Ibanez SRH500F Electric Acoustic Fretless Bass Review

#bass #fretlessbass #bassguitar #ibanez #unboxing #review #soundcheck #firstimpressions
Review of the Ibanez SRH500F Electric Acoustic Fretless Bass guitar, 4 string version.
5 string SRH505F also available here: imp.i114863.ne... or amzn.to/2s3Bsw6
Nektar Panorama CS12: sweetwater.sjv.io/zNEqWm
SSL UC1: ssweetwater.sjv.io/y20LJy
SSL UF1: sweetwater.sjv.io/752xRO
Heddphone Two: sweetwater.sjv.io/daQZNy
RME Babyface Pro FS: sweetwater.sjv.io/vNBbGN
Neumann NDH 20 CLosed Back Studio Headphones: sweetwater.sjv.io/WqnKZn
SSL UF8: sweetwater.sjv.io/q4JN5O
SSL 12 USB Audio Interface: sweetwater.sjv.io/rQZbkB
Sire Marcus Miller V6 Bas Guitar: sweetwater.sjv.io/k0ebDv
Vox amPlug 2 Bass Headphone Guitar Amp: sweetwater.sjv.io/XYbZ0M
Above are products I own and personally use. By purchasing through this link, I get a small percentage to support channel content.
Specifications:
An electric bass guitar with fret-less play-ability and hollow body resonance
SRH4 5-piece neck plays fast, with a multi-layer design for maximum rigidity and long-term reliability
Enhanced stability and sustain thanks to custom bridge
AeroSilk Piezo system yields an upright double bass sound and unbelievable touch response
Comfortable rosewood fingerboard
Stylish black matte hardware
More info: www.ibanez.com/...
©2017 Massivebeatzz

[@massivebeatzz]

On sale here by Ibanez: amzn.to/2s3Bsw6

[@MichaelUhler]

I just got the five string version. Beyond amazing. This bass sings. Got it after a good experience with the 5 string fretted version. Very light and rewarding to play.

[@massivebeatzz]

right...feels great...you nailed it!

[@robertthompson148]

How much does yours weight? I have the 5 string fretless on its way to me and I found one at 8 lbs. which made me happy as I had heard they were around 5 lbs., that sounded too light.

[@holidaytrout5174]

There's a 5 string? 😳

[@jreid641]

I’ve had the 5 string version since they first came out. It’s been a great instrument. I use it all the time for jazz gigs. I use LaBella nylon tape wounds on mine.

[@massivebeatzz]

nice! always wanted to try the 5. how defined is the B string?

[@jreid641]

@@massivebeatzz the B is fine for me. I don’t use it a lot usually. It was probably better with the original flatwounds but I like the the tapewounds better overall. For occasional notes the B is fine.

[@TheAudivisioner]

You need nylon tape string for this one. It comes equipped with those old world heavy gauge strings, which makes it difficult to play. Wish it came with no lines or dots.

[@aarondavis4341]

I really like the finish on it,it almost looks like a homemade burst job,really cool looking

[@massivebeatzz]

good point!

[@kevmac1230]

I ordered mine tonight.Very excited!

[@massivebeatzz]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@thewomanwithnohead]

Insane demo, I loved it ! Sound samples are incredible too, pure butter for ears

[@massivebeatzz]

thank you kindly! more to come in the next few days where it'll go to to toe against a Musicman with Nylon Tapewounds, a Fender Jazz bass with Half wounds and a good old Precision bass!

[@37fnk27]

You have a voice like velvet.

[@hodshonf]

i've had my eye on this for a while. played the fretted version yesterday and was blown away. immediately ordered the fretless - i will have it saturday. long time fretless player. i've owned Pedulla, Zon, Rob Allen, Godin A4 fretless basses. if the fretted version is any indication, this will probably be my favorite of all great vid. thanks.

[@DefMettle]

so how is it?

[@alexanderh6606]

@@DefMettle Lol two years and nothing

[@jonmuir13]

Beautiful bass but when Paul chambers plays all blues and the G chord changes to a C, he doesn’t actually move the line up a fourth. I find I have to when I play with more inexperienced players, but when you find yourself playing with some real cats I recommend sticking to the G. Adds colour to the sound. Great playing!

