The company is expanding the BTB700 series with the bold, new BTB747 7-string model and its more traditional counterpart, the 4-string BTB740.
Bensalem, PA (July 15, 2017) -- Earlier this year, Ibanez introduced two new updated Bass Workshop models to their BTB Bass Series: the 5-string BTB745, and its 6-string companion, the BTB746. These new models were lauded for their new updated body shape, which took comfort and stability to a new level.
For Summer 2017, Ibanez is expanding the BTB700 series with the bold, new BTB747 7-string model— and its more traditional counterpart, the 4-stirng BTB740. Both basses feature the newly designed contoured body—for superior comfort—and a longer upper horn, which connects to the body at the 18th fret for improved stability and greater sustain. Other features include:
- 35” scale neck-through design
- 3Rosewood fretboard fitted with stainless steel frets
- 3“Zero” fret —for superior intonation, also allows open strings to ring with the same resonance as notes played up the neck
- 3Mono-rail V bridge—with each isolated saddle securely locked to the body for maximum vibration transfer and minimal sympathetic string interference
- 3Bartolini BH2 pickups—for a punchy, articulate sound with well-developed overtones
The ever-evolving Ibanez BTB series has always aimed to provide bassists with innovative instruments to expand and inspire creative expression. With the addition of the BTB747 and 740, Ibanez continues to redefine the term “Boutique Bass”.
Features
BTB747
- BTB 9pc Maple/ Rosewood/ Walnut neck-through
- Walnut top/Mahogany/Ash body
- Rosewood fretboard w/Abalone dot inlay
- Medium Stainless Steel frets (+ zero fret)
- Mono-rail V bridge
- Bartolini BH2 neck pickup
- Bartolini BH2 bridge pickup
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/ 3-way Mid frequency switch (250Hz, 450Hz, 700Hz)
- Cosmo Black hardware
- D’Addario NYXL strings
- Natural Low Gloss (NTL) finish
- LIST: $1,377.76
BTB740
- BTB 5pc Maple/ Rosewood neck-through
- Walnut/ Mahogany/Ash body
- Rosewood fretboard w/Abalone dot inlay
- Medium Stainless Steel frets (+ zero fret)
- Mono-rail V bridge
- Bartolini BH2 neck pickup
- Bartolini BH2 bridge pickup
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/ 3-way Mid frequency switch (250Hz, 450Hz, 700Hz)
- Cosmo Black hardware
- D’Addario NYXL strings
- Natural Flat Low Gloss (NTL) finish
- LIST: $1,171.10
For 2017 Ibanez is reintroducing basses to their Premium line. The 5-string BTB1805, and its 6-string counterpart the BTB1806, are elegantly contoured with bodies made from select tonewoods with dedicated hardware and electronics designed to produce a huge, rich tone. Neck-through construction, a two-octave fretboard, and a super-deep cutaway, promise sleek playability and enduring sustain.
Some of the most notable features on these models include:
- BTB5/6 Wenge/Bubinga/Maple 9pc Neck-through w/ Graphite reinforcement rods
- Rosewood/ Ash wing/ Rosewood Body – for tonal clarity and superior attack
- Rosewood fretboard w/ Stainless Steel frets refined with the Premium Fret Edge treatment
- Aguilar DCB pickups
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ
- Mono-rail V bridge - for maximum vibration transfer with minimal sympathetic string interference
Both basses feature a 35" scale neck with a “zero” fret for precise intonation and to deliver the same resonance as notes played up the neck.
The Aguilar DCB pickups, provide a dynamic and responsive attack, well-developed overtones, and singing sustain. Combined with the Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/EQ bypass switch, and 3-way mid frequency switch, the BTB1805 and 1806 both offer immense tonal possibilities for any playing situation. The Mono-rail V bridge consists of isolated saddles, each securely locked to the body for maximum vibration transfer with minimal sympathetic string interference. D'Addario NYXL strings are installed to expand the dynamic range and harmonic response. Other features include a secure high-tech Neutrik locking output jack, Gotoh machine heads, gold hardware and gig bag.
Features
BTB1805/ BTB1806
- BTB 9pc Wenge/Bubinga/Maple Neck-through w/ Graphite reinforcement rods
- Rosewood Fretboard
- Medium Stainless Steel frets
- Rosewood / Ash wing / Rosewood body
- Aguilar DCB neck pickup
- Aguilar DCB bridge pickup
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ
- EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), Mid frequency switch
- Mono-rail V bridge
- Gotoh machine heads
- Neutrik locking output jack
- Gold Hardware
- Gig Bag included
- BTB1805: $2,204.43
- BTB1806: $2342.21
Earlier this year, Ibanez introduced two new updated Bass Workshop models to their BTB Bass Series: the 5-string BTB1805E, and its 6-string companion, the BTB1806. These new models were lauded for their new updated body shape, which took comfort and stability to a new level.
