Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (11)
$1,399.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (7)
$1,399.99
Amazon
4.8 (9)
$1,399.99 New
$1,089.99 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$1,040.98 New
$850.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$1,399.99
zZounds
4.0 (2)
$1,399.99
Thomann
4.7 (12)
$1,215.00 $1,199.00 $16.00 · All time low

Average Price: $1,261

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "EHB1005MS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Ibanez EHB1005MS is a game-changer in the world of bass guitars. This 5-string, multi-scale electric bass combines innovation, versatility, and superior playability, making it a worthy addition to any bass player's arsenal. Crafted with a specially contoured American basswood body, this headless design is perfect for players who crave comfort and balance. Its 5-piece roasted maple/walnut neck and roasted birdseye maple fretboard are heat-treated for increased stability and moisture resistance, ensuring longevity, and reliable performance.

The EHB1005MS is powered by Bartolini BH2 pickups at the neck and bridge, offering a dynamic range of tones, from warm and rounded to aggressive and biting. The 3-band active EQ provides further control over your sound, and an EQ bypass switch allows the treble control to function as a passive tone control, ensuring you have all the tools you need to create your own unique sound.

The multi-scale fretboard gradually increases in size from the nut to bridge, providing balanced string tension and clear tone across all strings. The wider string spacing at the bridge allows for more dynamic and articulate playing styles. Premium components such as the MR5HS bridge with adjustable string spacing, the Schaller S Lock strap pins, and Neutrik locking jack, ensure a reliable and rock-solid performance.

Key Features:

  • 5-string, multi-scale electric bass
  • Headless design and contoured American basswood body
  • 5-piece roasted maple/walnut neck and roasted birdseye maple fretboard
  • 2 Bartolini BH2 pickups and 3-band active EQ
  • EQ bypass switch for passive mode
  • Multi-scale fretboard for balanced string tension
  • Wider string spacing at the bridge for dynamic playing styles
  • MR5HS bridge with adjustable string spacing
  • Schaller S Lock strap pins and Neutrik locking jack
  • Comes with detachable finger ramp and padded gig bag

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Bass Workshop EHB
Body Material American Basswood
Body Finish Satin Polyurethane
Neck Material 5-Piece Roasted Maple/Walnut
Neck Shape EHB5
Radius 19.6"
Fingerboard Inlay Abalone Off-set Dots
Number of Frets 24, Medium Stainless Steel
Scale Length 33-35"
Scale Length Type Multi-scale
Nut Width 1.771"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece MR5HS Mono Rail with Tuners
Tuners Ibanez Custom Headpieces
Neck Pickup Bartolini BH2 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Bartolini BH2 Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x balancer, 3-band Active EQ, 1 x EQ bypass switch
Strings .045-.130
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What is the advantage of the multi-scale design on the Ibanez EHB1005MS bass?

The multi-scale design of the EHB1005MS offers varying string tensions that enhance playability and tonal balance, especially for the lower strings. This design allows for better intonation and ergonomic comfort, making it ideal for extended range playing.

How does the Ibanez EHB1005MS handle different music genres?

The Ibanez EHB1005MS, with its Bartolini BH2 humbuckers and active EQ, provides a versatile tonal palette suitable for various genres from rock and metal to jazz and funk. Its ability to deliver both punchy lows and articulate highs makes it adaptable to diverse musical styles.

Is the Ibanez EHB1005MS suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ibanez EHB1005MS is well-suited for live performances. Its ergonomic headless design reduces weight, enhancing comfort during long gigs, while the active EQ allows for quick tonal adjustments on stage.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez EHB1005MS?

The Ibanez EHB1005MS features an American basswood body and a 5-piece roasted maple/walnut neck. This combination provides a balanced tone with a sturdy yet lightweight build, contributing to its playability and resonance.

Does the Ibanez EHB1005MS come with a case or gig bag?

Yes, the Ibanez EHB1005MS comes with a gig bag, offering protection and convenience for transporting the bass to rehearsals, gigs, or studio sessions.

