Ibanez BTB7MS-NML Natural Mocha Bass Workshop

BTB and Bass Workshop: the accessible "boutique" spirit at Ibanez

The BTB7MS-NML fits within Ibanez's philosophy: offering a professional-level bass designed for demanding musicians without becoming an overpriced instrument. Within the Bass Workshop program, Ibanez explores bolder solutions (multiscale, specific constructions, powerful electronics) aimed at bassists who want to break away from standards and gain control, comfort, and creativity.

For which bassists and styles?

With its 7 strings, multiscale scale length, and active electronics, this BTB primarily targets intermediate to advanced bassists seeking an extended range and impeccable definition. It is particularly comfortable in modern metal, prog, fusion, gospel, R&B, or any music requiring tight lows, clean chords, and a very clear low-end spectrum, even in demanding tunings.

Sound

The combination of okoume/ash body and bubinga top favors a solid low register, a sharp attack, and a nice presence in the upper midrange, ideal for cutting through a dense mix. The neck-through construction enhances sustain and vibration continuity across the entire range, while the rosewood fingerboard adds controlled warmth to the notes. The T1 pickups deliver a modern and defined tone, and the 3-band EQ allows quick shaping of bass, mids, and treble. The EQ switch adds a passive tone control option via the treble knob, useful for softening the attack without losing punch.

Recommended compatible accessories

For transport, Ibanez recommends the IBB540-BK gig bag or the MRB350C case. Regarding strings, the original gauge is .020p/.032/.045/.065/.080/.100/.130 (set D'Addario EXL170-5SL + .020p/0.32): a reliable base to maintain the feel and tension balance designed for the multiscale.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HH	Body	Ash
Format	Multi-scale	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed
Left handed	No	Electronics	Active
Strings	Steel	Color	Brown
Nbr of strings	7	Finishing	Satin
Fingerboard	Rosewood	Hardware	Black
Nbrs of frets	24

Body material	okoume/ash	Bridge	MR5S
Top	bubinga	Nut	plastic
Finish	satin polyurethane	String spacing	15.5 mm / 0.61"
Total length	1167 mm / 45.94"	Tuners	Ibanez
Body thickness	42 mm / 1.65"	Hardware color	black
Body length	511 mm / 20.12"	Active or passive	active
Body width	344 mm / 13.54"	Neck pickup	T1
Neck type	BTB7 for multiscale	Bridge pickup	T1
Construction	neck-through	Controls	1 Volume, 1 Balancer, Bass, Middle, Treble
Neck material	9-piece maple/panga panga/walnut	Other control	EQ switch, passive tone control on treble pot
Neck finish	satin polyurethane	EQ (active)	Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ
Neck thickness (1st fret)	21 mm / 0.83"	Number of strings	7
Neck thickness (7th fret)	24 mm / 0.94"	String gauge	.020p/.032/.045/.065/.080/.100/.130
Multiscale scale length	35"/33.5" / 889/838.2 mm	Special strings	D'Addario EXL170-5SL + .020p/0.32
Nut width	2.5" / 63 mm	Tuning (from high to low)	1F, 2C, 3G, 4D, 5A, 6E, 7B
Number of frets	24 (+ zero fret)	Recommended gig bag	IBB540-BK
Fingerboard radius	37.4" / 950 mm	Recommended case	MRB350C
Fret type	medium stainless steel	Battery required	9v x1
Inlays	abalone dots	Included item(s)	hex key