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Average Price: $2,573

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Ibanez MC500 is a classic solid body electric guitar that embodies the precision and innovation synonymous with the Ibanez brand. Originally crafted in the late 1970s and early 1980s, this instrument has become a revered piece among guitar enthusiasts and collectors for its exceptional craftsmanship and tonal versatility. With its multi-ply neck-through-body design, the MC500 offers unparalleled sustain and stability, making it an ideal companion for both live performances and studio sessions.

A hallmark of the MC500 is its ability to deliver a diverse array of tones, thanks to its carefully selected tonewoods and advanced electronics. The guitar features a pair of Ibanez Super 88 humbucking pickups, which provide a wide dynamic range and clarity, no matter your playing style. Whether you're strumming soulful blues, rocking out with electrifying solos, or exploring experimental soundscapes, the MC500 is equipped to handle it all.

The neck is crafted from a combination of maple and walnut, ensuring a smooth playing experience and a comfortable grip. The rosewood fingerboard is adorned with intricate abalone inlays, showcasing both beauty and attention to detail. Players will appreciate the precision of the 24-fret neck, offering ample range for intricate solos. The MC500 also includes an onboard active EQ system, allowing musicians to fine-tune their sound with ease.

Key Features:

  • Multi-ply neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
  • Ibanez Super 88 humbucking pickups for a versatile tonal palette
  • Onboard active EQ system for sound customization
  • 24-fret rosewood fingerboard
  • Maple and walnut neck for durability and comfort
  • Abalone inlays for aesthetic appeal

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model MC500-AV Musician, MC500-BK Musician, MC500-DS Musician, MC500-NT Musician
Finish Antique Violin, Black, Dark Stain, Natural
Year 1978 - 1980
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash, Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Ibanez Musician
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple, Walnut
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Ibanez MC500?

The Ibanez MC500 features a body made of ash and mahogany, with a neck constructed from maple and walnut, and an ebony fretboard. This combination provides a rich and balanced tone with excellent sustain.

What is the pickup configuration on the Ibanez MC500?

The Ibanez MC500 is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities suitable for various music genres.

Is the Ibanez MC500 suitable for advanced guitar players?

Yes, the Ibanez MC500, with its neck-through construction and 24 frets, offers advanced playability and versatility, making it well-suited for experienced guitarists seeking a high-performance instrument.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez MC500 like?

The Ibanez MC500 features a neck-through design, providing excellent access to higher frets and a smooth playing experience, ideal for fast and technical playing styles.

How does the scale length of the Ibanez MC500 affect playability?

The Ibanez MC500 has a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly shorter reach and lower string tension, making it comfortable for both chord playing and soloing.

PinetopJackson

PinetopJackson

1978 Ibanez Musician MC500 Guitarchaeology

Video thumbnail for 1978 Ibanez Musician MC500 Guitarchaeology by PinetopJackson

1978 Ibanez Musician MC500 Guitarchaeology

PinetopJackson

PinetopJackson

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez MC500.

Features and functionality

  • The Ibanez MC500 includes a preamp that users compare to a TS-808, providing an overdrive effect even on a clean amp setting.

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  • Owners describe the original pickups as either Super 77s or Super 88s, with a unique tonal quality not as bold as a 2015 Les Paul Traditional.

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  • Three-way toggle switches are noted for coil tapping and phase switching, offering versatility in sound customization.

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  • A rotary switch with 6 positions is often modded for various configurations, including coil splitting, parallel/series switching, and out-of-phase options.

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Build quality

  • The guitar is notably heavy, weighing approximately 13.5 lbs, which is heavier than many other models.

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  • High-quality Ibanez pickups from the era typically have three screws, allowing angle and height adjustments, which indicates the bridge pickup might be a replacement.

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Comparisons

  • The Ibanez MC500 offers a more versatile EQ control compared to the mid boost found in some EC Signature Strat models.

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  • The MC500 with a Gibson scale length offers a different playing experience compared to the ST200 from '78, which has a Fender scale length and suffers from neck dive.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some guitars have a 4pdt switch installed, allowing complex switching operations beyond typical phase switch which uses only a dpdt.

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User experience

  • Owners believe the MC500 is undervalued compared to similar-era Gibsons, which are more expensive but not necessarily superior in quality.

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  • Owners report the guitar weighing approximately 9 pounds, 12 ounces, which some find causes discomfort during extended play sessions.

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Value and pricing

  • Offers for the guitar range between $900 and $2,500, depending on condition and location, with some sellers receiving offers as low as $800.

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Other

  • A unique historical story emerged where a previous owner identified the guitar by its serial number, adding sentimental value and historical context to the instrument.

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Artist usage

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See how Wes Borland uses Ibanez MC500

Wes Borland

Singer, Guitarist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via Photo

Wes Borland, guitarist for Limp Bizkit, famously used a modified Ibanez Musician MC150PW, initially a 6-string guitar, later modified to accommodate only four strings. This guitar was notably used on songs like "Nookie", "Full Nelson", and "The One". It was one of his main instruments during the early days of Limp Bizkit, alongside Ibanez Universe 7-string guitars. Here's a more detailed breakdown

The MC150PW

This model was originally a 6-string guitar, but Borland had it modified to have only four strings.

Why four strings?

Borland preferred the sound and feel of a four-string guitar, particularly for the heavier, lower tunings he often used.

Other guitars

While he used the MC150PW for many early Limp Bizkit songs, he also used Ibanez Universe 7-string guitars, especially during the recording of their first two albums.

Beyond Ibanez Later in his career, Borland transitioned to custom-made guitars, including four-string instruments built by Latvian luthier George Gorodnitski, and also started using PRS guitars.

See how Rory Gallagher uses Ibanez MC500

Rory Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Taste

...
Verified via The Official Site of Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher is confirmed to use the Ibanez MC500, a sophisticated electric guitar known for its elaborate craftsmanship and advanced electronics, as verified by The Official Site of Rory Gallagher, authored by jsimonelli.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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