Ibanez TMB-30 Short Scale Bass Review: Continuation of “Short Scale Basses Compared” Video

This is a continuation and breakdown of the Ibanez TMB-30 short scale bass from my “Short Scale Basses Compared” video.
I am not affiliated with any of the companies represented in these videos in any way.

[@ourstarsRstars]

Great review!! I’ve been shopping for a short scale bass for a while now and your talk about this bass finally sold me. Also your topics on your channel are great. You have a new watcher. I’m babbling!!!

[@sunn_bass]

I bought one of these just before covid. I've played long scale fender types since 1982 and this was my first short scale. I am impressed with this bass. I like that the neck is a little chunkier than most Ibanez basses. I think it has a tight sound especially on the E string. It sounds less like the traditional short and more like a medium to long scale bass in my opinion. For the price Ibanez hit a home run on it. I also like that it is passive. I am not a big fan of active electronics. I wish they made a TMB100 that was passive.

[@kelalamusic9258]

I've been playing guitar for many years now. My guitar of choice has aways been US made Fender Telecasters. A few weeks back I decided to pick up a bass. After some research, I decided on a short scale which is perfect for us guitar players. Not wanting to pay a lot, as I just wanted to give playing one a try. I chose to go with the Ibanez TMB30. So, I ordered one from Sweetwater. Rather nervous buying a low cost instrument. Well, it arrived a few days ago. I couldn't believe it. This thing is incredible for the price. I would give the fit and finish a 9 out of 10 compared to US made guitars. Seriously, it is built incredibly well. I was truly surprised. The only issue was a slight buzz on the E string at the second fret. Like any new guitar, a proper setup is always necessary. Now I have second thoughts about buying a high cost US made guitar in the future.

[@ATITKD]

I took mine to the local music store for set up and the "buzz" disappeared. Sounds great!

[@kelalamusic9258]

@@ATITKD I changed out the strings to flat wounds, and for whatever reason the sting buzz is gone. Go figure. But, I might take it in for a set up anyway.

[@ATITKD]

@@kelalamusic9258 I just bought a tmb35 (3 week wait is brutal from Sweetwater lol) going to put Flatwoods on that one. Can't wait! 🤘

[@kelalamusic9258]

@@ATITKD Oh, the Sweetwater nightmare. I could tell you about the Sweetwater experiences. Not so sweet, I'm afraid. More like Sourwater!! Enjoy your new bass.

[@rodbasso5267]

Great review mate, thanks for that! I’m looking for a short scale bass for myself and my 12yo daughter and will buy one of those now. Cheers

[@ATITKD]

Fantastic Bass & Unbelievable for the price! I drip painted mine in purple holographic gel nail polish with a Gloss gold Sparkle top coat. So funky. Just bought the tmb35 in mint green, going to paint it candy apple red... can't wait for it to arrive.

[@bucknbronx13]

Good solid review even tho no music demo. I’ve got one that’s the same color as in this video. It’s my go-to short scale bass. Love it. Prefer it to the Mustang, Squier Jaguar, Bronco, Epi EB0. The TMB30 just feels better and I prefer the tones I can get out of it. Highly recommend it if you are on the fence about which inexpensive bass to buy. Just be sure to change the factory strings to something better. I like flats and tapes on mine. I think I’m gonna have to get a black one too.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I like the positioning of the Nut and string-spacing on the Right-one. The left one seems like the thicker E-string is about to fall-off the fretboard. I (am also a guitar-player) and just bought a Sterling Stingray SS-4 and I love it. Ibanez makes good value stuff. oNe LovE from NYC

[@justinkline1294]

The thicker neck makes it feel to me more like a substantial instrument. I started on long scale bass and have played for years. So the Squier Jaguar SS feels like toy with the thinner neck. I'm with you though on this bass. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on a great quality instrument.

[@thegapinglotusexperience1251]

I have the 30 and the 35 - LOVE THEM BOTH!!!

[@edovandaal6017]

Man.. I finally bought one. Maybe the best sound feeling bass there is for the price.

[@NvaderRetro]

Ho much do these guys weigh? Looking for a break from my 10lb bass.

[@olecodger3907]

I have this bass and I love it. Like the short scale.

[@arthurdavis5729]

Please could any of you tell what this little bass weighs? Also what is the overall length?

[@ItsaCatsLife]

Just got one of theses (new). Actually neck dive is huge, unless you have a really grippy strap. Also, needs a light touch to avoid fret buzz (even with a proper setup) due to lower string tension on 30" scale. Otherwise, build quality is good and sound is good. I'm new to bass too, usually play guitar.

[@TheBassfresh]

I've been moving back toward short scale bass due to arthritis and age. My fix for neck dive on my fender JMJ and gibson sg special is a 2nd lower strap post attached to the body near the bridge and a perri's leather sheepskin strap. On my hofner club I feed the strap thru the tailpiece and put the upper post next to the neck. I wouldn't do this to an expensive or vintage bass but a newer cheaper one? Why not?

[@guitarguts5530]

I play light gauge strings on my TMB30, and have no string buzz. Have you checked for high frets and correct neck relief?

[@ItsaCatsLife]

@@guitarguts5530 String buzz? No, the lower tension on SS basses are prone to fret contact (fret buzz) if plucked too hard due to the string orbit. The setup is perfect, the player (me) is not. ;)

[@MisterBrain]

I was really close to buying one of these, but I got put off by all the reports of neck dive; sad, because it was otherwise so well-reviewed. And it's a nice-looking bass. Ended up buying a Harley Benton Mustang bass clone, which is also very good. And very nicely balanced.

[@ItsaCatsLife]

@@MisterBrain Yeah, I really didn't enjoy learning bass on this so I have since sold it and bought a Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet Bass II Short Scale. So much nicer, no neck dive almost no fret buzz and for the me the neck profile is great. Now I'm actually enjoying learning bass!

[@Sixyspam]

So i think its the pickups, when i try to slap it makes a weird clipping sound so i wonder if the pickups just can't handle that kinda attack. Let me know if you have the same problem. Other then that i dont mind the pickups

[@JeanColas-l6m]

J'ai eu ce bruit dont vous parlez, une sorte de claquement sur la corde de La surtout , sur les deux Tallman 100 et 30 . J'ai descendu les deux micros dans leurs logements sur la 30 (je n'ai plus la 100) , il semble que ça fonctionne .

[@sputumtube]

You keep using the word 'little' which makes it sound like a child's toy......!!!! Lol...