I'm thinking of going the six string route. I just want to hear from 6 string bass players about why they enjoy the 6 and what led to your 6 decision. Please no 4 or 5 string bashing.... 
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Curious About 6 String Basses. Let's Chat..
- Thread starter de la mocha
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I'll watch this thread too - I've been considering getting a 6-string fretless for a while now and would like to hear anything folks have to say...
its deff closer to a 5 then to a 4 imo. The biggest difference for me was not having the E as the low string. I wouldnt say its better or worse, just different
My first six string was a fretless.
I wanted to be able to play simple chords during certain passages at the church where I contribute to the music. Both six strings are great for that. Chords on the fretless sound wonderful but are a bit of a challenge to intonate. I like the sixth string, though I don't use it much.
OK, I'll step in...
I've been primarily a 6er since day one (moved from the tiny cousin to our big guy), and have spent most of my time on either the 6 or 5 - I'm essentially useless on a 4 string!
I find that the fewer strings I have, the BUSIER I play (seems counter intuitive, but stick with me here...). It seems that because all the notes are available in one position, instead of "working my way to the note", I just play THE NOTE most of the time - so no in-between notes are necessary.
There are drawbacks: wider neck requires using really clean/proper technique (no "ape hanger" left hand technique), you have to pay very close attention to your right hand muting technique to keep any unplayed strings from inadvertently ringing out, and finally you have to deal with the pre-concieved notions of all those in your vicinity that want to judge you as a player before you've played your first note - "
oh man, look at all those strings on his bass, I bet he overplays like a mofo!! 
"...
I tried to go strictly 5 for a few years, but really found myself missing the C string for some things (it's not always the right choice, be aware...).
However, to each their own, and if you're a 4-banger, or a 5 guy, then more power to you...
...of course, those guys playing 7 or more strings are totally crazy and you don't want to ever associate with them!!!
I've been primarily a 6er since day one (moved from the tiny cousin to our big guy), and have spent most of my time on either the 6 or 5 - I'm essentially useless on a 4 string!
I find that the fewer strings I have, the BUSIER I play (seems counter intuitive, but stick with me here...). It seems that because all the notes are available in one position, instead of "working my way to the note", I just play THE NOTE most of the time - so no in-between notes are necessary.
There are drawbacks: wider neck requires using really clean/proper technique (no "ape hanger" left hand technique), you have to pay very close attention to your right hand muting technique to keep any unplayed strings from inadvertently ringing out, and finally you have to deal with the pre-concieved notions of all those in your vicinity that want to judge you as a player before you've played your first note - "
oh man, look at all those strings on his bass, I bet he overplays like a mofo!! "...I tried to go strictly 5 for a few years, but really found myself missing the C string for some things (it's not always the right choice, be aware...).
However, to each their own, and if you're a 4-banger, or a 5 guy, then more power to you...
...of course, those guys playing 7 or more strings are totally crazy and you don't want to ever associate with them!!!
Here's something I don't usually see mentioned, but was definitely a factor for me. I found the 6-string less confusing of a switch from 4. The fact that there were extra strings both above and below the standard 4 made it easier to visualize, and switch. In other words, the symmetry helps. Since I still continue to play 4-stringers as well, the ability to switch easily is a plus.
I tried 5's, but was always getting lost on them. The first time I picked up a 6, it felt like home. I look on the high string as gravy; not something I was particularly looking for, but fun to have.
/rick
I tried 5's, but was always getting lost on them. The first time I picked up a 6, it felt like home. I look on the high string as gravy; not something I was particularly looking for, but fun to have.
/rick
Truthfully, it's a question you need to ask of yourself, not others ....
Why do YOU want a six string? What do you think you can do with a 6 that you are unable to currently do with a 4 or 5? Are you looking to play chords, maybe do more soloing? Do you want to improve your hand positioning and do less shifting on busy passages? Or do you just think it'll look cool ...
Most people who seriously play 6+ string basses have reasons for that choice, and it is usually that they are looking for a solution that a 4 or 5 string doesn't provide. Extended range basses are amazingly flexible and can really open your mind up musically, but most of us who play ERB's with any consistency also realize that we approach playing these basses much differently than we do 4's or 5's ....
Why do YOU want a six string? What do you think you can do with a 6 that you are unable to currently do with a 4 or 5? Are you looking to play chords, maybe do more soloing? Do you want to improve your hand positioning and do less shifting on busy passages? Or do you just think it'll look cool ...