Ibanez Guitar

Ibanez Guitar

Ibanez EHB1005MS Headless Bass featuring ichika

Video thumbnail for Ibanez EHB1005MS Headless Bass featuring ichika by Ibanez Guitar

Ibanez EHB1005MS Headless Bass featuring ichika

Ibanez Guitar

Ibanez Guitar

Video thumbnail for My Favorite Bass Of 2020 Already?! - Ibanez EHB1005MS [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

My Favorite Bass Of 2020 Already?! - Ibanez EHB1005MS [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Unboxing My Favorite Bass From NAMM!! [Ibanez EHB1005MS] by Patrick Hunter

Unboxing My Favorite Bass From NAMM!! [Ibanez EHB1005MS]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Ibanez EHB Series EHB1505MS VS EHB1005MS Bass Review (No Talking) by Music Force Official

Ibanez EHB Series EHB1505MS VS EHB1005MS Bass Review (No Talking)

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Video thumbnail for Ibanez EHB1005MS Review by Bully Thakidd

Ibanez EHB1005MS Review

Bully Thakidd

Bully Thakidd

Video thumbnail for LowEndLobster Fresh Look: Ibanez EHB1005MS One Month Later by LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster Fresh Look: Ibanez EHB1005MS One Month Later

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Ibanez EHB1005MS Revisited - 3 Years with the Bass that Started It All - LowEndLobster Fresh Look by LowEndLobster

Ibanez EHB1005MS Revisited - 3 Years with the Bass that Started It All - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Ibanez EHB1005MS (feat. Josh DuBois) | TAKE 5 by The Bass Channel

Ibanez EHB1005MS (feat. Josh DuBois) | TAKE 5

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Ibanez EHB1005MS Review (Nordstrand vs. Bartolini) by Matt Melody

Ibanez EHB1005MS Review (Nordstrand vs. Bartolini)

Matt Melody

Matt Melody

Video thumbnail for LowEndLobster Fresh Look: Ibanez EHB1005MS - Answering some questions! by LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster Fresh Look: Ibanez EHB1005MS - Answering some questions!

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design, around 3.5kg, ideal for long sessions

  • Comfortable, ergonomic neck with fast adjustment to fanned frets

  • Versatile sound with excellent EQ and mid-frequency controls

  • High-quality hardware, including reliable tuner/bridge modules

  • Roasted maple neck provides stability and aesthetic appeal

  • Compact size suitable for travel, fits in a standard guitar case

  • Exceptional playability, suitable for various music genres

  • Active preamp enhances passive pickup performance

  • Chambered body provides a balanced, comfortable feel

  • Easy string change with adjustable string spacing

CONS

  • Fretwork quality inconsistent, with noticeable file cuts

  • Locking jack input can damage cables and is non-intuitive

  • Bartolini pickups described as bland and lacking definition

  • Minor build quality issues, such as imperfect knob holes

  • Finish prone to dings and scratches without protective coating

  • Luminescent side dots often ineffective under moderate light

  • Pickup screws prone to stripping due to soft basswood body

  • Cannot hang the bass by the headstock due to headless design

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EHB1005MS.

Mods and upgrades

  • Aguilar pickups are considered a sought-after upgrade for the EHB1005MS, although sourcing in certain regions like Hong Kong is challenging.

    Source
  • Specific mention of Aguilar pickups as a popular modification choice, enhancing the bass's tonal quality after installation.

    Source
  • Owners recommend rewiring stock Bartolini pickups to parallel for a brighter tone, referencing the standard Bartolini wire colors for guidance.

    Source
  • Stock Bartolini pickups are often replaced with Nordstrands for improved tone clarity.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users replace stock knobs due to personal preference, indicating the ease of swapping them with set screw-secured alternatives.

    Source
  • Stacked knobs have been noted to stick if misaligned, requiring sanding or adjustments right from day one.

    Source
  • Owners report that the paint finish is thin and prone to chipping, especially during string changes.

    Source

User experience

  • Several owners describe the EHB1005MS as the most comfortable bass they've owned, citing the ergonomic design and lightweight build.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the lightweight design as a major benefit for gigging, reducing shoulder fatigue significantly during extended performances.

    Source
  • Users with both EHB1005MS and Fender Jazz basses prefer the parallel tone, suggesting rewiring as a tonal enhancement.

    Source
  • Side dots are difficult to see and do not retain their glow well, impacting visibility during performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The active EQ is praised for its versatility across a wide range of musical genres, providing adaptable sound shaping for various styles.

    Source
  • The unique body slant design can cause the bass to pivot on certain body types, depending on strap height.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The BTB806MS is noted as an alternative with better QC, albeit larger and potentially cumbersome for smaller players or confined spaces.

    Source
  • Low End Lobster’s videos compare EHB1005MS to EHB1505, noting significant tonal improvement with Big Splits pickups.

    Source
  • The 35.5" scale is seen as a compromise between standard 34" and longer scales like Dingwall’s 37", offering comfort with some benefits in tension.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users report replacing the locking jack with a non-locking variant to facilitate easier use with wireless systems.

