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Average Price: $349

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Meet the Ibanez SR500, a bass guitar that seamlessly blends style, playability, and sound. This electric bass is crafted for musicians who demand versatility and precision. With its sleek design and lightweight body, the SR500 ensures comfort during long jam sessions and energetic performances. The Wenge/Bubinga neck not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the durability and playability, making fast and intricate play a breeze.

At the heart of this bass is the powerful combination of Bartolini pickups and a 3-band EQ, providing a tonal range that can adapt to any genre—from the deepest, most resonant lows to crisp, articulate highs. The Rosewood fretboard offers a smooth surface and rich tonal characteristics, ensuring every note you play is both expressive and clear.

Whether you're laying down the groove in a jazz trio or unleashing thunderous riffs in a rock band, the Ibanez SR500 is engineered to deliver exceptional sound quality and flexibility. Discover why this model is cherished by bassists worldwide and elevate your musical expression to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Wenge/Bubinga neck with Rosewood fretboard
  • Mahogany body for a warm, resonant tone
  • Bartolini pickups with 3-band EQ
  • Lightweight design for enhanced playability
  • Versatile tonal range suitable for various music styles

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 wood is used for the body of the Ibanez SR500 bass?

The Ibanez SR500 features a mahogany body, which is known for its warm tone and excellent sustain, making it a popular choice for bass guitars.

How many frets does the Ibanez SR500 have?

The Ibanez SR500 comes with 24 frets, allowing for a full two-octave range on each string, which is ideal for versatile playing styles.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Ibanez SR500?

The Ibanez SR500 is equipped with passive Bartolini MK1 pickups, which deliver a balanced and clear tone suitable for various music genres.

Is the Ibanez SR500 suitable for beginner bass players?

Yes, the Ibanez SR500 is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight design and comfortable neck profile, which makes it easier to play for extended periods.

Can the Ibanez SR500 handle different music genres effectively?

The Ibanez SR500 is versatile and can handle various music genres, thanks to its active preamp and Bartolini pickups that provide a wide range of tonal options.

What is the scale length of the Ibanez SR500?

The Ibanez SR500 has a scale length of 34 inches, which is the standard for most electric basses, offering a familiar feel and tension for players.

TheGuitarGeek

TheGuitarGeek

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TheGuitarGeek

TheGuitarGeek

Reviews

PROS

  • Comfortable and lightweight with a super playable, slim neck

  • Versatile sound suitable for metal, classic rock, and folk

  • Active EQ provides a wide range of tone options

  • Attractive matte finish gives a mature look

  • Bartolini MK1 pickups offer great tone shaping

  • Unique angled jack input adds visual interest

  • Great value for money with professional features

  • Durable build quality, even with extensive use

  • 24 frets with nice inlays for extended playability

  • Recommended by professional bassists

CONS

  • Wood body scratches easily, requiring careful handling

  • Angled jack input may limit cord compatibility

  • Some users find the pre-amp tone lacking

  • Light body may result in a less robust tone for some tastes

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The SR500E's finish is reportedly more durable than older models, holding up against knocks and spills without chipping, especially for those who don't use picks.

    Source
  • The SR500 from the 90s is noted for its rock-solid construction, and users report it being a consistently reliable model over the decades.

    Source
  • Some users report the jack on the SR505E can become loose over time, specifically noting issues with strat-style barrel jacks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The active circuit on the SR500E is considered essential for achieving a decent tone, though it can be complex to adjust to personal preference.

    Source
  • The SR500E features an active/passive switch, allowing users to disable the preamp for a more natural, passive sound, appealing to those wary of active electronics.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the SR500E highlight its reliability in small gigs and home use, maintaining a good condition after regular handling and minor accidents.

    Source
  • One user with a 30-year-old SR505, despite modifications and age, still enjoys its consistent performance, highlighting long-term reliability.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the SR series for its lightweight and ergonomic design, with a specific mention of the SR505E weighing approximately 7.5 lbs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users find the SR500E particularly suited for slap bass techniques without noticeable wear or finish damage around the pickups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SR500 is often compared to vintage Ibanez models like the Roadstar II for its playability and sound, but lacks the same collectible status.

    Source
  • The SR500E's neck offers a slim profile similar to a Jazz Bass, but some players prefer the wider spacing and feel of a Fender P bass neck for comfort.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners recommend upgrading with Nordstrand "Big Singles" pickups for a more powerful tonal presence.

    Source
  • A user modified an SR505E with Nordstrand Zen Blades and a Delano Sonar ms/3 preamp, enhancing upper mids and avoiding brittleness.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The SR500 is seen as a bargain in the used market, offering stable value compared to buying new, which typically depreciates by 40%.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user fixed a back bend in the neck of an SG305 by straightening it, fabricating a new nut from African Ebony, and upgrading to a B305 bridge.

    Source

Critic Reviews

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

guitarsquid.com

The Ibanez SR500 stands as a robust option in the mid-range bass market, offering remarkable versatility for players from beginners to professionals. Its mahogany body produces warm, mellow tones, complemented by reliable hardware like the Accu-Cast B20 bridge. While its 11-pound weight might be a minor inconvenience for extended play, the buttery smooth neck and active 3-band EQ provide a flexible sound profile suitable for various genres. The custom Bartolini MK-1-4 pickups deliver a full, heavy sound, although they lack the sharpness of single coils. This bass is a true all-rounder, balancing quality construction with affordability, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile instrument without breaking the bank.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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graciebass

Quality looking, quality sounding!

A brilliant Bass that looks as good as it sounds! Great value for money, and is very versatile with its pickup blend and EQ switch. The Bartolini MK1 pickups The smooth finish and interesting input-jack placement makes it brilliant for filming as well. Should be in every Bassist's line-up, used by greats such as Mike D'Antonio, Fieldy and Joe Taylor ;)

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