Most people who seriously play 6+ string basses have reasons for that choice, and it is usually that they are looking for a solution that a 4 or 5 string doesn't provide. Extended range basses are amazingly flexible and can really open your mind up musically, but most of us who play ERB's with any consistency also realize that we approach playing these basses much differently than we do 4's or 5's ....
T
Tired_Thumb
Guest
A real nice example of high C work is track four on this CD (Your Song): [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. That's Steve Swallow obviously playing (yes, the "guitar" is him on bass), and he's living proof that you can play a tasteful solo on the high C string and not be a wank machine.
If you'd like to have that possibility, and you can't do without the low B string, the 6 string is a great choice.
If you'd like to have that possibility, and you can't do without the low B string, the 6 string is a great choice.
I got a Roscoe SKB 3006 in July as my first 6-string. Initially, I got it for the same reasons most people get a 5 (I don't want to over generalize, so maybe I should have said why I would get a 5)--the extra low notes and the ease of playing most everything either under-hand or with a minimum of shifting. I have since found that it lends itself quite nicely to soloing or melodic fills. And in the upper register it just sings!
That being said, it will take some practice. I found the transition to be more difficult than just going to a 5. There is something about that C string sitting out there, and the tight spacing that made me really have to concentrate. On some occasions I would find myself playing either a 4th high or a 5th low, but spending some time in the woodshed helped tremendously. I try to play it every day--even if it's just for a couple of scales to play along with a couple of songs. I find that the more often I actually touch the instrument, the more natural it feels in my hands.
Any help?
Cheers,
BD
That being said, it will take some practice. I found the transition to be more difficult than just going to a 5. There is something about that C string sitting out there, and the tight spacing that made me really have to concentrate. On some occasions I would find myself playing either a 4th high or a 5th low, but spending some time in the woodshed helped tremendously. I try to play it every day--even if it's just for a couple of scales to play along with a couple of songs. I find that the more often I actually touch the instrument, the more natural it feels in my hands.
Any help?
Cheers,
BD
I considered going to 6 a number of years back, but at that time about the only 6-strings that you could get were either really expensive or Carvins - and the Carvins I played all seemed to feel... well, huge - I get that the neck needs to be wide, but does it have to be THICK too? Of course not...
So would you 6ers say that these basses have improved in the last several years?
So would you 6ers say that these basses have improved in the last several years?
Brian, the best advice I can give is to put EVERYTHING else away...not just in a stand in the room, but cased and in the closet, and put all of your time in on the 6 for a couple of months, until you feel totally at home, then bring out the others again. It's amazing what the mind can wrap around when it is literally FORCED to do it.
Great advice, Gard. That's pretty much what I've been doing. I got Bach's Cello suite in G from Jeff Carswell and have been hitting that pretty hard. Man! What a workout.
It has gotten easier, though.
It has gotten easier, though.
I got mine for the extended range and to play chord solos - it also helps with writing you can play multiple parts on the 6 - allows more creative freedom IMO. As I have stated before, I think a 6 is a natural evolution of the instrument - Bass is taking a much more prominent role today in Music - and while a lot of it still serves for holding down the bottom - having the extra range gives one more options. Funny thing is - there are no real questions when a Drummer evolves from a Standard 5 Piece Set to a larger multi-piece kit with double kicks and many more symbols and drums.
Oh and I still play my 4's - and I try to look at it this way - it is another brush or tool with which to paint or create your musical ideas. Try one - might not be for you - or might not suit every playing situation - but it nice to have the option of using one. Also, if you slap - you might want to try several to ensure you find one that you can still get a good slap sound from. String spacing for me was the biggest adjustment.
Good Luck!
Oh and I still play my 4's - and I try to look at it this way - it is another brush or tool with which to paint or create your musical ideas. Try one - might not be for you - or might not suit every playing situation - but it nice to have the option of using one. Also, if you slap - you might want to try several to ensure you find one that you can still get a good slap sound from. String spacing for me was the biggest adjustment.
Good Luck!
For me, the transition from 5 to 6 was pretty easy. It wasy wayyyy easier than my transition from 4 to 5. The technique I had been using on 4 and 5 worked quite well, but I use a hybrid of classical guitar, modified floating thumb, and a strong dash of a Gary Willis aproach.
The only downside of the 6 is that a lot of bassists start developing some fairly specific requirements. While dang near every bass should have a good B in 35" scale, some players have difficulty with 35" scale 6ers, although I'll add that I'm a pretty small dude and have lots of fun on my 35" scale Conklin 6. Obviously 34" scale is less neck to fight with, but I've felt that a lot of the less expensive 34" scale instruments are a tad lacking in the low B department. Some guys like thin necks, some want it a little thicker. Some dudes like narrow spacing, some like it wide.
