Ibanez Introduces Two New BTB Singlecut Basses

[TalkBass]

Bensalem, PA – New for 2023, Ibanez has introduced two new additions to its singlecut BTB lineup. The BTB865SC and BTB866SC combine the unique, high-end aesthetics of a single cut bass with sleek and aggressive visuals. These instruments bring to bear many popular BTB features such as neck-thru construction, a mono-rail bridge, an Ibanez custom 3-band EQ, and a 35” scale length. What sets them apart is the unique combination of Ash capped body wings finished in a compelling Weathered Black Low Gloss. These design choices deliver an appearance the combines, quite effectively, the boutique attributes of natural wood tops, with the modern energy of solid finishes. Other notable features include a Rosewood fretboard, zero fret, detachable finger ramp, and medium stainless steel frets.


Features

BTB865SC

• BTB5 5pc Maple/Walnut neck-through w/Graphite reinforcement rods
• Zero fret
• 889mm/35" scale
• Ash top/Ash/Okoume wing body
• Rosewood fretboard w/Abalone dot inlay
• Medium Stainless Steel frets
• Bartolini® BH2 neck pickup
• Bartolini® BH2 bridge pickup
• Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ
• 3-way Mid frequency switch
• MR5 bridge (19mm string spacing)
• Black hardware
• Detachable Finger ramp
• Finish: Weathered Black Low Gloss

LIST: $1,584.43

ESTIMATED STREET PRICE: $1,149.99

BTB866SC

• BTB6 5pc Maple/Walnut neck-through w/Graphite reinforcement rods
• Zero fret
• 35" scale
• Ash top/Ash/Okoume wing body
• Rosewood fretboard w/Abalone dot inlay
• Medium Stainless Steel frets
• Bartolini® BH2 neck pickup
• Bartolini® BH2 bridge pickup
• Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ
• 3-way Mid frequency switch
• MR5 bridge (17mm string spacing)
• Black hardware
• Detachable Finger ramp
• Finish: Weathered Black Low Gloss
  

LIST: $1,653.32

ESTIMATED STREET PRICE: $1,199.99

 

[klattman]

Anyone else think that the color on the back is better than the front?

 

[Nashrakh]

Right up my alley. The combination of a zero fret, a ramp and the single cut already sold me on this one -- here's hoping I get to test drive one of these.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

I love it.

 

[calypsocoral302]

Anyone else think that the color on the back is better than the front?

Not really. I like the cold, unforgiving, industrial look of low-gloss finishes over sand-blasted swamp ash. Sandberg used to be awesome with it!

 

[bongostealth]

35" scale, single cut, zero fret, and most importantly to me, stainless steel frets!! No worrying about my strings eating up my frets! That's a sharp looking bass!

 

[Jason Bonilla]

I actually really like BTBs, I started on an entry level SRs and liked it because it was all I knew, as i moved on to other basses though, every time I tried another SR even high end ones I just didn't gel with the feel or sound. BTBs are great though, I've played a mid level 5 and 6 string and they feel very nice and sound pretty good.

 

[wintremute]

Anyone else think that the color on the back is better than the front?

Not me. I just came in to post how gorgeous I think that bass is.

I think the back is very nice, too, and would also make a cool bass. But that sandblasted front is awesome.

 

[Five or Six]

Didn't see it in the specs. What's this thing weigh?

 

[Abyssus Sonum]

I've always liked the way those BTB's looked, both the single cuts and the more modern double cuts.
Love the zero fret! A while ago they even offered a 7 string. Seven strings, for Pete's sake

 

[Stranger Danger]

Didn't see it in the specs. What's this thing weigh?

They're made of wood so they will all be different weights.

 

[avalancheMM]

I have had great luck the the BTB series - I have a 4, 5, and 6 string, love them all! This one might have to be next!!

Regards,

 

[Abyssus Sonum]

I think they should do a high-gloss version next, something that really shines to showcase the beautiful woods they use. I know in the past some of them had oil rubbed finishes...

 

[Killing Floor]

Those look cool. I’ll be interested to try one.

The locking jack can go straight into the landfill though.

 

[srayb]

I wish the 6-string came in fretless... I've always loved the low-B on BTBs...

 

[Element Zero]

Been almost a decade since I last played a BTB. I remember the neck being uncomfortable. Back then I was into the 16.5mm 5s, but I’m more used to a flat wide 19mm spacing 5 string now so maybe I’d feel differently…

NOT a fan of the looks though.

 

[XLunacy]

On paper, amazing features/price ratio.

 

[pingvuiini]

I sure wish they made them lefty.

 

[Bob Coldwell]

I sure wish they made them lefty.

Yes. Me too!

 

[Kevin Hailey]

They (Ibanez) should really round off the body edges on the BTB basses. I owned one for a few days that had many issues, high on the list was it left a bruise on my leg and dug into my forearm