    Source
  • The string changing process requires careful adjustment of the locking nut to prevent slippage, with a learning curve noted by several owners.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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4 star
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1 star
niki_fo

This beautiful ugly duckling!

After playing headless Status Washburn S1000 for years, and owning several multiscale Dingwalls this thing caught my eye. And - damn man, I love it. I do like to slappa ma bass, so headless was kind of "my thing" right from the start, because it's...well, a bit snappier than the usual headed bass, and let's be honest - everybody is hot for the headless basses. And if they say they aren't -they are lying. At the same time after being session musician for several years I often found myself in need of a 5er, so a couple of Dingwalls have found their way to my possession. I fell in love with the multiscale concept, since it gives this remarkable same-tension-all-over-the-board feel, and the B just sound really tight in comparison to more standard 35".

So when the EHB1005 hit the stores I had to try it out, and my first impression was...drum roll...ugh. It just fell a bit cheap-ish in my hands, kind of like a plastic bass. But after some time I still found myself waking up in the middle of a night having wet dreams about this monstrosity. I just had to try it out a bit more, so I got my hands on another one at a retail shop, and the second time I played it was a bit more like...well,ok?

In the mean time I was really considering placing an order on a D-Roc 5 strings, but they weren't quite available at the time, and the 22-fret fretboard was a bit no-no for me. Luckily I got a hit on a pre-used black 1005MS, and...yes, I bought it, and weeeeeeell - after 2 months - I love it. It is one of the best basses I ever had - clear sound, (it does look cool), quite easy to play around the fretboard, works really well with FX, a TON of possibilities sound wise. I always liked SR-series, my first bass was an SR300, and the best bass I ever had was an SR700, but this is a solid challenger. Needless to say it became my main axe in both studio and live. Check it out on yt, or try one yourself - it works with pop, it does djent, it slaps, it rocks! If you don't have one - go get one. If you already have one - go get a second one!

pkennethk

Excellent writeup, thank you... but you choose this guy over both your 5 string, multiscale Dingwalls? I mean, I've been curious about this bass too, and I love the unsettling shade of mint it comes in... but I'd assume any decent Dingwall could wipe the floor with this bass.

niki_fo

About EHB vs Dingwall - it is obvious that Sheldon's crew are magicians. I would choose Afterburner over EHB anytime, but I actually like Ibanez better than both NG2, NG3 and Combustion models. 37" is a just a tiny bit trickier to handle, especially if you play fast or complicated riffs, but everything goes with some practice. I find Nordstrand pickups crispier and clearer than the Bartolinis, but to be honest - with a bit of signal prosessing the difference is so subtile that nobody will ever hear it.

So yes - I did choose it over Dingies. I've been using Dingwalls for the heavy music, ans Status for pretty much everything else. This guy is a good allrounder for me. I guess the multiscale/headless combo got me. After all it is a great bass too, and suits my style quite perfectly.

pkennethk

@niki_fo I thank you so much for the thoughtful knowledge-bomb of a reply. Straightforward advice & field-findings from genuine gigging musicians is rare as hen's teeth on the internet, but always greatly appreciated.

kaelatrius

What an impressive Bass !

After joining my band as bass player, I had to improve my gear and have a sustainable bass to follow all our rehearsal and gig all around the country. When I first saw this Ibanez guitar at an affordable price, I directly buy it and was not disapointed. This guitar is really confortable to play, in a sitting position but also standing and running across the stage. In a matter of sound, the guitar offer a large amount of versatility, in passive use the two pickups are very strong, but when you activate the active switch, a new wolrd is opening right before you : the 3 band equalizer is simple to use but do the job for the best ! I mostly play metla with it, but it's really good in a blues-rock condition, as in jazz where it's not the best instrument but can really do the job ! For me, one of the best release af Ibanez these few years !

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ichika uses EHB1005MS

Ichika

Guitarist, Bassist

Dios

...
Verified via YouTube

Ichika uses this bass in his video "NEW BASS"

C

Caleb Sherraden

Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

Caleb Sherraden uses the Ibanez EHB1005MS bass guitar during Invent, Animate live shows, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EHB1005MS, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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mad_max

mad_max

Gear IQ 507

1 alternative for EHB1005MS, curated by the Equipboard community.

Ibanez EHB 1505 MS

$1,387.97 - $1,899.99

high-end alternative

Ibanez did multiple instruments in this EHB series, and the 1505MS is basically the same, but with better pickups and design choice.

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