Ibanez TMB30
Unofficial Specifications And Reference Guide
Index
Introduction
Specifications and Diagrams
General
Neck
Bridge
Pickups
Tuners
Tuner Replacements
Strings
Wiring / Controls
Drop-In Replacements
Compatible Strings
3D Printed Upgrades
Introduction
The Ibanez TMB30 is a solid body 4 string electric bass guitar with passive P and J pickups. Production began Nov 2015. The TMB30 is manufactured in Indonesia.
These specifications were obtained from the following sources:
- Ibanez TMB30 website
- Ibanez Parts Catalog
- Measurements taken by me from my Indonesian TMB30 manufactured Feb 2022
- Various internet forum posts
All part numbers are Ibanez numbers unless otherwise noted. Ibanez part number suffix CH = Chrome, BK = Black.
This website is not affiliated with Ibanez or Hoshino (U.S.A.) Inc. These specifications are subject to change and may not be accurate.
Please email additions, corrections and suggestions to kevin@kevinsworkbench.com
General
| Model | TMB30 |
| Scale | 30” (762mm) |
| Overall Length (Including Strap Button) | 41.4" (1051mm) |
| Overall Width | 13" (330mm) |
| Body Thickness | 1.6" (40.6mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 8 lbs ± 0.5 lbs |
| Wood Type (Body) | Poplar |
| Wood Type (Neck) | Maple |
| Wood Type (Fretboard) | Jatoba |
| Strap Button Model | 4EP1C2C |
| Pickguard Model | 4PG1PC0018 |
| Pickguard Type | 3 Ply |
| Pickguard Thickness | 0.09" (2.2mm) |
| Pickguard Width | 8.5" (216mm) |
| Pickguard Height | 10" (254mm) |
| Pickguard Screw Type | #4-24 / M3 (unverified), Oval Head, Phillips, AB Point |
| Pickguard Screw Nominal Thread Diameter | 0.117" (3mm) |
| Pickguard Screws Total Length (Including Head) | 0.5" (13mm) |
| Pickguard Screws Head Diameter | 0.23" (5.5mm) |
| Strap Button Screw Type | #8, M4 (unverified), Oval Head, Phillips, AB Point |
| Strap Button Screw Nominal Thread Diameter | 0.16" (4mm) |
| Strap Button Screws Total Length (Including Head) | 1.1" (28mm) |
| Strap Button Screws Head Diameter | 0.3" (7.5mm) |
| Paint Color (Ivory) | PPG: Sawdust Benjamin Moore: Sundress Hex: #fbe4af (unverified) |
PPG Sawdust is the closest matching paint I've found, but it's not an exact match. Please contact me if you've had the paint matched.
I believe Ibanez uses metric screws, however, Imperial sizes are close enough to generally be acceptable replacements.
Neck
| Neck Name | TMB4 |
| Neck Model | 1NK1PC0365-BK |
| Frets (Number) | 20 |
| Fret Size | Medium |
| Neck Radius | 9.45” (240mm) |
| Width At Nut | 1.61” (41mm) |
| Width At Body / 20th Fret | 2.44” (62mm) |
| Thickness At 1st Fret | 0.85” (21.5mm) |
| Thickness At 12th Fret | 0.97” (24.5mm) |
| Nut Model | 4N4132401R-PIV 4NT1MC0006 (discontinued) |
| Nut Width | 1 5/8" (41mm) |
| Nut Height | 3/16" (4.8mm) |
| Nut Thickness | 1/8" (3.3mm) |
| Neck Screw Bushing | 4NSB1450-BK |
| Inlay Shape | Dot |
| Inlay Diameter | 0.24" (6mm) |
| Inlay Color | White(ish) |
| Truss Rod Wrench Size | 4mm |
| Tuning Machine Hole Diameter (Ferrule Insert Outer Diameter) |
11/16" (17.5mm) |
| Tuning Machine Ferrule Insert Inner Diameter | 0.55" (14mm) |
The factory supplied truss rod hex key / Allen wrench measures 3.93mm.
Bridge
Note: Ibanez has used two different bridges on the TMBs. They are not interchangeable.
| Bridge Name | B10 |
| Bridge Model | Newer Style: 2BB14-CH Older Style: 2BB1PCA001 |
| Mounting Holes (Quanity) | Newer Style: 6 (4 / 2) Older Style: 5 |
| Mounting Hole Spacing | Newer Style: 0.75" (19mm) / 2.12" (53.8mm) Older Style: 17.5mm |
| Intonation Screw | Newer Style: M3-0.50mm Older Style: |
| Saddle Height Screw Wrench Size | Newer Style: 2mm Older Style: 1.5mm |
Pickups
| P Pickup Name (Neck) | Dynamix P |
| P Pickup Model (Neck) | 3PUDXPP0-FBN |
| J Pickup Name (Bride) | Dynamix J |
| J Pickup Model (Bride) | 3PUDXJEJ0-FBN |
| P Length | 1.1" (27.9mm) |
| P Width (side to side) | 2.25" (57.3mm) |
| P Width (with mounts) | 2.63' (66.8mm) |
| P Height | |
| J Width (side to side) | 3.65" (92.6mm) |
| J Length (with mounts) | 1.12" (28.5mm) |
| J Length | 0.78" (19.8mm) |
| J Height | |
| J Cavity Width | 3.75" (95mm) |
| 12th Fret to P1 Distance | 9.75" (248mm) |
| 12th Fret to P2 Distance | 10.88" (276mm) |
| 12th Fret to J Distance | 13.13" (334mm) |
The 12th fret to pickup distance is measured from the fret wire to the center of the pickup. The 12th fret is just an arbitrary reference point.
