Ibanez SR505

[HeavyBassPlayer]

I've been looking at investing in a 5 string bass guitar, and after doing some research I've decided on an Ibanez SR505.

Does anyone have an Ibanez SR505? Would you recommend getting it? Or should I invest in a different 5-string?

 

[IngerAlb]

1. SRs have a modern tone.
2. SR 5ers have tighter string spacing (16.5mm).
3. SR necks are thinner than the norm.

Finally, Ibbys have horrible resale value. Good for ppl buying used, bad for those that initially payed full retail price.

If all of the above are no issue to you, then by all means get one. They're killer!

 

[JustForSport]

Finally, Ibbys have horrible resale value. Good for ppl buying used, bad for those that initially payed full retail price.

Yeah, depends on whether you're buying it to play it or to sell it.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

They are are superb basses with a thin and fragile poly/stained finish, which hurts resale, but that means you can find great deals used. A lot of people strip them down to raw mahogany and refinish with Danish Oil or Tru-Oil because they are otherwise great basses. The neck is very comfortable for people with small to average hands, maybe too thin if you have bear paws. I thinks it's the best value in a 5 string out there, high build quality, well balanced, good electronics.

 

[gilthethrill]

I picked one up the other day and was amazed at how easy this bass was to play. Especially for a five string. Super light, string spacing was perfect for me and the tone of the Bartolini pickups was great. I have a 4 string Ibanez SR400EQM. I love it. I actually removed the active electronics and pickups and installed Bartolini passive soapbars. Sounds way better in my opinion. Not a huge active fan. I agree. Buy a used one. Unfortunately, Ibanez guitars do not hold their value. But definitely a great instrument.

 

[MasterG]

I bought a used SRMS800 which looked like brand new at my local GC which goes new for $960 for $450 out the door about 3 weeks ago and it also came with the case. Dont hesitate. The SR505 is a great bass. You could do a lot worse.

This is what I have. I love it.

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[Inara]

I bought a used SR505 a few years back so that I would have a decent 5 string fretted bass. I got it on the GC used site for under $300, and it's a great instrument. It's beat up, but that makes it look cooler to me. It plays and sounds very, very nice, and it matches the feel of my Ibanez Portamento 5 string fretless (my main gigging bass) very well. If you like the string spacing and slim neck feel of the SoundGear 5s, a used SR505 is a great value imho. Yes, they're known for a more modern tone, but if you solo the neck pickup and back off the treble, you can get warmer and more "vintage-ish" tone from it as well.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I've been looking at investing in a 5 string bass guitar, and after doing some research I've decided on an Ibanez SR505.

Does anyone have an Ibanez SR505? Would you recommend getting it? Or should I invest in a different 5-string?

They dont sound half as nice as the 605s. I had a 605. I just sold it. It was a great bass. The difference is that the 500 have an Ibanez pre-amp, and the 600s had a bartolini pre. World of a difference. Look into the higher numbers, and see what you can find as regards to the electronics and hardware used. You wont find a 605. They stopped making them the year after I bought mine, and started making 650s (PJ set up). But, I wouldn't buy a 500 if I were you. The guy I sold mine too, was selling his 505 on the same site. He came over and tried mine. Played it for about 5 minutes, and offered me a little more money than I was asking for it. That tells me that they really aren't very nice.