Ibanez BTB300BKF

See previous post. It is accurate. Althou mine included 2 Allen wrenches, an instruction manual, a cables, and info on the included Elixir strings.

As the previous post mentioned, this bass does indeed have a very upfront and punchy sound - even with all the dials on flat(center detent). basically, you can use this base in any creative situation, but it would be more appropriate for anything resembling Power Rock to Progressive Metal. Even at low volumes, its authority can be felt.
Because it is incredibly quiet - even with the highs at full, it can be ideally used for recording purposes as well.
The only thing I'm not too crazy about is its "Batman" looks - and I'm not referring to it's gorgeous flat finish, but to its overall shape. Of course, many would see this as a blessing.

Here is what I can't understand: the action was too high(by Ibanez's standards). Even the floor model had a lower action. The stated measurements for the neck relief was way off. Even the adjustments offered to me by the store was unsatisfactory. I've never seen adjustments made to an instrument in 15 minutes! People I know who had/have Ibanez's always said these instruments were perfect straight out of the box. Odd.

This bass is solid like rock - or shoul I say - like batman. The only weak part, as in all basses, is it's head. Just make sure you don't knock something or you'll find indents on the fragile maple.
The finish is superior. in fact, I'm trying to get fingerprints on it but to no avail.
If I had to, I would definitely feel confident in using this without a backup. There is nothing flimsy about this instrument.

N/A

I've been playing for over twenty years(guitar,piano,keyboard,bass). If this bass were lost or stolen I would definitely get another one, in spite of the fact that it looks like Batman's bass. Other basses that I tested before buying this buying this one were the Yamaha RBX 374, Godin Freeway 4, and a Schecter Stilleto. The Ibanez had the purest tone and quickest attack. Had the Yamaha RBX 374 had the guts of the Ibanez, it would have been a match made in heaven. As it is, i'll have to dress up like Batman for next halloween.

This is a 2004 model made in Korea.
4 string with 23 and a half frets
34" Scale
Active electronics
2 Ibanez PFRN4 MM style pickups (Passive pickups, active EQ)
Controls for pickup pan, volume, treble and bass
Mono-rail II bridge
Body is made of mahogany
Neck is bolt-on 5 piece maple with walnut stripes
Neutrik jack lock.
Flat black finish.
Came with Elixir strings

The sound is suited for rock all the way to death metal - very aggressive when you want it to be. I run this bass through a Hartke HA4000 400 Watt head into a 1 x 15" and a 2 x 12" Etone cabinet. With the bass and amps eq flat, the tone is very growly and has a fair bit of punch. I like to boost the bass on the BTB slightly to give the higher strings a fuller sound.
Moving the pickup pan towards the neck brings out the deep lows, moving towards the bridge gives a more focused low/midrangey punch, which is where this bass works best IMO.
Sounds good live and recorded. The only thing I can't get is a crisp, trebly sound but that probably is more to do with my cabs, and that's not what I'm after anyway. It doesn't really do smooth. Overall very good, aggressive but not harsh.

Good low action when I got it, no problems. The guitarists in my band like to tune as low as C so I put heavy gauge strings on and only had to adjust the string height and intonation, I didn't have to touch the neck or nut.
The neck, which is wide and flat, feels much better to me than a soundgear neck (I have long fingers). The pickups have notches in them to rest your thumb when playing finger style. I am normally a pick player but this bass fits perfectly when I play finger style.

The bass is painted a utilitarian flat black, which doesn't show up finger prints and such like a gloss finish does, seems to be pretty tough. Overall, looks pretty metal with its big horns and chunky pickups.
There are a couple of flaws. The back of the neck is not perfectly smooth, there are some slightly uneven patches that don't affect playing. Also the machine heads aren't put on perfectly straight, I didn't notice till it was pointed out to me though. The neck and nut joint could be a little better but is good for a bass of this price.

I have played the BTB a few times live and never had any problems. I usually play without a backup but check the battery first. Strap buttons hold well. Seems solid , I think it will last a long time.

Haven't dealt with them

I've owned the BTB for about 6 months and been very happy with it. I've tried Yamaha's, ESP's, Epiphones and other Ibanezes but the BTB sounded and felt the best to me. I currently play gigs in a metal band about once a month with the BTB. It's a loud, practical rock bass which does its job well.