I've been wanting a six string pretty badly lately, but dont know where to start. Im thinking cheaper and have have been looking into the ibanez SR506, the spector legend 6, and the schecter studio six. I play in a thrashy, more power metal band and I would really think the extended ranges would be fun to play with. What do you guys think?
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Help me pick my first sixer!
- Thread starter pedalguy1
- Start date
I've had the opportunity to play the ibanez at guitar center and i really liked it. The bart pickups are just so pure sounding. My only gripe is that its not really special looking. I like the natural looking finish, but the spector and shecter are just really pretty. (at least to me). But of course, Im going to take tone over looks.
- Jun 19, 2004
- 4,782
- 83
- 42
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist, Schroeder Cabinets
Unless you really need wide spacing for slapping, try to find a 6er with narrower spacing and a narrower nut-width, for your first one. It's a big jump from 4- or 5-strings to 6 as far as wrapping your hand around the neck. As your technique adjusts to accommodate a wider neck, you can start playing with wider spacing. Most 6-strings have 18mm spacing or less. You might also look for a 34"-scale for your first one for the same reason.
Balance becomes very important, the more strings you add, because of the extra weight at the headstock. Look for an instrument with lightweight tuning machines, and/or with a longer upper strap horn (extending to the 12th fret or so).
I'd also recommend not starting out with a very expensive one, until you get used to it (unless you just happen to find a great deal). A sixer is not for everyone and it's common for people to get one, try it out for a few months, discover this, and sell it at a loss. On the other hand, you don't want to get one that's cheap, because a good setup job becomes increasingly important on a big neck with a lot of tension from 6 strings. Many sixers have 2 truss rods and reinforcement with carbon-fiber rods or wood laminates. Start with the action low, until you get used to the bigger reaches, and then raise it for tone gradually. Don't strain; if it starts to hurt, stop, stretch, and wait awhile before you start playing again.
Also, don't get turned off by the tone on the C string, if it seems tinny at first. It could be your EQ settings and your amp, as well. Not all amps that sound great for 4- or 5-strings sound good with sixers, and the high C string tends not to sound very "bassy" in the first place. Adjust your settings until you find a tone that works well across the range of the instrument. A quality preamp becomes more important with an extended-range instrument.
As far as specific brands or models, there are so many to choose from... It depends a lot on your preferences and your budget. What kind of neck shape do you like? What kind of tone (what amp are you using)? How much do you want to spend? The more info we have, the easier it will be for us to recommend something for you. That said, the best way to find "your bass" is to play as many as you can and just see what feels good to you.
Hope this helps.
Balance becomes very important, the more strings you add, because of the extra weight at the headstock. Look for an instrument with lightweight tuning machines, and/or with a longer upper strap horn (extending to the 12th fret or so).
I'd also recommend not starting out with a very expensive one, until you get used to it (unless you just happen to find a great deal). A sixer is not for everyone and it's common for people to get one, try it out for a few months, discover this, and sell it at a loss. On the other hand, you don't want to get one that's cheap, because a good setup job becomes increasingly important on a big neck with a lot of tension from 6 strings. Many sixers have 2 truss rods and reinforcement with carbon-fiber rods or wood laminates. Start with the action low, until you get used to the bigger reaches, and then raise it for tone gradually. Don't strain; if it starts to hurt, stop, stretch, and wait awhile before you start playing again.
Also, don't get turned off by the tone on the C string, if it seems tinny at first. It could be your EQ settings and your amp, as well. Not all amps that sound great for 4- or 5-strings sound good with sixers, and the high C string tends not to sound very "bassy" in the first place. Adjust your settings until you find a tone that works well across the range of the instrument. A quality preamp becomes more important with an extended-range instrument.
As far as specific brands or models, there are so many to choose from... It depends a lot on your preferences and your budget. What kind of neck shape do you like? What kind of tone (what amp are you using)? How much do you want to spend? The more info we have, the easier it will be for us to recommend something for you. That said, the best way to find "your bass" is to play as many as you can and just see what feels good to you.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the advice. Right now im running a Peavey VB-2 into two Ampeg Svt 410He cabinets and my ideal tone would be something clear and deep. Im looking for versatility though, and I like to experiment. Im guessing the ibanez wins in this catagory because of the pickups. I think both the shecter and spector have EMG's which im not familiar with at all. I was reading the the string spacing was very narrow, and was wondering if it would be a long term problem. I really dont plan on slapping with the six string, but I would like to pursue tapping and chording.
I picked up an SR506 for a couple of minutes in a shop a few months ago, and I was a little put off by the flat neck. I'm used to the more rounded neck of a 4-string, and it felt weird playing what felt like a plank.