Tuning Machines
| Tuning Machine Model | 2MM0034L, 2MM0034R |
| Tuning Machine Weight (Each) | 3.0 oz (85g) |
| Tuning Machine Shaft Diameter | 0.55 in (13.9mm) |
| Tuning Machine Mounting Screw Thread Diameter | 0.1" (2.5mm) |
| Tuning Machine Mounting Screw Thread Length | 0.4" (10.2mm) |
| Tuning Machine Mounting Screw Overall Length | 0.5" (12.7mm) |
The factory tuning machine shaft diameter is 13.9mm. The ferrule insert inner diameter is 14mm and the headstock hole diameter (ferrule insert outer diameter) is 17.5mm.
Strings
| String Spacing | 0.75” (19mm) |
| String Gauge (Factory) | 0.045 – 0.065 – 0.085 – 0.105 |
| Bridge to Tuner Shaft (E) | 33.5" (851mm) |
| Bridge to Tuner Shaft (A) | 35.5" (902mm) |
| Bridge to Tuner Shaft (D) | 37" (940mm) |
| Bridge to Tuner Shaft (G) | 33.75" (857mm) |
| String Retainer Model | 4TH1MC0001 |
The "Bridge to Tuner Shaft" length may be used to determine the maximum string length without the fat part of the string beginning to wind around the tuner shaft.
Wiring / Controls
| Control Knob Model | 4KB1PC0002 |
| Control Knob Shaft Hole | 6mm, Spline, No Set Screw |
| Control Knob Diameter (Main, Brim) | 15.5mm, 20mm |
| Control Knob Height | 11mm |
| Output Jack Model | 3JKO6S001-CH |
| Output Jack Type | Tip, Sleeve |
| Output Jack Size | 0.25" (6.3mm) |
| Jack Plate Model | 4JKPTMS-CH |
| Jack Plate Length | 4.92" (125mm) |
| Jack Plate Width | 1.38" (35mm) |
| Control Assembly Model | 3CA0002R |
| Control Assembly Type | 2 volume, 1 tone |
| Potentiometer Value (P Volume) | B500K (Linear Taper) |
| Potentiometer Value (J Volume) | B500K (Linear Taper) |
| Potentiometer Value (Tone) | A500K (Audio Taper) |
| Potentiometer Shaft | 6mm, Split, Spline |
| Potentiometer Shaft Split Gap | 0.035" (0.89mm) |
| Potentiometer Spline Length | 0.32" (8mm) |
| Potentiometer Thread Diameter | 0.3" (7.7mm) |
| Potentiometer Thread Length | 0.39" (10mm) |
| Potentiometer Body Diameter | 0.65" (16.5mm) |
| Potentiometer Overall Height | 1.06" (27mm) |
| Pickguard Potentiometer Hole Diameter | 0.35" (8.9mm) |
Replacement Part Compatibility
Bill and Becky Wilde P-46 pickups are a direct drop-in upgrade. Most standard P pickups (Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound SPB-3, EMG, etc.) should also be a drop-in replacement.
EMG J pickups are available in at least two widths: 91.2mm (neck) and 94mm (bridge). I believe EMG PJ sets generally have a 94mm J pickup. The Ibanez Dynamix J pickup is 92.6mm wide. The TMBs pickup cavity may require a small amount of sanding when using a 94mm wide EMG pickup. Source: Climax, talkbass.com
Epic Custom Shop 92mm length J pickups require a small amount of sanding and new screw holes.
Gotoh VK1-18, VK1-19 knobs have 6mm smooth (no splines) shaft holes with a set screw and will fit the factory pot shaft.
Tuning Machine Replacement Overview
| Tuning Machine Model | Diameter | Cost (set of 4) | Weight (each) | New Mounting Holes Needed | Shimming or Sanding | Notes |
| Gotoh GB350 | 14mm | $85 | 40g | 1 | None | Use the factory ferrules. Recommended. |
| HipShot HB7 | 18mm | $150?? | 90g | 4 | Headstock holes may need sanding. | Mounting plates may overlap, difficult to find 2L, 2R. |
| Hipshot Licensed Ultralite 3/8" | 13.75mm | $80 | 57g | 1 | Difficult to shim. | |
| Hipshot Licensed Ultralite 1/2" | 16mm | $110 | 57g | 1 | Unlikely to fit. | |
| Hipshot USA Ultralite 3/8" | 14mm | $120 | 50g | 1 | ||
| Hipshot USA Ultralite 1/2" | 17 or 17.5mm | $110 | 55g | 1 | Small amount of tape needed. |
Note: Cost can very considerably. Weight varies slightly depending on type (clover, Y key, etc.)
