Ibanez MDM1605NML Mode Natural Mocha

Mode Series: a classic silhouette with a decidedly modern approach

Developed within the "Mode Series," the MDM1605 builds on a familiar design base while incorporating luthiery and electronics choices tailored to today's needs: stability, precision, noiseless operation, and quick adjustments. In the 1600 series, the combination of a marbled poplar top on an alder body aims for a balance between distinctive aesthetics, present mids, and consistent response across the entire neck, with ergonomics optimized for 24 frets and impeccable stability whether standing or sitting.

For which bassist and styles?

With its 34" / 864 mm scale length and a 5th string designed to stay tight and clear, the MDM1605 targets intermediate to expert bassists seeking a versatile instrument equally comfortable in rehearsals and studios. Pop, rock, funk, gospel, fusion, or more technical playing: it responds quickly in fingerstyle, maintains solid support with a pick, and offers ample room for slap techniques, notably thanks to the refined midrange work.

The sound

The two Delta S5J pickups deliver a dynamic and articulate "single coil" character, with a hum-canceling design intended to stay clean in the mix, even when boosting the highs. The Sonitech S preamp adds a 3-band EQ (bass, mids, treble) and a push/pull bypass to instantly regain a more direct response in passive mode, while retaining a passive tone. The 3-position mini-switch combined with the Hexa Mid system offers two frequency banks (L: 250/450/850 Hz, H: 350/600/1000 Hz) to place the bass exactly where you want it: more body, more attack, or a scooped midrange for slap style. On the luthiery side, alder provides a natural balance and musical mids, while the MR5S bridge with individual saddles enhances note separation and sustain, and the rosewood fingerboard maintains a pleasant roundness on attacks.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	SS	Body	Alder
Left handed	No	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed
Strings	Steel	Electronics	Active
Nbr of strings	5	Color	Brown
Top	Poplar	Finishing	Matt
Fingerboard	Rosewood	Hardware	Black
Nbrs of frets	24

Shape	MDM, balanced for 24 frets	Bridge	Ibanez MR5S, individual saddles, spacing 0.71" / 18 mm, adjustable +/-0.06" / +/-1.5 mm
Back/sides	alder	Tuners	Ibanez Aero-light ("Extra Super Duralumin" alloy)
Finish/variations	"Natural Mocha Low Gloss" (NML), "Deep Twilight" (DTW)	Hardware color	black
Type	MDM5, roasted maple, Super All Access joint	Pickups	Delta S5J neck (passive), Delta S5J bridge (passive)
Frets	24, medium stainless steel	Preamp	Ibanez Sonitech S, 3-band EQ, passive tone, push/pull bypass
Scale length	34" / 864 mm	Mid selector	3-position mini-switch + Hexa Mid system (L bank 250/450/850 Hz, H bank 350/600/1000 Hz)
Nut width	1.77" / 45 mm	Controls	volume, balance, master tone (push/pull EQ bypass), bass, mids, treble
Width at 24th fret	2.91" / 74 mm	Strings installed	D'Addario EXL165 + .130 (gauges .045/.065/.085/.105/.130)
Thickness at 1st fret	0.81" / 20.5 mm	Factory tuning	1G, 2D, 3A, 4E, 5B
Thickness at 12th fret	0.89" / 22.5 mm	Included accessories	Ibanez gig bag, detachable finger ramp
Radius	12" / 305 mm	Recommended case	Ibanez MRB350C