Ibanez EHB5MSBSP-MAM Midnight Arctic Ocean Matte Bass Workshop

EHB Series: Ibanez's Approach to the Modern, Lightweight, and Secure Bass

Designed to meet current demands, the EHB series emphasizes ergonomics, stability, and practicality. On this EHB5MSBSP, the contoured and chambered body lightens the instrument while promoting a natural hand position. Live-focused details, such as the Neutrik locking jack and Schaller S-Locks strap buttons, enhance daily reliability and prevent unpleasant surprises during gigs.

Who Is the Ibanez EHB5MSBSP For and What Styles Suit It?

This 5-string bass targets intermediate to expert bassists seeking fast playability, precise intonation, and great tonal versatility. Its 18 mm string spacing and removable playing ramp facilitate smooth fingerstyle, pick, and slap techniques. It excels in styles where definition is crucial (modern funk, contemporary rock, technical metal, pop, urban music), while still fitting comfortably into more traditional mixes.

Tone

The American basswood provides a balanced and even foundation, ideal for exploiting the full dynamics of the Fishman Fluence. The Multi-Voice system allows switching between complementary characters: one voice with a more organic and rounded feel, a more modern full-range voice, and a variation with mid scoop for a "hi-fi" attack that is very clear. The single-coil mode tightens the response to gain precision and definition, especially on ghost notes and fast passages. Finally, the 3-band EQ (mids centered at 630 Hz) helps position the bass exactly where you want it: mids forward to cut through, or reinforced lows to support the groove. The multiscale 35" / 33" stabilizes string tension individually, improving low B stability, sustain, and tuning accuracy across the neck.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

For transport, the MRB350C hard case or the IBB540-BK gig bag are coherent choices for this model. To preserve the original feel, a set of D'Addario EXL170-5SL (Super Long Scale) strings is suitable for the 35" scale on the low end. If you already use strap locks, opt for a Schaller S-Locks compatible model to directly match the strap buttons installed on the instrument.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HH	Body	Linden
Left handed	No	Electronics	Active
Strings	Steel	Color	Blue
Nbr of strings	5	Finishing	Matt
Nbrs of frets	24	Hardware	Black

Ergonomics	angled back with cutaway for upper fret access	Radius	500 mm / 19.7"
Design	headless, ergonomic design	Bridge	MR5HS mono-rail, extended intonation, PTFE washers
Hardware finish	black and metallic blue	String spacing at bridge	18 mm / 0.71" (adjustable saddles +/-1.5 mm)
Output jack	Neutrik locking jack	Pickup covers	stainless steel
Strap buttons	Schaller S-Locks	Pickups	Fishman Fluence active (neck) + Fishman Fluence active (bridge)
Profile	EHB5	Voices	3 voices (Voice 1 passive, Voice 2 active full range, Voice 2 active mid scoop), 3-way switch
Construction	9-piece Panga Panga / walnut neck, graphite reinforcement rods	Single-coil mode	dedicated Push/Pull
Fingerboard	Panga Panga, special acrylic inlays, luminescent side markers	EQ	3-band Fishman (mids centered at 630 Hz)
Frets	24 medium stainless steel frets	Factory tuning	1G, 2D, 3A, 4E, 5B (B-E-A-D-G low to high)
Multiscale scale length	35" / 889 mm (low) - 33" / 838 mm (high)	Installed strings	D'Addario EXL170-5SL, gauges .045 / .065 / .080 / .100 / .130
Nut width	45 mm / 1.77"	Included accessory	removable playing ramp
Width at 24th fret	74 mm / 2.91"	Recommended case	MRB350C
Thickness at 1st fret	19.5 mm / 0.77"	Recommended gig bag	IBB540-BK
Thickness at 12th fret	21.5 mm / 0.85"