Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,900

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass is not just an instrument; it's an embodiment of fierce sound and innovative design, tailor-made for bassists who thrive on power and precision. This Ironbird features an angular nyatoh body that echoes the bold legacy of its namesake guitar, delivering both visual impact and sonic depth. The solid nyatoh construction ensures rich, mahogany-like sustain, perfect for those heavy music genres that demand nothing less than the best.

At the heart of the Ironbird's sound are the DiMarzio Split P pickups, which offer an extraordinary palette of tones. These pickups provide a modern musical identity with extended high and low frequencies, ideal for hard rock and metal enthusiasts. Whether you're picking or plucking, the Ironbird's pickups respond with sensitivity and clarity, offering everything from gritty drive tones to smooth, resonant lows. The 3-way pickup switch further expands your tonal possibilities, ensuring you're ready for any musical scenario.

The Ironbird's neck is designed for playability and stability, featuring a 34-inch scale and a sleek ebony fingerboard with 24 frets. The neck-through construction, coupled with the no-heel design, provides seamless access to higher frets and enhances overall resonance. The multi-piece maple neck guarantees durability and consistency, making it a reliable companion for both stage and studio.

Key Features:

  • Nyatoh body for mahogany-like sustain
  • DiMarzio Split P pickups for versatile, high-output tones
  • 3-way pickup switching for tonal variety
  • 34-inch scale with 24-fret ebony fingerboard
  • Neck-through construction for enhanced access and sustain
  • Multi-piece maple neck with no-heel design for stability and playability
  • Premium hardware including Hipshot KA bridge and Grover tuners

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Ironbird
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material 3-piece Maple
Neck Shape C
Neck Joint Neck-through
Radius 14"
Fingerboard Inlay Diamonds
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo, Nickel
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.57"
Bridge/Tailpiece Hipshot KickAss Bridge
Tuners Grover GH144
Neck Pickup Dimarzio Split P Neck Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Dimarzio Split P Bridge Single-coil
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'addario NYXL45105, .045-.105
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass best suited for?

The B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass, with its aggressive design and powerful DiMarzio pickups, is ideal for rock and metal genres, delivering punchy and clear tones that cut through the mix.

Does the B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass have a neck-through construction?

Yes, the B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass features a neck-through construction, which enhances sustain and provides easy access to higher frets.

What is the neck profile of the B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass?

The B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass has a C-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip for most playing styles, suitable for both fast playing and heavy riffing.

How many frets does the B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass have?

The B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass is equipped with 24 jumbo frets, allowing for extended range and versatility across the fingerboard.

Are the pickups on the B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass suitable for heavy music?

Yes, the DiMarzio Split P pickups on the B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass provide high output and clarity, making them suitable for heavy music styles such as metal and hard rock.

ArnoldPlaysGuitar

ArnoldPlaysGuitar

UNBIASED GEAR REVIEW - BC Rich Ironbird Mk.1 Bass Guitar

Video thumbnail for UNBIASED GEAR REVIEW - BC Rich Ironbird Mk.1 Bass Guitar by ArnoldPlaysGuitar

UNBIASED GEAR REVIEW - BC Rich Ironbird Mk.1 Bass Guitar

ArnoldPlaysGuitar

ArnoldPlaysGuitar

Video thumbnail for BC Rich Ironbird MK1 Legacy Bass Unboxing by John DeLuca

BC Rich Ironbird MK1 Legacy Bass Unboxing

John DeLuca

John DeLuca

Reviews

PROS

  • Responsive pickups with punchy tones and warm P bass sounds

  • Excellent neck, providing smooth playability and comfort

  • Great for metal and rock genres, offering a throaty sound

  • Handles downtuning well, maintaining stable tuning

  • Neck-through design enhances sustain and playability

  • Lighter wood combination without sacrificing tone quality

CONS

  • Notable neck dive, requiring a good strap to counterbalance

  • Quality control issues with finish and binding

  • Bridge and truss rod cover needing adjustments out of the box

  • High price point without a case included

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The Ironbird body style is iconic and often compared to Jo Bench's bass from Bolt Thrower for its distinctive battle tone.

    Source
  • The Gator Extreme hardshell case is a potential alternative for the Ironbird, but compatibility varies; it fits the Prophecy model better than the MK1.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest the power of two split DiMarzio Model P pickups for achieving a similar tone to Jo Bench's setup.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner mentions the need for neck work to fix the action, indicating potential setup issues with older models.

    Source
  • The lack of a dedicated MK1 case from BC Rich frustrates users, indicating potential challenges in protecting this model during transport.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find it difficult to part with their Ironbird due to its historical significance and personal band experiences, highlighting its value beyond just functionality.

    Source
  • Owners express dissatisfaction with the availability of compatible cases, emphasizing the delicate nature of the Ironbird's construction.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Ironbird bass, especially vintage models, can demand high prices due to rarity and the iconic design, often requiring serious offers for pristine conditions.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Ironbird's design makes it vulnerable to chipping, highlighting the need for a well-fitting case.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Ellefson uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

David Ellefson

Singer, Bassist

Megadeth

...
Verified via Photo

Played this bass o the "Wake Up Dead" videoclip back in 1986

See how Tom Araya uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Tom Araya

Singer, Bassist

Slayer

...
Verified via Photo

In a live show photo found on Pinterest, Tom Araya is clearly seen playing a B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass.

See how Glen Benton uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Glen Benton

Singer, Bassist

Deicide

...
Verified via YouTube

In Deicide's early years all the band played BC Rich instruments. Benton used mainly Ironbird basses with humbuckers (one black, as you can see in the video, and one red - there are many pictures of the red one if yuo search on the Internet).

See how D.D. Verni uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

D.D. Verni

Singer, Bassist

Overkill

...
Verified via Photo

A photo from the official Overkill Facebook account, posted in celebration of D.D. Verni's birthday, clearly shows him using a B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass.

See how Olve "Abbath" Eikemo uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Olve "Abbath" Eikemo

Singer, Guitarist

Immortal

...
Verified via Photo

Battles in the North's cover clearly shows Abbath with a B.C. Rich Ironbird: the bass he used for most of his time playing bass.

See how Terry Butler uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Terry Butler

Bassist

Obituary

...
Verified via Photo

Played that Bass Around 1989

See how Jo Bench uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Jo Bench

Bassist

Bolt Thrower

...
Verified via Photo

You can see her playing this bass in practically every photo taken of her playing live.

See how Joe Preston uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Joe Preston

Bassist

Melvins

...
Verified via Photo

In this photograph Joe Preston can be seen performing as Thrones wielding a BC Rich Ironbird Bass.

See how Bobby Dall uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Bobby Dall

Bassist

Poison

...
Verified via YouTube

Bobby can be seen playing his iconic neon green Ironbird Bass at 0:06 seconds

See how olve eikemo uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

olve eikemo

Singer, Guitarist

Immortal

...
Verified via Photo

Olve Eikemo is seen using a B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass in the image titled "Battle in the North," provided by Nuclearblast.

See how Kelly Nickels uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Kelly Nickels

Bassist

L.A. Guns

...
Verified via Photo

The image shows Kelly Nickels playing a B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass.

See how Masse Broberg uses B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass

Masse Broberg

Bassist

Dark Funeral

...
Verified via Photo

Used a Bc rich Ironbird Bas when he was Singer/Bassist of Dark Funeral

Album Usage

The B.C. Rich Ironbird Bass has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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