With its sleek contours, fast-playing neck and flexible electronics, the Ibanez SR500AL left-handed electric bass guitar delivers the modern, player-focused feel and expansive tonal versatility that have defined the SR series for decades. A lightweight okoume body provides a clear, focused response while keeping the instrument comfortable for long sessions on stage or in the studio. The five-piece roasted maple and walnut neck offers increased stability and consistent playability, while a rosewood fingerboard with medium frets supports precise, controlled note articulation. Punchy Bartolini BH2 pickups are paired with Ibanez Custom Electronics and a three-way mid switch that allow you to dial in everything from tight grooves to smooth, rounded fingerstyle tones, making the SR500AL a versatile bass built for real-world playing demands.
Okoume Body for Lightweight Balance and Clear Response
The SR500AL’s okoume body provides a resonant yet lightweight foundation that keeps the instrument comfortable over long sessions. Known for its bright, focused tonal character, okoume delivers a clear attack with a solid low end and controlled mids that help bass lines sit cleanly in the mix. The slim, contoured SR body shape enhances playing comfort by reducing bulk and improving balance, whether standing or seated. This combination of lightweight construction and ergonomic design supports fast movement across the instrument while maintaining a consistent, articulate response across all registers.
5-Piece Roasted Maple/Walnut Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard
The five-piece roasted maple and walnut neck offers exceptional stability and durability, with the roasting process improving resistance to humidity and temperature changes. This construction contributes to a tight, focused feel and dependable performance in varied environments. A rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and a smooth playing surface, balancing clarity with a focused midrange response. Medium-sized frets enhance note accuracy and control, making the neck feel precise without being restrictive. Together, these elements create a fast, comfortable neck that encourages confident fretting and consistent articulation.
Bartolini Pickups and Ibanez Custom Electronics for Versatile Tone Shaping
Equipped with Bartolini BH2 pickups, the SR500AL delivers a tight low end, punchy mids and a smooth, balanced response across all strings. The dual-coil design with extended blade pole pieces ensures even output and clarity, regardless of playing position. Ibanez Custom Electronics feature a three-band EQ designed for straightforward, musical tone shaping, making it easy to dial in usable sounds quickly. A three-way mid-frequency switch further expands tonal flexibility, while the EQ bypass switch allows players to disengage the active circuit entirely. When bypassed, the treble control becomes a global passive tone knob, rolling off high frequencies for a more traditional, organic bass response—ideal for vintage-inspired sounds or simplified, battery-free operation.
MR5S Bridge for Sustain, Stability and Seamless Adjustability
The SR500AL is equipped with Ibanez’s MR5S bridge, designed to enhance sustain and maintain consistent tuning under dynamic playing conditions. Its solid construction helps transfer string vibration efficiently into the body, reinforcing clarity and note definition. The adjustable saddle design allows players to fine-tune string spacing by up to ±1.5 mm, accommodating different right-hand techniques and personal preferences. This added flexibility makes it easy to dial in a familiar feel, whether playing fingerstyle, slap or pick, while preserving the SR’s balanced, responsive character.
The Ibanez SR500AL: Modern Feel, Adaptable Performance
The Ibanez SR500AL left-handed bass brings together lightweight construction, a fast and stable neck and a powerful yet intuitive electronics package into a bass built for modern players. Its clear, articulate tone and flexible controls make it easy to adapt to different genres and playing techniques, while its ergonomic design supports long-lasting comfort during extended sessions. Whether used on stage, in the studio or at home, the SR500AL delivers a refined balance of speed, control and tonal range that continues the SR tradition of performance-focused design.