Ibanez Introduces 2008 BTB Series Bass Guitars

Jan 29, 2008

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The Ibanez BTB Series was originally designed to offer bassists the select woods, passive pickups, high tech hardware and active EQ's of the small "boutique" shops—but at production bass prices. They were also designed as a thicker neck alternative than the company's narrow-necked Soundgear basses. For superior articulation, especially on the low strings on 5- and 6-string models where "flopping" can occur on standard basses, the BTB neck featured an extra-long 35" scale, which provides tighter tension than a standard 34" scale neck. Articulation was further augmented by the use of Mono-Rail bridges with independent saddles that isolated the vibrations of each string from the others. With this formula, Ibanez must have hit the nail on the head because the BTB Series has been one of its most successful offerings.

The new BTB is also a much-evolved machine from the originals. This year the most visible change is in the body. 2008 BTB's appear to have much longer horns. Actually, the horns are the same size, but look longer because the cutaways have been significantly deepened for even easier upper-fret access. This modification is on all models--from the BTB1306E Prestige six-string, the most expensive BTB, which lists for just over $2000, to the very affordable BTB200 4-string, which lists for only $439.99

The line-up also adds an all-new series, the BTB570 series, which features Bartolini MK-II pickups and preamps--an Ibanez exclusive, as well as super-strong and stable 5pc maple/bubinga thru-necks for effortless upper-register fretwork and greater sustain.

"To satisfy the ever-changing needs of bassists, and maintain our position as the number one bass company in the world," said Mac Muranaka of Ibanez basses, commenting on the BTB basses and upgrades, "we offer a wide range of different basses for every kind of player. And since bassists are constantly changing and continuing to handle an ever-widening range of styles and techniques, our professional basses such as our BTB's must do the same."

Model: BTB1306E 5-St
List: $2079.99
Available Finish: NTF Natural Flat
Body Material: Flamed Maple Top/Mahogany Body/Maple Back
Neck Material: 5pc Maple/Bubinga
Neck Type/Scale: BTB6 Prestige Thru-Neck/35"
No. Frets/Type: 24/Medium
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Mono-Rail IV
H/W Color: Cosmo Black
Neck Pickup: Bartolini Custom
Bridge Pickup: Bartolini Custom
EQ: Bartolini Custom 3-Band
Case: Prestige Hardshell
List: Included
Note: BTB Prestige basses are also available in 5-string

Model: BTB570FM
List: $933.32

Available Finishes:

• TGR Transparent Green
• NF Natural Fade
• BLM Blue Moon

Model: BTB305FM
List: $733.32

Available Finishes:

• TK Transparent Black
• TRB Transparent Red Burst

For more information, visit their web site at www.ibanez.com.