For Summer 2017, Ibanez is expanding the BTB series with the BTB1905E and the BTB1906E. These new models feature Figured Maple tops with Ash/Figured Maple bodies. Both basses also feature the newly designed contoured body—for superior comfort—and a longer upper horn, which connects to the body at the 18th fret for improved stability. Neck-through construction, a two-octave fretboard, and a super-deep cutaway, promise sleek playability and enduring sustain. Other notable features on these models include:
- BTB Wenge/Bubinga/Maple 9pc Neck-through w/ Graphite reinforcement rods
- Figured Maple/ Ash/ Figured Maple body – for tonal clarity and superior attack
- Rosewood fretboard w/ Stainless Steel frets refined with the Premium Fret Edge treatment
- Aguilar DCB pickups
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ
- Mono-rail V bridge - for maximum vibration transfer with minimal sympathetic string interference
Both basses feature a 35’’ scale neck with a “zero” fret for precise intonation and to deliver the same resonance as notes played up the neck.
The Aguilar DCB pickups, provide a dynamic and responsive attack, well-developed overtones, and singing sustain. Combined with the Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/EQ bypass switch, and 3-way mid frequency switch, the BTB1905 and 1906 both offer immense tonal possibilities for any playing situation. The Mono-rail V bridge consists of isolated saddles, each securely locked to the body for maximum vibration transfer with minimal sympathetic string interference. D'Addario NYXL strings are installed to expand the dynamic range and harmonic response. Other features include a secure high-tech Neutrik locking output jack, Gotoh machine heads, gold hardware and gig bag.
Features
BTB1905/ BTB1906
- BTB 9pc Wenge/Bubinga Neck-through w/ Graphite reinforcement rods
- Rosewood Fretboard
- Medium Stainless Steel frets w/ Zero fret
- Rosewood /Ash wing /Rosewood body
- Aguilar DCB neck pickup
- Aguilar DCB bridge pickup
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ
- EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), Mid frequency switch
- Mono-rail V bridge
- Gotoh machine heads
- Neutrik locking output jack
- Gold Hardware
- Finish: Brown Topaz Burst Low Gloss (BTL)
- Gig Bag included
- BTB1905: $2,204.43
- BTB1906: $2342.21
For 2017, Ibanez is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the SR Series Bass. Earlier this year, to commemorate this milestone, Ibanez introduced four 30th Anniversary models —two from the esteemed Ibanez Premium line (SR30TH4PE & SR30TH5PE), and two standard series models (SR30TH4 & SR30TH5). To continue the celebration, this summer Ibanez is introducing three 2nd Edition SR Anniversary basses: 4 and 5-string versions of the SR30TH, (SR30TH4II & SR30TH5II) featuring Flamed Ash tops, and a Premium 5-string model (SR30TH5PII) featuring a Lacewood top.
All of the 30th anniversary basses share a unique 3 sound-hole design that enhances the warm resonance of the semi-hollow construction. Other features include:
SR30TH5PII 2nd Edition Anniversary Premium Bass
- Lacewood top with ash/ mahogany back body
- Atlas 5-pc wenge/bubinga neck w/ KTS™ TITANIUM rods – for the ultimate in neck stability
- Mono-rail V bridge—for complete intonation adjustment, with each isolated saddle securely locked to the body for maximum vibration transfer and minimal sympathetic string interference
- Nordstrand™ pickups— for a dynamic and responsive attack with well-developed overtones
- Hardshell case included
SR30TH4II and SR30TH5II 2nd Edition Anniversary Basses
- Flamed Ash top/ mahogany back body
- SR4 5-pc jatoba/bubinga neck w/ KTS™ TITANIUM rods
- Accuc-cast bridge—for complete intonation adjustment
- Bartolini MK-1 pickups— for a full, dynamic, punchy tone
Over the past three decades the SR series has become one of the most popular and distinctive bass guitars in the world.