[@massivebeatzz]

I wasn't thinking about it at all must have heard it ages ago. I'm surprised anyone even recognizes it.....thank you for referencing that back I will look it up!

[@zenrendipity]

Nice demo you've sold me thanks.

[@gazzy_burns]

Looks very well built!!!

[@TheBassfresh]

my go to jazz bass

[@tulancingoabarrotes377]

amazing bass. could i use this in an unplugged show?

[@massivebeatzz]

Agreed. It would not be loud enough in the lower registers. Practice at home , yes, but at least running through some P.A would be needed.

[@dylanj8676]

There isn't really any acoustic bass loud enough except something like a double bass, or a guitarrón. Normal acoustic basses (as in acoustic electric) with a 4" or 5" deep body aren't loud enough. This looks to be a semi hollow with piezo elements in it to get the plugged in sound of an acoustic bass.

[@whichoneisbetter8902]

Amazing playing. You're a pro!

[@massivebeatzz]

Thank you!

[@oneloveaye]

can you make a new clip to show unplugged sound

[@ts4gv]

vanch pachara I've played these. It's not much louder than a solid body bass. Definitely nowhere near as loud as a proper acoustic bass guitar. Doesn't warrant the "Acoustic/Electric Bass" title.

[@ramiroberiol1000]

so biutifull bass men, I loved! thang for the description! you are a genie!! I am from Argentinien

[@babalaughing]

I notice the positioning of your fingers seems to show that the face dots are in the places they would be on a fretted bass. On an unlined fretless, the dots should instead be exactly where your fingers go. Are the face dots in the same positions as the side dots? Are they "between the frets" as it were or are they where the frets would be?

[@massivebeatzz]

Great great question and observation!!! : yes the dots are in between the invisible frets, like on a fretted instrument. So, that means the dot is exactly in the middle. If you look down at the bass and look at the dots on the neck, you can calculate the distance to the next note, as it is the same from dot on fretboard to : dot on neck and to: next note (in case you cannot see the dark line on fretboard, which you cannot when it is a bit darker). I hope this makes sense, but there is a logic to it.!

[@RockyLikesPews]

One issue I see for live players is that the fret markers are nearly impossible to see if you're playing a dark gig

[@massivebeatzz]

Great comment, you're absolutely right about that. You do have the dots on the fretboard and then the other dots on the edge of the neck so that gives you somewhat of a complete picture.. the fet lines would be in between that. Eventually you want to get to a point where you don't have to stare at your fretboard . Also it looks real if you, and the audience don't see the fret lines, nobody will accuse you of cheating LOL. I think it contributes to the looks of the bass. In a way they will help you practice, for better intonation.

[@rhampton1914]

Sounds amazing. I want one..

[@massivebeatzz]

Thanks, I recommend - you won't regret it!

[@robguitarwizard]

Stunning!

[@massivebeatzz]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robguitarwizard]

@@massivebeatzz That's a beautiful instrument and your playing does it justice. I am very tempted!

[@JesusChrist5000]

sounds amazing!

[@massivebeatzz]

thanks.These are really great. Appreciate you watching!

[@theopoiesis]

It's beautiful

[@alexanderh6606]

For some reason I didn’t expect the Miles Davis

[@massivebeatzz]

He just showed up without warning:)

[@guybuddy1]

very very cool!

[@darthmster]

Mick is here

[@JohnDoe-pq8yw]

Thanks for this great review. Did it come with flat wounds or round wounds?

[@massivebeatzz]

thanks. Comes with flatwounds :)

[@dubiousdaydream1695]

I'm contemplating between the fretted version or an acoustic. You think I could give this bass the brightness of an acoustic with roundwound strings?

[@massivebeatzz]

I think it might have a more mellow tone - than that thumpy, in your face acoustic bass guitar. It's actually trying hard not to sound like that.

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

Never use roundwounds with a fretless bass.

[@facedowngaming]

Ye Olde Foxeh Jaco begs to differ

[@kendricktan42]

I've always wondered if you can play this bass as an acoustic bass. I think the body is resonant enough for that right?

[@bassstudent4life]

No. You have to plug her in. Glad i could help.

[@ElShaddaiMusicTutorials]

I have this Bass on 5 strings configuration, for me is a very good in price&quality relationship, in my case I use the black nylon strings.

