Ibanez BTB805MSFNL Florid Natural Low Gloss

The Ibanez BTB805MS is a 5-string multiscale electric bass from the Bass Workshop series, designed to deliver a particularly defined response in the lower registers. Its 35" to 37" scale length provides increased tension and clarity on the low B string, while the Neck-Thru construction and five-piece maple and walnut neck with graphite reinforcements offer stability, sustain, and comfortable access to the entire fingerboard.

It features two passive Ibanez T1 humbucking pickups along with Ibanez's 3-band Custom Electronics, including a mid-frequency selector and a bypass switch for the preamp, allowing operation in both active and passive modes. The instrument is completed with 24 stainless steel Medium frets, the MR5S bridge with adjustable string spacing, and a Panga Panga fingerboard, making it ideal for bassists seeking precision, definition, and versatile tonal options.

• 5-string electric bass
• Series: Bass Workshop BTB
• Neck construction: Neck-Thru
• Neck: 5-piece maple/walnut with graphite reinforcements
• Body: okoume wings with ash top
• Top: burl maple
• Fingerboard: Panga Panga with binding
• Inlays: abalone dots
• Multiscale length: 35" - 37" (889 - 939.8 mm)
• Fingerboard radius: 400 mm
• Nut width: 47 mm
• 24 stainless steel Medium frets + zero fret
• Neck pickup: Ibanez T1 passive humbucker
• Bridge pickup: Ibanez T1 passive humbucker
• Electronics: Ibanez Custom 3-band EQ
• Controls: volume, balance, bass, mid, treble
• Mid-frequency selector switch: 250 / 450 / 700 Hz
• EQ bypass switch for passive operation
• The treble control functions as a passive tone when the EQ is bypassed
• Bridge: MR5S
• String spacing: 18 mm, adjustable ±1.5 mm
• Tuning machines: Ibanez
• Hardware: black
• Strings: D'Addario NYXL .045 / .055 / .080 / .100 / .130
• Factory tuning: B / E / A / D / G
• Includes hard case

Our Opinion

The BTB805MS makes a lot of sense for bassists who need the fifth string to retain clarity and tension even in low tunings. The 37" scale length on the low B makes a significant difference compared to a conventional 34" or 35" bass, especially when precise attack is desired in modern styles, metal, progressive music, or productions where the low end must be tightly controlled.

It’s also a more versatile instrument than its appearance might suggest. The T1 pickups deliver a clean, articulate sound, while the preamp allows for considerable tonal shaping without sacrificing the option to operate passively. Its Neck-Thru construction, stainless steel frets, and adjustable bridge reinforce the impression of a professional-grade instrument built for demanding use. However, a multiscale from 35" to 37" is quite pronounced, so it requires a bit more adaptation compared to less extreme multiscale basses.