Ibanez SR500 Question

[BigTed]

Hello,
Im looking for some first hand experiences with the Ibanez SR500. Im in the market for a new bass, and this one just fits under my budget. It is a great looking bass and I love the neck. My last 3 basses have been passive fender types (Ps & Js), and I like to play reggae music most of the time.

I got to play a sr500 at the guitar shop and loved the feel and playability of the bass, but in the short time I was there I couldnt dial in a warm thumping sound.

Is it unrealistic of me to think that I can slap some flat wound strings on an SR500 and get a good earthy, deep & warm tone, yet still clear and more modern-sounding then a fender?

Thanks!

 

[mjolnir]

I have an SR506, and with a little tweaking of the knobs got the tone I think you'd be looking for. Bartolini is good about deep and warm IMHO, just might take a little more experimentation on your part.

Flats would definitely help too.

 

[gcb34]

I had one its a nice playing bass and versatile sounding too. You can't beat it for the price.

 

[mongo2]

Is it unrealistic of me to think that I can slap some flat wound strings on an SR500 and get a good earthy, deep & warm tone, yet still clear and more modern-sounding then a fender?

Not at all. I use flats on my SR500 and rounds on my SR505. I have no problem hitting the low lows for our Reggae tunes with either setup and they both work fine for the blues/rock/swing and whatever else we decide to play since the pickups and preamp are very versatile.

The neck and tone is what sold me on them.