The Ibanez MDM1600 is an active 4-string electric bass from the Mode series, a modern reinterpretation of the classic J-style dual-pickup bass. It features a body made of alder with a poplar burl top, a roasted maple neck, and a comfortable rosewood fingerboard with 24 stainless steel frets.

Its Delta S4J pickups with noise cancellation and the Sonitech S preamp deliver a defined response and extensive tonal shaping options, making it suitable for a wide range of styles, from traditional lines to modern techniques and more complex passages.

• Type: Active 4-string electric bass
• Series: Ibanez Mode
• Body: Alder
• Top: Poplar burl
• Neck construction: Bolt-on
• Neck joint: Super All Access Neck Joint
• Neck: Roasted maple
• Neck profile: MDM4 slim C profile
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Rounded fingerboard edges
• Inlays: White dots
• Luminous side markers
• Fingerboard radius: 305 mm (12")
• Scale length: 864 mm (34")
• Nut width: 38 mm
• Neck thickness at first fret: 20.5 mm
• Neck thickness at 12th fret: 22.5 mm
• Frets: 24 medium stainless steel
• Neck pickup: Ibanez Delta S4J passive with noise cancellation
• Bridge pickup: Ibanez Delta S4J passive with noise cancellation
• Electronics: Ibanez Sonitech S Preamp
• 3-band active EQ
• Controls: Volume, pickup balance, master tone, bass, mid, and treble
• Active/passive tone control switch (push-pull)
• 3-position mid frequency selector
• Hexa Mid system with two banks and six selectable frequencies
• Mid frequencies: 250, 350, 450, 600, 850, and 1000 Hz
• Bridge: MR5S Mono-Rail
• String spacing: 19 mm adjustable
• Tuning machines: Ibanez Aero-light
• Factory strings: D'Addario EXL165
• String gauge: .045 – .105
• Detachable finger ramp included
• Hardware: Black
• Available finishes: Natural Mocha Low Gloss and Cosmic Blue Starburst Low Gloss
• Includes gig bag

Our Opinion

The great value of the MDM1600 lies in combining the familiar character of a J-style dual-pickup bass with the comfort and tuning versatility expected by today's bassist. It is especially suitable for musicians who need to switch from a warm, discreet tone to a more defined and present sound without changing instruments.

We would recommend it for live performances, studio work, and situations where covering multiple styles with a single instrument is important. Its access to 24 frets and the removable ramp also make it an attractive choice for fast fingerstyle, slap, chords, and advanced techniques.