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Ibanez 6 strings
- Thread starter J03YW
- Start date
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
I prefer the BTB, I don't like the SR B string, gets a little better in the prestige/MIJ ones but I hated my SR506 with a passion.
I had a BTB676 as my number one for a long while and while the B string is alright, it isn't great either. They are also extremely heavy, if you plan on doing 3 hour nights a few times a week I wouldn't get a BTB as my number 1.
I had a BTB676 as my number one for a long while and while the B string is alright, it isn't great either. They are also extremely heavy, if you plan on doing 3 hour nights a few times a week I wouldn't get a BTB as my number 1.
Six string BTBs are 17mm at the bridge, fives are 19mm. 17mm is still better than the 16.5mm spacing that most Ibanez sixes have.
First vote for the SR... An other difference is: btb are 35" scale length and SR are 34"... another difference than string spacing that affect playability, string tension, low B tightness... I had both 6 string versions (both bolt-on) and I prefered the SR models, nice slim necks, better for large interval and chords, but that is just my taste and opinion... String spacing was not an issue for me, as if you are new to 6 strings, anyway you will have to adapt to the 6 strings playing, so the spacing... I took me about a month to get used to the string spacing, and more to get used to how to play with two more strings (scale arpegio, etc...)
Try both and see what will do the trick for you...
Try both and see what will do the trick for you...
I currently play a BTB676, but I played an SR506 for years. The 506 is a great "intro-to-six-strings" kind of bass. Strictly speaking in terms of playability mind you. It isn't that big of a jump from a four or five string bass.
IMO, there is no contest in the low B between the two. The 676 is noticeably better.
Also FWIW, I also changed the preamp of the 506 to an Aguilar OBP-3 (a major improvement), and dropped Nordy Dual Coils and a Nordy pre into my BTB. Which sounds freakin' amazing to my ears.
IMO, there is no contest in the low B between the two. The 676 is noticeably better.
Also FWIW, I also changed the preamp of the 506 to an Aguilar OBP-3 (a major improvement), and dropped Nordy Dual Coils and a Nordy pre into my BTB. Which sounds freakin' amazing to my ears.
I'm sorry, Jim777, but you are not so right about the string spacing 
The 4 string BTB's have 19 mm string spacing. The 5 and 6 string versions however have 17 mm string spacing at the bridge
The 35 inch scale length, is correct though.
Accept for the playability, the woods are different too If he's interesting in the woods, he should look in the catalog of Ibanez for the past few years
The 4 string BTB's have 19 mm string spacing. The 5 and 6 string versions however have 17 mm string spacing at the bridge
The 35 inch scale length, is correct though.
Accept for the playability, the woods are different too
If he's interesting in the woods, he should look in the catalog of Ibanez for the past few years If I can jump in here, Check out ESP LTD either the B-416, D6 or the B-206. The 416 is a higher price tier, but well worth it (it's what I personally play).
I'm a prog metal guy too who was looking for a 6 string and Ibanez was somewhere I looked, then I tried these ESP's and they just felt so much better in so many ways. High recommendation for them!
I'm a prog metal guy too who was looking for a 6 string and Ibanez was somewhere I looked, then I tried these ESP's and they just felt so much better in so many ways. High recommendation for them!
You are correct sir, "BTB's string spacing is 19mm for 5-strings, and 17mm for 6-strings, offering more freedom on the fretboard, and comfortable access for finger picking and slapping." From [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I had literally just spoken to a new BTB owner who told me he bought it for the 19mm spacing; I'll need to call him today! lol
I'm sorry, Jim777, but you are not so right about the string spacing
The 4 string BTB's have 19 mm string spacing. The 5 and 6 string versions however have 17 mm string spacing at the bridge
That's also incorrect, as noted above.
There's always the new BTB7... Sonic arch pups... Man ohhh man!
Love my btb776pb.. Heavy but sounds n plays awesome... Good luck with your decision!!
I have 2 BTB 676s and I play in a metal band. One is fretted and the other is fretless. I have been swearing by them for years. The new bassist for Obscura, Linus, uses a fretless 676 also. Big fan of these basses for sure and plan to never be without one.
JPT and Dominic (Beyond Creation) are huge influneces on me. I played a fretless Warwick thumb nt like JPT for awhile but moved to the btb 676 shortly before he left Obscura and I never looked back. Kinda funny how the dude that replaced him plays one.
Lol yeah, I'm in the process of defretting a cheap dean 5 string for experiments. Not too big on fretless, I like the better attack on fretted basses.
Same here thats why I have a fretted version of the 676. I have a heavy right hand when playing so my action on all my 6 strings fretlesses are high. Right now I am actually prefering my 676 over my super decked out Roscoe #6363 fretless 6. There is just something about the 676 that is just killer.
