Pairing a sleek, sculpted silhouette with precise EQ control and the tonal authority of Nordstrand Big Break pickups, the Ibanez SR500N electric bass guitar brings a bold, aggressive edge to the iconic SR series. Designed for players who want muscular tone without sacrificing clarity or comfort, the SR500N is built on the foundation of a lightweight okoume body and a fast, stable five-piece roasted maple and walnut neck. A rosewood fingerboard with medium frets supports effortless articulation, while Ibanez Custom Electronics provide deep tonal shaping with active/passive switching and three-way mid-frequency control. Nordstrand Big Break pickups offer meaty split-coil tone with true noiseless performance, and Ibanez’s MR5S bridge allows you to customize your setup with adjustable string spacing. From modern rock and funk to heavier styles that demand presence and power, the SR500N delivers a confident, performance-ready voice with unmistakable character.
Okoume Body for Focused Punch and Lightweight Comfort
The SR500N’s okoume body provides a bright, solid tonal foundation with a focused low end and clear midrange response. Known for its light weight, okoume keeps the instrument comfortable and well-balanced, reducing fatigue during long rehearsals or extended gigs. Its natural resonance supports fast note attack and consistent projection, helping lines stay defined in dense mixes. Combined with the SR’s contoured body shape, the okoume construction delivers a responsive feel that complements both fingerstyle precision and more aggressive playing approaches.
Roasted Maple/Walnut Neck and Rosewood Fingerboard for Speed and Stability
A five-piece roasted maple and walnut neck forms the backbone of the SR500N’s smooth, fast-playing feel. The roasting process increases stability and resistance to temperature and humidity changes, ensuring consistent performance over time. Paired with a rosewood fingerboard, the neck delivers a balanced tonal response with a focused midrange and controlled warmth. Medium frets enhance note accuracy and intonation, making the neck well-suited for clean articulation, tight grooves and confident movement across the fingerboard.
Nordstrand Big Break Pickups for Powerful, Noise-Free Performance
Nordstrand Big Break pickups give the SR500N its distinctive voice, packing a split-coil design into a soapbar format for full-bodied output with impressive clarity. They deliver an aggressive, punchy character while retaining the definition and noiseless performance associated with single-coil designs. Ibanez Custom Electronics provide intuitive control via a three-band EQ, supported by a three-way mid-frequency switch for precise midrange shaping. An onboard EQ bypass switch allows the bass to operate in passive mode, with the treble control functioning as a global tone knob for straightforward, traditional tonal shaping when a more organic response is needed.
MR5S Bridge for Adjustable Feel and Solid Response
The MR5S bridge enhances both feel and tonal consistency by allowing adjustable string spacing of ±1.5 mm, giving players the ability to fine-tune the setup to their personal preferences. Its solid construction promotes efficient string vibration transfer to the body, supporting sustain and note definition. Whether dialing in a tighter spacing for fast runs or a wider layout for expressive fingerstyle playing, the MR5S bridge adds a layer of customization that complements the SR500N’s player-focused design.
The Ibanez SR500N: Iconic Design and a Bold, Modern Voice
The Ibanez SR500N bass is a bold continuation of the SR legacy, injecting the series’ legendary playability with the raw, authoritative growl of Nordstrand Big Break pickups. Its lightweight okoume body, rock-solid roasted maple/walnut neck and flexible electronics make it equally capable in studio and live settings, while its punchy, articulate tone cuts through with confidence. Designed for bassists who want modern ergonomics with a more forceful sonic personality, the SR500N delivers power, clarity and control in a refined, performance-ready package.