[@massivebeatzz]

oh yeah? Nice. How does the B string sound?

[@aarondavis4341]

What are the tuners like? Do they wiggle around on their posts? Im talking about the clover part of the tuner,also how are the pots? Im asking because i got an ibanez Tmb310 Talmon bass,its on The upper end of thr Tmb series the Prestige is the pro model,the 310 is like models below the prestige,that said,and Ibanez usually makes quality basses at good prices, anyway ive had it 6 be months both of the stck pots are broke,the tuner on my D string broke, this is the first ibanez i EVER had issues with like this

[@micheletacchi2302]

Hi, thanks for your video :-) ...i have 2 questions for you if you have time: 1) have you ever tried it with round wound strings? 2) how wide is the neck (compared to a precision bass for example) ? i play precisions and love the neck with wide strings spacing. Thank you very much and all the best!

[@massivebeatzz]

hi - 1) not yet(it would probably loose a bit of it's growl. It's an already dark sounding bass - despite regular strings, which is interesting). 2) thee measurements are online of course, but it's not as wide as a Precision, it's very close to a Jazz Bass (so about 1.5" nut width) - Precisions are about 1.6". I think playability and easy intonation (or that Ibanez feel, whatever) is something they wanted to replicate. That said, the wider Precision necks/fretboards prbably make it easier to intonate. One of my favourite fretless players does a comparison here (fret/fretless) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2jcint-brh0a5Y

[@TheLeftundone]

Awesome Review - I'm not able to get out and test this out due to Covid. What is the big difference between this bass and the SRF 700?

[@massivebeatzz]

Thanks! The SRF700 is a solid body. it is heavier, and more like a normal Electric bass. The pickups are magnets, unlike the SRH500., which is also a hollow body. That is a light bass. Super comfortable. Soundwise, you get a better imitation of an acoustic stand up bass tone with the SRH500, more low end , and a thumpiness. The 700 punches more like an electric fretless bass. I hope this helps a bit, although it is never easy to describe these things - as they are personal impressions.

[@robertthompson148]

I just ordered the 5 string fretless, also ordered Rotosound 88 black nylon tapewound strings. I'd appreciate your, or anyone's, opinion on the strings it comes with, would you ever consider tapewound strings? I want to push this as far as possible to get a upright double bass sound. Just wondering if I'm wasting money (on the more expensive strings) for not enough of a return on the investment. I also thought the black would look very nice! Thanks

[@massivebeatzz]

i think you are....the tapewound strings sound a bit plasticky when you push them. People are obsessed with getting a stand up sound which usually sound best when the band is quiet! most electric fretless sounds blow them away - they have a higher output and sing more. if you want to approximate stand up on this particular bass I would get the thickest flat wound strings with high tension you can, let them mature a bit, and make sure the bridge is not too low. 5 String basses have more mids (pop music sound) so the 4 string version might sound more vintage... I put Tapewound on my Musicman classic with mutes,,,it sounds great recorded,,,, but on this bass, I would not go that route...you need thickness and high tension, and Tapewounds are thin strings that are floppy (just wound with a lot of plastic). my $0.50

[@robertthompson148]

massivebeatzz, thanks for the advice. I haven't played bass for a long time and this will be my first fretless. I'll be playing mostly (by myself, of course!) with a flautist friend. I'm not planing on playing with a band, just very mellow situations. I'm tempted to try them, I'll have the flatwound strings it comes with and try them...or I could save the $40 bucks! I'll take your advice and just see. Researching nylon core super expensive, over $100., strings too...but that's nuts! Thanks, peace.

[@MichaelUhler]

Tapewounds would be equivalent to the dadarrio chromes the bass comes with as far as getting an upright ish sound. Post a video if you change to tapewounds. I'd like to hear the difference. its also a different feel and can be good/bad depending on how hard you play. another thing that helps me is a thin strip of foam under the strings at the bridge. Also with your eq, experiment with rolling off the high mids. this frequency seems to distinguish the bass guitar from the upright to my ears. boost the bass a tad and roll down the tone knob somewhat on the bass. as far as right hand attack a couple of different approaches work. playing w fingers or thumb high up on the neck or doing the palm muting and using your thumb near the bridge depending on how thumpy you want to be. hopefully this helps..

