Blending timeless style with modern performance-driven design, the Ibanez MDM1000 bass delivers a refined take on one of the most versatile bass platforms of all time. Part of Ibanez’s all-new Mode Series, it reimagines the iconic J-style bass with updated ergonomics, expanded tonal control and a more precise, studio- and stage-ready feel. An alder body and rosewood fingerboard provide a balanced, musical tonal core, while a roasted maple neck with rounded fretboard edges offers a smooth, broken-in feel. Under the hood, the new Ibanez Delta S4J pickups and Sonitech S preamp deliver a wide range of articulate, high-fidelity tones with expansive shaping options. From vintage-inspired grooves to technical riffs and upper-fret explorations, the MDM1000 is a sophisticated workhorse built for the modern professional.
Alder Body with Modified J-Style Shape for Improved Balance and Access
The MDM1000 features an alder body that delivers a familiar, well-balanced tonal profile with tight lows, present mids and clear highs that adapt easily across genres. Ibanez’s specially modified J-style body shape is engineered for improved balance and effortless access to all 24 frets, eliminating dead spots and awkward reaches often found on traditional designs. A transparent pickguard adds a contemporary visual touch while allowing the tonewood to remain part of the instrument’s aesthetic. The result is a bass that feels immediately familiar yet noticeably more refined and ergonomic.
Roasted Maple Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard for Speed and Comfort
A one-piece roasted maple neck forms the backbone of the MDM1000’s fast, responsive feel. The roasting process increases stability and resistance to environmental changes while enhancing resonance and visual character. Shaped to a thin C profile, the neck supports quick position shifts and relaxed hand positioning, complemented by rounded fretboard edges for added comfort. A rosewood fingerboard contributes warmth and focused midrange response, while luminescent side dot markers ensure confident navigation on dark stages without distraction.
Delta S4J Pickups and Sonitech S Preamp for Expansive Tonal Control
Ibanez Delta S4J pickups deliver an aggressive yet balanced single-coil-inspired voice with hum-canceling performance, offering clarity and punch across the full frequency spectrum. They are paired with the Sonitech S preamp, which provides deep, intuitive control via a three-band EQ, master tone, pickup balancer and EQ bypass switch. A three-way mid-frequency switch works in conjunction with the rear-mounted Hexa mid system, offering two selectable mid banks for a total of six mid-frequency points. This flexible electronics platform allows players to move seamlessly from classic passive-style tones to highly sculpted modern sounds.
MR5S Bridge and Aero-light Tuners for Precision and Stability
The MR5S mono-rail bridge enhances string-to-string clarity and sustain by isolating each string’s vibration, making it especially effective for fast passages and chordal playing. Adjustable string spacing allows players to fine-tune feel and technique, with the four-string model offering a comfortable 19 mm layout. Lightweight Ibanez Aero-light tuners, constructed with Extra Super Duralumin components, provide precise tuning stability while minimizing headstock weight for improved overall balance. Together, these hardware choices reinforce the MDM1000’s professional, performance-ready design.
The Ibanez MDM1000: Classic Feel, Modern Precision
The Ibanez MDM1000 bass delivers a thoughtful evolution of the classic J-style platform, pairing familiar tonal character with modern ergonomics and advanced electronics. Its balanced alder body, roasted maple neck and versatile Delta S4J pickup system make it equally at home laying down traditional groves or exploring more technical, expressive territory. Designed for today’s working bassist, the MDM1000 offers clarity, flexibility and refined playability in a forward-looking, stage-ready instrument.