Ibanez Iceman ICB300EX Bass Guitar Review Scott Grove

[@magentuspriest]

Coolest looking basses: Rickenbacker 4003 Gibson Thunderbird Ibanez Iceman

[@groovydjs]

@DjoleCeltic Yes, it has no problem at all with it. They actually make a 5 string version of it but they are only available in Europe. You can order them and have them sent here, but they don't offer them in the USA market place. I'll probably go ahead and get the 5 string version also. I've grabbed a few from Europe that they don't offer here.

[@groovydjs]

@Twisted666Clown Sure, the battery is needed to power the built in preamp in the bass. The electronics in the guitars are something that you can't get from regular guitars. You have to go to your amp to turn up the Bass, Mids, Highs, Boost and Cut certain frequencies......not with "Active" instruments, all the controls that you would have to walk over to change on your amp, are now on your instrument and you just reach down and make that adjustment from across the stage. So, just 1 battery.

[@groovydjs]

@NoahBrannen You gotta get one. I've never regretted it for a single second. It is capable of every tone known to man. It is also offered as a 5 string if you order the ICD305EX from Europe. Ibanez didn't release the 5 string version in the USA.

[@groovydjs]

@Annonymus121 The SR375 is great too! I love the maple fingerboards on them. Great electronics in those. Do you have a video of yours posted?

[@groovydjs]

@SHAZZAM123455 Yes the do. They have to be ordered from Europe as they were never released to the USA So, they are called the ICB305EX. So, if you Google that model number, you'll easily be able to find a dealer that can get you the 5 string version.

[@gruu]

I'm glad someone gave this bass a good overlook/review, cheers man! I've had this one for a little more than a year now, its sturdy and still trustworthy, and sounds even better with thicker strings (if you ask me;).

[@groovydjs]

@rafbassplayer I was honestly just playing it through my Johnson JM-150 guitar amp for the demo. Of course I did so simply because my bass rig was in the garage at the time. The 5 string versions are only available in Europe, You can Google them, they are the ICB305EX I would give you a link, but it won't allow me to put the links on here. So, just put in the ICE305EX and it will show right up my friend.

[@groovydjs]

@SHARPSg180 I personally don't have any problem with the neck dive, yeah, it is a little bit neck heavy, you could relocate the strap button. I hate to put new holes in something, it kills resale value. I just wrap a 1 pound ankle weight around the butt end of my guitar strap and it levels the axe out perfectly and no modifications needed. Give that a shout. I think you'll like that much better. Plus the bass don't weigh much anyway, so that extra pound is not even felt.

[@groovydjs]

@huchadal Yes, it's metric. It takes the 1.5 mm

[@groovydjs]

@groovydjs Awesome my man! Which one did you get 4 or 5 string and black or white?

[@groovydjs]

@frenchterror Cool, How are the ICT700's? I would like to go check one of those out.

[@groovydjs]

@MrEchohead Gibson and Fender both make 3/4 sized basses. They are very normal shaped. The Gibson SG bass and from Fender you get the Bronco bass. These Iceman basses are really sweet....as some have mentioned, they are neck heavy and they are a full sized bass.....and then some. You gotta have a good, long reach to tackle this beast. So, this is one of the longest scale basses out there.

[@groovydjs]

@frenchterror OK, I got you, you are quite correct. I went ahead and added another one to it so that it sits right now. You are so right. I'm glad you are going for this bass. It is simply too great to pass up. So, one little change and it hangs great. I can't believe they don't put a strap on and test these kind of things before they call the design "done" and ship it out. Such a little thing to fix.

[@groovydjs]

@Annonymus121 You'll have to post it when you get it. They are classy looking too. Plus they actually have the jack in the perfect place. I love that they actually address that whole situation. Gibson, Fender and everybody else still just cram the jacks in the same old place and the cable sticks out of your axe like a sore thumb, makes it look GUITARDED as it then has to run through your strap so that it don't pull out of your guitar. So, keep me posted on the purchase.

[@groovydjs]

The ICB300 is the one I would go for in your situation. A lot less maintainence with those, plus they feel better and are better built. They are fairly hard to come by. A white one ended on Ebay with a hardshell case yesterday with no bids. That thing didn't have a mark on it. The White 300 passive bass is impossible to find and yet nobody bid on it. I almost picked it up to add to my collection. I'll have to do that if it shows back up. But, the passive 300 would be best for you.

