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Ibanez BTB owners - show your BTB's

fourstringbliss

fourstringbliss

Supporting Member
Oct 5, 2003
12,442
6,016
56
Puyallup, WA
#1
I know that Ibanez isn't held in much regard by most folks here (from what I've read), but I sure do like my Ibby BTB555.

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Who else owns a BTB of any kind? Show pics! What do you like most about your BTB?

My favorite thing about my BTB is the vari mid control.
 
#2
Hey, I love my BTB. I don't even remember the actual model, but it is the same design as above, but with the Ibanez pickups (not the new Barts), 5-string and blue - the same ones being blown out everywhere for just under $400 new.

Yeah, great bass. Neck a little wider than my other 5s, but that's OK. Nice solid low end and well built. Nice looking too. I believe they are blowing these out (Invalid Link Removed for example but there are other dealers) because the newer models have upgraded pickups. Hey, for under $400 mine was a steal and a tremendous bargain. I'm very happy with it.
 
#5
cheezewiz said:
Actually, I think BtB's are held in decent regard. I'm more than willing to bash most Ibanez, but the BtBs are nice basses.
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It does seem that at least the BTB450 series and up are held in fairly high regard. The BTB555 is a really good bass for the money. I haven't played the BTB1205, but they sure look nicely made. If I had the $1200 they cost new I'd be buying a Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe, Skyline Joe Osborn 5, or a Skyline Daryll Jones 5 from The Dude.
 
#6
I ain't got any great pics of my BTB405QM, but here is a one taken with my webcam...

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Me! With a five string? :eek: I know, I'm shocked myself!
Mind you, it's a great bass, my favourite Ibanez bass model apart from the GWB for sure! I love it, it's great for laying down big grooves. Since it's 35" scale and my Kubick is 32", I like to sit in my chair with my BTB and pretend I'm Anthony Jackson (even though he's known for the 36" scale basses!) laying down immense grooves!
 
#11
fourstringbliss said:
Thanks about the pics. You've got quite a stable! What drew you to the BTB556?
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I wanted to try more melodic upper register playing, but my Conklin 7-string neck was too wide to play for long. I wanted to replace it with a sub-$1000 6-string. As it turns out, the Peavey Grind sounded too dark for my taste and just didn't "feel right" and the Spector Legend is too heavy, even if I did like its tone, so these will probably be on the market soon. I've also tried a Dean Edge and an ESP (can't recall the model number), but didn't like their tones either.

Out of curiousity and frustration, I ordered the BTB from AMS. So far, I like the tonal capability, I can play fingerstyle and slap on it and the weight/ weight balance is good. I also liked the Schecter Stilleto Studio 5, but never found a 6-string to play. I've heard good things about the Yamaha TRB1006, but no one has those in stock to even order. The Hondo units all seem to require upgrading to sound good, something that I didn't want to bother with.

Having said that, I can't help but wonder what some aftermarket Barts in place of the MK1's and a different Bart pre would sound like on the BTB 556...

Have fun!
 

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