Ibanez SR500

$349.00 to $722.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (23)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

Find out who is using Ibanez SR500

8 community setups

4 wishlisted

48 saved

Page last updated Jun 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$349.00 6 available Used

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3.6 (7)

$722.00

View Deal

£662.00

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Average Price: $536

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Ibanez SR500 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ibanez SR500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

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The Ibanez SR500 is a seamless blend of precision craftsmanship and modern design, making it a favorite among bass enthusiasts seeking both performance and style. Its sleek Wenge/Bubinga neck paired with a rich Rosewood fretboard ensures effortless playability and a smooth feel. The Mahogany body not only provides a warm tonal foundation but also complements the bass's aesthetic with its natural grain.

Whether you're grooving in the studio or performing live, the SR500's versatile sound is powered by Bartolini pickups and a 3-band EQ, allowing you to sculpt your tone to match any musical setting. Available in stunning finishes like Brown Mahogany, Sapphire Blue Flat, and Tri-Fade Burst Flat, this bass is as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

For those who appreciate both form and function, the Ibanez SR500 offers a lightweight build without compromising on durability. The comfortable contouring and meticulous attention to detail make it a joy to play, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your musical journey.

Key Features:

Wenge/Bubinga neck with Rosewood fretboard
Mahogany body for warm tone
Bartolini pickups with a 3-band EQ for versatile sound shaping
Available in Brown Mahogany, Sapphire Blue Flat, and Tri-Fade Burst Flat finishes
Lightweight and durable design for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand	Ibanez
Model	SR500-BBS Standard Soundgear Bass, SR500-BM Standard Soundgear Bass, SR500-LVF Standard Soundgear Bass, SR500-SBF Standard Soundgear Bass, SR500-TFS Standard Soundgear Bass, SR500-TKF Standard Soundgear Bass
Finish	Blackberry Sunburst, Brown Mahogany, Light Violin Sunburst, Sapphire Blue Flat, Transparent Black Flat, Tri Fade Burst Flat
Year	2005 - 2018
Categories	4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	Active Preamp
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	4-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Series	Ibanez Standard

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Ibanez SR500 bass guitar have?: The Ibanez SR500 features Bartolini MK1-4 neck and bridge pickups, known for their warm and punchy tone, suitable for a variety of music styles.
Is the Ibanez SR500 suitable for slap bass playing?: Yes, the Ibanez SR500 is well-suited for slap bass due to its thin, fast neck and active 3-band EQ, allowing for dynamic tonal adjustments.
What is the neck profile of the Ibanez SR500?: The Ibanez SR500 has a thin, fast 5-piece SR4 neck made of jatoba and bubinga, designed for comfortable playability and quick hand movement.
How does the active preamp in the Ibanez SR500 enhance its sound?: The active Bartolini MK1 3-band EQ allows for precise tonal shaping, providing clear highs, defined mids, and deep lows, making it versatile for different music genres.
What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez SR500?: The Ibanez SR500 features a sculpted mahogany body, a rosewood fretboard with oval abalone markers, and a jatoba and bubinga neck, offering a blend of durability and rich sound.

Videos

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SR500.

Build quality

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The SR500's finish is prone to chipping, requiring careful handling to maintain its appearance.
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There is a notable difference in build quality between the SR500 and lower-end models like the SR300e, with the SR500 offering superior wooden construction.
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Features and functionality

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The Bartolini pickups provide a comfortable thin neck and a versatile tone, though some find the mid scoop challenging for cutting through mixes.
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Some players find the lack of an active/passive switch on older SR500 models to be a limitation compared to newer iterations.
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Setup and maintenance

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Regular maintenance with lemon oil every 6-8 months keeps the bass in good condition, preserving its finish and playability.
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Some users report needing more frequent truss rod adjustments due to thin necks, especially in regions with wide temperature variations.
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Comparisons

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The SR500 is appreciated for its lightweight and slim design, contrasting with heavier models, allowing for easier maneuverability, especially for smaller hands.
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The SR500 is often preferred over higher-priced basses like the Schecter SLS Evil Twin for its reliable performance during tours.
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The SR600's Nordstrand Big Break pickups offer a huge low end and punchy midrange, while the SR500's Bartolini BH2 pickups are versatile but may struggle in mixes.
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User experience

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Owners report the SR500 offers great tone versatility, making it suitable for various musical styles, but it's crucial to test settings personally for desirable sound quality.
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Owners appreciate the SR500's thin, narrow neck with a satin back, enhancing playability and comfort during extended sessions.
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Mods and upgrades

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The SR500 is frequently compared to the SR600 as the latter is the entry model featuring Nordstrand pickups, indicating a significant tonal upgrade.
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Some users replace the stock Bartolini pickups in the SR500 with Nordstrand Zen Blades for improved sound quality, highlighting a preference for single-coil tones.
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Use cases and applications

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A user noted the SR500's Bartolini pickups provide a variety of tones suitable for funk and slapping, even convincing them to forgo a long-desired Fender Mustang PJ.
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Critic Reviews

Ibanez SR500 Review - An Absolute Beast Without A Doubt | GuitarSquid

guitarsquid.com

The Ibanez SR500 is a standout in the mid-range bass market, offering a blend of versatility and quality that appeals to beginners and seasoned professionals alike. With its robust mahogany body, smooth Jatoba/Bubinga neck, and impressive custom Bartolini MK-1-4 pickups, it delivers a rich, meaty tone perfect for modern genres. While its 11-pound weight might be cumbersome for some, the SR500 compensates with a contoured, comfortable design. Despite lacking the bite of single coils, its active 3-band EQ makes it adaptable across various styles. The SR500 is a reliable, well-rounded choice for those seeking a capable and affordable bass.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star

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geburgess2

about 5 years ago

Great bass for the money.

Sounds great for the money. Personally, I think the neck is a little too thin, but I have big hands, so it causes wrist cramps.

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal

imtiaz_ahmad

1269

over 7 years ago

one of the coolest basses played

great value for money
the bartolini electronics allow to play between any genres, although low end a bit muddy
the tone could have been punchier if the body mass was more

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Metal black death

toroid

250

about 6 years ago

Great Bass Guitar

Love Ibanez, native sound, beautiful design, lightweight Use primarily in down tunings

Roles:

Singer Bassist Rapper

Genres:

Electronic Trance Electronica

aaron_collins

over 10 years ago

Love it!

Couldn't ask for a better bass. The thinner neck towards the head maked it really comfortable to reach the E string and the smart pick-ups mean I can change the EQ without goig near the amp.