Ibanez EHB 5 Minute Mod - Setting Up +6 DB Mode on the Ibanez EHB Preamp - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

[@jamesmarkham7489]

One thing a lot of people don't realize is that pickup height can greatly effect tone. A quick video showing how it can change the tone of a bass would be great!

[@LowEndLobster]

Great suggestion James!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Very true! I like my pickups as close as I can for MAX POWA!! Lol

[@MotoMarios]

@@bassimprovjams3772 You lose a bit on dynamics if too close and if the magnets are strong then you get ghost notes too.

[@trivu5951]

How close is too close? I got my at 2mm when press the string down on the last fret. Please advise.

[@jamesmarkham7489]

@@trivu5951 that’s probably ok but it depends on pickups. If you pluck the string and you hear it go out of tune then it’s too close. If you want to experiment with it ,lower them down towards the body and see if you enjoy that tone more or less. It’s something you can always adjust so you can change it back easily.

[@cwkun2197]

i found that can change the voicing of the preamp too. The plug on the left hand side of the preamp PCB, listed "VM3 output" , unplug it and plug it into the adjacent slot "BEQ3" , it gives out slightly brighter, opened (aka colored) sound even the eq is set flat, a good compensation with the original very dark Bart pickup. Btw, the sweepable mid eq sounds a bit difference too. It save me $300 for pickup upgrade.

[@DuchessOlivia]

You are a GOD! This fixed all of my problems i had with the barts. Thank you so so so much

[@dustyaudio]

Thank you, just tried 6db. Probably going to revert back & try the EQ swap.

[@FarrinD12]

Question for you, does the sweepable mid knob still work with the BEQ3 slot? I’m hoping to pickup one of these basses soon and want to try this out!

[@cwkun2197]

@@FarrinD12 yes it works too, but the freq response sounds slightly different

[@FarrinD12]

@@cwkun2197 I just got one and found that out too! I really like this bass!

[@DeBogaloo]

Hi Lobster, thanks for posting this. I've done the mod and my ehb now sounds awesome !

[@budduggly7781]

It's 9am here...but you said to go get a screwdriver. So I poured myself one and then watched the video. A bit to early to drink...so I'll pass next time. Great video!

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL Thanks Budd!

[@JamesMisplaced]

Awesome Brotha! I have an EHB1505ms and an EHB1005ms and I have done this with both. One time I said "So I guess you're a star or something" 😂. Love you man, you're the upper level of bass reviews and demo

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you James!

[@seansouza6694]

Thank you so much man, this is the punch I've been trying to get in the 1506

[@michaelkeefer4293]

Nice find! I'm going to give this a try on my 1505. I'm guessing the negatives are the volume difference between active and passive and shorter battery life, but I can live with that. Thanks!

[@michaelkeefer4293]

I just did the mod on my 1505 and yep! it has more output, sounds brighter and a litter more aggressive. Me likey! 👍

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

Can verify that this works great on the 15XX series too. The Nordstrands were already great, but this adds a bit of spice 🤘

[@Eugensson]

Works on any Ibanez SoundGear bass with this preamp ("3EMP3LD" on the circuit board)

[@Eugensson]

@Leia no, not at all. It has no effect on the battery consumption

[@meyersguitars2196]

Good mod and I could really hear the difference in the neck pickup. It made it growl!

[@markblackstad8705]

I think I could use a screwdriver (vodka and orange juice) now too. Unfortunately I am on my lunch break at work now. Nice mod. I do notice a difference. The big question I have is why didn't it come that way from the factory? Who would want a wimpier and less dynamic pre amped tone, especially since it does have an active/passive switch on it?

[@jacobayeni7834]

Did this on my Ibanez BTB745.. though I installed an on off on switch to split the BH2 into single coils in both directions.. sounds great with the single coils in the +6db mode.. sounded way cleaner too.. I rarely use it in humbucker mode ...