[@robertthompson148]

Thanks, great advice. I've decided to go with the flatwounds it's coming with (will get it this week). It's my first fretless and I like the simplicity of just the piezo pickups...or, I'm hoping to! Everything I've seen about this bass fits what I'm looking for. The only reservation I had was that it might be too light but I was able to order one at 8 lbs., I heard they were much lighter, like 5 lbs. The lightest I've seen is 7 lbs. 3 ozs., I think 8 lbs. should be good.

[@75arce]

I put on my fretless basses Thomastik acoustcore, round wound phosfor bronze whith a nylon core, sounds very acoustc to me! Nylon tension is very good to my fingers!

[@bassface5983]

Can you slap it without damt the peizo pick yps

[@richarddorrance3819]

Looks like no neck dive. Can you confirm that, thanks?

[@massivebeatzz]

no neck dive - confirmed - fairly well balanced!

[@pickout2]

Maybe a dumb question, but can you play rock with this too? Or is it more for mellow jazz?

[@massivebeatzz]

you sure can, but it would be an unusual choice. I would use this for R&B, Hip-Hop, Country, Fusion, Soul, Jazz, Latin..... - certainly not just "mellow" Jazz.

[@seanstiller7202]

I have narrowed my two Fretless bass selections to this fine Ibanez and the Cort b4fl mhpz. Has anyone had the opportunity to test both out?

[@facedowngaming]

You’ll be amazed with Ibanez due to the piezo which is the best feature to have on a Fretless Bass.

[@seanstiller7202]

Lavalval Dragon I am also looking at the SRF700. Did you have a chance to test one of those out before buying this one?

[@facedowngaming]

Sean Stiller I own both but I see myself playing the SRF more these days.

[@seanstiller7202]

Lavalval Dragon You are a lucky man :) What is it about the SRF you enjoy more?

[@facedowngaming]

Sean Stiller I enjoy the ability of having pickups on the SRF which allows me to shape my tone a bit more. Giving me more flexibility than the SRH.

[@richarddorrance3819]

What about lack of plucking hand thumb rest?

[@massivebeatzz]

indeed - but I think this would change the sound - breaking up flow of vibrations on top pf bass, as this is thin (and hollow)...They extended the fretboard / neck so it sticks out as a thumb rest in that position. For those who want to pluck near bridge, they'll have to learn classical technique with no resting of hand. I think it's worth it.

[@richarddorrance3819]

thank u

[@Marekki2202]

According to the Ibanez page, the middle section of the body seems to be solid, so can't I just add a ramp underneath the strings? What do you think, will a ramp affect the sound (negatively)? Haven't seen anybody done this so far..

[@jazzman1954]

Thumb on bottom string. Watch the classical guitar guys. Just put some work in. Thumb on A string = damping bottom 2 strings as a bonus.

[@Mr10mikemike]

I am new to bass. Been thinking about it for quite sometime. Would it be an advantage to learn on a fret-less bass over a fretted bass?

[@massivebeatzz]

It might complicate things a bit. But if you want to stay on Fretless later on, do it. Great for ear developing. It's definitely more work, but can pay off in the long run.

[@jazzman1954]

Fretted bass is a relatively easy instrument. To play a fretless bass guitar properly is a massive challenge. That is NOT looking at your fingers all the time and playing in tune. You can't read music and look at your fingers for example at the same time. 90% of fretless players can't take their eyes off the bass and even then they are often a little out of tune which sounds bloody awful to the rest of the band.

[@ArdaKaraduman]

This or a Godin A4 semi acoustic ?

[@massivebeatzz]

I think sound wise and looks wise , this one. Feature wise and flexibility the Godin.

[@jazzman1954]

Also 1/2 the price!

[@isaiahjacobs5243]

Anyone know where one would get a left handed version of this bass?

[@massivebeatzz]

I would call guitarcenter!

[@rico._5067]

So it doesn’t come with a case?

[@massivebeatzz]

Yeap, doesn't come with a case. Nor bag for that matter,

[@dyaniskandar6864]

made in indonesia?

[@MauroGiacometti]

Could this bass be used for atmospheric hard rock music?

[@massivebeatzz]

only one way to find out!

