Ibanez Revives a Legend: The Iconic Iceman Returns with Two High-Performance Basses
Ibanez revives the legendary Iceman! Explore the new ICB720FM and ICB620 basses featuring Nordstrand and Bartolini pickups, premium hardware, and iconic style.
The world of bass guitar just got a lot more angular. Ibanez has officially expanded its catalog by revisiting one of its most recognizable silhouettes: the Iceman. Designed for players who demand a stage-commanding presence without sacrificing ergonomic playability, the new ICB720FM and ICB620 models blend vintage flair with modern boutique specs.
While both basses share the legendary 34-inch scale foundation, they are engineered for two distinct sonic identities.
The Foundation: Built for the Modern Stage
Both new Iceman models are built on a rock-solid 3-piece Maple neck with a slim, fast profile. Ibanez has opted for a 41mm nut width and a 305mm radius, ensuring that whether you are digging into a heavy riff or executing complex slap patterns, the neck feels effortless.
Key shared features include:
- Fretboard: Bound Panga Panga with Acrylic Block inlays for a crisp high-end.
- Bridge: The MR5S bridge, offering adjustable string spacing (19mm ± 1.5mm) for total customization.
- Security: Standard-issue Schaller S-Locks and a high-quality gig bag included.
Iceman ICB720FM: Aggressive Tone, Exotic Looks
The ICB720FM is the "hot rod" of the duo. It features a stunning Flamed Maple top with a Cosmic Blue Starburst finish over an Okoume body, providing an extra bite of brightness and a premium visual aesthetic.
The standout feature here is the electronics package. Ibanez has loaded this model with Nordstrand Big Break pickups. These soapbars offer a "thickened" single-coil tone while remaining completely noiseless, making them perfect for aggressive rock or modern funk.
- Hardware: Sleek Black
- Price: $1,199
Available at Andertons priced at £979 Available at Sweetwater priced at $1199 Available at Thomann priced €1099
Iceman ICB620: Refined Punch and Gold Hardware
For the bassist seeking a more classic, "boutique" look, the ICB620 offers a clean Okoume body finished in Black Flat and accented by striking Gold hardware.
This model shifts the tonal focus toward the Bartolini BH2 pickups. Known for their dual-coil design and blade pole pieces, these pickups provide a smoother, more articulated response with a tight low end. It is a highly versatile instrument that sits perfectly in a jazz-fusion mix or a heavy-metal pocket.
- Hardware: Elegant Gold
- Price: $1,099
Available at Andertons priced at £889 Available at Sweetwater priced at $1099 Available at Thomann priced €999
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Iceman ICB720FM | Iceman ICB620 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Wood | Okoume w/ Flamed Maple Top | Okoume |
| Pickups | Nordstrand™ Big Break | Bartolini® BH2 |
| Hardware Color | Black | Gold |
| Tone Profile | Aggressive, Bright, Modern | Punchy, Smooth, Articulate |
| Retail Price | $1,199 | $1,099 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are these basses active or passive? Both models feature the Ibanez Custom Electronics 2-band EQ, which provides active boosting and cutting of treble and bass frequencies for precise tone sculpting. What is the benefit of the MR5S bridge? The MR5S is a high-end bridge that allows you to adjust the string spacing by +/- 1.5mm. This is a game-changer for players who have specific preferences for how wide or narrow they like their strings to feel at the bridge. Does the 'Iceman' body shape cause "neck dive"? Ibanez has utilized a 3-piece Maple neck and lightweight Okoume bodies to balance the instrument. When used with the included Schaller S-Locks and a quality strap, the Iceman is designed to sit comfortably against the body.
Verdict
The return of the Iceman body shape to the Ibanez bass lineup is a win for players who want to stand out from the "P" and "J" style crowds. Between the aggressive, high-clarity ICB720FM and the smooth, versatile ICB620, Ibanez has ensured there is an Iceman for every genre. With professional-grade hardware and included gig bags, these basses are ready to hit the road immediately.
More Information
**#Ibanez #**ICB720FM #ICB620
