Ibanez SR500

Kgibson414 · #1 01-10-2013, 05:16 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm new here and wanted to take this chance to say hello as well as ask a question.

There is a (very) lightly used Ibanez sr500 at my local guitar center.

The price is only $350.00

My question is, is it worth it?

I've only dabbled in bass (friends bass) and am now looking to get my own.

Should I pick this up or go with something cheaper for my first bass?

rhopper · #2 01-10-2013, 05:25 PM

If it feels good in your hands I would say go for it. Seems like a fair price if it is in good condition.

TolerancEJ · #3 01-10-2013, 05:26 PM

That's a good choice for your first bass. I know you'll enjoy it.

Edit: I shouldn't really say "for your first bass." It's actually well made. I've owned my Ibanez SR885 for 19 years and it still sounds great.

Kgibson414 · #4 01-10-2013, 05:47 PM

Thanks for the quick responses!

I haven't had a chance to play it yet.

I'll be sure to go up first thing in the morning and check it out.

Terry_R · #5 01-10-2013, 05:55 PM

I played one for about 5 years as my main bass and I can honestly say I had no problems with it whatsoever. The neck was nice and fast, and the Bartolini pick-ups weren't bad either. I say for $350 if you like the feel and sound, go for it!

Solarmist · #6 01-10-2013, 06:01 PM

They are excellent basses with a 3 band Bart EQ, and a mid freq switch (on the 2010 models, and newer). They have a nice slim neck with a smaller, lighter body. Quality basses, and $350 isn't bad at all.

Like always - try it out, and see if it's your thing.

Kgibson414 · #7 01-10-2013, 06:08 PM

Thanks for the responses!

I guess I should have waited and tried it out for myself.

I'm not a big fan of the bigger, bulkier looking basses; so saying it has a small, light body really appeals to me.

msact · #8 01-10-2013, 06:23 PM

I have one of those and it's a terrific bass. The neck is very nice and it can generate a variety of sounds. The price seems pretty decent if it's in good shape.

oniman7 · #9 01-10-2013, 06:35 PM

I have an Ernie Ball Stingray and I still want an SR506... they are nice basses.

Mikio · #10 01-10-2013, 06:38 PM

I kind of like it, but I would recommend to you to search for a Made in Korea one

Kgibson414 · #11 01-11-2013, 01:44 AM

It's definitely an older one (No mid freq switch).

Is the switch crucial? Will I miss it?

Also, in case anyone was interested in seeing the bass in question, here's a link

Used SR500 @ Guitar Center

Rockin Mike · #12 01-11-2013, 01:47 AM

Guitar Center are pretty good at pricing things right where the market is. Sometimes you can talk them down a bit. If you're looking for a killer deal watch Craigslist or Talkbass classifieds, or even ebay. Sometimes you find good stuff in a pawnshop.

Kgibson414 · #13 01-11-2013, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockin Mike

Guitar Center are pretty good at pricing things right where the market is. Sometimes you can talk them down a bit. If you're looking for a killer deal watch Craigslist or Talkbass classifieds, or even ebay. Sometimes you find good stuff in a pawnshop.

Completely forgot that my local pawnshop sold musical equipment until you said that.

Thanks for jogging my memory!

Wallace320 · #14 01-11-2013, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgibson414

It's definitely an older one (No mid freq switch).

Is the switch crucial? Will I miss it?

Also, in case anyone was interested in seeing the bass in question, here's a link

Used SR500 @ Guitar Center

Con of this bass is the subtle, fragile brown mahogany finish... it's really scratchy
You can look at it at thumb's front Bartolini mk1 soapbar...

If you can stand that particular defection (and the next you'll gonna cause to it) the switch is useful for lower frequencies in case you play downtuned metal numbers, otherwise the bass is a good, reliable one just like it is

Cheers,
Wallace

tdub0199 · #15 01-11-2013, 06:35 AM

Great Bass!!!! Good price as well if it's in good condition....

benbenboben · #16 01-11-2013, 06:41 AM

I have one and really like it. For the money you can't go wrong.

RNV · #17 01-11-2013, 06:56 AM

I've had pricier basses and my main player is a 2010 SR500. She is very versatile and should give you many years of service without the NEED to upgrade. She can do everything.

Solarmist · #18 01-11-2013, 03:50 PM

So what did you decide - or did you? ..... just curious.

Kgibson414 · #19 01-11-2013, 06:17 PM

Yeah, I bought it!

Its an older made in Korea one, as someone mentioned I should lookout for.

Its amazing so far.

I've been playing it since I brought it home, trying to learn basics and such.

But I think its safe to say that Ive caught the bug!

Also, I have a new found respect for bassists. My right hand hasn't been this sore for awhile!

Thanks for the help everyone, I appreciate it.

Kgibson414 · #20 01-11-2013, 11:39 PM

Oh jeez, here goes another question!:

Well, now that I've played the bass for hours straight, I have a question about it that hopefully you guys can answer.

When I hold on to the top piece above the neck, as well as the neck itself and wiggle it gently, there is a distinct crackling noise. The neck doesn't move (as far as I know), it seems very tight.
I've read somewhere before that sometimes the neck pockets in bolt on's can have a rough finish which causes the neck itself to never really sit perfectly tight.
But like I said, it seems really sturdy and tight fitting.
I'm just worried about that developing into a problem later down the road.

Anyone experience this crackling before?
What did you do to fix it, if at all?