Ibanez Unveils EHB Headless Bass Series

Headless bass designs were a big theme at the 2020 Winter NAMM Show, and Ibanez got in on the action with their new EHB (or Ergonomic Headless Bass) series. The models have a new, specially designed body that maintains its playing position whether you’re sitting or standing.

“The contoured, ergonomic design and chambered body make for a lightweight, well-balanced, and comfortable instrument that’s excellent for long sets or practice sessions,” Ibanez states. “There is an extended relief cut on the back of the body behind the lower horn for easier upper fret access. Also, the top half of the back of the body is slanted which allows the bass to rest slightly closer to the player’s body for better control and a more ergonomic feel.”

The line is split into two variations: the straight-ahead EHB1000 series and the more extravagant EHB1500 series. Ibanez builds the 1000s with an American basswood body, a five-piece roasted maple and walnut neck with graphite reinforcements, and a roasted maple fingerboard. A pair of Bartolini BH2 humbuckers are matched to an active/passive 3-band EQ that also has a variable mid-frequency. Schaller S-Lock strap locks are included, and the output jack is a locking model by Neutrik. Ibanez also introduced a new bridge for the EHB.

“The MR5HS bridge is designed especially for the EHB series and features a wide intonation range,” they write. “Each bridge piece is independently and securely attached to the body for maximum vibration transfer, and the saddles are adjustable for string spacing +/-1.5mm. Teflon washers are used on each tuner for a smooth tuning action.”

The EHB1000s come in four or five-string versions with the five-string being available in single or multi-scale necks. Finally, they ship with a gig bag and a detachable finger ramp.

The EHB1500 series is part of Ibanez’s Premium line and steps things up with an African Mahogany body topped with poplar burl, a nine-piece panga panga and walnut neck, and a panga panga fretboard. Its electronics package is complete with Nordstrand Big Split humbuckers, also paired with an active/passive 3-band EQ with sweepable mids. Similar to the 1000 series, the Premium models have the MR5HS bridge, Schaller strap locks, Neutrik locking jack, finger ramp, and gig bag. They add a six-string model to the mix. The four-string version is only available in a single scale, while the five-string can be single or multi-scale, and the six-string is only offered in multi-scale.

The Ibanez EHB series will be available soon. The EHB1000 models will have price points between $1,099 and $1,249. The EBH1500s will go from $1,499 to $1,799.

Ibanez EHB1000 Series Headless Bass Specs:

Ibanez EHB1500 Series Headless Bass Specs: