Lookin’ for a bass that’s got style, tone, and won’t empty your bank account? Oh, have I got news for you! Ibanez is where it’s at for versatile basses.
This brand offers everything from easy-on-the-wallet beginner models to high-end beasts that’ll make your guitar buddies jealous. Seriously.
In this list, I’ll cover six best Ibanez bass guitars you’ve gotta check out. Each has something cool (or weird) about it – you’ll see 😉
Best Ibanez Basses – Quick Overview
Need a fast look? Here ya go. Pick what fits your needs best:
- Best Bang for Buck: Ibanez SR300EB-WK
- Top Pick for Giggin’: Ibanez SR500E-BAB
- Sweetest Fretless: Ibanez SRF700-BBF
- King of Extended Range: Ibanez BTB25TH5-SLM
- Best 5-String: Ibanez EHB1505MS-BIF
- For Rock Stars (and Metalheads): Ibanez SDB3 Pearl White
Time to break each of these bad boys down.
1. Ibanez SR300EB-WK
First up is the Ibanez SR300EB-WK. This guy’s part of the Soundgear series, meaning you’re getting that classic Ibanez feel.
It’s built with a nyatoh body (pretty rare wood – all I know is it’s light ;)), plus it’s rocking PowerSpan dual coils for punchy, solid sound. And hey, the 3-band EQ lets you tweak tones to your heart’s content.
All for a nice price!
Key Features
- Body: Nyatoh with 5-piece walnut neck
- PowerSpan dual-coil pickups with custom Ibanez electronics
- 3-way Power Tap switch for more sound options
- Comes in Weathered Black (cool, right?)
Why I Think It’s Good
It’s simple: this bass packs a punch without emptying your wallet. If you’re looking to upgrade without overthinking it, here’s the one for you. It’s lightweight, it’s flexible, and it looks pretty rad in black. Pretty sweet deal IMO.
2. Ibanez SR500E-BAB
Now, the SR500E-BAB is what I’d call the „gig machine.” This bass can handle anything you throw at it. Made from Okoume wood (idk either, but it sounds fancy), it comes with Bartolini BH2 humbuckers that’ll give you a beefy, full sound.
There’s also an EQ bypass switch, meaning you can go passive or active depending on your mood. Plus, Black Aurora Burst finish? Slick.
IMO it’s fantastic for slap too. If you like that vibe, read this guide on best basses for slapping.
Key Features
- Okoume body with Jatoba/Walnut neck
- Bartolini BH2 humbuckers and 3-band EQ
- EQ bypass switch (active/passive mode)
- Accu-Cast B505 bridge, black hardware
Why I Think It’s Good
This one’s made to last and perform. The EQ lets you switch from a clean jazz tone to a full-blown rock vibe in seconds. It’s gig-ready right out of the box, and the Bartolini pickups really deliver. If you play a lot, trust me, this one’s worth it.
3. Ibanez SRF700-BBF
Alright, ready to go fretless? The SRF700-BBF is your new best friend if you love that smooth, soulful sound. This bass has an Okoume body and Panga Panga fingerboard (try saying that three times fast), plus Bartolini MK-1 pickups and a piezo system.
So, yeah, it’s got a lot going on. Perfect if you’re into jazz or just want to explore. And if you’re into jazz vibes, have a look on our list of top basses for jazz 😉
Key Features
- Fretless Okoume body with Maple/Walnut neck
- Bartolini MK-1 pickups and AeroSilk piezo system
- 2-band EQ (not overcomplicated)
- Cosmo black hardware
Why I Think It’s Good
Let’s be real—this isn’t for the faint-hearted. But if you’re serious about fretless playing, it doesn’t get better than this at this price. Plus, the sound is so unique, you’ll feel like you’re painting music. If you’re into deep, jazzy vibes, give it a try.
4. Ibanez BTB25TH5-SLM
So you want a 5-string, huh? Say hello to the BTB25TH5-SLM. This thing is a beast with its 35” scale, which keeps those low notes clear.
It’s built with Nordstrand Big Single pickups, giving you that deep, rich tone. It’s perfect for those who like metal or hard rock. Heck, even jazz players love this thing.
Key Features
- 5-piece neck-through-body design (solid and durable)
- 35” scale for clear lows
- Nordstrand Big Single Coils and active 3-band EQ
- MR5S bridge, D’Addario NYXL strings
Why I Think It’s Good
It’s a tank. You get extended range with clarity, and the Nordstrand pickups? Amazing. It’s built to go low and stay powerful, making it perfect for heavier styles. And trust me, this one stands out on stage with its Silver Blizzard Matte finish.
5. Ibanez EHB1505MS-BIF
Heads up—this one’s headless. Yep, the Ibanez EHB1505MS-BIF has ditched the headstock, and it looks super modern. It’s also multiscale (meaning different string lengths), so each string keeps its tone and clarity.
Nordstrand Custom Big Split pickups + 3-band EQ give it a wide tonal range. And did I mention it comes with a gig bag?
Key Features
- Multiscale design (33” to 35”)
- Nordstrand Custom Big Split humbuckers
- Lightweight, headless design
- Vari-Mid 3-band EQ with bypass switch
Why I Think It’s Good
This bass is for those who like something… different. The headless design takes a second to get used to, but it’s worth it. The multiscale setup is killer for tension and tuning stability, plus it just looks super futuristic. If you like techy stuff, this is all you.
6. Ibanez SDB3 Pearl White
Let’s finish strong with the Ibanez SDB3. It’s got the Iron Cross inlays, Pearl White finish, and enough attitude for a stadium rock concert. With passive PFR pickups, it’s gritty and heavy. Designed for rockers and metalheads, it’s got that punch to cut through loud mixes.
Key Features
- Nyatoh body, Maple/Walnut neck
- Iron Cross inlays (yep, they’re as bold as they sound)
- Passive PFR humbuckers
- Comes in Pearl White with cosmo black hardware
Why I Think It’s Good
You want loud and proud? Here’s your bass. It’s aggressive and looks the part, with tone to match. If you play rock or metal, this is a killer option that’ll get attention on any stage.
My Rating
So, you want to know which one’s the best, huh? Here’s the thing: every bass here could easily be someone’s favorite—it just depends on what you’re looking for.
But if we’re talking about an all-rounder that can handle any genre, setting, and style, the Ibanez SR500E-BAB stands out. It’s gig-ready, versatile, and loaded with features that make it super adaptable 😉
BTW, for more gear tips (in video format) you can visit our YouTube channels – Best Guitars Now in English and Strefa Gitar in Polish.
Here’s my personal ranking out of 10 for each:
- Ibanez SR300EB-WK – 8/10
Best for Value: You get way more than what you pay for with this one. It’s lightweight, versatile, and perfect for those who don’t want to drop too much cash but still need quality. Great for beginners or intermediate players who want that classic Ibanez feel. - Ibanez SR500E-BAB – 9.5/10
All-Around Champion: The Bartolini pickups are a total game-changer, and the active/passive switch is super handy for switching up your sound on the fly. If you’re a serious bassist who needs a reliable, adaptable workhorse, this one’s hard to beat. - Ibanez SRF700-BBF – 8.5/10
Best for Fretless Fans: This bass is super unique, especially with the fretless setup and piezo system. Perfect if you’re looking to stand out or love that moody, mellow tone fretless basses bring. Not for everyone, but amazing if it’s your style. - Ibanez BTB25TH5-SLM – 9/10
Extended Range Monster: A 5-string bass with a long scale for clear lows and that extra oomph you need for heavier genres or complex jazz lines. It’s built like a tank, so you can rely on it in demanding setups. - Ibanez EHB1505MS-BIF – 9/10
Best for Tech Lovers: This one’s headless and multiscale, so it’s futuristic and offers great tuning stability and tension balance. If you like exploring new tech or want a lightweight bass, this is a great choice. - Ibanez SDB3 Pearl White – 8/10
Best for Rock and Metal: The SDB3 is designed to make a visual statement and a sonic one. If you’re looking to play hard rock or metal, this bass has all the grit and look you need.
All things considered, if I had to pick just one, I’d say the SR500E-BAB is the top pick—it’s flexible, reliable, and has the features to suit most players. But hey, at the end of the day, you’ve gotta find the one that speaks to you.
For our Polish readers: Recommended VERY Cheap Basses (Language of article: PL)
FAQ
1. Why do people like Ibanez basses so much?
Ibanez has built a solid reputation for making basses that offer great quality at every price point. They’re known for their unique designs, reliable craftsmanship, and innovative features like multi-scale necks, Power Tap switches, and high-quality pickups.
Basically, you know you’re getting a lot of bass for your buck. Another great brand that makes cool basses is Squier. We have a list of top Squier basses if you want to check it out 😉
2. What’s the difference between active and passive pickups?
Active pickups need a battery and usually come with more tonal control, like the 3-band EQ you see on some of these basses. They’re great for clear, punchy sounds. Passive pickups, on the other hand, have a more natural tone and don’t require a battery. So, if you want more control over your tone, go active. If you like a straightforward, organic sound, go passive.
3. Do I need a multiscale bass, or is it just a gimmick?
Multiscale basses have different scale lengths for each string, which helps keep tension balanced. This means you get clearer low notes and easier high notes. It’s not just for show—it really helps if you play extended range or drop tunings. If you’re a standard 4-string player, though, you might not need it.
4. How often should I change my bass strings?
The answer depends on how much you play. For casual players, changing strings every 6-12 months should be fine. But if you’re gigging regularly, you might want to switch them out every few months to keep your sound fresh and consistent. You’ll know it’s time when your tone starts to feel a little “dead.”
5. Which Ibanez bass is best for heavy metal?
If you’re looking for a bass that screams “metal,” the Ibanez SDB3 Pearl White is a solid pick. It’s got that aggressive look and sound to fit right into a rock or metal setup. But honestly, most Ibanez basses can hold their own in metal—it’s all about your preference and style.
6. Can I use Ibanez basses for softer genres like jazz or funk?
Absolutely! Ibanez basses are known for their versatility. Models like the SR500E-BAB and SRF700-BBF can easily handle softer genres like jazz, funk, and blues thanks to their rich tones and flexibility in EQ control. Don’t let the metalhead reputation fool you; Ibanez basses are well-rounded.
7. Do all Ibanez basses come with cases?
Nope, not all of them. A few models like the EHB1505MS-BIF come with gig bags, but many don’t. It’s always a good idea to check the product description if a case is a must-have for you.
Conclusion
There you have it: six awesome Ibanez basses, each with its own personality and perks. Whether you’re just starting out, gigging regularly, or looking to explore something different (hello, fretless!), Ibanez has you covered.
So, which Ibanez is your perfect match? Whatever you choose, you’re in for a bass that sounds great, feels smooth, and gives you the tools to take your sound wherever you want.