The Ibanez SR500N is a 4-string electric bass from the SR series that combines the renowned ergonomics of Soundgear with an electronics configuration designed to deliver power, clarity, and versatility. Its okoume body is paired with a five-piece neck made of roasted maple and walnut, providing a stable construction and a fast, comfortable feel.

It features two passive Nordstrand Big Break pickups, utilizing a split coil soapbar design to achieve a full, powerful, and defined sound while maintaining clarity and silent operation. The Ibanez Custom 3-band electronics include a mid-frequency selector and an EQ bypass switch, allowing the instrument to be used in active or passive mode. The MR5S bridge also allows for individual string spacing adjustments to suit each bassist's preferences.

• 4-string electric bass
• Series: SR
• Finish: Midnight Arctic Ocean Matte
• Neck construction: Bolt-on
• Neck profile: SR4
• Neck: 5-piece roasted maple/walnut
• Body: okoume
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: abalone oval
• Scale: 34" / 864 mm
• Fingerboard radius: 305 mm / 12"
• Nut width: 38 mm
• Width at 24th fret: 62 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: 19 mm, adjustable ±1.5 mm
• Hardware: black
• Strings: D'Addario EXL165
• Gauge: .045 / .065 / .085 / .105
• Factory tuning: E / A / D / G

Our Opinion

The SR500N retains all the features that make a four-string Soundgear especially comfortable —compact body, slim neck, and 19 mm string spacing— but the Nordstrand Big Break pickups add a particularly interesting character. Their split coil design combines punch and body with a definition close to single coils, but without the typical noise associated with this type of pickup.

The ability to operate in active or passive mode further enhances its versatility. The preamp allows for precise tone shaping when a modern sound is desired, while the bypass enables direct use of the pickups with a passive tone control. It’s a very complete SR for those who value high-quality pickups and need an instrument capable of covering everything from slap and defined tones to warmer, more traditional sounds.