NAMM: Ibanez BTB Bass Goes Downscale

BRB300BGWNF

The Ibanez BTB Series was originally designed to offer bassists the select woods, passive pickujps and high tech hardware and active EQ's of the small "boutique" shops--but at production bass prices. They were also designed as a thicker neck alternative than the company's narrow necked Soundgear basses.

However, not everyone was comfortable with the extra long 35" neck scale, one of the signature features of the BTB line. In response to Ibanez retailer requests for a standard scale version, the new BTB300 features the 34" neck scale of most basses--and at $649.99, it's also the least expensive member of the BTB line up.

The BTB300 does come equipped with many of the other signature BTB features such as Neutrik locking jacks and the Mono-Rail II bridge which features isolated saddles. The body is made of mahogany for warmth and sustain to which a bubinga top is added for tonal balance.

Model BTB300 Specs:

• List: $649.99
• Available Finish: WNF (Walnut Flat)
• Body Material: Mahogany Body with Bubinga Top
• Neck Material: 5 pc Maple/Walnut
• Neck Scale: 34"
• No. Frets/Type: 23/Medium
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlay: Pearl Dot
• Bridge: Mono-Rail II
• H/W Color: Satin Nickel
• Neck Pickup: SPJ-4N Stacked J Passive
• Bridge Pickup: SPJ-4B Stacked J Passive
• EQ: EQB-IIB 2-Band
• Controls: Two volume and 2-band EQ
• Other Special Features: Neutrik Locking Jack
• Case: ATK1000C
• Case List: $149.99