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Description
The Ibanez BTB 555 is a powerhouse in the world of electric basses, designed for bassists who crave both versatility and precision. This 5-string beauty stands out with its active electronics that deliver a dynamic range of tones, perfect for any musical genre. The BTB 555's 35-inch scale neck, crafted from a 5-piece maple and walnut blend, ensures enhanced stability and a smooth playing experience. Its unique off-center line neck shape naturally accommodates the movement of your thumb, making both upper and lower fretwork a breeze.
Constructed with a combination of maple and mahogany, the body of the BTB 555 provides a rich and resonant sound. The dual Bartolini MK1-5 pickups offer a robust and clear output, while the Vari-Mid IIIB 3-band EQ grants you precise control over your sound, allowing you to dial in the perfect tone for any performance. The Mono-Rail II bridge ensures each string vibrates independently, enhancing the clarity and sustain of your notes. The rosewood fingerboard with abalone dot inlays adds a touch of elegance to this already impressive instrument.
Ideal for both studio recording and live performances, the Ibanez BTB 555 is a blend of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, delivering boutique quality without the boutique price.
Key Features:
- 5-piece Maple/Walnut neck
- 35" scale length
- Maple top, Mahogany body, Maple back
- Medium frets
- Rosewood fingerboard with Abalone Dot inlays
- Mono-Rail II bridge
- Bartolini MK1-5 neck and bridge pickups
- Vari-Mid IIIB 3-band EQ
FAQs
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What type of neck does the Ibanez BTB 555 have, and how does it affect playability?
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The Ibanez BTB 555 features a 5-piece maple and walnut neck, which provides stability and a smooth playing experience. This combination of woods offers a balanced tone and comfortable feel, making it suitable for various playing styles.
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What kind of pickups are used in the Ibanez BTB 555, and what tones can I expect?
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The Ibanez BTB 555 is equipped with Bartolini MK1-5 pickups, known for their clear and articulate sound. These pickups deliver a versatile range of tones suitable for genres from jazz to rock.
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Is the Ibanez BTB 555 suitable for advanced bass players?
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Yes, the Ibanez BTB 555 is designed with advanced players in mind, featuring high-quality components like the Mono-Rail II bridge and a Vari-Mid IIIB preamp, allowing for precise tonal control and customization.
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How does the Vari-Mid IIIB preamp enhance the sound of the Ibanez BTB 555?
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The Vari-Mid IIIB preamp in the Ibanez BTB 555 offers 18V of power, providing a wide range of tonal adjustments. This allows players to shape their sound with precision, enhancing the bass's versatility for different musical contexts.
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What materials are used in the body construction of the Ibanez BTB 555, and how do they affect the sound?
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The body of the Ibanez BTB 555 features a maple top, mahogany middle, and maple back, providing a balanced tonal quality with a blend of warmth and brightness. This combination contributes to a rich, resonant sound with excellent sustain.
Videos
Dante Kimura
Ibanez BTB 555
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez BTB 555.
Build quality
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The BTB's combination of mahogany with maple layers is recognized for bringing a balanced tonal bite, counteracting some users' concerns with mahogany's tonal properties.
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User experience
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Owners switching from BTB to EHB report the latter's ergonomics allow for longer playing sessions without back discomfort.
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A BTB owner reported accidentally damaging the headstock due to its weight, a concern not present with the lighter EHB.
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BTB's weight is significant enough that some players have switched to thicker straps to alleviate shoulder strain during prolonged use.
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Some users note the BTB basses are heavier than average, which may affect playability over long sessions.
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Owners have praised the craftsmanship and comfort, though some choose to sell due to personal tonal preferences, particularly with the stock Bartolini pickups.
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Mods and upgrades
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EHB users successfully obtained Nordstrand Big Splits directly from the manufacturer, replacing Bartolinis for enhanced clarity.
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Several owners swapped Bartolini pickups for Dingwall pickups, citing improved clarity, especially for slap styles, with Dingwall 5-string pickups fitting the EHB model.
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Upgrading to Aguilar pickups and a 3-way mid frequency switch is recommended for enhanced tonal versatility.
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Features and functionality
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The BTB's neck-through construction provides a tighter B-string tension, especially beneficial for players who require a robust low-end sound.
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The BTB-555 features Bartolini pickups known for their quality, but personal preference varies; some users choose to upgrade for different tonal capabilities.
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The BTB's preamp provides a wide tonal palette, allowing significant versatility in sound shaping directly from the instrument.
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Comparisons
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Owners mention the BTB tends to have a cooler stage appearance, while the EHB is preferred for home playing due to its lighter weight and ergonomics.
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The BTB's 37" scale length is ideal for low tunings, unlike the EHB which tops out at a 35" scale on the B string.
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The BTB series is praised for resolving issues found in the SR models, such as low-end clarity and string spacing, especially with its 35" scale length.
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The BTB-555's string spacing is 19mm, comparable to other models in the BTB series, which is noted for its boutique build quality.
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Use cases and applications
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The BTB's electronics are highly regarded in the Prestige line, providing special tonal qualities suitable for diverse musical genres.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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