[@groovydjs]

@retrograderenegades The distortion pedal shouldn't mess it up at all. It sounds like it's something internal. To get the best clean sound out of it. You should have the volume turned up pretty high (around 7) and have the Gain off and slowly turn that up. The gain is what gives the amp distortion. So give that a shot if you haven't already. Keep all of your different tone controls at about 5 for now to check it. Also, shut the reverb off for now. That is always the first thing to go.

[@groovydjs]

@KISSArmyAliveIII True, Paul started working with Ibanez and had his own PS-10 signature models made starting in 1978. They were based on the Iceman shape.

[@groovydjs]

@Zoump The HUGE difference is that the ICB300 is the one you would be looking for because of it's passive electronics. No active stuff to get in the way of the pure THUNDEROUS sounds that the straight forward 300 has to offer. The 300 is much darker and meant for exactly what you're talking about. When you see the Iceman shape, you know it means business, the regular 300 delivers ROCK BUSINESS, the EX delivers crystal clear tones that are more suited to happier styles. The 300 is DOOM!

[@JassielOnt]

Thats it, ive been cheking this bass out for a while and now im convinced im getting one, thanks for the review man.

[@groovydjs]

@AlexMakesThings My pleasure.

[@groovydjs]

@Troiasta My pleasure!

[@groovydjs]

@JoshTheSpartan Good thinking on the jack, I actually had exactly that done to a custom maked Iceman I had built for me and it works out so much better.

[@groovydjs]

@speerpunt Thank you and my pleasure.

[@HUGEMEOW]

Due to this post I bought one of these, from USA, and I'm in Australia. They are worth about $900 here, second hand IF you can get one. A brilliant great sounding Bass. I like strip down, clean, change, modify, set up all my second hand units and this one was pulled down for postage to me. I de-stress the neck area and get a better earth under the bridge and thats all...it's my fave bass and a nice weight. Get one if you can..!!!

[@groovydjs]

@rafbassplayer I don't blame you, these are such fun basses and nothing else makes the same statement as the great Iceman body shape also. You just feel proud wearing it.

[@dLema1]

I want a wide tonal variety as I play anything from slap funky basslines to heavy metal and I see this bass has got that covered. Would you recommend it over a Fender J-Bass?

[@groovydjs]

@MrUbniToad I've seen those......so very cool. Let me know how you like it when you grab one up.

[@groovydjs]

@Muffinman1186 My pleasure, these will still be available all over the place on Ebay when you are ready. They really are THE BASS TO HAVE. AMAZING! I can have any bass in the world and these are every bit as good as my $5,000.00 options.

[@groovydjs]

This bass will give you any sound you want. It has so much control over the sound that it's amazing. Now the older, ICB300 that is passive, has a heavier and more subtle sound. I know exactly what you mean. You can pick up a really nice passive ICB300 bass on Ebay for around $250.00 Super deal on a great bass.

[@groovydjs]

@RJTVChannel It is active and it has active pickups. They are not passive.

[@groovydjs]

@brandonmaciel333 My total pleasure. I am very sure that you will love those pickups. They are my very favorites and what I use for every custom instrument I have built. Just amazing. Let me know if you ever get them put in there.

[@CarlForBass]

I really want this bass in the white with black binding and would be happy to pay more than $500 but i can only find it second hand in black :( Why has it been discontinued!

[@groovydjs]

My pleasure. This bass is just an all around winner. Great active tone, superior looks, wonderful feel. Just an all around great bass.

[@groovydjs]

@retrograderenegades Let me know which model the amp is.

[@groovydjs]

@brandonmaciel333 I was checking out your BC Rich Mockingbird Bass it looks like and you have what is called a P/J configuration on there Precision / Jazz set of pickups. The general "go to" pickups for this combination is going to be a good set of EMG active pickups for you. That will also stop your strings from smacking those pole pieces on your pickups and will sound tons better than what's in there. If you like non active pickups, go for the Lace Sensors. Great Stuff!

[@groovydjs]

@gruu I agree, this is a sweet bass and it really shines with some nice 50 or thicker gauge strings. This bass actually sounds as great as any super high dollar, active bass out there and it is very classy looking where it can be as comfortable in a Funk, Lounge group or of course the whole rock and metal settings. Super clean lines and super clean sound.

