Every "true" bassist needs a 6-string bass.

[Greenman72]

I posted a similar question a while back. Curious to get the opinion of those around me.
Is there any real reason to buy a six-string bass? Or is it mostly going to collect dust?

 

[DrBnz]

A bass is just a string holder. They make em to hold as many as you'd like. If you see value in 6 that's fine. Its just another string, not a big deal.

 

[mouthmw]

You want it? Cool. You don’t? Cool.

 

[Baa]

I do have a 6'er, but more for the experience/fun factor than any real use.

 

[ole Jason]

I've mainly played 6 strings for years. I couldn't care less what anyone else plays. Forge your own path.

 

[M-Mittlesteadt]

"What it is man. What it is." ~ Dizzy Gillespie

Do what you need man. What you need.

 

[Bob_Ross]

There's a logical flaw in the premise and/or polling language: "You do you" is not consistent with "Every True Bassist Needs A 6-String" because that implies that "you" are not a "true bassist"

Semantics ftw!

 

[M-Mittlesteadt]

There's a logical flaw in the premise and/or polling language: "You do you" is not consistent with "Every True Bassist Needs A 6-String" because that implies that "you" are not a "true bassist"

Semantics ftw!

Except that needing one is not the same as having one. One could be a true bassist that feels they need a 6 string, and still not have one.


Semantics indeed.

 

[EdO.]

I was told earlier in my playing career that every REAL bassist should play only finger style, no picks. So there's that...

 

[JazznFunk]

If you're playing bass lines on a 6 string bass, you're a real bassist. The same is true on a 4 or 5 string bass. This 'what makes someone a real bassist' stuff is pretty cringe. A 6 string is extremely useful if you are doing chordal work, but I would argue that the only 'required' bass for any player is a solid 4-string. The 4 string is the cake. All other options are icing. YMMV.

 

[Bevan777]

No True Scotsman Fallacy

 

[Core Creek]

I’ve been playing 6’s for a few years but rarely is it needed. Unless you have a reason to play in the upper register there’s really no *need* for one. Just preference.

 

[mambo4]

The premise in the title is carrots

Is there any real reason to buy a six-string bass?

The only real reason do anything bass related:
you like how it sounds

 

[groovaholic]

Is there any real reason to buy a six-string bass?

Sure - plenty of good reasons!
None of those reasons are germane to my playing, and that's why I don't own a 6-string bass.

But never let anyone else's preconceived notions or biases get in the way of making the music you want to make!

 

[ahbradot]

I will play a 6 string bass after I completely master the 4 string bass.
I guess I'll never play a 6 then.
Oh well......

"Less is more" or I could just say, "4 is more"...

 

[InhumanResource]

I posted a similar question a while back. Curious to get the opinion of those around me.
Is there any real reason to buy a six-string bass? Or is it mostly going to collect dust?

They’re cool to read on. Less shifts. Otherwise though i think it’s just a question of personal taste and practicality. I don’t play anything that necessitates one.

 

[M-Mittlesteadt]

I’ve been playing 6’s for a few years but rarely is it needed. Unless you have a reason to play in the upper register there’s really no *need* for one. Just preference.

I "need" a 6 string because of physical issues that allow me to play all of the notes of a 4 string between the 5th and 12th frets of my 6 string. Playing in the upper registers is great for me when writing and recording where I may play more chordal things.

But my 6 string is THE shortest scale 4 string bass (in application) as far as reach goes.

It's the same kind of myth that a low B string is only for the four extra low notes.

 

[klokker]

I would use the word "real", but whatever. I'd say a real bassist can play electric or upright bass, is competent in theory and reading music. You can play and sing. Playing a 6 string is a pretty shallow standard for the subject.

I'd say I'm an OK bassist, but not a real one.

 

[DuluthDank]

Why stop at 6 when there is 7?

 

[djmay]

My main bass. I installed an Underhill Full English (underhillbass.com) preamp and sounds wonderfu.