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Ibanez TMB300 (Talman Bass)

Bass Master General

Bass Master General

Guest
Nov 20, 2014
252
309
Brooklyn, NY
#1
Hi all,

Anybody on here have experience with the Ibanez Talman TMB300 or TMB100? I'm considering one for my next purchase. On top of being absolutely gorgeous (that blue/tort job will be a nice match for my similarly torted James Johnston CV), I like the pickup configuration. How's the neck? Durability? Worth the extra $$$ for the dual-J pups? Good value for the price or is it simply another cheap instrument? All thoughts (other than "use the search function") will be greatly appreciated...
 
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#4
Maybe shoot a PM to the guy who posted to the big thread today about being on tour opening for Blues Traveler with his TMB100? In the past I've found most TB'ers are eager to share their experiences if asked.
 
#5
That's me!

I love mine (tmb100).

I upgraded the bridge (just because I had one laying around) and tuners (this felt necessary to take it on the road) and installed straplocks.

Other than that all I've done is put my favorite strings on (DR Lo Riders, but I'd like to try cobalt flats on it) and set it up.

I've got Rics (which are my favorite basses), fenders, oddball pieces, custom made stuff, and this bass just feels right.

My bro just started playing bass in a band and I told him to use whatever he liked, he consistently picked the Ibanez as his favorite.

Everywhere I go people comment on the tone of this bass, and when I tell em it cost $150, they're shocked.

I'll eventually get a TMB300 because that navy metallic is irresistible to me.

I hate the bridge pickup on it. Seemed silly to pair a noisy single coil with the P. Although I suppose it's common. I always go full on P. I never like my pickups that far back though, so its more my personal taste than a comment on the bass.

Hate active basses, but finding the 2 band EQ really useful for adding thick bottom and removing harshness on the fly if needed. Worked especially well in my cover band where I'd need to change things up slightly from song to song.

I'm not gonna say it beats MIA fenders and Sadowskys, but I think it's just as playable (been able to get super low action if I want it, and love the neck shape), has an unmistakable and really powerful classic Pbass tone and looks great. Seems to be reliable as well.

I've been recommending these to people starting out or just looking for something in this price range (I've also owned squiers and SX and played toslns of other brands/models).

If you want a p style bass, I'd look no further.
 
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#6
primussucks9126 said:
That's me!

I love mine (tmb100).

I upgraded the bridge (just because I had one laying around) and tuners (this felt necessary to take it on the road) and installed straplocks.

Other than that all I've done is put my favorite strings on (DR Lo Riders, but I'd like to try cobalt flats on it) and set it up.

I've got Rics (which are my favorite basses), fenders, oddball pieces, custom made stuff, and this bass just feels right.

My bro just started playing bass in a band and I told him to use whatever he liked, he consistently picked the Ibanez as his favorite.

Everywhere I go people comment on the tone of this bass, and when I tell em it cost $150, they're shocked.

I'll eventually get a TMB300 because that navy metallic is irresistible to me.

I hate the bridge pickup on it. Seemed silly to pair a noisy single coil with the P. Although I suppose it's common. I always go full on P. I never like my pickups that far back though, so its more my personal taste than a comment on the bass.

Hate active basses, but finding the 2 band EQ really useful for adding thick bottom and removing harshness on the fly if needed. Worked especially well in my cover band where I'd need to change things up slightly from song to song.

I'm not gonna say it beats MIA fenders and Sadowskys, but I think it's just as playable (been able to get super low action if I want it, and love the neck shape), has an unmistakable and really powerful classic Pbass tone and looks great. Seems to be reliable as well.

I've been recommending these to people starting out or just looking for something in this price range (I've also owned squiers and SX and played toslns of other brands/models).

If you want a p style bass, I'd look no further.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response! I've seen a lot of quality control horror stories related to this bass so it's nice to hear an on-the-road testimonial...
 
#9
I bought a YMB 300. It was a great deal and a fine bass.

It would have needed some mods to become a regular player for me: the original bridge was a bit flimsy for my tastes, the tuners felt gritty, and I wasn't completely confident in the rat's nest of internal wiring(the battery clip let go of one of it's terminals on the first battery change. Finally a good fret leveling was in order. After considering this, I decided to sell it simply because the expense, while making it an EXCELLENT player, would still not propel it past my beloved vintage(decrepit & old to some, glorious to me) Fender Precisions & Jazzes in gigging choice. It's on consignment for CHEAP at a local dealer and someone else can enjoy it "as is" or tweak it to their heart's delight.
 

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