AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Ibanez Multi-scale Basses 2026
The top pick is Ibanez EHB1005MS Bass Workshop ($1,462). Ibanez SRC6MS Bass Workshop Multi-Scale Soundgear gives you the most for the money at $891. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 9
Full detail for the 9 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Strings5-string
- BodyBasswood body
The Ibanez EHB1005MS-SFM is a serious contender for the modern bassist. The multiscale design makes playing those lower strings a breeze, and the Bartolini pickups give you a huge palette of tones—from tight and punchy to warm and growly. This bass is perfect for players wanting a versatile, high-performance instrument without the extreme price tag of a top-tier boutique bass.
Pros
- Bartolini pickups deliver a powerful, articulate, and modern tone.
- Roasted birds-eye maple fretboard provides exceptional playability and stability.
- Multiscale design enhances intonation and string tension across all five strings.
Cons
- Plastic nut is a cost-saving measure that could be upgraded for improved sustain.
- Varimid EQ, while versatile, can be complex for beginners to master.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,462 now$1,462€1,311 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRMS720 Bass Workshop Multi-Scale Soundgear
SRMS720-BCM · Ibanez
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyOkoume body
The SRMS720-BCM is a serious contender for modern bassists seeking versatility and a refined feel. The multiscale design really shines, improving intonation and providing a comfortable playing experience. This bass is ideal for players who want a powerful, articulate sound without sacrificing playability.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Fishman Fluence Modern pickup delivers a modern, articulate, and powerful low-end.
- Multiscale design allows for enhanced clarity and string definition across all four strings.
Cons
- Panga Panga fingerboard can feel slightly less smooth than rosewood or ebony.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, doesn't offer the same sustain as a neck-through design.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,438 now$1,438€1,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRC6MS Bass Workshop Multi-Scale Soundgear
SRC6MS-BLL · Ibanez
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Strings6-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The SRC6MS-BLL is a seriously capable 6-string bass, perfect for players needing extended range and a modern, active tone. The multiscale design makes those lower strings surprisingly playable, and the Bartolini pickups provide a rich, punchy sound that cuts through any mix. It’s a great option for progressive rock, metal, or anyone wanting a versatile, high-performance instrument.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Bartolini BH2 pickups deliver a powerful, articulate, and defined low-end.
- Multiscale design enhances playability and intonation across all six strings.
Cons
- Plastic nut can be a potential upgrade point for improved tuning stability.
- Indonesia manufacture, while good quality, isn't quite the prestige of a Japanese-made instrument.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$891 now$891€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRMS625EX Iron Label Multi-Scale Soundgear
SRMS625EX-BKF · Ibanez
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Strings5-string
This Ibanez SRMS625EX-BKF is a serious contender for the modern bassist seeking a high-performance instrument. The multiscale design and Bartolini pickups make it incredibly versatile for funk, rock, and even heavier genres. It's a premium-priced bass that delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros
- Bartolini pickups deliver a powerful, articulate, and modern low-end response.
- Multiscale design optimizes string tension for improved intonation and playability across all five strings.
- Ebonol fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience with a unique feel.
Cons
- Plastic nut is a cost-saving measure; upgrading would enhance sustain and tuning stability.
- The SRMS5 neck profile might not suit players preferring a thicker, more traditional feel.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,147 now$1,147€1,029 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47 mm (1.85")
- Strings5-string
The BTB805MS-TGF is a seriously impressive bass. The multiscale design makes it incredibly versatile for different tunings and playing styles, and the T1 pickups deliver a modern, aggressive tone that cuts through any mix. It’s a premium-priced instrument that's perfect for gigging musicians and serious players seeking a high-performance, comfortable bass.
Pros
- Ash/Okoume body offers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- Multiscale design expands tuning options and enhances fret accessibility
- BTB5 neck profile is supremely comfortable, ideal for extended playing
Cons
- The weight can be a factor for players with smaller builds or long sets
- Panga Panga fretboard, while beautiful, can be less familiar to some players
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,493 now$1,493€1,339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Fingerboard radius950 mm (37.4")
- Strings6-string
This bass feels light thanks to its wood body and solid neck-through build. The stainless steel frets play smoothly, but the plastic nut feels a bit cheap. It's a great choice if you need extra strings for jazz or fusion, but check the actual weight before buying.
Pros
- Lightweight Okoume and ash body design for easy playability
- Neck-through-body construction ensures stable tuning and sustain
- Stainless steel frets offer smooth action and bright response
Cons
- Plastic bone nut feels cheap compared to real bone
- No stated weight makes heavy bass possibility high
51AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,649 · Aug 17$1,616 now$1,616€1,449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width63 mm (2.48")
- Fingerboard radius950 mm (37.4")
- Strings7-string
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The BTB7MS-NML is a serious instrument for the modern bassist who wants a 7-string with incredible versatility. The multiscale design makes those lower strings playable, and the active electronics offer a wide range of tonal possibilities – perfect for progressive rock, fusion, or anyone needing serious low-end authority.
