Ibanez BTB multiscales…sheesh

[TheOriginalName]

I really don’t see why this thread had to turn into a circular debate about the benefits and redundancies of multiscale instruments carried through a medium of insults and mutual neglect to respect differences in taste :/.

Not everyone likes multiscale, not everyone sees the benefit, that’s okay. Nor does everyone like short scale and playing with heavier/lighter gauges. That’s cool too. You can attempt to understand the other “side” if you want, but there’s no obligation to, and there’s especially no reason to get huffy if you can’t.

 

[shade_1313]

I like TalkBass. I just wish there wasn’t quite so much of this:

 

[TheOriginalName]

I like TalkBass. I just wish there wasn’t quite so much of this:

View attachment 4529213

Agreed.

 

[TheOriginalName]

In any case, the bass seems cool. I’m gonna wait until some more in depth reviews can come out of the wood work. My only real concern is just those pickups. I’m sure they sound good, but without any real replacements for them I’d need to make sure.

 

[gzarruk]

In any case, the bass seems cool. I’m gonna wait until some more in depth reviews can come out of the wood work. My only real concern is just those pickups. I’m sure they sound good, but without any real replacements for them I’d need to make sure.

Exactly what I'm expecting too.

 

[fourstringbliss]

I just looked at the BTB's on their website and noticed something strange (at least to me).

Here's what the body of the BTB605 looks like:

The website lists the bass as having two "T1" pickups, but to my eyes it has four pickups. If these are dual-coil humbuckers configured as visually separate coils then it makes sense to me that each separately visible coil should be split, so they can be chosen separately, giving multiple single-coil like options, but not so. The switches are active/passive and mid-frequency selection.

This seems like a missed opportunity to me.

 

[Nuage420]

I just looked at the BTB's on their website and noticed something strange (at least to me).

Here's what the body of the BTB605 looks like:

View attachment 4529267

The website lists the bass as having two "T1" pickups, but to my eyes it has four pickups. If these are dual-coil humbuckers configured as visually separate coils then it makes sense to me that each separately visible coil should be split, so they can be chosen separately, giving multiple single-coil like options, but not so. The switches are active/passive and mid-frequency selection.

This seems like a missed opportunity to me.

When I get mine I'm going to get rid of that preamp replace it with a tone capsule the switches for some single parallel series options. I went full active on my EHB with jus6 vol blend and tone capsule and have zero regrets
I'm not super excited about the T1 design. I hope the measurements end up the same length as a P4 so if I switch them out it'll only require a little bit of routing

 

[fourstringbliss]

When I get mine I'm going to get rid of that preamp replace it with a tone capsule the switches for some single parallel series options. I went full active on my EHB with jus6 vol blend and tone capsule and have zero regrets
I'm not super excited about the T1 design. I hope the measurements end up the same length as a P4 so if I switch them out it'll only require a little bit of routing

Yeah, my challenge in buying one of these would be there's no way to try one out first. Other than the Powerspan pickups I haven't been impressed with any stock Ibanez made pickups. Their Nordstrand ones are great, but then they're Nordstrands.

 

[Nuage420]

Yeah, my challenge in buying one of these would be there's no way to try one out first. Other than the Powerspan pickups I haven't been impressed with any stock Ibanez made pickups. Their Nordstrand ones are great, but then they're Nordstrands.

Which is exactly what I'll swap in if I don't like the T1. I'll try the rewiring and preamp swap pretty much immediately. I've had 5 or so basses with the Ibanez pre and and I'm just not a fan after trying the John East and tone capsule.

 

[fourstringbliss]

Which is exactly what I'll swap in if I don't like the T1. I'll try the rewiring and preamp swap pretty much immediately. I've had 5 or so basses with the Ibanez pre and and I'm just not a fan after trying the John East and tone capsule.

I hope it works out for you, pickup size wise!

 

[Selta]

I just looked at the BTB's on their website and noticed something strange (at least to me).

Here's what the body of the BTB605 looks like:

The website lists the bass as having two "T1" pickups, but to my eyes it has four pickups. If these are dual-coil humbuckers configured as visually separate coils then it makes sense to me that each separately visible coil should be split, so they can be chosen separately, giving multiple single-coil like options, but not so. The switches are active/passive and mid-frequency selection.

This seems like a missed opportunity to me.

Visually, though, they look really good in there. I'm not one to swap pickups (even pre-Dingwall days). I wonder how many wires are coming off the pickups and if you could put at least series/parallel toggles in there. Hopefully you can!

 

[Nuage420]

I hope it works out for you, pickup size wise!

I'm not afraid of routing or having a gap around the pickups. Function first, form can be adapted.

 

[Npunk42]

I mean, in a regular bass, 37" scale is huge. too long for most of us. but in multiscale, is that still true?

Yes and no. The scale is 37" on the low B string. The point of having a very long B string is so the tension would be good with a thinner string. I love my Dingwall for that reason. You may want to access the low C on the B string, it will be a reach for you. I think long strings sound better so I'm all in on long scale basses. My question is what strings are going on this thing. NYXLs? I hope so, the one thing I miss playing my Dingwall is D'Addario strings. There is something about the Dingwall string set I dont care for.

 

[Npunk42]

SO to you guys that play Multiscale basses do you notice a difference in feel or playing technique ?? Ive never played one before , any tricks/tips ? thanks

First, just relax. The last thing you will think about is the fan fretting. Once in a while I fret the wrong note, but I cant put the blame on fanned frets all the time.

 

[ardgedee]

The website lists the bass as having two "T1" pickups, but to my eyes it has four pickups. If these are dual-coil humbuckers configured as visually separate coils then it makes sense to me that each separately visible coil should be split, so they can be chosen separately, giving multiple single-coil like options, but not so.

Each T1 humbucker consists of two separate components, kind of the way each Precision Bass humbucker is also comprised of two components. Even though the T1s are stacked along the strings rather than across them, if that makes sense.

It strikes me as a maybe the best physical layout for a humbucker for a multiscale: They only have to build a single pickup which can be paired up to provide equal (and scale-appropriate) coverage of all strings. Even Dingwall's pickups aren't staggered as precisely. Of course this doesn't guarantee good sound, but it strikes me as a means *towards* better control over the pickup's output, and if the T1 doesn't hack it maybe some enterprising third parties will dive in.

And yeah, it's too bad Ibanez isn't allowing for pickup splitting, but it's been pretty rare for them to provide that sort of control anyway, the only examples I can think of are some of their basses with three-pickup humbuckers.

 

[Selta]

Even Dingwall's pickups aren't staggered as precisely. it

Wat?

 

[TheOriginalName]

This begs the question actually. Warwick also makes a 35.5 inch multiscale unveiled sometime after the Ibanez SRMS models. I wonder if they’ll ever make a 37” fan fret too.

 

[Nuage420]

 

[edthebass]

58:00

Yes, I know I need a life.

 

[TTA]

I really don’t see why this thread had to turn into a circular debate about the benefits and redundancies of multiscale instruments carried through a medium of insults and mutual neglect to respect differences in taste :/.

Not everyone likes multiscale, not everyone sees the benefit, that’s okay. Nor does everyone like short scale and playing with heavier/lighter gauges. That’s cool too. You can attempt to understand the other “side” if you want, but there’s no obligation to, and there’s especially no reason to get huffy if you can’t.

Little known fact: the internet was originally invented as a way for people to argue their pre-determined beliefs. :-D

I have my preferences, and i am very opinionated… but i do 4/5/6, and short, 33.75, 34, 37. I like the variety and i recommend others try different things also.