should i get a 5 or a 6-string?

slipkorn917 · #1 07-23-2011, 01:29 PM

i have been thinking for the past few months about getting my first 5er, the ibanez gsr205 (i have a ibanez 4-string right now), but i came across a 6-string bass, the ibanez gsr206, for only $50 more. i really only need a 5-string, but i think i could have a lot of fun and make up some really cool stuff using the 6-string bass.

5-string: Ibanez GSR205 5-String Bass and more 5 String Electric Bass at GuitarCenter.com.

6-string: Ibanez Gio GSR206 6-String Bass Guitar and more 6+ String Electric Bass at GuitarCenter.com.

i currently own a gio 4-string bass and i love it so i know i like ibanez's basses.

allexcosta · #2 07-23-2011, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipkorn917

i really only need a 5-string

Self answered thread...

waleross · #3 07-23-2011, 02:02 PM

I dont know Ibanez other than a few pedals I own but these are so cheap, I say buy them both , no kidding. You look around at other 5 and 6's and the prices are more than double.

Aunell · #4 07-23-2011, 02:17 PM

save up some more money, the Gio's aren't bad, but putting a little more cash into it will make a lot of difference

the 300+ Ibanez series are great,

and if you can, try and get a used Prestige, they're amazing

pokbass · #5 07-23-2011, 02:18 PM

I say 5..6 is just a big guitar

JoZac21 · #6 07-23-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokbass

I say 5..6 is just a big guitar

^That's just silly.

I have a 4, two 5s and a 6... while I love my 6er, one of my 5 strings is my main bass... I find the more strings you add, although you have more "options" and range, the neck gets wider and the string spacing gets narrower, so it becomes less comfortable to play. I say go 5. Also, on the rare occation I need it, I find the 6 very hard to slap on.

Metaldood19 · #7 07-23-2011, 02:55 PM

If you're getting a six from Ibanez, know that even though their 4 and 5 necks are wickedly thin, I find that the 6 necks are a bit too wide. Oddest thing. Anyway, I personally prefer 6s to 5s. But play em both at guitar center or sam ash and decide whats right for you. I always see those 2 at my sam ash.

Amok · #8 07-23-2011, 03:15 PM

Give me strength!!! Who do you ask what to wear in the morning? What do you need? What can you afford and what will make you happy? Good luck!

Epitaph04 · #9 07-23-2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokbass

I say 5..6 is just a big guitar

Isn't bass generally just a big guitar? Oh yeah...it's called a bass GUITAR!

etechstan · #10 07-23-2011, 03:36 PM

I play both 5 and 6 string. The 6 is my go to. Before you buy the Ibby, go try some other brands. I have an LTD and a RockBass and both are awesome.

llaneli · #11 07-23-2011, 03:37 PM

conqr · #12 07-23-2011, 04:17 PM

Personally I think you should make a smaller step, just get a 5str, but a better one like an SR. If you're determined on a 6, think long and hard past the cool factor if that high C string is going to mostly help or hinder you right now.

UncleDomino · #13 07-23-2011, 04:24 PM

I jumped from 4 to 6 strings without knowing if I really needed that many strings. I just happened to find a cheap Spector I really liked. After getting used to it, I don't regret it at all, and I've found myself using all 6 strings consistently.

I say make the jump if you think it'd be fun.

mcnach · #14 07-23-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slipkorn917

i have been thinking for the past few months about getting my first 5er, the ibanez gsr205 (i have a ibanez 4-string right now), but i came across a 6-string bass, the ibanez gsr206, for only $50 more. i really only need a 5-string, but i think i could have a lot of fun and make up some really cool stuff using the 6-string bass.

5-string: Ibanez GSR205 5-String Bass and more 5 String Electric Bass at GuitarCenter.com.

6-string: Ibanez Gio GSR206 6-String Bass Guitar and more 6+ String Electric Bass at GuitarCenter.com.

i currently own a gio 4-string bass and i love it so i know i like ibanez's basses.

hmmm...

should I have pasta or rice this evening?

mcnach · #15 07-23-2011, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokbass

I say 5..6 is just a big guitar

god... give me patience...

Epitaph04 · #16 07-23-2011, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcnach

hmmm...

should I have pasta or rice this evening?

Rice......with pasta!!

mcnach · #17 07-23-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epitaph04

Rice......with pasta!!

I like your thinking, I like your thinking...

darkstorm · #18 07-23-2011, 06:48 PM

Have you tried some 6 string basses to see if you could get comfortable with their necks? If not, thats the first thing you need to do before giving further concideration to a sixer. Imo.

What kind of music are you playing that a five or six string would be advantage or needed? Fivers can be nice if you get one with comfortable for you neck. Same for sixers but finding comfortable neck is of course harder with the extra neck width of a sixer.

I also agree with the others that say save up and get a SR300 version fiver or sixer or better. Much better then the gios, even for 4string basses upgrade.

SteveC · #19 07-23-2011, 07:39 PM

Get a 5. I've struggled with this for a while and decided that 5 is way more practical for me. You miss 5 notes and som exposition/fingering options. For me, I'd rather have a more manageable neck than 5 notes that I only use a few times an I prefer to move up the neck instead of across most of the time for tonal reasons.

icecycle66 · #20 07-23-2011, 07:43 PM

If you really think you are going to move on to a 6 someday, just get the 6 now. It'll save you from kicking yourself later.

If you only want a 5 and don't think you'll do anything usefill with the 6, get the five.

If you only really want the 5, but see that the 6 is only a few bucks more expensive (for a whole additional string) then get the 5.