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Description

The Ibanez RDGR 500 is a versatile electric bass guitar designed to meet the needs of both budding and seasoned musicians. This model blends innovative craftsmanship with classic design, making it a reliable choice for various musical genres. The RDGR 500 features a PowerSpan Dual Coil pickup system, delivering a dynamic range of tones that suit everything from rock and jazz to funk and metal. Its slim neck profile and rosewood fingerboard ensure a comfortable playing experience, perfect for extended sessions.

Crafted with precision, the RDGR 500 offers excellent tuning stability and intonation, allowing you to focus on your performance without worrying about constant adjustments. The active EQ provides a powerful control over your sound, letting you shape the bass tone to your exact preference. Whether you're jamming in the studio or performing live, this bass guitar is built to handle it all with ease and style.

Key Features:

  • PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups for a wide tonal range
  • Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Active EQ for precise sound shaping
  • Reliable tuning stability and intonation
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth action
maxproud

maxproud

IBANEZ RDGR 500SB - maxproud channel

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ RDGR 500SB  -  maxproud channel by maxproud

IBANEZ RDGR 500SB - maxproud channel

maxproud

maxproud

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RDGR 500.

Comparisons

  • The RD500 doesn't replicate the Stingray tone well due to its stock preamp; the ATK series is closer to achieving that MusicMan vibe.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RD900FM has a unique control scheme with its push/pull volume pot for bridge pickup switching and a blend pot that acts as a 3-way pickup selector.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners express dissatisfaction with the first edition mk Bartolini pickups and preamp, describing them as dull and bland, suggesting potential upgrades for better tone.

    Source
  • An EMG PJ pickup configuration and Gotoh bridge/tuners are common mods on older Ibanez models, though their value is subjective and depends on personal preference.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners note that Ibanez basses, while not their favorite tonally, have appealing oddball limited models that are fun to collect.

    Source
  • Hydrodip paint jobs, while visually striking, are considered easy to do at home, yet they may not add significant resale value unless perfectly matching buyer preferences.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Custom paint jobs often detract from the resale value, with some suggesting a 50-75% decrease from original pricing due to lack of originality.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some custom finishes may wear quickly, notably around the top horn and edges, indicating the need for careful examination of the paint's durability.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
boom762
boom762

12239

It's Okay

The EQ is wonky. The boost over-saturates and the cut kills the single with just a twist. The neck is fast and comfortable but the string spacing, which Ibanez claims is 19mm, is pretty wide. Feels like P-bass spacing. The bridge is massive, the body heavy, and the truss rod being accessed from the body side is a plus.

dumpsterbassist

My Ibanez bass is also really heavy, and it's a lot older than yours. Glad to know it isn't just me :)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Greg K. uses Ibanez RDGR 500

Greg K.

Bassist

The Offspring

...
Verified via Wikidata

Photo of Greg playing a ibanez RDGR bass

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    boom762
    boom762

    Gear IQ 12239