[@groovydjs]

@SoreEyeMusic Same here. I'll find the perfect bass some day. I'll be adding in the typical, Pedulla Buzz bass and the Warwick and of course the MusicMan. They are all nice, but still not perfect. Modulus did some GREAT stuff, I'll be grabbing a few of those until one is "the one". I'm sure that is where I'll find what I personally like. That Gibson G-3 Grabber is pretty slick though. That one, I'll be keeping forever.

[@groovydjs]

@dLema1 That is a hard call there my friend. This bass can deliver any possible sound in the world and the Fender Jazz bass is my other personal favorite. The Jazz delivers majorly solid heavy tones and amazing slap tones too. The Ibanez has a lot more tone control right at your fingertips being active. The Fender is what it is and does it well but with less control. So, it comes down to what looks better to you and just how much control you want at your finger tips.

[@mushyw1234]

Great review mate. Am using my mates version of this in black. A question, is this bass top end i.e the best around?? I dont know a hell of a lot about guitars so sorry to sound noobish. Also this bass is top heavy and the scaling is as such that its bloody long. As im relatively new to bass it makes it harder to play for me as a beginner as you basically have to hold it and play it. Great bass though.

[@BoneClutch]

I've had this bass for almost a year now and finally decided to see what other people think of it since i seem to absolutely LOVE it, Glad to see a master of bass enjoy it as much as i do :) (i also mainly play it for funk hehe)

[@groovydjs]

@taylor92hsm Yeah, I've noticed that. I have no idea why. I like the white more than any other color. I got mine new from Ebay a few years ago. I'll never be getting rid of it. I'll still have to grab a 5 string version too. Enjoy your new Iceman my friend!

[@groovydjs]

@xXTheVirus The average cost from Europe to USA is $130.00 on the basses. Same price as a guitar case. No biggie, especially for such a great bass.

[@groovydjs]

Some folks have reported a slight neck dive, I have not experienced it at all. I think they did a really great job with it. It did need some truss rod adjustment a couple of days after it came to me. I live in the Nevada desert with no humidity at all. So, that was to be expected. 2 turns of the truss rod and I was all good to go. This bass is not going anywhere. It's a keeper.

[@SHARPSg180]

Hey scott, i love your vids and this edged me so much to buy an ICB300EX for myself. But im commenting to ask about your take on the balance (with the poor neckdive) do you recomend where to relocate the strap button?

[@huchadal]

@KrisGibbins Hi, I'm trying to adjust my action, do you know which size wrench goes in for these?

[@rafbassplayer]

@groovydjs yer man i am loving your vids but i want to know where you get the 5 sting ice man and are you selling your ice man and what amp you going thro

[@groovydjs]

@Absintize Yeah, the one here (the white one) can get ANY sound in the world. It will sound amazing for any style of music. They black ICB300 has no active electronics and sounds a lot like a Fender Precision bass. Just a boomy, thud of tone. There's no getting a really live, slap sound out of it no matter how many knobs you have on your amp. lol It's always going to sound that ONE WAY and no other. So, you have to REALLY love that tone that it has, because that's all you're going to get.

[@huchadal]

Hi, I'm trying to adjust my action, do you know which size wrench goes in for these?

[@groovydjs]

@Troiasta Yeah, if it says EX on a model that you want to buy, it's the active version.....no EX....it's passive. Most people that will post one for sale are GUITARDED and they don't know the difference and will throw up whatever they THINK that they know. So, just ask them if it has 3 knobs or 4. If it's the 300, it will always have 3 knobs, and if it's the active 300EX, it will always have 4 knobs. That's the easiest way to cut through all the B.S.

[@ZombiePenguinStudios]

is there an iceman like that with passive pick ups? and if not can you change from active to passive?

[@rjtvchannel7860]

Hi, This bass is active, right? So can you please explain why it has passive pickups :L I havent got a clue what to make of it. Thanks

[@rjtvchannel7860]

Just received mine, ordered it 3 weeks ago, Highly reccomend to everyone.

[@groovydjs]

@ShionZX I'm glad someone finally found the humor in that little line. lol I've had so many people that just didn't get it. It went right over their heads. lol Thanks for having a sense of humor and for being smart enough to GET IT! lol Cheers!

[@groovydjs]

@Merick365 LOL, Gotta have fun when doing these things. Some folks take it so seriously. It's nice that one person in thousands finally finds the humor in it.

