Overview

The Ibanez SR505E is a five-string bass built for experienced players who need extended low-range capability without sacrificing playability. It features a mahogany body with a panga panga top, a five-piece jatoba and walnut neck, and a panga panga fingerboard, giving the instrument a warm, organic aesthetic with genuine tonewoods throughout. The Bartolini BH2 pickups paired with an Ibanez Custom Electronics three-band EQ with mid-frequency switch deliver studio-grade tone -- clear, defined, and remarkably articulate across all five strings, including the low B which remains tight and focused without muddiness. Whether playing modern gospel, progressive metal, jazz fusion, or R&B, the SR505E provides a polished, professional sound that records beautifully and sits well in a dense live mix. The SR five-string neck is remarkably thin for a five-string bass, keeping the string spacing tight enough for comfortable cross-string playing without feeling cramped. The Accu-Cast B305 bridge provides reliable intonation and sustain, and the overall build quality reflects careful craftsmanship with excellent fit and finish. This bass is well suited for intermediate to advanced five-string players who want professional-grade electronics in a comfortable, lightweight platform. The tight string spacing may require an adjustment period for players coming from wider-spaced five-string basses.

Bass Guitars

A five-string bass with Bartolini BH2 pickups and custom three-band EQ delivering studio-grade articulation across all five strings, featuring a remarkably thin SR neck that keeps the wide board comfortable.

Instrument Details

$599 Intermediate
Brand Ibanez
Type 5-String Bass
Made In Indonesia
Year 2018
4.6 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.6 /5

The Ibanez SR505E remains the benchmark for what a modern, mid-range workhorse should be. The integration of Bartolini BH2 pickups is a significant upgrade over previous iterations, offering a throatier, more complex midrange that avoids the 'sterile' trap some active basses fall into. Paired with the Ibanez 3-band EQ and that crucial three-way mid-frequency switch (250Hz, 450Hz, 700Hz), you can pivot from a pillowy jazz thump to a clanky, aggressive metal tone with a single flick.

Physically, the 'Soundgear' DNA is unmistakable. The 5-piece Jatoba/Walnut neck is remarkably slim"a dream for players moving quickly across five strings"though the 16.5mm string spacing might feel a bit cramped for traditional slap enthusiasts. The okoume body and panga panga top provide a resonant, earthy foundation, though the open-pore finish, while aesthetically organic, is notoriously thin and prone to 'relicing' naturally from thumb wear faster than poly-coated rivals.

For the gigging bassist, the inclusion of an EQ bypass switch (utilizing the treble pot as a passive tone control) is a lifesaver for battery failures or when seeking a vintage vibe. While it lacks the boutique prestige of the Premium or Prestige lines, the SR505E punches well above its weight class, offering professional-grade ergonomics and tonal flexibility that make it a staple for session players and intermediate students alike.

Category Ratings

Bass Guitars
4.6
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Ibanez SR505E Screenshot

Added: Feb 11, 2026

ibanez.com/usa/products/detail/sr505e_1p_04.html

Categories