Features
SR30TH5PII Premium 2nd Edition Anniversary
- Atlas-5 5pc Wenge/Bubinga neck w/KTS ™ TITANIUM rods
- Lacewood top/Ash/Mahogany back semi-hollow body
- Medium frets w/Premium fret edge treatment
- Mono-rail V bridge
- Nordstrand™ "Big Single" neck pickup
- Nordstrand™ "Big Single" bridge pickup
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot) & Mid frequency switch
- Gold hardware
- Hardshell case
- List: $1,999.99
SR30TH4II 2nd Edition Anniversary
- SR4 5pc Jatoba/Bubinga neck
- Flamed Ash top/Mahogany semi-hollow body
- Rosewood fretboard w/Abalone oval inlay
- Medium frets
- Bartolini MK-1 neck pickup
- Bartolini MK-1 bridge pickup
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/Mid frequency switch
- Accu-cast B300 bridge
- Cosmo black hardware
- Finish: Dragon Eye Burst Flat (DEF)
- List: $933.32
SR30TH5II 2nd Edition Anniversary
- SR5 5pc Jatoba/Bubinga neck
- Flamed Ash top/Mahogany semi-hollow body
- Rosewood fretboard w/Abalone oval inlay
- Medium frets
- Bartolini MK-1 neck pickup
- Bartolini MK-1 bridge pickup
- Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/Mid frequency switch
- Accu-cast B305 bridge
- Cosmo black hardware
- Finish: Dragon Eye Burst Flat (DEF)
- List: $999.99
For more information:
Ibanez
Looking for more great gear for the guitar player in your life (yourself included!)? Check out this year's Holiday Gear Finds!
Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Faded
SE Standard 24-08
Kaepo
MONO FlyBy Ultra Backpack
JBL 3 Series Studio Monitors
Guitar Tech Screwdriver Set
Xvive U2, U3 and U4 Wireless Systems
Elixir® Strings Acoustic Phosphor Bronze with NANOWEB® Coating
Elephant Foot Risers and Frames
D'Addario XPND Pedalboard
Cloudlifter CL-1
Caparison Horus-WB-FX MF
The Woman Tone
Templo Devices Holiday Specials
Taylors Guitars GS Mini
DR-05X Stereo Handheld Recorder
Sennheiser MD 421
Jaclyn Slimm
EARTHBOARD Pedalboard
Nobels ODR-1(bc)
Orangewood Guitars Oliver Jr.
Marshall CODE 50 Digital Combo Amp
Line 6 Catalyst 100
LR Baggs Venue DI
Kali Audio LP-6 V2
Eventide H90 Harmonizer®
Wilkinson R Series Trev Wilkinson Signature Pickups
Hercules Stands Five-Piece Guitar Rack with Two Free Expansion Packs
ISP Hum Extractor Pedal
LAVA ME 3
Wampler Metaverse
Gator Cases Transit Guitar Gig Bags
Fralin'Tron
DeLoach Guitars DL-225
Wampler Pedals Ratsbane
Dunable announce new Minotaur model featuring Grover Rotomatic Keystone tuners.
The Minotaur's DNA is rooted in their classic Moonflower model, which they discontinued in 2017. However, they have long since wanted to create a fresh take on a carved top guitar design, and various attempts to rework the Moonflower led us to a brand new concept with the Minotuar.
The goal with everything we make is to give the player a guitar that plays fast and smooth, sounds amazing, and gives maximum physical ergonomic comfort. The Minotaur's soft and meticulously designed contours, simple and effective control layout, and 25.5" scale length easily meet this criteria and then some.
Dunable Minotaur!
Features
- 25.5" scale length
- Dual Humbucker
- one volume, one tone, push pull for coil splitting
- Grover Rotomatic Keystone tuners
- Grover Tune O Matic bridge with brass Kluson top-mount tailpiece
- jumbo nickel frets
- 12" fretboard radius
This full-amp-stack-in-a-box pedal brings a new flavor to the Guitar Legend Tone Series of pedals, Missing Link Audio’s flagship product line.
Adding to the company’s line of premium-quality effects pedals, Missing Link Audio has unleashed the new AC/Overdrive pedal. This full-amp-stack-in-a-box pedal – the only Angus & Malcom all-in-one stompbox on the market – brings a new flavor to the Guitar Legend Tone Series of pedals, Missing Link Audio’s flagship product line.
The AC/OD layout has three knobs to control Volume, Gain and Tone. That user-friendly format is perfect for quickly getting your ideal tone, and it also offers a ton of versatility. MLA’s new AC/OD absolutely nails the Angus tone from the days of “High Voltage” to "Back in Black”. You can also easily dial inMalcom with the turn of a knob. The pedal covers a broad range of sonic terrain, from boost to hot overdrive to complete tube-like saturation. The pedal is designed to leave on all the time and is very touch responsive. You can get everything from fat rhythm tones to a perfect lead tone just by using your guitar’s volume knob and your right-hand attack.