[@chuckdavisvoiceover]

Made this mod to my EHB1265. Nice improvement! Hopefully it will have an easier time keeping up with the Modulus I also use at shows.

[@RobMLyon]

What a difference this makes, lobster you are awesome my friend. If you ever get to the Jersey Shore let me know I owe ya a drink

[@TommyLuptak]

Dang. I bought this bass in July 2022 because of your video. Omg the roasted maple is silky smooth. But I disliked the Barts dead sound. So I chose the Nords Zen Blade 6 (fits the 5) and it’s equal bar through so no hot spots running it on an angle to the strings. So I really loved this bass to I just happened to find another and also put the Nords Zens in. Now I’m going to do this mod and I just read on talk bass that someone had success running this preamp at 18v with noticeable headroom. 😮😊 thank you for your videos. 😁 also to note. I’m using the guitar size mono double case for my two 1005ms. They fit perfect.

[@garrysimmons111]

I just opened up my brand new SR2605 and found the same circuit board. Did the mod. Active mode is now a lot louder than passive mode. Easy peasy if you want the extra output. I will switch it back as I run into an MXR Studio Compressor pedal (always on). The extra volume from the bass just made the pedal compress the signal a lot more. So I dialed the input control back to get just a hint of compression (similar to before the mod). Bottom Line: no end change in sound feeding the amp, just a different setting on my compressor pedal. Cool vid though. I'm going to check my other Ibanez bass (SR405) and see what it offers. I've been considering making it passive (Vol/Blend only).

[@SuperFredIsa]

Hi Lobster, I love this 5 minutes mod Format !!! As you have basses with the EMG TBC Preamp, could you do video demonstrating a 30 seconds mod ? I mean the 2 DIP switches changing the treble response frequency ? And may be showing the Difference between 9V and 18V ? Keep on !! Thanks

[@PorchBass]

I really enjoy working with the preamp left so that it doesn't overwhelm the passive mode

[@bassmanjoe83]

I have the EHB1000MS and this was a great mod! I don’t even need to put different pickups in this as the Bartolinis have really been able to cut through the mix now!

[@zsujsk]

Wow!! Thanks IBZ leave us this choice! Then I find the stock pickup(Bartolini) humbucker pickup can turn into single coil but lose volume. With this +6db it is not gonna be a problem I think~ Maybe I will try it later.

[@benbond3433]

Cool mod...volume on my practice amp went from 9-10 (same as passive volume), to 7. Thanks!

[@charlestiffany1526]

Thanks. Now I know what I’m doing when I get home tonight.

[@stevedrinkschang365]

Thanks for the upload lobster man!

[@jeffcalvert9629]

I'd be really interested in a demo switching the preamp OUTPUT from the VM3 channel to the BEQ channel on the left of the unit. My SR505e outputs on the BEQ3 channel. I tried the other channel and didn't hear much difference but there's a lot of chatter on the interwebs, none of which seems to provide an authoritative answer.

[@LowEndLobster]

Great idea!

[@bassplayer1586]

This works great on my ehb 1506 ms and 1505, however it is a huge jump in volume between the passive and active modes. Also, if you check out your ATK 810E, it will already have this mod done from the factory. Both my 810E and 805E are plugged into the +6db slots as standard.

[@TommyLuptak]

Not only did I just do this mod to both my 1005ms’s I did the 18v mod to one of them. I like!!!

[@ivanvicente9633]

How does the 18v change the tone?

[@admacdo]

That same PCB is in pretty much every single current Ibanez bass from the SR300 to the most expensive ones they make. The switches are all modular too.

[@StevenSimmonsJr]

So ridiculous. lol. My biggest complaint was that my ehb1505ms wasn't driving my gains. I decided to add a permanent boost pedal to the front of my chain. But there's a +6db connector in there already? Should I be mad or glad about this undocumented detail!? Glad I happened on the hint on TB. And thank you for posting this!