[@groovydjs]

@CarlForBass Yeah, you can probably get them. I tried to order all of the cool versions of these that are there in the UK. I wanted the 5 string versions of them and all of the NEW models of the Iceman basses (really cool stuff) not available in the USA and not one single dealer will ship to the USA either. I always have to wait for someone that bought one while over there, to bring it back home with him and then to advertise it on Ebay to get them.I've picked up 2 Non Export Icemans That Way.

[@groovydjs]

@lawdactyl I hear you my friend, these are the hardest basses to beat, especially when they are practically giving them away.

[@groovydjs]

@ReaperDahBassist There's only one answer, one of each. It really depends on what your playing situation is and where you think it will be. If you plan on doing any real gigs that require this amazing bass, you better grab one of these while you can. The AEB is great because of what it is and that you don't need an amp to get the job done around the house, but on stage, the AEB is only going to be pulled out for 1 or 2 songs max. So, if you are stage bound, go with the ICB300EX.

[@groovydjs]

@NotRly1337 Thank you very much. These things can toss any tone out there that you are after. Some of the best sounding and versatile electronics I've heard in this price range.

[@ZombiePenguinStudios]

@groovydjs i would like to thank you i checked out lace sensors cuz im more of the passive type and man i really appreciate it thanks for checking out my bass :D it's my first bass and ive been having that for the past 8 years

[@groovydjs]

@lCrapTurtles 100% This bass is capable of ANY STYLE of music for sure. I was so blown away by it being able to sound so amazing on the funk type of stuf for being a bass that LOOKS like this. So, that's what I focused on with the video. I even used it on a country video on one of my full lenth lessons. lol It's just that versatile and can be dialed in to excel at any style of music with the turn of a knob. So, yes, it will cover anything you want to throw at it.

[@Garcia419]

i still dont know about the battery thing in a guitar. iv been getting into guitars but i dont know what the batteries are for and stuff. can someone help please?

[@groovydjs]

@lCrapTurtles Yeah, they are discontinuing them because they are good. They keep the crappy stuff like everybody does. lol There are still a few on Ebay to be had. None left in white though.

[@groovydjs]

@lBenHarrison Not in a million years. I keep all of my instruments 100% stock. It is snow white, classy and it's going to stay that way. You can do the grafitti thing on your own stuff.

[@groovydjs]

@taylor92hsm I bet that sounds sweet. Those Kick Back amps are nice and clean and put the sound right where it needs to be. It sounds like you have the perfect rig my friend and I bet it's clean sounding as can be!

[@AIBETTSYIA75]

I have a 150 atm and its good and i enjoy it but its it worth the change to a 300?

[@groovydjs]

@Twisted666Clown Never a bother my friend. I'm always glad to help.

[@SHAZZAM123455]

Do the Icemen series come in 5 strings?

[@groovydjs]

@HUGEMEOW I'm glad you were able to grab one for yourself. These are just way too cool to pass up at any price.

[@groovydjs]

@omnipotent1995 The black is more sinister looking, really shows the finger prints and smudges though. The white is really easy too see even in the darkest of venues. It always looks clean, even when it isn't.

[@groovydjs]

@retrograderenegades You aren't playing your bass through it are you?

[@groovydjs]

@rmcmax111 I was actually just playing it through my Johnson Millennium JM150 guitar amp during the review. I didn't even put it through any of my bass amps. It just sounds that great no matter what you play it through. I've turned a lot of people on to this bass and they all absolutely love it. You simply can't make this thing sound bad. lol

[@groovydjs]

@DjoleCeltic I hear you, I'm not a huge fan of them either. Throwing a D-tuner on these would be very cool.

[@groovydjs]

@xXSmoothxCriminalXx It's one you won't kick yourself over. Easily one of the better sounding active basses around and for so little dough too. Hit Ebay for one. The price is on the way down for new ones as we speak.

[@DjoleCeltic]

One question, are the frets jumbo or medium ? ...

[@groovydjs]

@BoneClutch Yeah, it is a great funk bass. I don't think people realize just how FUNKY this thing can get. Easily one of the cleanest sounding funk basses going.

[@groovydjs]

@gunnziboy Very cool! I wish someone over there would agree to ship me a 5 string version of this. I can't find a single dealer that will ship one to the USA at any price. Pretty sad. Let me know if you land one of these bad boys.

