Ibanez SRMS805 Review: Multiscale Bass Guitar Explained and Tested

The Ibanez SRMS805 is a multiscale 5-string bass — also called a fanned-fret bass. The frets are at different angles rather than parallel, which means the scale length varies from string to string. It sounds unconventional. In practice it solves a real problem.

I wanted to review this because multiscale basses get either dismissed as gimmicks or hyped as the future of instrument design. The truth is more practical than either position.

What Multiscale Actually Does

On a standard bass, every string has the same scale length. That works well for the middle strings but is a compromise for the extremes — the high G string would benefit from a slightly shorter scale for comfort, and the low B string would benefit from a longer scale for tighter tension.

A multiscale bass gives each string the scale length it actually needs. The SRMS805 runs from 34 inches on the high G to 35.5 inches on the low B. That longer B string scale means significantly tighter tension — the low B feels more like a real string and less like a rubber band.

The fanned frets that result from this design look strange on paper. In the hand, after about 20 minutes of adjustment, they feel natural. Your wrist angles slightly differently at different positions on the neck, but this actually mirrors how your wrist moves naturally when you play.

The Low B String — The Main Event

This is the primary reason to choose a multiscale 5-string over a standard 5-string. The low B on the SRMS805 is noticeably tighter and more defined than on a standard 34-inch scale 5-string. Notes speak clearly. The fundamental is present and strong. You can play fast passages on the B string without the note definition collapsing.

I reviewed the Yamaha TRBX505 and mentioned the B string was “decent for 34-inch scale.” The SRMS805 B string is better than that — not because Ibanez makes better basses than Yamaha, but because the physics of the longer scale length simply produce more string tension at the same tuning.

The SR Body and Neck

The SRMS805 uses Ibanez’s SR (Soundgear) body format — thin, contoured, lightweight. The SR has been a working musician’s workhorse for decades precisely because it’s comfortable. Extended playing sessions are easier on a light bass with good balance.

The neck is fast. Ibanez SR necks are known for slim profiles and low action, and the SRMS805 continues that tradition. The multiscale design doesn’t compromise the neck feel — it adapts to it naturally.

The Electronics

Bartolini BH2 pickups with a 3-band Ibanez Custom Electronics preamp. Bartolini again — the second time in recent reviews, which tells you something about where the quality pickup market has landed. The BH2 pickups have a clear, detailed character that suits the multiscale design well — you want definition when you’re exploiting the tighter low string tension.

The 3-band EQ is well-voiced. Mid control at a useful frequency, treble boost that adds presence without harshness, bass boost that adds weight without muddiness. Standard working tools, executed competently.

Who Should Buy This

Players who specifically need a tight, defined low B string for modern styles — metal, progressive rock, jazz fusion, anything where the low register needs to articulate clearly at fast tempos.

Also worth considering for players with ergonomic concerns — some players find the fanned fret design more comfortable because the nut end of the neck angles toward the body in a way that reduces wrist strain during extended sessions.

Not for players who just want a standard 5-string for conventional styles. The adjustment period for fanned frets is real, and if you don’t specifically need the benefits of multiscale design, a standard 5-string like the TRBX505 or BB435 is a simpler choice.

FAQ

What is a multiscale bass guitar?

A multiscale bass has different scale lengths for different strings, achieved through fanned frets (frets at varying angles). This gives each string the optimal scale length for its tuning — longer for lower strings to increase tension and definition, shorter for higher strings for comfort.

Is the Ibanez SRMS805 good for beginners?

No. The fanned fret design requires an adjustment period, and the instrument is aimed at players who have a specific reason to choose multiscale. Beginners should start with a standard 4 or 5-string bass and consider multiscale later if they have a reason to.

How long does it take to adjust to fanned frets?

Most players adapt within 15-30 minutes of playing. The adjustment is less dramatic than people expect — your wrist naturally angles differently at different neck positions anyway. A week of regular playing and fanned frets feel normal.

Is the low B string on the Ibanez SRMS805 tight?

Yes, noticeably tighter than on standard 34-inch scale 5-strings. The 35.5-inch scale length on the low B provides significantly more string tension, resulting in better note definition and a more responsive feel.

What are the Ibanez SRMS805 pickups?

Bartolini BH2 soapbar pickups with a 3-band Ibanez Custom Electronics active preamp. Bartolini is a well-regarded pickup manufacturer used in professional instruments across many brands.

Related Posts

Multiscale bass design has moved from experimental to mainstream faster than anyone expected. The Ibanez SRMS805 is part of that wave — a production instrument that brings fanned frets to players who don’t have boutique budgets. The physics argument is legitimate: longer scale on the low strings tightens the B and C strings, shorter scale on the high strings makes the upper register more comfortable.

The ergonomics of playing a multiscale instrument take some adjustment. The nut angle feels strange at first and the way you approach the lower positions changes. Give it a week before you make a judgment call. Most players who dismiss multiscale instruments dismissed them before that adjustment period was complete.

For progressive styles, extended range metal, or any playing that spends significant time on the low B and C strings, the multiscale advantage is real and audible.