Ibanez Unveils BTB Light Multi-Scale Basses
Ibanez introduced multi-scale versions of their boutique-styled BTB model a few years ago, and now they’ve introduced a refined version of them for NAMM. The BTB Light Multi-Scale Basses feature subtler scale differences between the highest and lowest strings. Where the earlier models ran from 37 inches to 34 inches, the new lineup has five-string basses that run from 35 inches on the B string to 34 inches on the G.
The lineup also has the first ever seven-string multi-scale BTB. The BTB7MS features a 9-piece maple, Panga Panga, and walnut neck with graphite reinforcements. Its body wings are ash and okoume while its top is bubinga.
The new five-string models are the BTB705LM (with an ash/okoume body and rosewood fingerboard) and the BTB605MLM (with an okoume body, flame maple fretboard, and pearl matte finish). All of the BTB Light Multi-Scale basses are fitted with Ibanez’s T1 pickups and a 3-band EQ with switchable mid frequencies.
The basses will be priced at $1,199 for the BTB705LM, $1,149 for the BTB605MLM, and $1,399 for the BTB7MS.
Ibanez BTB705LM Bass Specs:
| Scale: | Multi-scale 889mm/35″ scale at 5th string, 864mm/34″ scale at 1st string |
| Body: | Ash/Okoume Wings |
| Top: | Flamed Maple |
| Neck: | 5pc Maple/Walnut neck-through w/ Graphite reinforcement rods |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood |
| Frets: | 24 Medium Stainless Steel frets with Zero fret |
| Inlays: | Abalone Dots |
| Pickups: | Ibanez T1 |
| Electronics: | Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ, EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), 3-way Mid frequency switch |
| Bridge: | MR5S bridge (19mm string spacing) |
| Hardware: | Black |
| Finishes: | Natural Browned Burst Flat, Cosmic Blue Starburst Low Gloss |
Ibanez BTB Light Multi-Scale Bass Photos:
Ibanez BTB605MLM Bass Specs:
| Scale: | Multi-scale 889mm/35″ scale at 5th string, 864mm/34″ scale at 1st string |
| Body: | Okoume Wings |
| Neck: | 5pc Maple/Walnut neck-through w/ Graphite reinforcement rods |
| Fretboard: | Flamed Maple |
| Frets: | 24 Medium Stainless Steel frets with Zero fret |
| Inlays: | Abalone Dots |
| Pickups: | Ibanez T1 |
| Electronics: | Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ, EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), 3-way Mid frequency switch |
| Bridge: | MR5S bridge (19mm string spacing) |
| Hardware: | Gold |
| Finishes: | Pearl White Matte |
Ibanez BTB7MS Bass Specs:
| Scale: | Multi-scale 889mm/35″ scale at 7th string, 852mm/33.5″ scale at 1st string |
| Body: | Ash/Okoume Wings |
| Neck: | 9pc Maple/Panga Panga/Walnut neck-through w/Graphite reinforcement rods |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood |
| Frets: | 24 Medium Stainless Steel frets with Zero fret |
| Inlays: | Abalone Dots |
| Pickups: | Ibanez T1 |
| Electronics: | Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ, EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), 3-way Mid frequency switch |
| Bridge: | MR5S bridge (15.5mm string spacing) |
| Hardware: | Black |
| Finishes: | Natural Mocha Low Gloss |
Check out our NAMM 2024 index for all the bass news from the show.
Why are these called “light”? Are they supposedly light weight basses then? ~And if so, why doesn’t Ibanez have enough consideration (or maybe respect?) for bass players to include some average weights in their spec writeups??
Hey Greywoulf,
‘Light’ refers to a light fanning of the frets, means a smaller difference (1″ or 1.5″ depending on the model) of the scale lengths than usually used (for other models either from Ibanez or other manufacturers you often have 3″, eg. 34″ to 37″). It’s not about the weight, which would indeed by an interesting information, as I am really thinking about getting the 7-string BTB as soons as it’s available :-)
Ahhhh, understand now… But it would indeed be ‘customer friendly’ for bass guitar makers to include their product’s average weights in their specs! ~If you research a $300 plus BG online at Sweetwater (no affiliation) you’ll find actual weights of several of the same model listed for you to choose from… ~Would be so great if all manufacturers and/or dealers of BGs would also do this!