6 String BASS Club (Guitarists keep out!)

[3k Mylz]

WOW there's some sexy rigs up in here... I'm in, 6 string hybrid.

 

[Bollenator]

What's that like to play? I saw one on BassNW's website a little while back, but didn't get the chance to play it. Intriguing (and probably somewhat confusing) concept.

WOW there's some sexy rigs up in here... I'm in, 6 string hybrid.

 

[3k Mylz]

It's a lot to get used to, and will take some adjustment in getting proficient, but apart from the Split EQ's, and getting used to finger placement on the fretted VS fretless strings it's like an SRX06 bass. Sounds really killer!

 

[MiniMoose234]

I played one at CHuck Levins in maryland a while back, It's really neat. Playing cool funk grooves and doing fretless fills is a lot of fun.

 

[Bollenator]

What are the strings tuned to? It's not BEADGC, is it?

 

[spade2you]

First start with a great instructor who can evaluate your playing.

I'll reiterate this. We can't tell you anything without seeing what's going on. A 6er tends to be a deal breaker for many bassists since you can get away with a certain amount of technique flaws on a 4 or 5.

I can't tell you what to do or what will work, but I wouldn't limit yourself to certain basses if you don't absolutely have to.

 

[nervous]

Any other stock models that have narrow string spacing?

How narrow? The Cirrus is std at 17mm and adjustable about .5mm either way.

 

[mstott25]

How narrow? The Cirrus is std at 17mm and adjustable about .5mm either way.

anything less than 17.5mm, I'd prefer 16.5mm so the Cirrus would be a good match. I know those are 35" scale but my Lull P5 is 35" scale and that doesn't bother me at all. Thanks!

 

[nervous]

anything less than 17.5mm, I'd prefer 16.5mm so the Cirrus would be a good match. I know those are 35" scale but my Lull P5 is 35" scale and that doesn't bother me at all. Thanks!

And quite honestly, without sounding like a cheerleader, an exceptional value for all that they are. Great woods and construction, easy playing, nice balance, etc. etc. The only potential limitation is the proprietary electronics but they sound good enough to not be concerned with (which for me was an odd comfort...relieving me from wanting to 'change them out' as I have on nearly everything I have ever bought).

 

[Ben Lesser]

The Ibanez SR506 is 16.5mm, if I recall. I've got one, but haven't played it in ages.

I've got this beauty instead (made by Chris Stambaugh):

Which is my primary bass. I'm a tiny guy with tiny hands, and I haven't had any problems with my 6. When I started, definitely, but I was 17 when I got my first 6 string and had pretty poor technique, but learned to adapt quickly. The physical constraints of the instrument are definitely something that can be adapted to.

 

[ShoeManiac]

I'm playing 5 string most of the time, but my 6 string Zon Sonus is still one of the finest instruments I've ever played:

 

[3k Mylz]

What are the strings tuned to? It's not BEADGC, is it?

Stock is EADG/DG but I found BEADGC to be a better way to go. Now I use my octave pedal. Sweet sound.

 

[Jerry J]

I'm playing 5 string most of the time, but my 6 string Zon Sonus is still one of the finest instruments I've ever played:

I agree, the Zon 6ers are great basses. The neck profile is really comfortable. I missed out on a real sweet walnut topped Custom 6 about 6-7 years ago. I kick myself for not snagging that one when I had the chance. When I played that one at BassNW my girlfriend raved say that was one of the best sounding basses she had ever heard.

 

[SamirBass]

Here's my six string bass i got in the mail today.
It's a Stellah 6 string fretless, and probably the cheapest thing on this thread, but I didn't want to splash out on it as until now I've only played 4 string fretted
I quite like the tone and im getting used to no frets, so I'll most likely buy some better parts soon and make it half-decent.

 

[SSPhil]

Here's mine, got it today in the mail.
It's a Douglas WOB 826, the blue one.
All I can say is WOW.

I'm currently building a 4-string bass for the first time so wish me good luck !

 

[Dr. Eagle]

of 2 Six Strings I own

 

[Tom7]

Here's my six string bass i got in the mail today.
It's a Stellah 6 string fretless, and probably the cheapest thing on this thread, but I didn't want to splash out on it as until now I've only played 4 string fretted
I quite like the tone and im getting used to no frets, so I'll most likely buy some better parts soon and make it half-decent.

Nice. Six strings make so much sense for a fretless bass I think.

 

[Tom7]

Here's mine, got it today in the mail.
It's a Douglas WOB 826, the blue one.
All I can say is WOW.

I'm currently building a 4-string bass for the first time so wish me good luck !

Nice. I love blue basses.

 

[Tom7]

... I've got this beauty instead (made by Chris Stambaugh):

Beauty is right! This is really a looker.

 

[Tom7]

of 2 Six Strings I own

Nice. I've always liked Carvins.

I had 6 six string basses, but I've sold the Yamaha Patitucci twins (one fretted and one fretless).

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Now I'm down to four, and I couldn't be happier with them.

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From left to right...

Fbass BN6 - My main bass. Fender like tone, great balance and playability.

Fbass AC6-classic - A brand new model that really nails an acoustic upright tone.

Fbass AC6-signature - Alain Caron's signature fretless with a rosewood top, magnetic and piezo pickups. Very versatile bass.

Fbass AC6-fretted - Wonderful to play, has its own voice, somewhat reminiscent of Ken Smith but more flexible in tone.

Fbasses are my favorite 6ers for a lot of reasons, including their 34.5 inch scale length which makes the B string taught and solid, without making the C string tinny and artificial sounding.