Ibanez BTB700DX

Bought this one from a guitar shop in Brussels for some 1000€, after having tried out a few actually to test some effects, I walked out with an effect AND the bass...

Very good compromise between natural sound of passive pickups and active equalization. Great sound, easy playability, nice finish, high quality features (pickups, tone controls, bridge, ...)

The long horns are not too much to my taste, but hey that's minor. I was never really into looks of the gear I'm playin'. The sound is much more important.
The sound is OK when it's slapped, but not as funky as a Warwick...

Very good quality overall. I was quite disappointed that the production of this 700 model was stopped in Japan and replaced by the (not a lot) cheaper 400 model in Korea. I thought it should be the same, but when I tried a BTB400 in a shop, I was really disappointed about the sound, tone control quality and general impression of cheapness in comparison to the BTB700.

It's a real valuable bass with a great and versatile sound. Nothing is cheap about it and it's a lot of fun to play. I am wondering how the deerer 1000 model sounds...

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Equipped with a low grip through 5 games thus Maple / bubinga. 24 frets medium pitch of 35 "and rosewood fingerboard (I believe). The table is made of ash (oiled). Easel type monorails well to prevent the strings come into resonance with each other. An active electronic , three-band equalizer Vari-Mid III with a SWIP to boost the mid band, a microphone volume and balance. The two pickups are EMG 40DC. And the keys are in an oil bath. The finish I chose is Black.
Here for technical specifications and then ...? Listed

UTILIZATION

game, The handle is a tad wider and a tad thinner than the SR series, for me this is tip top ergonomics nickel in any case this configuration is well suited to my shape ( each judge). The access is easy thanks to the sharp design of the notched body well. I find it quite light and well balanced. The pitch of 35 "does not bother me but there all small mimine could be penalized. The equalizer offers infinite possibility, it takes a little getting used to this attention on the other hand BTB provides the bulk of the very large Similarly, the output level is high enough (but good)
I appreciate the guts of the neutral knobs that allows to know where we stand when adjusting. No worries

SOUNDS

to adapt the settings of the BTB 700 DX style as desired. Me I play mainly finger but I'll be able to slap in without problem. One has the impression that nothing can stop it and all styles are available.
The equalizer on my amp no longer seems so necessary and I do not use effects. The Vari-Mid III allows well carving the desired sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I tried other bass (Fender JB, Precision, Ibanez equipped Bartolini, Cort and others) but with the BTB I think I found the instrument that combines ergonomics reproach, a versatility and sound quality very good and finally a very nice look pretty Rock. I play this bass for two weeks every day and I still have much to learn but initial impressions are very positive. The only downside would be the level of output that confuses a bit and I find it hard to balance on my Hartke A100 compared to my SR300.
In any case the price / quality ratio is excellent in terms of competition, go a little further downside, Ibanez does not deliver this miracle in a sturdy box or at least with a carrying case. Good is my retailer could make an effort ... Without regret, no