Ibanez EHB1505MS-BIF Black Ice Flat Bass Workshop

An EHB at the Heart of Ibanez's Modern Approach

Part of the EHB series, the EHB1005MS prioritizes ergonomics: sculpted body, angled back, and headless design to bring the instrument closer to the player, improve balance, and facilitate movement along the neck. Within the range, it stands out as a 5-string multiscale designed for precision, combining meticulous craftsmanship and high-level electronics, while maintaining an accessible "performance" spirit for everyday use.

Who Is It For, and What Styles?

This Ibanez targets intermediate to expert bassists seeking a comfortable instrument for long sessions, with very controlled response on the low B string. The multiscale design and pickup articulation are particularly suited for modern rock, progressive metal, fusion, contemporary pop, and technical playing styles (slap, tapping, ghost notes). The included finger ramp promotes consistent fingerstyle attack and better dynamic control.

Sound

The Nordstrand Big Split pickups deliver a clear attack and present mids, with appreciated noise cancellation in live or studio settings. The result: deep yet controlled lows, clear definition, and versatility that easily shifts from precise modern tones to warmer textures. The Vari-Mid preamp (3-band EQ) offers real shaping power: the mid frequency sweeps to emphasize growl, scoop the mix, or highlight slap. In passive mode via the bypass, the treble control acts like a passive tone knob, handy for a more direct feel. Finally, the MR5HS mono-rail bridge contributes to even string response, consistent sustain, and easier intonation.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

Included Gig Bag for transport. To optimize it, choose a 5-string set of strings with length suited for the 35" (889 mm) low B side, and a strap compatible with the already installed Schaller S-Locks (or matching strap locks) to secure the instrument on stage.

Technical specifications

Left handed	No	Nbr of strings	5
Strings	Steel	Color	Black

Top	poplar burl	Frets	24, stainless steel, medium
Body	selected lightweight African mahogany	Side markers	luminescent dots for stage visibility
Design	headless, angled body back, rear cutaway for access to highest frets	Hardware finish	black
Profile/neck	EHB5, 9-ply Panga Panga/Walnut with graphite reinforcement rods	Bridge	MR5HS mono-rail, wide intonation range; string spacing 18 mm / 0.71" adjustable +/- 1.5 mm / +/- 0.06"
Fingerboard	Panga Panga with binding; offset dot inlays in abalone	Pickups	Nordstrand Big Split neck (passive) + bridge (passive)
Scale length	multiscale 35" (889 mm) low B side / 33" (838 mm) G side	Controls	master volume, pickup balance, active 3-band EQ (bass/treble boost/cut, mid boost/cut + sweepable frequency), mini EQ bypass switch
Nut width	45 mm / 1.77"	Passive function	in bypass, treble control acts as a passive tone knob
Width at 24th fret	74 mm / 2.91"	Mid frequency range	sweep approx. 100 Hz to 6 kHz; mid boost/cut approx. +/- 15 dB; bass/treble approx. +/- 20 dB
Thickness at 1st fret	19.5 mm / 0.77"	Factory tuning	B-E-A-D-G
Thickness at 12th fret	21.5 mm / 0.85"	Included accessories	detachable finger ramp, Gig Bag
Fingerboard radius	500 mm / 19.7"	Recommended case	MRB350C