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Cost Effective 6 String (Under $800)

Boom_Stick

Boom_Stick

Sep 6, 2015
54
43
Earth
#1
Hello everyone. This is my first real post (or plea for advice). Hope I don't break any rules.

I am looking for a decent 6 string that I can afford and I have come across a few under $800 in my area.

They are:

1. Yamaha RBX 6JM
2. MTD Kingston KZ6
3. Peavey TL6

Any critique on any of them would be helpful especially if you own one or have played one. If you think there are 6's that are worth me looking into that fit the profile please let me know.

I have a few Warwick 4's & 5 's and at the moment can not afford a Warwick 6. I have looked at Rock Bass from Warwick but call it "Warwick snobbery" I just can't get myself to jump on one. That and I would like to try something different.

Just like to thank everyone involved in TB as you have helped with a lot of my purchases and GAS dilemmas.

I look forward to hearing from ya.
 
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#2
The Yamaha RBXJM is an excellent choice. I say definitely go for the RBXJM (I like the green / gold finish).

My preference goes to the JM2 instead of the JM, but either way you won't go wrong. I've got two (my only basses, each with the same strings, setup, fretfx, straps, strap locks), one for my main band/main bass and the other for my home/side band/practice bass:

Link Removed
 
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#4
Thanks guys really appreciate it. I haven't seen many Carvin's in my area but I will keep my eye out for one to try it. The Yamaha I have seen looks exactly like this:

Yamaha6.JPG


Said to be discontinued, are they still a quality instrument like the new ones?

Thanks
 
#5
I just got an Ibanez BTB686 Terra Firma a month or so ago and I absolutely love it. Amazing quality bass, incredible range of sounds, beautiful build and some of the best low end sustain I've ever heard. I was looking at the MTD you mentioned, but from all the research I did, it sounds like the pickups in it really need to be replaced for it to sound good because the stock ones are pretty terrible. Read up on the Ibanez - I've yet to find a negative review and there was one that popped up for sale on TB in the last few days for under $800. I have no affiliation or relationship with the seller, btw. I just happened to remember seeing it when I saw your post. Here's the link: For Sale - Ibanez BTB686sc Terra Firma 6 String Bass | TalkBass.com

Good luck!
 
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#8
I have considered some of the Ibanez models. The Terra is one I wouldn't mind having. I also like some of the Prestige models.

With Ibanez and their newer Indonesian models I have found the necks to differ on everyone I have played even if they are the same model. I am a tad worried about quality control since they moved away from Japanese and Korean development.

The only thing that has got me thinking of the MTD is the amazing contour of the neck I keep hearing about.
 
#10
I had a KZ 6. A very nice bass. I would go with the KZ because I like Kingston basses.. but that looks like a tough choice. If I were you between the three I would buy the one that felt best to me as far as weight and playablility because from a pure quality instrument standpoint they are all pretty nice and they each bring their own thing to the table.
 
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#11
Sav'nBass said:
I had a KZ 6. A very nice bass. I would go with the KZ because I like Kingston basses.. but that looks like a tough choice. If I were you between the three I would buy the one that felt best to me as far as weight and playablility because from a pure quality instrument standpoint they are all pretty nice and they each bring their own thing to the table.
Click to expand...
+1

Best advice
 
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#13
Boom_Stick said:
Oh and thanks Rtav. Finally got home to review your link. Some great riffing in your bass tracks. They sound like solid basses. Not to mention the memorizing LED's.
Click to expand...

Thanks Boomstick. The LED's are aftermarket add-ons from a company called fretfx. They are great, cost about $100, and come in three difference colors (red, green, blue), so whatever bass you get you can install them. Check out their website:  ... FretFX ...   Attachable Illuminated LED Fret Markers    

If you want some additional samples, I've got some other examples of the RBXJM2 here on talkbass (an original bass solo and a cover of Dream Theater's Erotomania).

Bass solo from a piece my band Chaometry has written... comment? Critique? | TalkBass.com

Bass cover - Dream Theater's Erotomania | TalkBass.com

Good luck in finding the right bass, and kindly update the thread when you do! :)
 
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#14
First, to Boom_Stick, I say "welcome to the boards" and don't worry about whether you are TB'ing "correctly". This is a place for being yourself, and almost everyone here is happy to help and shares your interest and passion for bass. When you have a question (like this one) ask, there are a lot of folks far more knoweledgeable than I who can help with all manner of things. This is a great resource.

As far as affordable six strings, as with all basses I suppose, used is where you'll get your best deal and get the best instrument for the least money (even if it has pick marks or a ding or two).

The Kingston Z 6 is good. I have played them before and liked them, and just ordered one for myself. These have a somewhat wider neck/fretboard than a lot of six strings, but coming from years of playing the 4 I find that the wider strong spacing is easier to adjust to, and also it is easier to slap with the wider spacing, most narrow neck sixers are next to impossible to slap. So, if you like to slap much, definitely consider a wider-spaced model like the MTD Kingston Z 6.

Also, Peavey Cirrus 6 strings are good and can be had in the $800 range used if you search. I have played a few of these (I never owned one though) and liked the feel and tone.

I have also heard good things about Carvin 6-strings but have never had an opportunity to play one myself.

My 2 cents. Again, welcome. Good first post.
 
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#15
Welcome to TB! Of the three that you mentioned, the KZ was the one I found to be of highest quality, but the string spacing bothered me a bit. I have small hands, short arms, 5'7" so the sizes of the bass' dimensions matter a lot to me. Never tried the Yamaha's but they look rockin'. The old Peavey TL6 was one that got away from me in life even though it had a wide spacing ( somehow it just fit ), but it was heavy and the electronics can be noisy. In your price range, I recommend the ESP LTD B-206SM NS which usually retail just over $500 new. I tried it back to back with Ibanez and found it more comfortable for me. Ibanez usually has a 16.5mm spacing at the bridge, so I think LTD might be 16mm even. If you don't have the sizing issues I have, the field is more open for you. Good luck.
 
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#17
Hi All,

Thanks for all the advise. Been going to every music store I can to try as many of the recommended basses you have all talked about. I think I am getting closer to the MTD and Yamaha shootout but if a Terra comes cross my plate I am going to be very tempted. There was a custom style of Warwick like the Terra and I liked it (I just can't afford it).

Time is ticking and I am getting anxious for a new bass to play with. As soon as I do I will tell you which one.

Thanks again to all of you.
 
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#18
I have an ESP D-6 that I got for $450 new a few years back. The preamp doesn't do much, nor does the pickup selection but by god is the thing playable. The action can get low, and the B string only gets floppy when I tune it to G. Intonation is great, and the action can get damn low.
 

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