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Everything! Played in multiple Rock and roll cover bands, and a band that played Southern Rock style originals. Why wouldn't you use if for everything?
After 45+ years of playing followed by a few years completely away from music (even stopped listening to any), I returned to playing bass with a new idea to be creatively challenged. I've played mostly 5 string basses for many years, but I recently bought an Ibanez GIO SR206.
I was (and still am) blown away by the quality of such an inexpensive bass. It came set up perfectly without much tweaking required. Wonderful, comfortable playing wide and thin neck, perfect fret job, Wide, versatile tone control, The fit and finish is perfect. I have it strung up BEADGC. I'm doing a lot of chordal experimentation as well as the more traditional support grooves. Looks, sounds and plays like a much more expensive bass...
I was (and still am) blown away by the quality of such an inexpensive bass. It came set up perfectly without much tweaking required. Wonderful, comfortable playing wide and thin neck, perfect fret job, Wide, versatile tone control, The fit and finish is perfect. I have it strung up BEADGC. I'm doing a lot of chordal experimentation as well as the more traditional support grooves. Looks, sounds and plays like a much more expensive bass...
I mean, you definitely can play anything, however, if I'd play the Beatles covers only, a six string wouldn't be my first choice.
Well,yeah you could.
You don't have to use all six strings.
But if you're trying to LOOK like the Beatles.........
Why not? I ask because I see a lot of comments about how you only gain a few extra notes over a 4, etc. One of the reasons I like a six is because I can play so many lines in one position. I often say I play six because I'm lazy, which is counter-intuitive because I'm hefting around more weight (unless you compare to a Peavey T-40 or a Dan Armstrong acrylic bass...those things are stupid heavy). I can also play the same line in more than one or two locations on the neck, so i get more sonic choices. If I want to sound more like and old bass, play further up the neck for that thumpier, rounder sound. Want more bite? Play it closer to the nut. If I had to keep only one bass, it would likely be one of my sixes.
Some peeps don't like the wide neck and extra weight that comes with 5s and 6s. I have a buddy with 7, 6, 5 and 4 string basses but when he gigs he usually takes a 4 because he says it's easier to get through a night. If you play mostly classic rock the extra strings are superfluous.
I do play mostly classic rock, and I use the crap out of those extra strings, but again, I like to play things with few shifts...cuz I'm lazy.
My 1994 Carvin LB76 has very night string spacing, i have five strings with wider necks. My Portamento is pretty close too. I played a Pattitucci signature model Yamaha at Sweetwater and it felt like someone had strung up a surf board.
I'm not a six strings elitist, play what works for you. I'm currently playing a five string as my main...but only because it wasn't available as a six.
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Oh yeah, weight is really an issue. After playing my Yamaha TRB for two weeks or so I picked up my Jazz bass and it kinda felt like a toy. It felt like picking up an electric guitar after playing bass.
I miss my TRB6, the mid 90s one that predates the Patitucci.... but since I got into my 50s, I don't miss the weight.
But boy, that bass was simply incredible. And my hands, which are small (short fingers, big palms) didn't mind the kayak for a neck
But boy, that bass was simply incredible. And my hands, which are small (short fingers, big palms) didn't mind the kayak for a neck
Aaaaand i am back in the 6-string world with an Ibanez SR1206! & i also have massive GAS for either an Ibanez Sr606E Cosmic Blue Starburst Flat, or a SRSC806 Deep Twilight Flat or a BTB846SC Deep Twilight Low Gloss...
i would like to get a second bass just in case..
.
i would like to get a second bass just in case..
Are those Big Singles or Big Splits? Either way I think SR606 will sound almost exactly the same.
Those are Big Singles if i am not mistaken, and the SR606E has Big Splits. I am not super knowledgeable so not 100% sure..
These do have a fait amount of single coil hum when panning towards one PU over the other. Having the SR606E would be like having a Jazz and a P? But with same neck profile...
Indeed! But i would like Tapewounds on the SR606E and splits would mitigate hum, no? That being said, i could also trade the SR1206 towards one of the other basses i am after. I'd be happy with SR606E and BTB846SC-DTL
Wow, it's been 18 years since I posted in this thread.
I own one 6 string these days, my Peavey Cirrus tigereye.
It's not going anywhere!
I own one 6 string these days, my Peavey Cirrus tigereye.
It's not going anywhere!
I just found this thread by accident.
I have a whole bunch of 6s, with 2 more incoming, but the latest arrival is this sweet bass.
I have a whole bunch of 6s, with 2 more incoming, but the latest arrival is this sweet bass.
I really like a flat board, so the couple basses I have built I went with a 20" radius. It just feels mor comfortable to me.
