Ibanez Adds Three Multi-Scale BTB Bass Models for 2022

Ibanez is introducing several new iterations of their bass models this year including three new multi-scale versions of the BTB. The BTB805MS, BTB806MS, and BTB605MS all have an extended 37-inch scale on the B-string. The extra length provides a “robust and powerful lo B tone” with greater potential for drop tuning, they write.

The five-string BTB805MS and six-string BTB806MS are built with ash and okoume body wings as well as a poplar burl top. Their five-piece necks are made from maple and walnut with a bound panga panga fretboard. Other common features include medium stainless steel frets, a three-band EQ, and a zero fret. The BTB605MS carries the same features, but drops the figured top and has a different finish.

Another important aspect of the trio of basses is Ibanez’s new T1 bass pickups. “These pickups are humbuckers, but each coil is housed separately, meaning all of the coils are individually mounted to the body,” Ibanez writes. “This accomplishes two things. First, the coils can be set at different heights independent of one another, allowing for very nuanced adjustments to the sound, and the individually mounted coils allow for a more diagonal orientation. This creates a more level surface on the pickup’s top edge, making for a more effective thumb rest. This is a major ergonomic improvement since many multi-scale instruments require tilting conventional pickups, which reduces the available surface area to use as a thumb rest.”

Hear the pickups in action with this demo featuring Bitoku:

The new Ibanez BTB multi-scale basses will be available soon with prices of $1,299 for the BTB605MS, $1,449 for the BTB805MS, and $1,499 for BTB806MS.

Ibanez BTB BTB806MS Bass Specs:

Ibanez BTB BTB805MS Bass Specs:

Ibanez BTB BTB605MS Bass Specs: