Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

N(I)BD - Ibanez TMB35...and Aguilar AG5PJ-HC pickups aka TMDBAG35


Mikey D
 Share

Recommended Posts

In a perfect would I'd buy a Fodera MG Mini but it isn't perfect and I don't have $10k to drop on anything nevermind a custom bass. Or an even more perfect world be a sponsor of Ibanez and have them make me a short scale fanned-fret GWB35 with Aguilar or Nordstrand strung E-C.

As neither are going to happen I bought a TMB35 about a month ago as reviews were solid although most about 4 string. Almost immediately or even before it was received I decided it was going to be a bit of a project bass to mod. (This seems to be a trend with the new shorter scale Ibanez basses and rightly so for the quality and pretty brain prices - @therealting has done an excellent job on a Mezzo).

@walshy had a set of AG PJ5 HC so thought what the hell...they arrived next day and then so did the bass. Tip for everyone else; the routing for the Ibanez Dynamix pickups are not the same as the AGs. :)

Before doing anything else I strung it E-C with some strings I had laying about (bought some Foderas to go on post-mod) and recorded this quickly - From Within - Michel Camilo (Anthony Jackson Bass Cover) and was already suitably impressed with feel and sound for £200ish.

IMG_20200817_213032.thumb.jpg.76af5601dc411c3ba5fb76306bb39a21.jpg

Luckily I had just spoken to my mate Jimmy about doing some fretwork on my basses and he recommended 'Rob' who does his guitars.

So I set about getting them over to Rob with no rush on them. A few WhatsApp back and forth we agree it needed a bit of a reroute and the pickguard would need changing to cover any holes I left it all up to him. It'll be ready to pick up tomorrow after one more minor mod.

I was excited anyway but after his comments I can't wait to pick it up tomorrow now: his nonchalant 'turned out alright hasn't it' got much more excitable with 'mate these pickups...I had to phone my bass player to tell him about the sound'.

Then I got a pic...I'm totally into the new 'board shape. 

I have a 4 or so additional mods in mind but will get it back and finally play it a bit before deciding what to do next.

Will check back in with a video/audio of it soon.IMG-20200920-WA0014.thumb.jpg.7effd4733a1f7a05ef453d0ed24cf701.jpg

IMG-20200920-WA0015.thumb.jpg.3277c869db9763efa89e4b174d92ffe5.jpg

Tomorrow will be a New Improved Bass Day

Edited by Mikey D
  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another quick mod...straplocks. 

Also I’ve had a chance to play now through audio interface and amp...these Aguilar pickups are so clean! The P and J sound exactly like good P and Js should.

So for about £500 all in I am extremely happy with the outcome. Although I’m almost convinced on the next 2 mods already. But working out how to do a bit less than full RRP.

656A6088-2AA0-4D15-A96E-3040B0296051.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looks great - am just considering getting one of these myself - but there is precious little info on the 5-string variant. 

if you don't mind me asking: how does it balance? Any hints of neck-dive? 

The shape looks very Jaguar-ish, and both Jaguars that I had dived something fierce :(  

Hoping this one doesn't!

Edited by kumimajava
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi. Tbh there is neck dive no doubt about it. When sitting down I play ‘classical guitar’ style anyway and standing up although it is obvious, it doesn’t bother me personally. 

The mod mod I wanted to do actually was swap the tuners for some lightweight gotoh. Won’t resolve completely but will help a bit.

Although I can’t say im not intrigued by the more extreme mod of going headless :)

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, Mikey D said:

Hi. Tbh there is neck dive no doubt about it. 

....

Although I can’t say im not intrigued by the more extreme mod of going headless :)

Thanks for clarifying that - I'd be most curious to see how the headless-mod works out ... as a fan of headless basses, it's an idea that sounds rather attractive :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 3 months later...
  • 1 month later...

After debating whether to change them for a while, I found these Ultralites for sale thanks to @Bobthedog 

Big weight difference, but not enough to totally remove any movement. However when sitting bass now balances almost parallel with the floor rather than diving towards it. When standing a little forearm pressure and strap easily hold it where I prefer the angle to be. 

The costs are pushing it a bit now but for a c.£500-600 investment, I think it's been worthwhile to get in the short scale club with a level of quality I'm happy with. Definitely a market for more mid-quality short scales.

Next mod: After filling the holes...one day maybe add a drop tuner hipshot xtender

PXL_20210327_134942114.PORTRAIT.jpg

PXL_20210327_134946708.PORTRAIT.jpg

PXL_20210327_193216559.jpg

PXL_20210327_193433818.jpg

PXL_20210329_170412364.jpg

PXL_20210329_170417923.jpg

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, Mikey D said:

After debating whether to change them for a while, I found these Ultralites for sale thanks to @Bobthedog 

Big weight difference, but not enough to totally remove any movement. However when sitting bass now balances almost parallel with the floor rather than diving towards it. When standing a little forearm pressure and strap easily hold it where I prefer the angle to be. 

The costs are pushing it a bit now but for a c.£500-600 investment, I think it's been worthwhile to get in the short scale club with a level of quality I'm happy with. Definitely a market for more mid-quality short scales.

Next mod: After filling the holes...one day maybe add a drop tuner hipshot tender

PXL_20210329_170417923.jpg

Glad they helped. I believe @Rich cleverly filled the holes on his Sire with cut down cocktail sticks. PS love the Aguilar rig in the background.

Edited by Bobthedog
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...