This is the Ibanez EHB1005SMS.
That's a horrible name, but that breaks down to:
Ergonomic Headless Bass, 1000 series, 5-string, Short Multi-Scale.
Ibanez introduced the EHB series a few years ago, and at first I thought they were weird looking.
And then I started listening to demos and reading reviews.
This particular one is a "multi short scale" - the low B is 32" and the high G is 30" scale, so it's shorter scale overall, but gives the low B a longer scale for a tighter feel - low Bs on short scales tend to be flabby otherwise and it's hard to get strings for them.
That longer upper horn helps it balance really well; it's got a chambered body to reduce weight (it's about...7lbs??); everyone says the neck is super comfortable, and it definitely seems versatile sound-wise.
Seriously debating selling my two History basses and getting one of these. I should try one in a store first, though.
Now starting to see my collection as:
Two Fender mini-strats unless I sell one?
EHB1005SMS fretted bass
Future Bass VI / Hooky 6 style instrument for New Order-y stuff
Future EHB fretless conversion from the EHB1000S 4-string shortscale?