The only downside of the 6 is that a lot of bassists start developing some fairly specific requirements. While dang near every bass should have a good B in 35" scale, some players have difficulty with 35" scale 6ers, although I'll add that I'm a pretty small dude and have lots of fun on my 35" scale Conklin 6. Obviously 34" scale is less neck to fight with, but I've felt that a lot of the less expensive 34" scale instruments are a tad lacking in the low B department. Some guys like thin necks, some want it a little thicker. Some dudes like narrow spacing, some like it wide.
I have been thinking about a 6 string for a while. I first picked up a 5 string about 8 months ago, and took to it like a duck to water, so adding an extra string seems like the next step. I'm used to tight spacing, as I my current main bass has (I think) 16.5mm spacing. I'm not sure whether I need it though. How do I know?
Well I made my switch to 6+ers cause I had gotten into two hand tapping and found myself running off the board after while. So I made the move and never looked back. Now I don't two hand tap much in my local gig but I'v always thought why would I want another bass just for tapping and one not.
Have your entire arsenal under your hands at all times
But after years on 6's and before that wide spaced 5's iv found that now my hands just cant get comfy on anything less.
Have your entire arsenal under your hands at all times
But after years on 6's and before that wide spaced 5's iv found that now my hands just cant get comfy on anything less.
Is there something you're playing now where you say to yourself "dang, it'd be great to be able to go higher/lower right now" ?? That's when you need it ....
I've played a 6 for 12 years now... Almost went back to 5, but when I play my 5/fretless, I miss the 'C' string....
The broader range and ease of a 4 octave range is why I stay with it.
**** You must find an instrument that the Low 'B' string is tight and sounds as good as your 'E' on a 4... Also, finding a 6 where the notes between 4th and 7th frets don't sound too twangy... ******
IMHO: A brass nut and a great bridge help to attain that along with a very solid build; body/neck/wood/bolting, etc.
I'm enjoying one from The Low End... Invalid Link Removed
The Yamaha TRB1006 is very well built and quite affordable! Eventually, I'd change out the pickups and preamp, but that's just me...
If you buy "cheap" that's what you'll end up with....
The broader range and ease of a 4 octave range is why I stay with it.
**** You must find an instrument that the Low 'B' string is tight and sounds as good as your 'E' on a 4... Also, finding a 6 where the notes between 4th and 7th frets don't sound too twangy... ******
IMHO: A brass nut and a great bridge help to attain that along with a very solid build; body/neck/wood/bolting, etc.
I'm enjoying one from The Low End... Invalid Link Removed
The Yamaha TRB1006 is very well built and quite affordable! Eventually, I'd change out the pickups and preamp, but that's just me...
If you buy "cheap" that's what you'll end up with....
I have played a 5 forever and in the last few years I have played a Ken Smith BT6G. The 6 gives you more "options" when trying to do more intriquate things. Hammering an E string may not need a 6 string. If you have short and stubby hands, don't get a 6. Like one other player responded, figure out why YOU want a 6 string. You can do almost everything with a 5 that you can do with a 6, but that 6 gives you a few more notes. I am also useless on a 4 string and I tolerate the 7 stringers.
I'm thinking of going the six string route. I just want to hear from 6 string bass players about why they enjoy the 6 and what led to your 6 decision. Please no 4 or 5 string bashing....
I've gone through 2 6 strings, my first was a fretted washburn el-cheapo (but actually a good bass) and my 2nd is my current tobias 6 string fretless.
I'm strongly considering getting another 6, in fact it's taking all my mental effort to restrain the ever-compressing GAS......
Besides the extended range, 6 strings are built like tanks - the necks are wide and the bodies are wider to accomodate the extra width. So oddly enough, the 6 string versions of many basses have a different sound from the 4 and 5 holders. Sometimes it's a deader, more hi-fi sound. So you get a different tonal option as a side benefit (if you want the different tone) simply by going with the 6 (or more) string version of a particular bass.
This is evident in my G&L for example, my L2500 5 holer has a very different flatter sound than my L2000 most of which comes from the heavier construction.
I've played the 4 string version of my tobias and it has a very different sound than the 6, even tho the electronics are the same (apart from the accomodation of the extra strings).
I like a flat, dead, but hi-fi sound with a lot of whack if I can get it, my L2500 sound over my L2000 is a good example. And my tobias, if I could somehow make it playable for me, has a very good whack to the tone when I pluck over the ramp.
LS
