A Must-See for Modern Bassists: Ibanez EHB1505 Usage Report

This time, I would like to introduce a 5-string headless bass that I personally use and love: the Ibanez EHB1505!

I especially recommended this bass to people like:

• Those looking to try a 5-string bass
• Those searching for a bass capable of versatile tone shaping
• Those wanting a model with excellent handling and balance
• Those just starting out on bass

For those players, here are five key features of the EHB1505 that make it worth checking out!

Note: The color shown here is no longer in production.

Ibanez / EHB1505-SWL Headless 5-string Electric Bass

1. Ergonomically Designed for Maximum Comfort

The “E” in EHB stands for "Ergonomic", and true to its name, this bass is designed to naturally fit your body, whether you’re playing standing or sitting. Its well-balanced shape ensures comfortable playability over long sessions.

Typical 5-string basses tend to have larger bodies, which can be cumbersome, especially for smaller players. However, the EHB1505’s compact design makes it exceptionally easy to handle. Access to the upper frets is also smooth, making it perfect for soloing and chord work.

2. Flexible Tone Shaping with the Vari-Mid 3-Band EQ

The EHB1505 comes equipped with a 9V-powered active preamp known as the Vari-Mid 3-Band EQ.

This preamp has a flat, transparent character that doesn’t overly color your tone, allowing you to shape your sound on the bass itself without interfering with the character of your amp or effects pedals.

One standout feature is the sweepable midrange control, which lets you precisely select and cut frequencies that might clash with other instruments during studio recording or live performances. This makes it easier to maintain a clean, well-balanced mix.

It also shines when switching between fingerstyle and slap. For example, you can boost the treble and bass while cutting the mids to create a slap-friendly tone, then simply switch the preamp on or off as needed to make on-the-fly tone changes quickly and seamlessly.

3. Modern Sound with Nordstrand Pickups

The EHB1505 is equipped with custom Nordstrand pickups, a trusted name also found in high-end basses like Sadowsky.

Based on Nordstrand’s “Big Split” design and specially tailored for the EHB series, these pickups offer a fatter, punchier tone compared to traditional JB-style pickups. The result is a rich, full-bodied sound with a strong low-mid presence that cuts through the mix without being harsh.

They also pair beautifully with effects that range from aggressive distortion to smooth, mellow cleans, making the EHB1505 versatile enough to handle a wide range of genres with ease.

4. Compact Size Fits in Guitar Cases

Thanks to its headless design, the EHB1505 is significantly shorter than traditional basses, making it compact enough to fit in standard guitar gig bags.

Typical bass cases tend to be bulky and more expensive, but with the EHB1505, you can often repurpose a guitar case, which is a big plus in terms of cost and convenience. This also opens up more options for carrying and storage, especially for players who travel frequently or need a space-efficient solution.

5. Wide Range of Scale Options

The EHB1505 lineup includes several scale variations to suit different playing needs and body types:

• EHB1505S: A short-scale version that’s ideal for players with smaller hands or for those who prefer a more compact feel.
• EHB1505MS: A multi-scale (fanned fret) version that’s designed for improved string tension and ergonomic playability across all strings.

These options allow you to choose a model that best fits your playing style and physical preferences, which is a major advantage for both beginners and seasoned players.

▼ EHB1505S (Short Scale)

Ibanez / EHB1505S-DEL

▼ EHB1505MS (Multi-Scale)

Ibanez / EHB1505MS-BIF

Point of Concern: Slightly High-End Focused Sound

After using the EHB1505 for about five years, one observation I had is that the sound tends to have a slightly higher center of gravity.

Due to its headless construction and the use of exotic woods, the tone can sometimes feel a bit “top-heavy.” While this characteristic can actually work to your advantage in fusion or larger ensemble settings, it does offer enhanced clarity, but it may lack some low-end punch in smaller setups like a three-piece rock band, where a deeper, heavier bottom-end presence might be more desirable.

Solution: Perfect Match – Darkglass Microtubes X7

That’s where the Darkglass Microtubes X7 comes in handy.

▼ Microtubes X7

Darkglass Electronics / Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp/Distortion for Bass

This pedal naturally boosts the 100–200Hz range just by being connected and turned on, as it helps to supplement the low end that tends to be lacking in the EHB1505.

It also features a 4-band EQ, allowing for adjustment of the midrange around 500Hz and 1kHz. This makes it easy to create a "scooped" sound that doesn’t clash with guitars or vocals.

Not only is it a great match for the EHB, but I also highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance the low end of their current bass.

To summarize

The Ibanez EHB1505 is a lightweight, easy-to-handle, high-performance 5-string headless bass designed for modern sound creation. Its ergonomic design, high-quality preamp, and pickups make it highly recommended for a wide range of players, from beginners to professionals.
While it tends to have a slightly higher tonal center, this can be easily adjusted depending on the pedals used. The EHB1505 combines functionality and flexibility, making it a next-generation bass that can support your musical life moving forward.
If you are considering adding a 5-string bass or want to pursue modern sound crafting, this is a model worth trying out.

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