[@KPJohnson]

This is possible on a number of the preamps. I did this mod on my BTB846SC, too.

[@jeffcalvert9629]

Yes, I just did my SR505e. I know the EHB has sweepable mids, vs. the 3 way toggle on the 505, but it looks like exactly the same preamp. All the printing on the circuit board is the same. Now to stock up on 9 volt Duracells... ;-)

[@trivu5951]

Great suggestion. Thanks.

[@markgatland977]

Wow! Had no idea about this, looks like I'll be taking a screwdriver to my 1505MS this afternoon for the "Lobster Mod" 😉

[@makoto99]

Thanks for this video! I have this same bass and didn't realize it had that plug switch right in (mostly) plain sight. Switched to the boost and I'm enjoying my bass even more now.

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Glad you found this helpful

[@ronrichards2233]

Thanks! This was easy to do and the results were great.

[@frstassen]

Still waiting for the 4 string 35"-33" : the EHB 2504MS. I'd buy that bass twice.

[@Daqoda]

Did this in an sr650 2016 and this worked! It’s like a installed a new preamp. I wonder how many people upgraded theirs when they could of just done this?

[@philipmcadam5339]

Thanks for another great, yet simple mod video. Sometimes small things can make a large difference. I wonder why Ibanez chose to use the input that they used stock? is there some benefit to that position?

[@rl-ub9hx]

Don't forget the EQ plug in there too.

[@LowEndLobster]

For sure! Will do a separate video on that

[@MadMagicPaul]

@@LowEndLobster the EQ mod is really nice! Opens up the presence very nicely.

[@petougao]

So, any online info about this?

[@DaveBloomDrumsOnline]

This works on plenty of current models. This module is still used on a heap of current Ibanez basses: 3EMP3LD. Preamp module: BEQ3 module Main PCB, 3 band Low noise, Dual gain. ATK800, ATK810, BTB1405, BTB1406, BTB1605, BTB1606, BTB1805, BTB1806, BTB1825, BTB1826, BTB1905, BTB1905SM, BTB1906SM, BTB1935, BTB1936, BTB20TH5, BTB20TH6, BTB33, BTB686SC, BTB740, BTB745, BTB746, BTB747, BTB845SC, BTB845, BTB845V, BTB846, BTB846SC, BTB846V, EHB1000, EHB1005, EHB1005MS, EHB1500, EHB1505, EHB1505MS, K5, SDB3, SR1100B, SR1105B, SR1200, SR1205, SR1206, SR1300, SR1305, SR1306, SR1340B, SR1345B, SR1346B, SR1400, SR1400T, SR1405, SR1405T, SR1600, SR1600B, SR1605, SR1605B, SR1800, SR1805, SR1820, SR1825, SR2400, SR2400W, SR2600, SR2605, SR300, SR300E, SR300EB, SR300EBL, SR300EL, SR300L, SR305, SR305E, SR305EB, SR305EBL, SR306EB, SR30TH4, SR30TH4P, SR30TH4PII, SR30TH5, SR30TH5P, SR30TH5PII, SR370, SR370E, SR370EF, SR375, SR375E, SR400EQM, SR405EQM, SR4XXV, SR5XXV, SR5000, SR5005, SR5006, SR500, SR500E, SR500EL, SR505, SR505E, SR505EL, SR506, SR5PBLTD, SR5SMLTD, SR600, SR605, SR650, SR650E, SR655, SR655E, SR670, SR675, SR750, SR755, SR756, SR800, SR805, SR870, SR875, SRC6, SRFF800, SRFF805, SRFF806, SRMS805, SRMS806, SRSC805, TMB600

[@Cobanaut04]

Thank you for this extensive list. I own quite a few of these & am keen to do the mods.

[@patrickmasone3014]

Very nice!i'll try on my EHB1506MS. Do you find another combination? Like use mid-right together VM3+BQ3?Didn't know the Left.. And the other 2 at the side?Do you tried to switch them? Sorry for the multiple answers and really thank you for sharing this GSM!