[@rokkimason4199]

Bro, your tee shirt is AWESOME!!!

[@katalinopoping6026]

Hello scott. What hard case do you have for that icb300ex

[@groovydjs]

There is a case for the ICB 200 that is still able to be found out there and this fits right in there.

[@groovydjs]

@Zoump My pleasure my friend. Rock on with your bad self!

[@groovydjs]

@brandonmaciel333 Yes, I have it in my reviews too. It is the Ibanez ICB300 (without the EX) available in white only. It doesn't have anywhere near the clarity of these. It's actually the worst sounding of all of the Iceman basses that I've owned. The best sounding passive Iceman bass is the newest one that actually came out and it's been discontinued already of course. It was just a cheap, brown sunburst thing with all gold hardware. It sounds amazing. SUPERB actually.

[@olivermiller20]

Thunderbird IV pro or Ibanez Iceman ICB300EX?

[@groovydjs]

@Muffinman1186 Cool, and it sounds even better. Grab one now, the prices are stupidly low as they have now been discontinued and they are clearing them out. They will always be available on Ebay though since they put thousands of them into circulation. By far the best sounding Iceman bass ever made. There have been a lot of Iceman basses, but these have the most tonal options, which is always a great thing compared to the passive models that just go THUD and that's it.

[@TurnTheRage]

where do you get cases for these ? i just got an iceman 300ex

[@groovydjs]

There used to be a lot of them on Musician's Friend. I had about 10 of them here at one time. None of them are FITTED, they simply FIT in there. lol You may have to give them a shout and ask them which one it was again. It's pretty OPEN inside the case, but the bass doesn't move at all. Congrats on the bass!

[@TurnTheRage]

Thanks ! Yea, my local shop where i got it doesn't have anything large enough to fit it, i took a trip to the city to guitar center and they didn't have anything either, i'll look into asking musicians friend, thanks for your help :)

[@groovydjs]

@MrUbniToad Awesome, aren't they great? Folks need to grab them up before they are gone. I don't think they realize just how versatile they are.

[@DjoleCeltic]

Is the bass balanced good?Neck dive is it ok?

[@groovydjs]

@DjoleCeltic Big jumbo frets my friend.

[@groovydjs]

You won't regret it, it is a super bass my friend. Enjoy it....I know you will.

[@NoahBrannen]

im getting this bass it is sick and i love it

[@moimasiclat]

@groovydjs nice haha..good thing our local music store had one in stock damn ill fly there right now actually..

[@groovydjs]

@RJTVChannel Awesome. Enjoy it my friend.

[@groovydjs]

@AlexMakesThings The most problematic for the last 60 years has been stepping on your cord and it falls out of your guitar. That's no good, plus, trying to put it on a guitar stand with your cord plugged in, often impossible, so you have to tilt your axe, not safe. Another is that it just looks bad to have your cord sticking out like that. Even if you have a wireless, you have this big hunk of cord hanging out. It looks bad. And if you run it through your strap, too much tension on the angle.

[@groovydjs]

@hezmeister These are too cool my friend. It's a must have.

[@groovydjs]

@MrNick2D LOL, I think that one went over most people's heads. I'm always glad when someone notices that . lol

[@Annonymus121]

Nice bass! I love the Ibanez sr375 bass.

[@groovydjs]

@pietroalive35 My pleasure! I already beat you to it my friend. I love that axe of yours. Number 8 is awesome!

[@groovydjs]

@EliSexyton In Afghanistan I would imagine they are. In the USA they are everywhere. At least you can get the 5 string version over there and we can't. I'm not sure what shipping would cost for you to get one sent to you there, but these basses are dirt cheap over here.

[@manlyscents]

Would you say this is the most versatile and best sounding Iceman bass?

[@groovydjs]

Being the only active Iceman bass really allows for a nice variety of tones that are actually usable. All of the others that I've owned (I've had them all) have one sound and it's usually not that great.

[@DjoleCeltic]

Is this bass good for drop tunings?

[@groovydjs]

@EliSexyton No, but that might be so. I was saying that the Japanese build better guitars than the USA does and that you had mentioned how people are calling you un-Australian for buying outside of your area and people say I'm Un-American for buying the Japanese guitars. I simply tell them...."I just buy the better guitar". If the USA made a better guitar than the Japanese.....I would buy them instead, but, they don't. lol If Australia had better guitars, I'd buy them, but they dont.