for everything from Nito, to urethane, rosewood, ebony, just about every guitar I own I like Ronsonol lighter fluid. I'm told that the lighter fluid is mostly naptha, which I cannot verify. Ronsonol is very good at removing gunk, only smells for a few seconds and evaporates very quickly. I've used it on Taylor, Gibson, Fender and the body and fingerboard of my BTB675 (maple with whatever finish they put on it). No finish damage at all ever. I'm told that Jatoba is related to Brazilian cherry which is a non-oily wood, so I don't know if any maintenance beyond cleaning is needed. Perhaps you might call Ibanez and ask.
I wasn't really familiar with Jatoba but got curious. Linseed oil used to be used regularly to treat fingerboards, but it seems that lately it is not touted as much as it is reputed to have a hardening property in it. What I learned is that Jatoba has an open pore grain, so linseed oil is probably a good choice. My Google search revealed that one way to close the pores on Jatoba is Danish oil, which is a polymerized linseed oil. I guess Ibanez knows what they're talking about.
May I have a number please?
My BTB400QM looks like this:
I bought it used ($280, local pickup), and quite heavily used I'd say. It lacked original tuners, truss rod cover, and original Neutrik jack socket has been replaced by some generic one. Well, I've managed to obtain a cheap replacements for tuners and socket, and ordered an engraved plate to cover truss rod. The plate isn't exact fit, but it will do.
Action and intonation setup was quite easy. Rotosound 66 long strings gave the bass some beasty growl. Due to lockdown I've gigged with it only once, but my fellow musicians appreciated.
My BTB400QM looks like this:
I bought it used ($280, local pickup), and quite heavily used I'd say. It lacked original tuners, truss rod cover, and original Neutrik jack socket has been replaced by some generic one. Well, I've managed to obtain a cheap replacements for tuners and socket, and ordered an engraved plate to cover truss rod. The plate isn't exact fit, but it will do.
Action and intonation setup was quite easy. Rotosound 66 long strings gave the bass some beasty growl. Due to lockdown I've gigged with it only once, but my fellow musicians appreciated.
@Grueber or @Nol Taylor anyone else who's played an 846v, how is the .130 B string on that 33" scale?
I've never played anything but a 35" B string and usually a .147 at that, and of course zero places locally have any 6 string basses, let alone an 846v.
I've never played anything but a 35" B string and usually a .147 at that, and of course zero places locally have any 6 string basses, let alone an 846v.
If I recall, it was ok but still noticeably not very tight. I almost immediately changed the strings and re-tuned to EADGCF (which was my intention when I purchased the bass), so I only had the low B on the bass briefly. If you only use that string occasionally, you could probably get away with a light touch, or go for a thicker gauge.
The same thing that I would do if I could have a BTB46V.
I have a hunch that Ibanez originally meant to have the BTB846V tuned E to F, but they altered it to most 6 string basses standard tuning B to C, cause this would approach most 6 string players easier and it wouldn't require any modification to the nut in any case the owner would like to restring it with E to F tuning.
Sorry for such a late reply. In truth, I'm probably the wrong guy to ask when it comes to string tensions. I've never noticed a difference in the low B on any 5 string I've owned. I use Dunlop 30-130 stainless steel and it feels tight to me. On other basses I use different strings. My Stingray have EB Regular Slinky and my Fender Roscoe Beck 5 has Lebella taperwound stainless steel strings. Between them all, I've never noticed a difference in floppiness in one over the other. My approach to bass is "Just play it" I have a very light touch and my action is as low as I can get it without buzzing.
Actually it sounds like you're exactly the person to ask. I don't 'notice' string tensions either really, except I like my balanced tension strings so they all feel the same. That's about the only reason I have my .147 B.
Pretty much everything I read till now complained about the B string, so I'm happy to hear there's someone happy with it as-is.
I bought my 846V literally after buying one of my Stingray 5 strings. I got the Stingray home and kept thinking about the 846V. I thought about returning the ray for it, but decided to stimulate the economy and just buy it. I hadn't played a BTB since they came out, back when I was working in instrument retail. I've always been a Rickenbacker guy so I didn't really see the appeal. I happened upon the 846V on AMS's website and thought it looked really pretty. Then I found a few videos of Roland Geurin playing them. I placed an order that night. I tend to jump right into a bass without any pre-conceived notions about string tension, neck symmetry, fretboard radius, if the bridge pickup was made from high grade scientific metallic alloy magnets that resonate with the vibration of the earth, or anything like that. Pickup position means very little to me too. I literally looked at it and it thought, "hm, that seems cool, think I'll buy it." The rest is 6 month history lol.
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Hello, BTB people.
I had my BTB set up about two years ago, and that was the last time I had a set of strings put on.
I can't do a set up myself, but I can put my own strings on.
So, today, I went to Sam Ash and bought a set of Ernie Ball Slinkys. 45 - 130.
The previous set was GHS Bass Boomers, which I've always liked.
But the Slinkys have a much cleaner low B string, it's almost hard to believe.
What kind of life expectancy do the Slinks have?
I never intended to leave the Boomers on for over two years, but they didn't sound bad for 2+ year old strings.
Mike
I had my BTB set up about two years ago, and that was the last time I had a set of strings put on.
I can't do a set up myself, but I can put my own strings on.
So, today, I went to Sam Ash and bought a set of Ernie Ball Slinkys. 45 - 130.
The previous set was GHS Bass Boomers, which I've always liked.
But the Slinkys have a much cleaner low B string, it's almost hard to believe.
What kind of life expectancy do the Slinks have?
I never intended to leave the Boomers on for over two years, but they didn't sound bad for 2+ year old strings.
Mike
Once you find a string you like, whatever the reason, stick with it. The type, material, tension, gauge, all have a lot to do with your tone and how you set your amp. Slinkys have been around for a long time, I cant imagine you having trouble with them.I never intended to leave the Boomers on for over two years, but they didn't sound bad for 2+ year old strings.
Mike
So, a little over a week in, and I love these Slinkys!
They've settled in, and they're not slipping, and the tone went from brand new string zing to a lttle mellower.
But, I still can't get over the low B string, and how much cleaner it is.
Mike
They've settled in, and they're not slipping, and the tone went from brand new string zing to a lttle mellower.
But, I still can't get over the low B string, and how much cleaner it is.
Mike