[@Fenderman6121]

So what is actually happening here? I checked out the cavity of my SRSC805 and someone had already done it. I reversed the procedure and the Nordstrand Big Splits I installed sound more controlled and the output is more matched to the passive mode. Personal preference I guess but what exactly is the change?

[@kharybaker868]

Dug around in the control cavity of my srms806 and did the mod after seeing you mention doing a vid on this subject in the revisit. Now I'm hearing about some mysterious EQ plug? Just admit this is some sly attempt to get me to clean up the rats nest of wires in there...love your videos, and really big noticeable change in output and tone.

[@mixc8]

@Khary can you please tell me what pick ups your SRMS806 has? Thanks

[@kharybaker868]

@@mixc8 Bartolini BH2 dual coils. Came stock. Would love if they were splittable, but not possible with these from what I heard.

[@SixString_J5]

Where'd you get that stick on pickguard?

[@davidfox3177]

Sir, I just bought one of these Basses. Is there a video for adjusting the bridge and neck? Can’t seem to find anything from Ibanez. Or a link would be great if u know of any. Thanks for your time. It was your video that prompted me to buy one of these.

[@LowEndLobster]

The bridge and neck adjustments are pretty standard. I don't really know of any setup vids regarding this particular bass. Sorry

[@victorfernandez6432]

Nice video! I wonder why Ibanez did not state this in the bass owner´s manual or did they?

[@rl-ub9hx]

They don't mention it

[@Eugensson]

They don’t. Normally this +6dB is used on the basses which do not have the active/passive switch.

[@eugenet2408]

It's because it would create a major mismatch in the output between active and passive modes, making it impossible to switch between the two on the fly. As mentioned above, Ibanez employs the same design in many models, but it's only useful with low-output pickups in active-only basses. Here - not so much. Besides, it would add a bit more noise when highs are cranked up, which is expected with high-gain preamp and HiZ pickups.

[@RobMolin]

@lobster thanks as always. I purchased the EHB1005MS (flat black, sea foam was not available) on your recommendation and have been very happy. I live in Brazil and bought it last August while visiting family in the states. I have also now purchased locally the Tagima TW66 as my monster modder again on your recommendation of the body/neck quality and again I am very satisfied. The bad news is as I bought it locally here in Brazil I got it for about $180USD. Don't feel bad everything else here is twice, or thrice the price. I made this mod to the EHB and notice the 6dB gain in active mode, however this seems to attenuate the output in passive mode, is this possible, or just in my head?

[@Obscurity202]

I'm not sure I understand the goal here? It just makes the output 6db louder? Do you feel it gives you more headroom for the EQ or something? I'm also interested in hearing about the other mod and the pickup height test and the other thing I can't seem to remember

[@mojoemurphy]

I'm curious if this is a phenomenon where we perceive louder as better. It sounds the same to me, just louder. Since our ears hear louder as better naturally, I think it would be cool to compare with a DAW and volume match, then null test (or side by side) at the same adjusted volume and see if there's actually a difference. I think you might just be removing headroom to be louder. I'll have to test this with my 1600 and see

[@ivanvicente9633]

this mod allows me to cut a shit ton of mids while adding some highs, I think that this way the high end is not as distorted, I think that it does some slight compression because the bass sounds a bit punchier, this way the active mode is like 1.5db higher which can be useful

[@seansouza6694]

Turns out these are on a couple different Ibanez models, just did this on a sr 405 eqm

[@luckydougfergus]

Hello there, long time listener and watcher, first time responder. One week ago I got my brand new bass just like this one. Overall I like it very much, but I hate the locking cable jack. I just took the back cover off and looked to see if I can modify the Jack to get rid of the spring mechanism etc. realize I don’t wanna screw it up. What are your thoughts on the locking cable jack and if there’s a way to disable the lock feature?

