New Ibanez (headless, multiscale)

[BioWeapon]

(snip)
And then there's the very limited choice of strings. None of the strings I wanted to use were available for it.
(snip)

Seriously. All I could find was Dunlop, Dingwall, and Payson being made specifically for the 37-34 scale. There's a couple string manufacturers that make a string long enough that they don't need to be specific to that scale length, but it's not like most local stores will stock any of this stuff.

 

[lucas303]

My advice is to make sure you do try multi-scale first--either borrow from someone or go test in a store. I was one of those people who wondered if I'd be okay with it, and vast majority of people in forums said they got used to it very quickly and didn't even have to think about it, while some said playing certain chords higher up on the neck was a real problem.

I wanted a Dingwall badly for it's amazingly articulate tone and stellar reputation, so I bought one without ever playing one. I spent the next several months trying to get used to it, and I never could get as comfortable on it as I could with normal frets. It's true that playing some chords up on the neck was nearly impossible because physiologically your fingers can't twist that way, but even without playing chords, the lower frets simply extended too far away and the spacing between each fret too wide. I felt like a child playing an adult's bass, whereas on a normal 34" scale bass, I could cover one finger per fret comfortably. It just wasn't as easy to play.

And then there's the very limited choice of strings. None of the strings I wanted to use were available for it.

It's an amazing bass--but for someone else. I couldn't get comfortable with it.

The Ibanez multi-scale is not nearly as severe as Dingwall's, and maybe it's not much of an issue, but at this point I just want to play on normal 34" scale because it's so comfortable.

I have a Dingwall NG2 and an Ibanez SRMS805. The degree of fan to the Ibanez multiscale isn't in the same ballpark as the Dingwall. The Ibanez is hardly noticeable, whereas the Dingwall is definitely an animal of its own. Anyone on the fence about multiscale would do well to try the Ibanez multiscale basses because they'll probably feel natural in a matter of minutes. If you like that, maybe then try the Dingwall. Going straight to the Dingwall seems like too extreme of a jump, IMO.

 

[Lunatique]

I have a Dingwall NG2 and an Ibanez SRMS805. The degree of fan to the Ibanez multiscale isn't in the same ballpark as the Dingwall. The Ibanez is hardly noticeable, whereas the Dingwall is definitely an animal of its own. Anyone on the fence about multiscale would do well to try the Ibanez multiscale basses because they'll probably feel natural in a matter of minutes. If you like that, maybe then try the Dingwall. Going straight to the Dingwall seems like too extreme of a jump, IMO.

What's it like to play various chords high up on the neck on Ibanez fan-frets? Are some fingerings nearly impossible like on the Dingwall?

 

[lucas303]

What's it like to play various chords high up on the neck on Ibanez fan-frets? Are some fingerings nearly impossible like on the Dingwall?

Night and day...

 

[Rob112]

My advice is to make sure you do try multi-scale first--either borrow from someone or go test in a store. I was one of those people who wondered if I'd be okay with it, and vast majority of people in forums said they got used to it very quickly and didn't even have to think about it, while some said playing certain chords higher up on the neck was a real problem.

I wanted a Dingwall badly for it's amazingly articulate tone and stellar reputation, so I bought one without ever playing one. I spent the next several months trying to get used to it, and I never could get as comfortable on it as I could with normal frets. It's true that playing some chords up on the neck was nearly impossible because physiologically your fingers can't twist that way, but even without playing chords, the lower frets simply extended too far away and the spacing between each fret too wide. I felt like a child playing an adult's bass, whereas on a normal 34" scale bass, I could cover one finger per fret comfortably. It just wasn't as easy to play.

And then there's the very limited choice of strings. None of the strings I wanted to use were available for it.

It's an amazing bass--but for someone else. I couldn't get comfortable with it.

The Ibanez multi-scale is not nearly as severe as Dingwall's, and maybe it's not much of an issue, but at this point I just want to play on normal 34" scale because it's so comfortable.

That’s exactly what my fear is. Coming back on here and seeing Dingwalls everywhere now made me consider it, but you reinforce my decision to wait until I know for sure it’s something I would want.

Believe it or not this forum makes me want to spend money on gear I may or may not need lol

 

[Aidil]

Night and day...

Are those black nylon tapes on the SRMS? or the Black Beauties?

 

[Lunatique]

Night and day...

What about string choices?

 

[Aidil]

What about string choices?

The SRMS (or older SRFF) series has plenty of string choices. The 4 string models can use most available long scale strings (37.1" winding length or longer, but probably older long scale sets with 36.5" winding length could also do). On the 5 string and 6 string models, the EADG(C) strings can use most available long scale strings (37.1" winding length or longer). Only the low-B that needs a slightly longer winding length.

I'm using Elixir Extra Long Scale (38" winding length) on mine (it came with D'Addario Super Long Scale). But, there were reports that 37.75" winding length would also suffice. DR Strings fans could pick any of DR's long scale sets.