Gotoh GB350 tuning machines are a drop-in replacement if the Gotoh ferrules (14mm outer diameter) are placed into the TMB factory ferrules, (14mm inner diameter) and a new screw mounting hole is drilled.
HipShot HB7 tuners have 18mm ferrules so the 17.5mm headstock holes will need minor sanding. The mounting plate of the tuning machines may slightly overlap, so one of the plates may need to be cut or sanded a bit. New screw mounting holes are required. Source: eastcoasteddie, talkbass.com and continued on post #2747.
Hipshot Licensed 3/8" Ultralite Bass Tuning Machines have a shaft diameter of 13.75mm. Shimming around the shaft is required to prevent a sloppy fit. Wrapping about 9 inches of tape around the shaft will shim it to 14mm and they can be placed into the factory ferrules. However, the shaft will only enter the ferrule to a depth of 1mm, which will likely be adequate, but does not make me confident. As an alternative, a plastic or nylon bushing, sleeve bearing or spacer measuring 9/16" I.D. x 11/16" O.D. may be placed between the tuner shaft and the headstock hole. Unfortunately, I've had a difficult time finding a suitable bushing. I used Redline (Trailer Parts Pro) model SP05-020 (or SP05-040) bushings trimmed to a length of 8.5mm. The bushing required a few inches of tape around the outside to make a snug fit into the headstock hole. The tuner shaft required a few inches of tape to make a snug fit in the bushing. A new screw mounting hole is required. Although these tuners can be made to fit, I personally do not recommend using them in the TMBs. The Gotoh GB350 tuning machines offer a much easier fit. Please contact me if you have a good solution.
Hipshot USA 1/2" Ultralite Bass Tuning Machines require a 17mm or 17.5mm hole. They may be used with the factory ferrules with a small amount of tape around the posts to shim. New mounting holes are probably needed. Source: Blues Bass 2, talkbass.com, bigthemat, talkbass.com
Hipshot USA 3/8" Ultralite Bass Tuning Machines require a 14mm hole and may be a drop-in replacement with possible shimming and with a new screw mounting hole. (Unverified)
Grover Vintage Bass Machines (142 Series) are a drop in replacement with two new mounting holes drilled for the bottom side of each tuner. Source: mr80htz, talkbass.com
Jack plate model JP-CST-C (chrome), JP-CST-B (black) are drop-in replacements.
Plastic nut model BN-2210-023, BN-2350-000 at allparts.com may be drop-in replacements.
The Gotoh 201B-4 bridge has 17.5mm mounting hole spacing and is a drop in replacement for old style bridges.
The Hipshot KickAss bridge has 17.8mm between mounting holes. The old style bridge has 17.5mm between mounting holes. The difference is small enough that you can mount a kickass bridge using the factory holes without too much trouble, but the outer screws may be a bit tilted. The new style bridges have a completly different mounting hole pattern, so new holes will need to be drilled.
A Fender Precision bridge cover fits over the stock bridge. Source: ThumpingJack, talkbass.com
Pots made by Taiwan Alpha with a "K Type" 6mm knurled shaft will fit the factory knobs and Gotoh VK1-18, VK1-19 knobs. The "R Type" smooth shaft has a 6.3mm diameter and will not fit. Pots should have a threaded shaft diameter of M9 (8.9mm). Pots mounted in the jack plate should have a threaded section (bushing) at least 6mm long. Pots mounted in the pickguard should have a threaded shaft section at least 5mm long. Some pots have imperial or standard sized threaded shafts with a diameter of about 3/8" (0.38"), e.g. CTS, but the TMB pickguard pot holes are only 0.35" (8.9mm) diameter. Metric pots with a threaded shaft diameter of 0.3" (7.7mm) are drop in replacements. Credit: ThumpingJack, talkbass.com
Please let me know how your replacement parts fit in your TMB30. Please include the part's model number, manufacturer and/or other info. Email: kevin@kevinsworkbench.com
Compatible Strings
La Bella 760FS-S Deep Talkin’ Bass Flats – Standard 45-105, Short Scale. Source
Please email the model number of strings you've used to kevin@kevinsworkbench.com
3D Printed Upgrades
Gotoh Resolite adapter plate by Annabelle's Workshop. A cool 3D printed plate that fits around Gotoh Resolite tuning machines on the back of the headstock to hide the factory mounting holes.
Ramp by Annabelle's Workshop. A cool 3D printed ramp for the TMB35 with simulated wood grain.
Please email me your 3D printed designes for the TMB30 at kevin@kevinsworkbench.com