[@LowEndLobster]

There was a thread about this on talkbass where you can order a jack plate which replaces the locking jack. The plate accepts a normal jack. I forgot where I saw that though. I've just learned to live with it hahaha. I hate the locking jack too

[@SixString_J5]

I've got this bass on my short list for when I'm ready to upgrade. I'm coming across a lot of interesting reviews on this bass. One common issue is that the side markers on the neck are extremely hard to see as they blend into the roasted maple. How are they for you? are they an issue?

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! I believe these have the glow in the dark inlays. The roast will vary depending on your example and 'batch'. Mine is an early one with a rather average roast, not too dark. That being said I've seen some that look practically burnt. Hope that helps!

[@SixString_J5]

@@LowEndLobster visually though, are the markers on the side of the neck hard to see? I had an Ltd snapper1000 w/ roasted neck and black dots, man was it difficult to see them. I’m hoping they aren’t too bad on the ehb. I can’t find one locally to check out. Thanks for the response!

[@LowEndLobster]

@@SixString_J5 Join the discord channel and ping me and I'll post some pics!

[@fretlessman71]

Hi Lobster - have you ever had to replace the pots on any of the Ibanez EHB basses? They're solderless; they have a small PC board that connects via a "white plastic connector" to the preamp. They're extremely hard to remove, and I am afraid of breaking the PC board. Any tips?

[@Technoriety]

Can I ask, why did you choose to go with Aguilar DCB-D4 Dual Ceramic pickups, rather than the Nordstrand Big Splits that Ibanez uses in its upper model EHB-1505MS bass guitar?

[@mibajoyyo]

Hi what pIckups have more output with this ibanez preamp?... THE BIG SINGLES or the DCB AGUILAR ??

[@TheDarkKnight73]

Great mod

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Wow great find!! That was huge!! Why do they even have that? Why not just give the 6db to the customer right from the factory

[@PushSueAside]

I have some extra screwdrivers....but I don’t have this bass....... Anyone else out there, that grew up on Sesame Street, know what I’m talking about? ....2 hammers, no nails?... Ok I’m done. Awesome fix buddy. Cheers

[@dextermolina22]

I just bought the ehb 1005ms but it doesn’t have any free slots. And it’s different of the one in the video 😢

[@isaiahfinney8194]

Hey lobster i was planning on swapping the pickups on my 1005ms and was wondering the Aguilar Super doubles would doable, i see they have 5 string set with same dimensions as the Bart P4 but information online is a bit confusing and wanted info from someone with firsthand experience.

[@mobbinator]

Both my Ibanez K5 (with ADX5 pickups) and my SRT800DX (EMG 40DC) have this same preamp but without the additional +6db socket 🙁 but I am saving up for an EHB1505MS so I'll try this out when I get it. Thanks for this though! I had no idea about it even existing 😁

[@luckydougfergus]

Hi again, I just performed the modification by moving the wire plug from one location to the next one. Plugged in the bass and yes indeed it’s louder and a bit punchier in this new configuration. But with the toggle switch in the “down” position, there’s no volume at all… ?? Any thoughts on why? Just so you know, I got this very recently, EHB1505MS…,below that model number is: 1P-01 and serial number is: 210707938. (in case this may be a more recent circuit board that is not reacting the same as your bass.)

[@LowEndLobster]

Does the switch function when you revert the plug back?

[@Bultacoproteenie]

@@LowEndLobster yes. back to normal now.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@Bultacoproteenie Not sure what to tell you :\

[@Bultacoproteenie]

@@LowEndLobster No problem, really. I just got the bass, as I mentioned.. and it sounds fine. I'm playing it for now through a small Fender practice amp and it sounds good. If I want more oomph, later.. I can play it through my bigger/performance amp. All good!

