A Short-Scale Bass With a Lot of Personality
There's a certain kind of bass player who keeps getting stopped by the same thing: the reach. A full 34" scale can be a stretch — literally — especially for players with smaller hands, guitarists who double on bass, or anyone who just wants something a little more comfortable to play for hours at a time. The Ibanez TMB30 Talman was designed with exactly that in mind, and it delivers a lot more than just a shorter neck.
The TMB30 brings back the classic Talman body shape — a retro-flavored, offset-style silhouette that Ibanez fans have been fond of since the 90s — and pairs it with a passive P/J pickup configuration that gives you genuine tonal range. Thump out a foundation with the split-coil Dynamix P pickup, blend in the single-coil Dynamix J at the bridge for bite and articulation, or run both together for something in between. All without touching an active preamp or a battery compartment.
Whether you're a player who's been curious about bass, a guitarist looking for a natural transition, or someone who just wants a comfortable, giggable instrument with classic vibes, the TMB30 makes a compelling case.
This item is a B-Stock guitar sourced directly from the manufacturer. It is new and has never been previously owned. The photos shown are of the exact instrument you will receive. Before shipment, our licensed technician will inspect and professionally set up the guitar to ensure it is playing its best. During our inspection, we noticed Sand through. (see pictures) Please note, these may not be the only cosmetic imperfections. As a B-Stock instrument, there may be additional minor blemishes that are small in nature and do not affect playability or performance.
Short Scale, Full Sound
The 30" scale length (762mm) is the TMB30's defining feature, and it changes the feel of the instrument significantly. String tension is lower, the frets are closer together, and the overall reach is noticeably reduced compared to a standard bass. For players coming from guitar, this scale length will feel immediately familiar.
The poplar body keeps things balanced and resonant without adding unnecessary weight. The bolt-on TMB4 maple neck is smooth and stable, and the jatoba fretboard — a reddish-brown hardwood with tonal characteristics similar to rosewood — adds midrange richness and a crisp high end. With a 9.4" (240mm) radius and a nut width of 41mm, the neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of playing styles and hand sizes.
P/J Pickups — Simple Controls, Wide Range
The Dynamix P neck pickup and Dynamix J bridge pickup are both passive, and the control layout keeps things intuitive: two individual volume controls (one per pickup) and a single master tone knob. That dual-volume setup makes blending pickups easy and responsive — a small tweak on either knob shifts the character noticeably.
The Dynamix P handles the low-end foundation: round, supportive, and punchy. The Dynamix J adds articulation and edge, cutting through without getting harsh. Together, the P/J configuration covers everything from vintage-style thumping to more defined, modern tones — all driven by purely passive electronics.
Classic Looks, Practical Details
The Talman body shape is one of Ibanez's more distinctive designs — a slightly offset, single-cutaway silhouette with a thin waist that balances well on a strap or sitting down. The black gloss finish is clean and classic, and the chrome hardware throughout — including the B10 bridge and die-cast tuners — keeps the aesthetic cohesive.
The B10 bridge offers fully adjustable intonation and solid tuning stability at 19mm string spacing. Hardware color is chrome throughout. Factory string gauge is .045/.065/.085/.105 in standard EADG tuning.
Product Features:
- Body: Poplar, gloss black finish
- Neck: Bolt-on TMB4 Maple, 30" (762mm) short scale
- Fretboard: Jatoba with white dot inlays, 9.4" (240mm) radius
- Frets: 20 medium frets; nut width 41mm
- Pickups: Dynamix P (neck, passive) + Dynamix J (bridge, passive)
- Controls: Dual individual volume knobs + master tone control
- Bridge: B10 bridge with 19mm string spacing, fully adjustable intonation
- Hardware: Chrome throughout, die-cast tuners
- String count: 4-string; factory tuning EADG (.045/.065/.085/.105)
- Short-scale design with offset Talman body shape
Brand: Ibanez
Model: TMB30 Talman
SKU: TMB30BK-2ND|I251107164
Condition: B-Stock
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