When I laid my eyes upon the SR500 in Sweetwater’s showroom, I had to play it.
I have been a fan of Ibanez for many years and I love their products. When I picked up the bass the first thing I noticed was the Bartolini pickups. Without looking at the price I assumed this bass was probably $1,000 or up. Bartolini pickups are typically not found in instruments for under $1,000. Bartolini pickups are the Rolls of pickups for basses, and when I saw the price my jaw dropped – the going rate for this masterpiece is $549.99. You will not find a better bass for anywhere near this price. The highs and lows you get from these pickups are amazing. That is why the top players ranging from rock to jazz to R&B use Bartolini pickups, and the list goes on. These pickups can be used with any style of music.
The second thing I noticed was the mahogany body. This wood sounds great: great lows, huge sustain. Plus, this bass is light with this wood. I love a light bass because I can stand for longer periods of time and my back feels a lot better and with the Bartolini pickups and the mahogany body you are not losing that bottom end that you would have with a heavier bass.
The third thing I love about the SR500 is the thin neck. It allows you to really wrap your fingers around the fingerboard. This neck feels great! It’s made of bubinga and it’s smooth and fast. There is no gloss so your fingers are not getting friction from the neck, especially when your hands get moist.
Overall this is one of the best basses I have played and for the price, you cannot go wrong. Anyone from beginners to pro players can buy this bass and be extremely happy and satisfied.
