Pricing and availability
Average Price: $1,033
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Ibanez Darkstone DN500 is a powerhouse within the world of solid body electric guitars, crafted for musicians who desire a guitar that marries robust construction with articulate sound. Designed with precision, the Tight-Tune bridge and tailpiece ensure unwavering stability, locking each saddle securely into the base plate. This engineering magic not only prevents any unwanted movement but also enhances the transfer of string vibrations, resulting in a guitar that sings with rich, resonant tones.
This guitar's dual PP1 humbuckers offer a dynamic range of soundscapes, characterized by quick response and sparkling clarity. The innovative coil tap push-pull switch brings versatility to your fingertips, allowing you to seamlessly switch between humbucker and single-coil tones for a diverse palette of sonic possibilities. The inset sapele neck and body are not just aesthetically pleasing but also contribute to the powerful sound and remarkable sustain that the DN500 is known for.
Built for both the stage and the studio, the Ibanez Darkstone DN500 is a testament to craftsmanship and innovation, ready to deliver soul-stirring performances every time you pick it up.
Key Features:
- Tight-Tune bridge and tailpiece for enhanced stability and vibration transfer
- Dual PP1 humbuckers with tube pole-piece construction
- Coil tap push-pull switch for humbucker and single-coil versatility
- Inset sapele neck and body for powerful sound and extended sustain
Product specs
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | DN500-BK Darkstone, DN500-WH Darkstone |
| Finish | Black, White |
| Year | 2009 - 2012 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Ibanez Darkstone |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Ibanez Darkstone DN500 pickups?
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The DN500 features PP1-B bridge and PP1-N neck humbucker pickups, which provide a quick response and clarity. The coil tap switch allows for a wider tonal range, offering both humbucker warmth and single-coil brightness.
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Is the Ibanez Darkstone DN500 suitable for heavy music genres?
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Yes, the DN500's solid sapele body, set-neck construction, and humbucker pickups make it well-suited for heavy music genres, providing robust sustain and powerful sound.
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How does the coil tap switch on the Ibanez Darkstone DN500 work?
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The coil tap switch on the DN500 allows you to split the humbuckers into single-coil mode, giving you additional tonal versatility by switching between the full humbucker sound and a brighter, snappier single-coil tone.
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What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez Darkstone DN500?
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The DN500 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable profile that is designed to facilitate smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing.
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Does the Ibanez Darkstone DN500 have a stable tuning system?
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Yes, the DN500 is equipped with an ultra-stable Tight-Tune bridge and tailpiece, which ensures consistent tuning stability and enhances sustain.
Videos
Andrew W
Ibanez DN500-BK "darkstone" demo - Ibanez Guutar Centre
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Darkstone DN500.
Features and functionality
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The Darkstone DN500 features a Tight Tune bridge and tailpiece, which is rare outside of some custom shop Iceman models.
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The guitar's body is made from Sapele, an African mahogany, contributing to its weight of approximately 4 kg (9 lbs).
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Equipped with split coil tone knob for PP1 pickups, exclusive to this model.
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The guitar excels in hard rock and metal but offers versatile tonal options with its coil tap, providing pristine clean sounds not always expected from its design.
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Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners have replaced the problematic tailpiece with a TP-6 to resolve issues.
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Comparisons
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Owners liken the DN500 to a mix of Ibanez Iceman, shredder, and Les Paul, highlighting its unique blend of aggressive and classic styles.
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Owners compare the DN500's aesthetic and feel to the Yamaha CV820WB, Wes Borland's signature guitar, noting its standout visual appeal.
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Some owners reference newer Ibanez models as offering better value, but the DN500's design and feel provide a unique niche appeal.
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User experience
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Despite being the heaviest guitar some have played, the weight distribution is praised for eliminating neck dive, making it comfortable for extended play.
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Despite considering selling, owners often rediscover their love for the DN500 after a break, highlighting its enduring appeal despite newer alternatives.
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The unique inlays on the DN500 are frequently highlighted as a standout aesthetic feature, contributing to its distinct visual identity.
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Use cases and applications
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A user reports transitioning from using an ESP for Drop D tuning to the DN500 as their primary Drop D guitar, indicating its suitability for alternate tunings.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez Darkstone DN500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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