But I'm sure if I gave it more time, I'd get used to it.
But I'm sure if I gave it more time, I'd get used to it.
I'll also add a +1 recommendation for the Ibanez Sr506. I use it as my main bass in a classic rock cover band and original death metal band. The guitarists in my death metal band have commented that its the best sounding (live) bass they've ever heard, played through my Peavey 300 combo. The equalizer and pickup controls allow you to get a fairly large variety of tones, I'd recommend trying one out. I bought it blind and still love it.
I would definitely recommend the Ibanez... maybe even the BTB series (and I'm not saying that just because I have a very nice one for sale 
) as the BTB series is definitely well suited to your style of music. Whatever you go with, it'll certainly take time to get used to the move from 4 to 6, but that extended range sure is fun to deal with!
) as the BTB series is definitely well suited to your style of music. Whatever you go with, it'll certainly take time to get used to the move from 4 to 6, but that extended range sure is fun to deal with!
Are you sure you want/need a sixer? I'm not bashing the 6 and play one a lot, but I remember about 5-6 years ago where every local metal band was using a 6 and I'll be darned if I ever saw anyone use the high C string and rare use of the G. If your band plays in C, playing in C minor all night from the first position of a 6 string is a long stretch for your fingers. I subbed in a band that played in dropped C and my knuckles really freaking hurt.
Spector Legend 6 - my first 6 String - I have had it for about a month. Nothing to compare it to except my Fender and Spector 4 Strings - but I really really like it.
The spacing takes some getting used to and on some fast lines - I still over shoot a string here and there. But I felt pretty much at home on it after a few hours of playing. Shop around - I picked this one up on eBay it was mint - like someone bought it - and then sold it. The Gig Bag was Mint too. It is heavier than my P-Bass - but not very noticiable when I have it on and playing - the current issue of Bass Player has a review and they liked it too.
To me it sounds great - especially cool sounding in the upper register and the Basswood and Maple are very resonant. I am looking for another one and have a line on one - just waiting for the guy to get back to me. The earlier Legend 6 Strings had the HZ Emg's and Gold Hardware like the current Customs do.
It is a very nice Bass for the money I am very impressed and I am definitely keeping it. What I can't help but thinking - if these play and sound this good - what do the Ken Smiths and other Boutique Basses sound and play like. I am kind of GASing for the Todd Johnson Zon 6 now.
The spacing takes some getting used to and on some fast lines - I still over shoot a string here and there. But I felt pretty much at home on it after a few hours of playing. Shop around - I picked this one up on eBay it was mint - like someone bought it - and then sold it. The Gig Bag was Mint too. It is heavier than my P-Bass - but not very noticiable when I have it on and playing - the current issue of Bass Player has a review and they liked it too.
To me it sounds great - especially cool sounding in the upper register and the Basswood and Maple are very resonant. I am looking for another one and have a line on one - just waiting for the guy to get back to me. The earlier Legend 6 Strings had the HZ Emg's and Gold Hardware like the current Customs do.
It is a very nice Bass for the money I am very impressed and I am definitely keeping it. What I can't help but thinking - if these play and sound this good - what do the Ken Smiths and other Boutique Basses sound and play like. I am kind of GASing for the Todd Johnson Zon 6 now.
I have a Schector fretless and am very happy with it. The body on the Stiletto is fairly small, so you would want to play one before you bought it. It might have a bad case of "neck dive" with a 6 string neck. Look around on Ebay for a used Carvin LB76... much better quality than what you're looking at.
I've also heard the Schector has really narrow string spacing and i've been a little leary of it. Theres not one locally I can play.
The reason I don't like the Ibanez is because I'm a really skinny frail kinda guy, and playing bass can be rough as is but that Ibanez does nothing to help. The thing that makes it a definitive no-go for me is the balance, or lack there of. I'll start playing and without fail every ten minutes or so I have to stop because the headstock is about to hit the ground, and forget about standing up to play I just couldn't do it. Aside from the balance issue it actually is a nice playing bass with almost limitless tone sculpting options.
Of the choices you listed, I prefer the Ibanez. I prefer its playability and more importantly the tone over the Spector. The Spectors are just way to bright and midrangy sounding for my liking. I also do not like the pickups/preamp they put in the Spectors. The ones I've tried had a "clanky" type sound to them. Its a shame too because as far as quality goes they aren't too bad, but then again nor is the SR506s quality.
You can find used 506s selling for $350 or less. So I suggest if you do go with the Ibanez that you try and find a used one in good condition. I'm not sure what used Spectors cost.
You can find used 506s selling for $350 or less. So I suggest if you do go with the Ibanez that you try and find a used one in good condition. I'm not sure what used Spectors cost.
