six string suggestions

inate_hex · #1 10-31-2011, 04:00 AM

Im currently thinking about delving into the world of six string. I would like one eith quite wide string spacing as i currently play fender p basses. I want as much tonal versatility as possible. My budget is around £1000 ($1500). Any suggestions would be welcomed.

dukeisdog · #2 10-31-2011, 04:04 AM

Spector Euro 6LX

Marty Forrer · #3 10-31-2011, 04:11 AM

Yamahas are one of the few with wide string spacing.

ehque · #4 10-31-2011, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty Forrer

Yamahas are one of the few with wide string spacing.

Correct that to "...few affordable with..." and it might be more true.

Actually, i'm not so sure that because you like P basses you'll like a wide spaced 6. I play P basses fine (and rarely do you find narrow 4s anyway) but yet cannot stand a wide 6, simply because the neck will be a good 1/2 wider.

waleross · #5 10-31-2011, 05:30 AM

If you can get to play and look at a Schecter Studio 6 , it will be one you might consider.

dave-chaulk · #6 10-31-2011, 05:46 AM

I'm a fan of my Ibanez SR506 - it's my first ibanez and first six string but it's pretty good. I prefer a high action, but this thing only really works with a low action. It's fairly diverse due to the active pickups, though I prefer passive.

Basically, it's a completely different bass to what I like and am used to, yet I would still recommend it to anybody looking for a fairly cheap six string.

inate_hex · #7 10-31-2011, 06:05 AM

Thanks for your input so far guys. I may also consider buying used gear to get more punch for my pound.

eekmeg · #8 10-31-2011, 06:09 AM

You may want to look into a used Ibanez BTB 6. I was impressed with their tones and playability for their price.

El-Bob · #9 10-31-2011, 06:13 AM

The Ibanez, Spector, and Schecter all have really tight spacing... try to find a used Yamaha, or a used broadneck Warwick.

El-Bob · #10 10-31-2011, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eekmeg

You may want to look into a used Ibanez BTB 6. I was impressed with their tones and playability for their price.

+1, I forgot about these. They're nice and wide.

AmadeusXeno · #11 10-31-2011, 07:40 AM

I have an Ibanez sr506 and a btb456. Out of those 2 the btb would fit a little better for what you are looking for. I have tried some other 6's and think (as already mentioned) Schecter is another great option. If you search around you might be able to find a Music Man bongo 6 in your price range, that is if you can find anyone selling theirs. An ESP LTD B-1006 is also worth looking in to.

ergbass · #12 10-31-2011, 07:41 AM

Yamaha!

StuartV · #13 10-31-2011, 11:55 AM

I had a Yamaha TRB-6P. Great bass. However, the string spacing was too wide for my taste (so maybe you would really like it), so I sold it and got this.

Solboy · #14 10-31-2011, 12:18 PM

Peavey Cirrus 6! The string spacing is adjustable

Toastfuzz · #15 10-31-2011, 12:26 PM

I think Ibanez BTB has 19mm string spacing (same as a standard 4)

The Ibanez Soundgears have tigher spacing, 15mm or so

inate_hex · #16 10-31-2011, 12:45 PM

That peavey looks nice. Mean looking pickups. So many choices. So far ive narrowed my search to a yamaha trb, ibanez btb, esp ltd b 1006 and peavey cirrus. The shecter mentioned earlier also looked nice tho. I suppose i will have to get my hands on some n give em a test drive. Thanku for all your suggestions. U guys are awesome!!

**251** · #17 10-31-2011, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inate_hex

That peavey looks nice. Mean looking pickups. So many choices. So far ive narrowed my search to a yamaha trb, ibanez btb, esp ltd b 1006 and peavey cirrus. The shecter mentioned earlier also looked nice tho. I suppose i will have to get my hands on some n give em a test drive. Thanku for all your suggestions. U guys are awesome!!

Questions you should be able to answer;
Do you prefer 17mm or 19mm string spacing?
Neck Through, Set Neck or Bolt on?
Soap Bar, Single Coil, Humbucking or P/J combo pick ups?
Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard?
<dons Nomex suit> Active or Passive electronix?

+1 to Yamaha TRB & Peavey Cirrus choices, suggesting you also consider a European made Spector. Your budget will make most things possible. FWIW, if you see a used Ken Smith 6 in good condition, just take it home. 8-)

The more basses you play, especially the ones you cannot afford, the better prepared you will be to buy a gem when it crosses your path.

Good hunting.

MNAirHead · #18 10-31-2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solboy

Peavey Cirrus 6! The string spacing is adjustable

Not really - with all "adjustable" bridges it works better with a single configuration

MNAirHead · #19 10-31-2011, 06:46 PM

Btn is what you're describing

Roy Vogt · #20 10-31-2011, 06:58 PM

Those are some good suggestions so far. I'd also put in the Carvin Icon 6, although it's a little closer to a Fender Jazz or Rick in string spacing.
A used Status or Modulus might be the ticket. The Quantum 6s have wide string spacing.
Since you're in the UK you might check out Overwater or even some German brands. Human Base, Sei, Sandberg and Clover all impressed me the last time I was over there.