 

[lucas303]

Are those black nylon tapes on the SRMS? or the Black Beauties?

Black beauties. I got them on a whim and quite like them, though they're certainly not perfect.

What about string choices?

For the SRMS805, pretty much the sky's the limit. In addition to the black beauties and the strings that came on it, I've also had chromes on mine. For the Dingwall, string choices are way more limited.

 

[thumbs&fingers]

So I got mine yesterday. Just put 3 hours of songs of various styles (reggae,rock, pop) on it. Thing plays exceptionally well given the price point. The Ibanez stock pre actually sounds good to my ear, and I normally prefer boutique instruments. As has been stated in several reviews the bart bh pickups are a lesser version of what a bart can do, it really only disappoints in passive. Be better for it was just straight active which sounds good. I ordered Bart p4 cbc’s that I’m going to have swapped out. The neck and fretboard as others have stated are finished very well from factory. Bass feels like a way more expensive build. Kudos to Ibanez for figuring out how to bring this in at suck a low price. Some complained about the nut, it cut perfectly and there’s nothing to complain about. I did some research and observed on tusq website that they supply Ibanez. It didn’t state which models, but intonation on this bass factory no additional set up is better than a few basses I have that are twice the price! This thing is so easy to play it’s ridiculous, I have had at least six dingwalls 34-37” scale which are very good but not as comfortable as this with the scale at 33-35”. I will be installing rotosound ultramag strings when the USA barts arrive. I didn’t think I would like the sea foam green in matte-but it really looks good in person and there’s no one else who had balls to put a classic color on a modern headless bass, so it works.

I originally ordered a 1005ms from sweetwater in black which is still in route. The one I have I found in the UK last Wednesday and they could get it here faster. When the second one gets her I’m going to put Aguilar DBC’s in it.

 

[gigetto]

Aguilar is better than original Bartolini?

 

[MovinTarget]

Aguilar is better than original Bartolini?

Not better; *different*

Different people play different styles and so some work better *in that person's hands* for certain styles.

This is why some musicians have several instruments each one is particularly made for a certain style(s).

If you only play one type of music, you might get a better response if you were to ask,

"Is Aguilar better than Bartolini for <insert music style here>?"

Having said that, there are plenty of opinions on TB:
aguilar vs bartolini? + pickup questions

Bartolini vs Nordstrand Pickups

Nordstrand DC VS Aguilar DCB


Seriously, google "Nordstrand vs Aguilar" or "Bartolini vs Nordstrand", etc and you'll find lots of *OPINIONS* (i.e. heavy on personal experience with some hopefully accurate techinal info)

 

[Aidil]

Agree. They're just different. None is better than the other.

 

[Arjank]

Unfortunately I had to drop my bass off to be sent to Ibanez for inspection and possible repair. The truss rod could not be tightened

Was the truss rod really at maximum (no movement at all) or did it take a bit of force to move it?
I tried to adjust the truss rod on my EHB1500 and although it moved it took a bit more force then on my other basses. It looked like it changed the relief a tiny bit though.

 

[Arjank]

Was the truss rod really at maximum (no movement at all) or did it take a bit of force to move it?
I tried to adjust the truss rod on my EHB1500 and although it moved it took a bit more force then on my other basses. It looked like it changed the relief a tiny bit though.

Maybe, just maybe, the truss rod on the EHB1500 is less easy to adjust because of the graphite reinforcement rods.

 

[Aidil]

Maybe, just maybe, the truss rod on the EHB1500 is less easy to adjust because of the graphite reinforcement rods.

Probably, but that should applies to all EHB series since all EHB necks have graphite reinforcement rods inside.

 

[Arjank]

Probably, but that should applies to all EHB series since all EHB necks have graphite reinforcement rods inside.

True, but I haven't read any other comments on truss rod adjustment (yet)

 

[Aidil]

True, but I haven't read any other comments on truss rod adjustment (yet)

My EHB1005MS felt just like any other basses of mine when I adjusted the truss rod the first time I received it, in which I had to tighten the truss rod as the neck was bowed. The EHB is currently my one and only bass which has graphite reinforcement rods inside the neck.

Then just about a week ago when I took off the stock XL Nickels in favor of same gauge NYXL, I had to readjust the truss rod to compensate NYXL lighter tension by loosening it. It didn't feel anything special than turning the truss rod(s) of my other basses.

 

[thumbs&fingers]

Aguilar is better than original Bartolini?

both make very good products, I’m just looking at what will be easiest to drop in to 1005ms easiest. Both USA bartolini and Aguilar dcb will be a sonic upgrade.

 

[danjocastro]

I really like the roasted maple necks but wonder about side-dot visibility. I know they glow in the dark but i am curious about visibility in well lit situations.

Is it hard to see the light colored side-dots against the roasted maple on these basses?