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Buying a new 6 string - I need your opinion

Chuy_Herrera_

Chuy_Herrera_

Sep 4, 2020
29
9
#1
I'm trying to pick up bass guitar after a couple of years of not playing. I used to own a Schecter stiletto studio 6 which I loved.

My first option is the Ibanez BTB846, but I would love to hear your input and even other 6 string basses you think I should consider.
 
#4
ESP has some solid 6ers in its LTD line too in the B-206 and D6.

In terms of affordable 6ers, there are far more options now than ever.

And the Schecter Stiletto Studio 6, like you used to have, is still a darn good bass. The bassist in one of my favorite new bands plays one: and during my peak years of gigging/touring, I saw a lot of bassists using Schecter Stiletto Studios.
 
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#5
Chuy_Herrera_ said:
I'm trying to pick up bass guitar after a couple of years of not playing. I used to own a Schecter stiletto studio 6 which I loved.

My first option is the Ibanez BTB846, but I would love to hear your input and even other 6 string basses you think I should consider.
Click to expand...

1) What sort of music do you play? Rock/metal?
2) What's your budget?

My only advice is get the best you can afford.

I'm in the market for a 6 too, but being more of a jazzer, I prefer the sound of the Yamaha TRB 1006J to the BTB 846.

If money was no obstacle I'd get a Yamaha TRB 6 (MIJ) or the Ibanez SR 5006

Some of the cheaper Ibanez SRs sound good too.

Good luck.
 
#8
PJ Muzikmansky said:
1) What sort of music do you play? Rock/metal?
2) What's your budget?

My only advice is get the best you can afford.

I'm in the market for a 6 too, but being more of a jazzer, I prefer the sound of the Yamaha TRB 1006J to the BTB 846.

If money was no obstacle I'd get a Yamaha TRB 6 (MIJ) or the Ibanez SR 5006

Some of the cheaper Ibanez SRs sound good too.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

1) I mostly play rock and prog metal, but I wanted to explore jazz.

2) Mi budget limit is 1300 USD

The Yamaha TRB was my dream bass when I started playing. I'll see if I can find a used one online.
 
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#11
I love my TRB-6, they have shot up in price however. A TRB-6ii may be a bit cheaper, I believe they are 35" scale however, different pickups, body, maybe narrower bridge spacing?

If you like tighter spacing, Ibanez SR has some great stuff in your price range brand new. BTBs I'm less familiar with for some reason.

Could also look for a used Carvin / Kiesel, very good instruments.

Sire?
 
#12
Warmoth Gecko 6. American made bass which is amazing. Trust me, I have a few high end 6ers and this one is right there! And yes, the japanese TRB6 is fine as well (mine picrured below).
IMG_20200609_154800.jpg



IMG_20210412_120052.jpg
 
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#13
Chuy_Herrera_ said:
I'm trying to pick up bass guitar after a couple of years of not playing. I used to own a Schecter stiletto studio 6 which I loved.

My first option is the Ibanez BTB846, but I would love to hear your input and even other 6 string basses you think I should consider.
Click to expand...

My sixer is a BTB. Excellent bass; love the neck in particular. Feels like the perfect neck for a 6-string in almost every respect: wide-ish side-to-side and thin front-to-back. Mine is one of the older bolt-on models, so if you're getting a neckthrough so much the better!
 
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#16
firstly, have fun with this! Secondly, I personally dislike playing anything longer than a 34" scale length instrument, so that limits me.

I've owned btb 6, carvin six, esp 6, actually several sixes. I currently own two - a peavey 6 (grind, 35", highly modified to active and with truly excellent setup - an amazing bass when modded properly), and my own custom kit bass which is 6 string 34" scale.

I play the 34 all the time. I never play anything else unless I need fretless etc.

I play the 35" and have issues with misfretting - because I play all the time and 35" scale loses your muscle memory, and I dislike the stretching so isn't worth it to me to learn... and the B string on my 34" basses are excellent, and I dislike the 35" scale for small strings like the C string (tension gets pretty darn high).

So yea, for me.... scale length matters most, so I'd be looking at SR series ibanez and similar products.

But... there are lots of amazing instruments at various sizes... so what a plethora of choices you have here!

Good luck!
 
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#17
Ibanez BTB's are very potent in fives and sixes, terrific basses. I'd only caution to try one first: After the Stiletto, the BTB is a 35" scale and will feel a size bigger after the Schecter. If you'd prefer a bolt-neck, the SDGR sixes would feel more like the Stiletto. Hard to go wrong with either one.
 
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#20
1300 is in that awkward as hell spot for a 6 string, more so if its new.

Definitely look at local/driving distance offers rather than new. New will set you with a worse deal than you would have otherwise gotten.

That being said, look up used Sandberg basses, Warwick, Spector.

Ive had a 6 string Warwick and it was good, but heavy. Spectors are really nice and I've tried some 5 string Sandbergs and they felt good, really good in fact.

I'll try to scour for some deals when I got a moment and link it here.
 
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