Features
- Three knobs to control Volume, Gain and Tone
- Die-cast aluminum cases for gig-worthy durability
- Limited lifetime warranty
- True bypass on/off switch
- 9-volt DC input
- Made in the USA
MLA Pedals AC/OD - Music & Demo by A. Barrero
John Bohlinger plays “Grandpa,” Kurt Cobain’s 1953 D-18 that resides in the Martin Guitar 1833 Shop and Museum.
Energy is in everything. Something came over me while playing historical instruments in the Martin Guitar Museum.
When I’m filming gear demo videos, I rarely know what I’m going to play. I just pick up whatever instrument I’m handed and try to feel where it wants to go. Sometimes I get no direction, but sometimes, gear is truly inspiring—like music or emotion falls right out. I find this true particularly with old guitars. You might feel some vibe attached to the instrument that affects what and how you play. I realize this sounds like a hippie/pseudo-spiritual platitude, but we’re living in amazing times. The Nobel Prize was just awarded to a trio of quantum physicists for their experiments with quantum entanglement, what Albert Einstein called “spooky action at a distance.” Mainstream science now sounds like magic, so let’s suspend our disbelief for a minute and consider that there’s more to our world than what’s on the surface.
I recently spent a day filming a factory tour of Martin Guitars in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. After we wrapped, we discovered that Martin has this amazing museum that showcases more than 170 historic instruments. We decided to meet at the museum at 7:45 a.m. the next morning to film a few choice pieces before catching our flight in not-too-near Newark, New Jersey, that afternoon.
These were not ideal conditions for a performance. Neither my brain nor my fingers work well before 10 a.m., plus I hadn’t slept well the night before. Even so, we loaded into the museum, met the curators, set up the shoot, and began rolling by 8 a.m.
The first guitar was an 1834 gut string, perhaps the oldest Martin in existence. It was beautiful but had some tuning issues and did not project very well, so playing it felt more like work than music.
Next was a prewar D-45 worth over $500k. The strings were ancient with that rusty feel, like you’ll need a tetanus shot after playing it. I’m sure it sounded great, but I was tired and thinking more about making our flight than playing guitar. Wonderful instrument but uninspired performance on my end.
Then, I played a 1953 D-18 coined “Grandpa” by Kurt Cobain. I picked up the deeply sacred D-18, and my hands went to an A minor. This sounds like hype, but honestly, I closed my eyes and connected with a deep, beautiful sadness. The feeling was palpable as soon as you picked it up. This guitar pretty much played itself, leading me to a sad version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” I don’t know if it was any good, but I know I felt something deeply. That’s why I started playing guitar in the first place. I don’t have to play well to feel moved.
I later talked to the museum director, who told me the D-18 was given to Cobain by his 1991 girlfriend Mary Lou Lord. Cobain played it on tour before and after Nirvana’s Nevermind. It was returned to her after Cobain married. Shortly after that, Mary Lou loaned the guitar to Elliott Smith, who played it until his death.
When I’m sad, I make myself play guitar to feel better, because it usually works. This 70-year-old guitar spent a lot of time literally pressed up against the hearts and chests of two artists who were so tormented by their emotions that they ended their lives. That’s heavy. You can’t explain those feelings that make the hair stand up on your arm, or when you feel like crying for no reason … but hitting that A minor made me feel it.
We had to split for the airport, so Chris Kies and Perry Bean started packing up. As they did, I saw this cute little 1880 Martin 000 that belonged to Joan Baez. In the photo next to it, Joan looks like my mom in the ’60s. I asked the curator if I could play it, and Chris grabbed his phone to do a quick Insta video. I swear there was a happy vibe coming off this tiny guitar. It felt like watching my mom dance—like a warm hug I needed after Cobain’s D-18.
In Chinese culture, there is a superstition that antiques may hold evil spirits, and chi (energy) transfer can bring this negativity into your home. Feng shui is all about objects carrying good or bad chi. Here’s how I see it: All matter is made of atoms. Atoms contain energy. Ergo, everything contains energy, or, more aptly, everything is energy. Ever walk into a room and feel powerful emotion: joy, sadness, fear, tranquility? That’s energy. We all have felt energy coming from people, places, and things. But that’s what I love about old guitars: Their atoms spent the first few hundred years as a tree in the forest connected to nature. Then, they’re turned into an instrument that makes people happy or consoles them when they are sad. That’s the kind of chi I want around me.
The Saddest Martin Ever? A 1953 D-18 Owned by Kurt Cobain & Elliott Smith
Watch John Bohlinger summon the ghosts of two songwriting powerhouses as we learn about a special piece of acoustic history.