Pros
- Bubinga top adds stunning aesthetics and a touch of brightness
- Multiscale design improves playability across seven strings
- Super 1 pickups deliver a powerful, modern low-end response
Cons
- The weight can be a factor for longer playing sessions
- Plastic nut is a common cost-saving measure, upgradeable later
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,393 now$1,393€1,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- Strings5-string
The Ibanez EHB1505SMS-FNL is a seriously impressive instrument for the modern bassist. The multi-scale design and Nordstrand pickups offer a wide range of tones, from punchy slap to warm, growling lows. This is a great choice for players who want a premium-priced, versatile 5-string bass with a unique aesthetic and feel.
Pros
- Nordstrand Big Break pickups deliver a powerful, articulate, and modern tone.
- Panga Panga/Walnut neck construction provides exceptional stability and a unique feel.
- Multi-scale design expands tuning possibilities and improves string tension consistency.
Cons
- The active electronics require a power source, limiting versatility in certain situations.
- Panga Panga wood can be less familiar and potentially harder to source for repairs.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,609 now$1,609€1,443 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Strings6-string
- BodyMahogany body
The EHB1506MS-BIF is a serious instrument for the modern bassist seeking extended range and tonal flexibility. The multiscale design and Nordstrand pickups make it incredibly versatile, from growling funk to soaring progressive rock. This is a fantastic choice for experienced players wanting a high-quality, well-built 6-string bass without the absolute premium price tag.
Pros
- Nordstrand Big Split pickups deliver a powerful, articulate, and versatile tone.
- Pangapanga/Walnut neck construction provides exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Multiscale design expands tuning options and improves fret access across the extended range.
Cons
- Mahogany body, while resonant, can make it a bit heavier for extended playing sessions.
- Plastic nut might be a future upgrade consideration for improved sustain and tuning stability.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,861 now$1,861€1,669 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Multi-scale Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 71 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,462 — half of all multi-scale basses here cost less.
median of 54 models · 42 mm (1.65")–55 mm (2.17")
median of 61 models · 20–24
most common · 65 models
most common · 51 models
How to choose the best multi-scale basses
Neck Profile & Ergonomics
Ibanez's Wizard necks are a love-it-or-hate-it thing. They're generally thin and fast, which is great for shredding, but might feel a little flimsy for players used to a chunkier feel. The multi-scale design dramatically improves string tension consistency, making those super-low B strings actually playable without feeling like you're wrestling an anaconda.
Pickup Voicing
The stock pickups on a lot of Ibanez basses can be a bit... generic. They often lean towards a scooped, modern sound - think aggressive funk or djent. Upgrading the pickups is a common mod to dial in more vintage growl or a more defined midrange. The Nordstrand and Bartolini options are popular upgrades.
Hardware & Build Quality
Generally, Ibanez hardware is solid, especially the tuners. The bridges are well-designed, allowing for string-through-body options on many models for better sustain. Lower-end models might have some minor finish flaws, but the core construction is usually very good for the price.
Multi-Scale Advantage
The fanned fret design isn't just about looks. It optimizes string tension across the neck, resulting in better intonation, improved clarity, and a more even response across all strings. This is especially noticeable when dropping tunings or playing extended range instruments.
Tone Characteristics
Expect a wide range of tonal possibilities. While many lean towards a scooped, modern vibe, higher-end models, especially those with figured woods and upgraded electronics, can deliver surprising warmth and vintage-inspired tones. The overall character tends to be punchy with good articulation, cutting through the mix well even with a scooped EQ.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're looking at Ibanez multi-scale basses? Smart move. They've really cornered the market on ergonomic playing and versatile tone, especially if you like that modern, scooped sound but don't want to sacrifice clarity. We're going to break down what makes these basses tick, from the SR series workhorses to the more exotic Signature models - and what you're really getting for your money.
If you're on a budget, the SR series offers a lot of bang for your buck, but consider a pickup upgrade down the line. Signature models like those from Sheehan or Trujillo are undeniably cool, but the price jump is significant - and the core bass is still an Ibanez, so you're paying for the aesthetics and the signature hardware. Pay close attention to the neck profile; if you're not a fan of super-thin necks, look for models with a slightly thicker 'Wizard II' profile.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 9 multi-scale basses from the Thomann catalogue (of 71 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Ibanez multi-scale basses hard to intonate?
Not really. The multi-scale design actually helps with intonation compared to traditional straight-neck basses, especially with extended ranges. The initial setup can take a little longer, but they're generally very stable.
Can I use any strings on a multi-scale bass?
Pretty much, but you might need to experiment. Due to the varied string tension, some strings might feel a bit different than what you're used to. Heavier gauge strings on the low B side are a must for good tension and clarity.
Are Ibanez basses suitable for all genres?
Absolutely. While they're popular in modern genres like metal and funk, a good EQ and pickup swap can easily make them versatile enough for blues, jazz, or rock. It's about the player, not just the instrument.
What's the difference between SR and SRX series?
The SRX series is generally the more budget-friendly option, with simpler electronics and often less figured woods. The SR series represents a step up in terms of features and overall build quality, though there's significant variation within the SR line itself.
Is it worth the investment to upgrade the pickups?
It often is. The stock pickups are decent, but a good aftermarket pickup can dramatically improve the bass's clarity, punch, and overall tonal character - especially if you're looking for a more vintage or aggressive sound.
