Ibanez TMB30-IV Ivory Talman

A Talman short-scale bass with plenty of character

With the TMB30-IV, Ibanez brings the Talman spirit to a compact, accessible and immediately appealing bass version. It retains the visual identity of this instrument family, with its retro lines and relaxed look, while offering an instrument designed for modern playing that is reliable and easy to get to grips with.

Within the Ibanez range, this short-scale electric bass occupies a particularly interesting position. It is aimed at musicians looking for the comfort of a short scale without sacrificing tonal versatility. Its 30" / 762 mm scale length makes it a highly appealing alternative to more traditional 34" basses, especially for players who want an instrument that feels more flexible under the fingers and is easier to transport.

A 4-string bass designed for comfort and versatility

The Ibanez TMB30-IV is particularly well suited to beginners who want to start playing bass on an instrument that feels reassuring, manageable and enjoyable to play. The short scale reduces the overall spacing and provides a more relaxed feel for the left hand, making shifts, partial barre chords and long rehearsals easier.

It also appeals to intermediate musicians looking for a compact 4-string bass for daily practice, gigs with lightweight setups or use as a second instrument with a different character. Its ergonomics make it a very good option for guitarists moving to bass, or for bassists looking for a softer touch.

In terms of styles, this Talman is equally at home in pop, rock, indie, funk and soul. It can deliver a warm accompaniment that sits comfortably in the mix, as well as more attack and definition when the playing calls for greater presence. This is a versatile bass, capable of fitting into a wide range of musical aesthetics without making the instrument more complicated to approach.

Broad tonal character thanks to the P/J pickup combination

The strength of this Ibanez bass lies in its Dynamix P/J configuration. The P-style pickup, positioned at the neck, generally provides a solid foundation, with full lows and dense low mids. This is the ideal register for building a stable, rounded and musical bass line, particularly effective for pop, rock or soul accompaniment.

The J-style pickup, installed near the bridge, brings more definition, clarity and articulation. It allows the attack of the fingers to stand out more clearly, provides greater precision for syncopated lines and produces a livelier sound when the song calls for it. The appeal of this configuration lies precisely in its ability to move between warmth, clarity and bite depending on the playing context.

The construction also contributes to this balance. The poplar body offers an even response and pleasing neutrality, allowing the pickups to express themselves naturally. The maple neck enhances the sense of precision and encourages a crisp attack, while the jatoba key adds a little extra definition. The result is a responsive, articulate and enjoyable instrument to play, without excessive harshness.

The short scale length also plays an important role in the overall feel and sound. It often produces a more supple low end, a softer attack and a slightly more elastic touch than a long-scale bass. This character works particularly well for groovy lines, melodic accompaniment and musicians who prioritize comfort without giving up a genuine presence in the mix. Combined with the B10 bridge and a string spacing of 19 mm / 0.75", the TMB30-IV retains a familiar, balanced feel for the picking hand.

Recommended compatible accessories

To get the most out of this short-scale bass, the safest choice is a set of short-scale 4-string bass strings compatible with a 30" / 762 mm scale length. A sturdy strap and a tuner are also useful additions for everyday practice, rehearsals and live performance.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	PJ	Nbrs of frets	20
Category	Asymmetric	Body	Poplar
Format	Short Scale	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed
Left handed	No	Electronics	Passive
Strings	Steel	Color	White
Nbr of strings	4	Finishing	Glossy
Fingerboard	Jatoba	Hardware	Chromed

Instrument type	4-string short-scale electric bass	Bridge	B10
Neck type	TMB4	String spacing	19 mm / 0.75"
Neck	maple	Hardware color	chrome
Scale length	30" / 762 mm	Neck pickup	Dynamix P, passive
Key	jatoba	Bridge pickup	Dynamix J, passive
Inlays	white dots	Pickup configuration	P/J
Number of frets	20	Factory tuning	1G, 2D, 3A, 4E
Fret type	medium	Original string gauge	.045 / .065 / .085 / .105
Nut width	41 mm / 1.61"	Style	Talman, vintage-inspired
Radius	240 mm / 9.45"