[@zirconencrustedtweezers]

I'd say so. Fretless Bass really cuts through tm

[@TheAudivisioner]

With nylon tape strings, it would play better. This one is go stiff to play. And get rid of those lines and dots.

[@massivebeatzz]

The dark lines are from the factory - so we're not getting rid of anything , lol. And these are Nylon wound over a steel core. Pure Nylon strings would not have enough tension on such a long bass - that only works on short short basses,, like U Bass. And even there - floppy flop flop ;)

[@TheAudivisioner]

@@massivebeatzz I have a friend who uses tape nylons on his long scale electric basses. They work just fine/ In fact, I have a Carvin AC50F fretless bass that I use nylons by choice. Plays very smooth with no excess tension. Dadarrio or LaBella nylons do the job just fine.

[@philippwacker7951]

How will it sound without and amp? Will it behave like a real auctustic bass?

[@massivebeatzz]

You can hear it, since it has a bit of a body. It won't sound like a stand up bass though, a bit different.

[@jazzman1954]

No. It sounds nothing like an acoustic bass. Just about loud enough for bedroom practice only.

[@thehungrylittlenihilist]

How well would it handle feedback?

[@stormnside]

I have one, it's awesome. Never have any feedback issues.

[@turdusmerula_]

does it comes with flatwounds?

[@massivebeatzz]

Yes it does, out of the box!

[@turdusmerula_]

@@massivebeatzz amazing 🙌

[@robguitarwizard]

What is the line you play at approx 3.00. Jaco blues riff?

[@massivebeatzz]

a take on Miles Davis "All Blues" - I also like this version kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4W2n6OHnc1qiNE

[@robguitarwizard]

@@massivebeatzz Thanks. Of course it is! Only heard it about a million times; just my memory is awful. Great videos BTW. Cheers Rob

[@robguitarwizard]

I am looking at getting my first fretless bass soon. I am a guitarist of over 30 years who also plays a bit of bass. I am looking at the Ibanez Sr370 fretless. This one here will be my second fretless. Divorce proceedings soon to follow!

[@ksgtrpkr]

Looks like it was made by Cort!

[@massivebeatzz]

awe, come on now!

[@1okanaganguy]

Very nice but I think is limited to the type of soloing virtuosity amidst a jazz environment.

[@massivebeatzz]

think latin, folk, country!

[@pierremilleret698]

A little crompressor used ?

[@massivebeatzz]

Good ears. I might have used a tiny bit to prevent clipping. These basses however, based on their attack, naturally feel a bit compressed.

[@lizardswithhats]

@@massivebeatzz is clipping an issue with this pup?

[@massivebeatzz]

@@lizardswithhats no not at all. High dynamic range (and higher output) than electric bass pickups (this is piezo, under bridge) , so if you record digital just dial back the input gain a little.

[@a.s.v4261]

I prefer bass, piano or guitar with no electricity!

[@massivebeatzz]

they are so heavy :)

[@momotama8640]

Is this active or passive?

[@massivebeatzz]

active. the batteries don't last too long on it, so don't ever leave it plugged in. Loud piezo preamp.

[@diddiagephe3724]

made in Indonesia...?

[@massivebeatzz]

correct!

[@diddiagephe3724]

Thank you

[@blankvrs]

I have an acoustic guitar amp. Will this work well with something like that, or do I need a bass amp?

[@4L10]

It will work of course but will lack deep bass probably starting somewhere below 150hz. If you have a good hifi system, you can use that too after a (preferably digital) pedal which would take care of impedance issues.

[@rebotante]

What song at 2:50

[@massivebeatzz]

inspired by MIles Davis ' All Blues. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGaWqqePd69oo5Y

[@rebotante]

Thanks

[@GangsarSwaPurba]

What?! Made in indonesia???

[@massivebeatzz]

Yeah, they have so much better wood than in the US or China.

[@stewartross13]

2:15 Please take the plastic film off of your Apollo!!!!

[@massivebeatzz]

Ha...at that time it was evaluated for reviews , to be returned to UA.

[@Inkawgneegrow]

what's the song at ~3:43

[@DrJhengsman]

Don't Look Any Further, by Temptation Dennis Edwards on a 1984 solo album

[@dimitryos5254]

Also sampled by Eric B & Rakim in "Paid in full"