Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (10)
$649.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (10)
$749.99
Amazon
4.2 (24)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$699.99 New
$499.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$749.99
zZounds
5.0 (4)
$749.99
Gear4Music
£635.00

Average Price: $743

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ibanez SR500E Standard Soundgear Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Ibanez SR500E Standard Soundgear Bass is a masterclass in blending comfort with sonic versatility. Designed for musicians who seek both performance and style, this bass features a sleek, contoured okoume body that delivers a warm, resonant tone while being lightweight enough for extended playing sessions. The SR4-profile neck, crafted from a 5-piece jatoba and walnut mix, provides a smooth and fast playing experience, ensuring effortless access across the fretboard.

At the heart of the SR500E's sound capabilities are the dual Bartolini BH2 humbucking pickups, renowned for their balanced output and articulate tonal response. These pickups, paired with custom Ibanez electronics, offer a 3-band EQ and a mid-frequency switch, giving you the tools to sculpt your sound with precision. Whether you're laying down a funky groove or anchoring a heavy rock track, the SR500E adapts with ease.

The bass is further enhanced by its ACCU-cast B500 bridge, providing adjustable string spacing to suit your playing style. With its thoughtful design and robust build, the Ibanez SR500E is not only a joy to play but also a reliable companion for any gig or studio session.

Key Features:

  • Sleek okoume body for a warm, resonant tone
  • 5-piece jatoba/walnut neck with SR4 profile for superior playability
  • Dual Bartolini BH2 humbucking pickups
  • Custom Ibanez electronics with 3-band EQ
  • EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), mid-frequency switch
  • ACCU-cast B500 bridge with adjustable string spacing
  • Jatoba fingerboard with 24 medium frets and abalone oval inlays

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape SR Standard
Body Material Okoume
Body Finish Satin Polyurethane
Neck Material 5-piece Jatoba/Walnut
Neck Shape SR4
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Jatoba
Fingerboard Inlay Abalone Oval
Number of Frets 24
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.496"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece Accu-cast B500
Tuners Ibanez Machine Heads
Neck Pickup Bartolini BH2 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Bartolini BH2 Humbucker
Controls 1 x Volume, 1 x Balancer, 1 x Bass, 1 x Middle, 1 x Treble, 1 x EQ bypass switch, 1 x 3-way Mid frequency switch
Strings .045-.105
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez SR500E Standard Soundgear Bass?

The Ibanez SR500E features a slim SR4 neck profile made of a 5-piece Jatoba/Walnut construction, offering smooth playability and fast action, ideal for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Bartolini BH2 pickups on the Ibanez SR500E?

The Bartolini BH2 pickups provide a warm, full-bodied tone with excellent clarity, making them versatile for genres ranging from jazz to rock and funk.

Is the Ibanez SR500E suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Ibanez SR500E is well-suited for both beginners and advanced players, offering easy playability and professional-grade features like a 3-band EQ and EQ bypass switch for versatile tone shaping.

How does the Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ enhance the sound of the SR500E?

The Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ allows players to fine-tune their sound with controls for bass, middle, and treble frequencies, providing precise tonal adjustments for any playing situation.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez SR500E body and neck?

The Ibanez SR500E features an Okoume body with a satin polyurethane finish and a 5-piece Jatoba/Walnut neck, offering durability and a comfortable playing experience.

Does the Ibanez SR500E come with a case or gig bag?

The Ibanez SR500E does not include a case or gig bag, so it is recommended to purchase one separately for protection during transport.

Deadbeat Studios

Deadbeat Studios

Ibanez SR 500E - What Does it Sound Like?

Video thumbnail for Ibanez SR 500E - What Does it Sound Like? by Deadbeat Studios

Ibanez SR 500E - What Does it Sound Like?

Deadbeat Studios

Deadbeat Studios

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality ensures durability and longevity

  • Lightweight design makes it easy to handle and play

  • Slim neck allows for fast and smooth playability

  • Versatile tone with active electronics and 3-band EQ

  • Comparable sound quality to higher-priced models

  • Attractive finish and design with multiple color options

  • Balanced when used with a strap, reducing neck dive

  • Ideal for a wide range of musical styles, from rock to jazz

  • High-quality pickups offer diverse sound options

  • Great value for its price, appealing to budget-conscious buyers

CONS

  • Finish lacks a thick protective clear coat, prone to damage

  • Potential for bridge bending over time affecting usability

  • Pre-amp longevity issues reported with older models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez SR500E Standard Soundgear Bass.

Build quality

  • The SR500's finish is prone to chipping; care is needed to maintain its appearance over time.

    Source
  • The truss rod adjustment is located at the headstock, requiring periodic adjustments, especially in regions with significant temperature fluctuations.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SR500 features stock Bartolini pickups that users find versatile and capable of maintaining brightness with Elixrs strings.

    Source
  • The SR500E's thin neck design offers a distinct contrast to the rounder neck of a Fender P Bass, catering to different player preferences.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note the SR500 begins to feel special with the Nordstrand Big Splits pickups, offering a distinctive sound compared to other models.

    Source
  • The Ibanez SR500E is often preferred for modern slap styles over the Fender P Bass due to its active electronics and bridge pickup placement.

    Source
  • Some users find the SR500E's sound closer to a MusicMan Stingray, particularly for capturing the Massive Attack "Mezzanine" tone.

    Source
  • The SR500 is noted for better construction quality compared to the SR300e, with a wooden finish that feels more premium.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SR500 is praised for its comfort, especially for players with smaller hands, making it ideal for extended play sessions.

    Source
  • For those interested in slap bass styles akin to Victor Wooten or Les Claypool, the SR500E is frequently recommended over traditional P Basses.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its wear-prone finish, some owners appreciate the aged look it acquires, adding character to the instrument.

    Source
  • The SR500 is praised for its lightweight design, contrasting with the heftier feel of a Fender P Bass, and is appreciated for gigging and touring due to its reliability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners have experienced high frets and fret buzz, particularly around frets 17-21, indicating potential neck adjustment needs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Buyers highlight the poor resale value of Ibanez basses, suggesting this could lead to favorable deals on the second-hand market.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez SR500E 4-String Bass Review - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Ibanez SR500E 4-String Bass gets a sleek upgrade while staying true to its roots. The new adjustable bridge and Bartolini BH2 pickups enhance playability and tone, making this bass a versatile choice for any genre. The active/passive EQ bypass expands tonal possibilities, catering to both purists and modernists. While some may find the updates minor, they are meaningful improvements that enhance the overall playing experience. A solid choice for bassists looking for reliability with a touch of innovation.

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