The Ibanez SR505N is a 5-string electric bass from the SR series that combines the compact body and fast neck characteristic of Soundgear models with a highly versatile electronic configuration. Its okoume body is paired with a 5-piece SR5 neck made of roasted maple and walnut, offering stability and a comfortable feel for quick movement across the entire fingerboard.

It features two passive Nordstrand Big Break pickups, with split coil soapbar design, providing a powerful and full sound while maintaining clarity and silent operation. The Ibanez Custom 3-band electronics include a mid-frequency selector and an EQ bypass switch, allowing operation in both active and passive modes. The MR5S bridge offers individual string spacing adjustment, completing a modern and flexible bass suitable for both live performances and studio work.

• 5-string electric bass
• Series: SR
• Finish: Midnight Arctic Ocean Matte
• Neck construction: Bolt-on
• Neck profile: SR5
• Neck: 5-piece roasted maple/walnut
• Body: okoume
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: abalone oval
• Scale length: 34" / 864 mm
• Fingerboard radius: 305 mm / 12"
• Nut width: 45 mm
• Width at 24th fret: 68 mm
• Neck thickness at 1st fret: 19.5 mm
• Neck thickness at 12th fret: 21.5 mm
• 24 medium frets
• Neck pickup: Nordstrand Big Break passive
• Bridge pickup: Nordstrand Big Break passive
• Split coil soapbar pickups
• Electronics: Ibanez Custom 3-band EQ
• Controls: volume, balance, bass, mid, treble
• Mid-frequency selector switch: 250 / 450 / 700 Hz
• EQ bypass switch for passive operation
• The treble control functions as a passive tone when the EQ is bypassed
• Bridge: MR5S
• String spacing: 16.5 mm, adjustable ±1.5 mm
• Tuning machines: Ibanez
• Hardware: black
• Strings: D'Addario EXL165 + .130
• String gauges: .045 / .065 / .085 / .105 / .130
• Factory tuning: B / E / A / D / G

Our Opinion

The SR505N maintains the comfort that characterizes Soundgear basses, but the Nordstrand Big Break pickups give it a particularly powerful and defined character. Its split coil design provides substantial body and punch without sacrificing clarity, which is especially useful in a five-string bass where it’s important that the low B retains good articulation.

The 16.5 mm string spacing keeps the neck compact and facilitates fast playing, while the combination of a 3-band preamp, mid-frequency selector, and passive operation allows easy adaptation to different styles. It’s an especially appealing choice for those seeking a modern, comfortable 5-string SR with the distinctive character of Nordstrand pickups over the Bartolini BH2 used in the SR505A.