[@Bultacoproteenie]

@@LowEndLobster Here is the full Monty that I found on Talk Bass. I just did this and it works! Easy! For anyone wanting to remove the locking mechanism from the Neutrik output jack. You can actually do it without taking the back cover plate off, if you prefer. 1st - Remove the 2 screws holding the jack assembly in place. 2nd - Remove the jack from the bass (there should be enough slack wire). 3rd - Remove the small Torx (It’s a T-8 Torx) screw holding the jack casing on. 4th - Slide the casing back and remove the spring, the 2 RED plastic parts, and the small square sponge/foam piece. 5th - Place the casing back on. At this point be SURE that the contact blade has not pushed out. The Torx screw… screws into a threaded hole in the contact blade. Make sure that the threaded hole in the contact blade is lined up with the hole… and that the Torx screw… screws into the threaded hole. 
Then push the jack assembly back in and install the two mounting screws. Now the 1/4" Neutrik output jack will work like a normal one without the lock.

[@h0nza_]

It's probably because of KZbin compression, but I don't hear any difference except it's louder. Is there another effect?

[@GonzRL]

That's it, +6db means it boosts the volume of the preamp by 6 decibels, which can be perceived as roughly twice as loud. It might not sound like much but in most cases having a higher output out of the instrument is going to affect the tone of the entire signal chain.

[@h0nza_]

@@GonzRLThanks for clarifying!

[@h0nza_]

@@GonzRL Right now I only have Darkglass ADAM, which has passive/active switch. Will switching to passive (on the pedal, while having the preamp active) have similiar effect as this mod?

[@artisan337]

It does help gain wise, but I have virtually no output in passive mode.

[@LowEndLobster]

How are your pickup heights?

[@Onewiththejedi]

Is this unnecessary on the SR1600 (SR1605DW to be specific) because of the active mode available? Or could I still do this ?

[@dustyaudio]

Is there a cost in terms of battery consumption?

[@ramshaar2597]

Clean sound a little bit crunchy for me .needs more muscle some more gain will certinly help

[@vincenttay156]

would this apply to the 1006ms too?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes

[@tonyaccouche9807]

How do you remove the plug

[@jdmarino]

I wonder if you would have liked the original pickups better if you had made this mod first.

[@LowEndLobster]

That's a great thought! Nah, I've played other examples of the BH2 and they just never did it for me. The DCBs all around have a much more even tonal distribution in the sound where the stock barts were just super dark from the get go. It's the voicing that really was the deal breaker for me with the BH2s.

[@mikeforbass]

Bummer, new 2024 ehb has a different preamp board, this mod is no longer possible.

[@gdlbzh]

Strange i just got a ehb1005ms but it's not the same pcb, and no +6db connector :/

[@LowEndLobster]

I heard they updated it :(

[@gdlbzh]

@@LowEndLobster and I can confirm, just got it a week ago, do you know if custom made PCB exist as an option?

[@LowEndLobster]

If you REALLY want something like that you'll have to replace the pre with a NOS OEM unit. Aftermarket preamps would be great in this bass too

[@gdlbzh]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks man appreciate it, I'll look it up to see if it's worth it for me. Didn't know there was compatible preamps great to know

[@mujari]

Yo they must have not liked people doing this. I got a brand new 1506 and it doesn't have thus motherboard in it

[@simon_plays_bass]

Does the mod mean the preamp draws more current? If so is that increasing the risk of component failure?

[@LowEndLobster]

I don't believe so. It's not really anything that's outside of operating tolerances. There is no risk of damage here outside of breaking a plastic clip/tab

[@monahantp3767]

Hmm... even with my headphones on, I can't hear a difference. Sure is a nice looking bass though!

[@urpoturakainen4958]

So you are saying that after you have bought half decent bass at 1000- 1300$, you need to make it decent by installing new 300$ pickup's, and do this mod? No offense, this is the main problem of the industry; they sell half decent basses with crap pickup's at that price point all the time. I have one too, waiting for the better times, and new pickups..