I'll add some confusion to the matter: that price range also puts Peavey and Dean in budget, both of whom make excellent basses. Used Carvins are very good and should come fairly highly spec'd for that price.
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Buying a new 6 string - I need your opinion
- Thread starter Chuy_Herrera_
- Start date
If you can manage or enjoy narrower spacing, I would look at some used Kiesels. They are wonderful instruments and really well made considering the price point
Any reason the Stiletto isn’t at the top of your list? You’ve had one and liked it, so why not buy another one?
If you’re looking for something different then I would look at Ibanez for sure. BTB or the SR series both have some awesome features in that price range.
If you’re looking for something different then I would look at Ibanez for sure. BTB or the SR series both have some awesome features in that price range.
I was going to suggest looking for a used Trb-6, 6ii or ideally a Trb-6P. To expand your spectrum you may want to consider changing its preamp (I put a 4-band Audere Z and it really did the trick)
Another choice, totally different but very interesting sound and perhaps easier to get, a Warwick Thumb B.O.; they are often available at that price range.
Peace,
The Impact of string spacing, scale, and neck depth are all amplified on a 6. And a good B string is key.
If you liked the Stiletto, no reason not to go back to it. If you are looking for something different then weigh your variables carefully. I have no qualms buying an FSO off the internet but given the impact of the options a 6 is something you want to explore in person.
If you liked the Stiletto, no reason not to go back to it. If you are looking for something different then weigh your variables carefully. I have no qualms buying an FSO off the internet but given the impact of the options a 6 is something you want to explore in person.
I bought a $300 (new with LaBella Tapes!) Ibanez from Sweetwater that is so so good. You might try this route then go fancier if needed. I might have gone with a 300 or 500 series if I knew I'd be paying the 6r so much, all are still way under your budget.
That's a good price and a good bass. One of my 2 SRs I mention in post 14 is the '17 year model of a similar Ibanez, and is the bass that got me into 6ers. Mine is the SR256B and as far as I can tell, it is the same bass but has B&T EQ rather than the Phat. I only have the other SR, an SR706 '08 model because I got it shortly after at a screaming good price with a HSC and couldn't resist - it was barely more than the SR256B.
Agreed, new I might stretch to the 306, but form there up I'd be looking for secondhand deals on something like the 706. In terms of feel, you'd be hard to tell my 2 apart blind, so people should feel confident about getting an older SR S/H blind if they like the feel of the neck of one in store.
For me it’s the other way around. I don’t really like Ibanez SR, and I don’t find them too comfortable either.
Sire is an option, but I’ve read that the quality can be hit or miss. I’d love to try one though.
Those two look awesome. I’ve never heard of Warmoth before, but it looks like a killer.
Many others have commented about the neck on these models. I have big hands, so I hope I find it comfortable as well. Thanks for your input!
I’ve heard good things about Bacchus
For Sale - Bacchus J6 - Handbuilt in Japan -Make an offer
This not not my listing but seems to meet your criteria.
For Sale - Bacchus J6 - Handbuilt in Japan -Make an offer
This not not my listing but seems to meet your criteria.
scottfeldstein
Roots and fifths and a little extra.
I have never owned a six, but I can tell you something about the Ibanez BTB line. I own the 745. It plays beautifully, like an Ibanez should. I find I can set the neck relief pretty low. The stainless steel frets are fantastic. Also, it has a zero fret, which I love. It is a big instrument, though. Like not just super long scale, I mean a big body, too. It's not terribly heavy, though. one thing to know is that they haven't done a great job on belly cuts and arm rests, etc. So it can be uncomfortable on your right forearm.
I might worry about the tension on a high C string with that scale length though. I think I'd look for a fan fret design if I was to go six.
I might worry about the tension on a high C string with that scale length though. I think I'd look for a fan fret design if I was to go six.
I toured with a Schecter Stiletto Studio 5. I haven't played the 6 but the 5 was pretty solid. I had an Ibanez Soundgear 6 back in the 1990's - It's neck was pretty fantastic, but I would swap out all the guts. The EMGs in the Schecter are plug and play goodness - but I felt the neck was a bit of a baseball bat.
If you are just getting back into it after a few years off... flip a coin and whichever lands in your budget - go for it.
...or....
blow like $5000 and get a decent 7...
If you are crazy.
I played Schecter 18 years ago and loved them. You might want to consider one of their six string basses. My first six string was a BTB and you’ll be more than comfortable and very happy with that purchases. My third sixer was a Kiesel Vadar and it was great too. I would say those two are comparable in quality and both have very playable necks. Throw an inexpensive MTD in this group too.
If you have time to shop around I highly recommend Prat, Stambaugh and Dingwall. You may need to stretch your budget slightly but the quality of bass you get is honestly worth it. Man made with care or a machine producing them by the thousands.
String your five string E-C in the meantime. I love my high C!
If you have time to shop around I highly recommend Prat, Stambaugh and Dingwall. You may need to stretch your budget slightly but the quality of bass you get is honestly worth it. Man made with care or a machine producing them by the thousands.
String your five string E-C in the meantime. I love my high C!
Ibanez makes some of the best basses in the 1k to 1.5k price range IMO. Get your hands, if possible, on a BTB 6 or SR 6 to see which feels better, as they both will sound similar as all have similar woods and Nordstrand or Aguilar pickups. If you liked the stiletto, i believe the BTB will be closer in string spacing.
Weighing in on the Sire M7, in that it can be a hit or a miss. Just sent an M7 back because the bridge pickup wasn't working. Then again, people have also left some incredible reviews. On the positive side, most commonly, I've heard people compare the sound to Ken Smith basses. Anyway, I'm waiting for my replacement. Meanwhile, here are some things I like and don't like about the M7:
Things I like:
1. The neck finish, fingerboard and frets. Immaculate. Don't know about dead spots though
2. The body finish
3. The bridge
4. The stock electronics. Barring my defective unit, they are very hi spec
5. This is an excellent platform for top end electronics upgrades. Put in the stuff that your F-basses and Foderas use and you've got yourself a high end bass at a fraction of their cost. All the cavities one needs are there, and I like the layout.
That said, things I don't like:
1. Literally all the other hardware except the bridge (tuners, switches and knobs)
2. That it's a bolt on neck, with what doesn't seem to be the ideal construction for stability (only 4 screws). Would have preferred a thru neck
3. The battery access cover. The fact that it's made of wood gives it a very premium feel, but I much prefer the easy access clip compartments that you can't see on most basses today
I would first figure out what string spacing you want. Ibanez are narrow, like 16.5mm, others are as wide as 19mm. Most manufacturers stick to one spacing, so nailing down spacing will narrow your options.
The only thing that stops me from getting it the overall aesthetic. It doesn’t appeal to me. I’ll keep looking for reviews and see if the sound and feel convince me.
