Ibanez SR500 Soundgear 4-String Bass  

Bartolini MK1 pickups are very good and are suitable for many different genre. It definately has the punch and power thats for sure. And it is definately an upgrade compared to the pickups found in SR4xx and below. The two mid EQ, which can be toggled using the switch, is centered around 200Hz and 800Hz, I really wished that it had 3-toggle switch with 400Hz mid but I guess I'll just have to compensate it using the amp.

One major complaint about this bass is that the strings have uneven volume. This is because the E and G strings are closer to the pickup than A and D strings. I've fixed mine with equal pickup-string distance but the neck radius is curved so as my fingers climb up the frets, E and G string gets pressed deeper than A and D strings which can still result in uneven volume but not as noticeable as before.

Battery compartment is very compact which is good, it prevents the battery from rattling the bass.

The bridge on this bass is good too I guess this is due to my dislike of fender style bridges of any type.

The neck is also very comfortable, it is thin enough for me to wrap my hand around it, which is how I like it.

Built well for a bass that is made in Indonesia, even in a fairly low action, each fret made a note without a buzz. However, I really wished that the frets are shaved a bit more on the side because it can really cut someone if they are not careful.

One more thing I want to add is that the bass has a dead note at G string 7th fret, but this is understandable since all bass guitar has this.

My big fuss about Ibanez is that they don't come with a guitar/bass case. This is my second Ibanez I've bought and again the case didn't come with a purchase.

Overall, SR500 is a beautiful looking, well sounding bass. There are no big issue with it's sound quality and the pickup on it is excellent. But for it's price, I think it should have came with the case.

This thing has features out it's wazoo.

Shazam! Blows my effing mind.

The value of this is aight. I mean I would prefer if it was cheaper over all but when you got rump kicking electronics and hardware it tends to kick your wallet in the jewels a little more.

Let me start by saying I do not own this bass. I have 12 other basses  from varying companies but not this one. Dumb right? If money were not part of the  equation I would have this already instead I pay taxes.

My preference is towards lighter  weight, smoother, cleaner & faster basses. I love the speed of a  jazz neck and something that doesn't have the weight of a Fatty Fender. The SR500 Soundgear

definitely meets these requirements all like Kakow!

This Ibanez has  amazing sound. From finger playing to picking and with slap in between  it hits clean, clear and with balls. The Bartolini MK1-4 pickups give  this bass an amazing sound as is well complimented by the SR neck which  is unmatched by any bass [in my opinion] besides ESP. Also in regards to  the neck, if you are looking for a slim, speed driven neck with a great  feel this is definitely the bass for you.

As I stated I  do not like heavy bases. The body of this bass has a slimness and  lightness not achieved by many other bases with the sound and durability  it has. Although unpainted, I have seen this bass go through a lot of  "customization" and last..

I do not own this bass at the current time but I am in the market. In  comparison the ESP F-204, which I do own, is a perfect substitute.  Light, fast, loud and with a great range of sound as well makes these  basses two brothers from two different mothers. Play both and make your  decision for yourself.

The Ibanez SR500 is an incredibly well put together bass at a decent price. The on-board EQ and active pickups provide a rig capable of tuning in a plethora of sounds and tones at the turn of a dial. As an active musician and as a person prone to musical ADD, the ability to switch from metal to funk to blues and all points in between is a virtue. The rosewood fretboard is like butter, and invites you to flex your musical chops with the smooth tones and warm soul the instrument provides. However, the body seems to be a little soft, accumulating minor scratches and dings at the drop of a lead hat.      Overall, this is a must have in the arsenal of the rock-n-roll warrior on a budget.