6-string bass

[Strych9]

Hello all,

I, as a beginning bassist, am playing on an Ibanez GSR190, I know it's not much of a big deal but keep in mind I'm just hitting the strings for 3 months now.

Now as my main target I am aiming to play all songs of Dream Theater, if anyone of you knows Dream Theater you might recognize that the bassist (John Myung) is mainly playing on his 6-string.

My real request for help is the following:
What is a good 6-string to play on, in a price range to +/- $600, and if it is wise to buy a 6-string at all after this short period of playing bass.

I'm looking forward to your replies,
Strych9

 

[Crazy Ivan]

You've got the Dean Edge 6 basses, the Ibanez SR506 which many like, Brice basses from Rondomusic.com, and the two lower-cost 6-strings that ESP LTD makes, right off the top of my head.

 

[tdogg]

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-SR506-Soundgear-6String?sku=515058

this is your new best friend

 

[~ignited~wings~]

Contrary to the opinion of many, I believe that there is no such thing as "too soon" for a six string.

If anything, getting started on it sooner may be more beneficial to you, as it would take less time to adjust to something new.

With that said, I recommend the Ibanez SR506, but that again, is just my suggestion, there are plenty of other inexpensive 6'ers out there to be had.

 

[CrispyDelicious]

As a recent convert to 6, I say go for it. The sooner you start playing 6 strings, the sooner you will become a competent 6 string player. And props for setting yourself an ambitious goal. I don't know much about basses in that price range, but I'm sure someone here will chime in with specifc models. I will say, though, that your best bet would be to look for a used bass in your local CL, or even ebay. Best to buy a used, high-quality bass, than a newer one of lower quality.

 

[Toastfuzz]

I own the Ibanez and like it alot. Playing a 6 is alot different than playing a 4 however. I'd recommend trying some out first.

 

[Strych9]

Woah these are quite many replies in this short time,

I have been looking around and I have been looking at the Ibanez BTB576FM ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed])

What are your opinions about this bass?

//Strych9

 

[tdogg]

I own the Ibanez and like it alot. Playing a 6 is alot different than playing a 4 however. I'd recommend trying some out first.

+10 on that. i started on 5 strings. and now im focusing more on mastering 4 strings before i move on. 6's are really fun though, and kinda necessary if you wanna play dreamtheater

 

[~ignited~wings~]

I don't like the neck on the BTB 6'ers, the SR506 pummels it in my opinion.

On another note, the LTD D6 is pretty good for the money as well, or at least I was somewhat impressed when I tried one out.

 

[Crazy Ivan]

I forgot to mention the Peavey Grind.

 

[Mark Wilson]

Pfft.
You really don't need that many strings...



just kidding. I love my 7-string.

 

[Strych9]

Any thoughts on the Ibanez BTB576FM?

 

[~ignited~wings~]

I don't like the neck on the BTB 6'ers, the SR506 pummels it in my opinion.

.

.

 

[Strych9]

Meh, it's hard to find a used 6-string in my area here in Holland, even in whole Holland there isn't a used 6-string for sale.

//Strych9

 

[jsm81]

I recently picked up a used Carvin LB76 off ebay for $558. Absolutely love it. I strongly recommend buying used, but that's just my preference.

 

[Strych9]

Is eBay completely save? Even if I have to let it ship from overseas (since I'm living in Holland)

//Strych9

 

[Crazy Ivan]

I recently picked up a used Carvin LB76 off ebay for $558. Absolutely love it. I strongly recommend buying used, but that's just my preference.

Oh wow. Green is such a nice colour on basses like this.

 

[jsm81]

thanks crazy ivan and sorry strych9 i forgot about the whole shipping overseas thing. as far as instruments go, i usually only buy thru ebay stores with a good rep

 

[Strych9]

Well thanks anyway guys, I think I'm going to stick to the idea of the Ibanez SR506 for a while, I'm going to buy an amp first but I'll be posting about that in the amp section.

Back to my GSR190 the upcoming months anyway!

//Strych9

 

[OneMoreRobot]

Dream Theater is the reason I'm contemplating buying a 5er... I was trying to play Panic Attack and couldn't get the low notes on my 4banger

Guess I'll have to build a 5-String Warmoth now.... My 4 isn't even done!!

But nice goal you've got. Impressive.