Ibanez Upgrades the SR500 for 2026 with MR5S Bridge, Bartolini & Nordstrand Pickup Options
Ibanez has revamped its flagship SR500 series for 2026 with two distinct models: the SR500A and SR500N. While the basses are defined by their pickup configurations, they all feature Ibanez’s MR5S Mono Rail bridge.
“This bridge was previously offered only on higher-level instruments, bringing a significant upgrade to the SR500 level,” they share. “The new lineup also includes two left-handed models, one 4-string and one 5-string, further expanding player accessibility.”
The SR500A comes in four, five, and six-string models. Each is crafted with an okoume body, a roasted maple and walnut neck, and a rosewood fretboard. They’re fitted with Bartolini BH2 pickups matched to a 3-band EQ complete with a three-way Mid Frequency switch. Finally, the “A” models come in a Mahogany Brown Burst Low Gloss finish.
The SR500N has a similar construction, but is loaded with a set of Nordstrand Big Break pickups. Ibanez writes that the pickups “cram a meaty split coil into a soapbar-style housing, producing a full-bodied, powerful, aggressive tonal texture, while retaining the clarity that’s characteristic of single coils.” The SR500N comes in a Midnight Ocean Arctic Matte Finish.
The new Ibanez SR500 series is expected to ship in March 2026 with street prices starting at $699 for the four-string models.
Ibanez SR500 Series Photos:
Ibanez SR500A Specs:
| Strings: | 4, 5, or 6 (SR500A, SR505A, SR506A) |
| Scale: | 34″ |
| Body: | Okoume |
| Neck: | 5-piece Roasted Maple/Walnut |
| Fingerboard: | Rosewood |
| Frets: | 24 |
| Inlays: | Abalone Oval Inlay |
| Pickups: | Bartolini BH2 |
| Electronics: | Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ, EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), 3-way Mid frequency switch |
| Bridge: | MR5S |
| Hardware: | Black |
| Finish: | Mahogany Brown Burst Low Gloss |
| Orientation: | Right Handed, Left Available on 4 and 5-string Models |
| Price: | $699, $749, $799 |
Ibanez SR500N Specs:
| Strings: | 4 or 5 (SR500N, SR505N) |
| Scale: | 34″ |
| Body: | Okoume |
| Neck: | 5-piece Roasted Maple/Walnut |
| Fingerboard: | Rosewood |
| Frets: | 24 |
| Inlays: | Abalone Oval Inlay |
| Pickups: | Nordstrand Big Break |
| Electronics: | Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ, EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), 3-way Mid frequency switch |
| Bridge: | MR5S |
| Hardware: | Black |
| Finish: | Midnight Arctic Ocean Matte |
| Orientation: | Right Handed Only |
| Price: | $699, $749 |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
