Is this real? (Ibanez BTB 556 MP)

Member Name: Shaun Abdilla

Product:	Ibanez BTB 556 MP
Date:	01/10/08 (112 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Perfect Bass

Disadvantages: Heavy due to a solid build, could be uncomfortable if carried on one's back

My first bass was a used Squier P Bass 1999. Good beginner bass, but it had some neck trouble and I decided to get a new bass, and a 6-string was recommended to me.

At first I thought the transition would be too much - but this bass has proved me wrong. The neck is extremely comfortable, hardly wider than my 4 string, and the 35" scale was perfect for my larger-than-average hands. Surely, I thought in the shop while trying it out, this costs way over my (very low) budget? Not so. At just around 520 Euros, this was very very well priced for a 6 string bass, let alone one with active pickups + EQ, an extremely beautiful natural wood finish body, perfect rosewood fingerboard and the Ibanez jack lock. The tuning knobs are great, I forgot the last time I tuned my bass. Complete with 2 humbuckers, the BTB 556 allows for standard playing in between, classical music on the top humbucker near the fretboard, and fast metal basslines near the easily adjusted bridge.

The string spacing is also very handy for chord playing, useful when 'jazzing' or covering for a guitarist who's in some solo mode... As for the strings themselves -> I thought I would need to buy a good set ... but I did not have to as Ibanez had already put an excellent set already with standard gauge.

Overall, what can I say about this bass? If you need a 6 string and can't afford one of the Ibanez SR Prestiges which cost twice or three times as much (and are still good value for money!!) go for the BTB. I'm in love with it.

Summary: An awesome instrument