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Is a 6 the one to rule them all?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 165050
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#41
All the yahoos bemoaning a bass with more than 4 strings need to put their money where their mouth is and stick to full size upright bass, bowed.

Go for it. My first six was a fretless when I was 18 and it taught me a lot. And the range will certainly cover anything that you might encounter.
 
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#43
ficelles said:
So I have 4 5-stringers, 3 are fretless of which 2 are strung BEADG and since a few days ago 1 is now EADGC. So now I'm a high C virtuoso (that's sarcasm btw) I am wondering if a 6 string fretless will be the one to rule them all? I'd still keep the 5s and most of the 4s but I'm sorely tempted...

But wouldn't it look like I just want to be a guitarist?
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Go for it.:bassist: Just figure out what string spacing works for you. Although I don't own a 6-er I do know that the Dean 6 string basses probably have the tightest string spacing not counting the Bass VI type of 6-er (which would definitely make you look like you just wanted to be a guitarist).:smug:
And if you don't like it, depending on what it is, and as @Killing Floor mentioned, I might just buy it from you if it doesn't work out, though shipping from your location would probably change my mind.:unsure:
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#44
A9X said:
This is the point that I think a lot of '4 only' players miss. If you're in a traditional rock / pop / funk style band an ERB may not be a lot of use, except for allowing you to play in different positions and more across rather than along the neck. My one, very limited gig at the moment is accompanying 2 girls who play acoustics and sing, beautifully. As they're strummers, I provide the melody and playing up into the guitar range can fill out the sound markedly.
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This point describes my curiosity about what it would be like to try a 6. I play in a three-piece with a singer/guitarist who pretty much supplies guitar crunch texture, but not a lot of melody. My attempt to play bass in that mix invariably ends up with me attempting to inject melody and syncopation. Not always successfully...

...but I wonder if I could find uses for the extended range and still be my "mostly low notes" self. Something to think about...
 
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#45
05A462AD-29D0-4555-BB1C-28F55C2C1348.jpeg
Not pictured is my Roscoe SKB 3006 6-string.

I've been playing a 6-string since 2004. I've played Top 40, Rock, R&B, Oldies, you name it. I've even played Modern Country gigs on a 6-string.

It is possible play a 6-string and play in the pocket, just like all the other bass players do.

BTW, I also play 4-strings and 5-strings.
 
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#47
ficelles said:
So I have 4 5-stringers, 3 are fretless of which 2 are strung BEADG and since a few days ago 1 is now EADGC. So now I'm a high C virtuoso (that's sarcasm btw) I am wondering if a 6 string fretless will be the one to rule them all? I'd still keep the 5s and most of the 4s but I'm sorely tempted...

But wouldn't it look like I just want to be a guitarist?
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I did that with my Spector 5 and it went just fine. But the 6 strings are another thing. Completely.
IMG_20210412_121541.jpg


Not to mention that i love my 4's (fot example my EBMM SR bass)

IMG_20210529_153702.jpg
 
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#48
ficelles said:
Now I have to get one to prove I'm one in a hundred and need more than four...
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I suspect one in a hundred is a significant understatement if you talking 6-string fretless. My TRB6P has been my #1 since about 1995, but I could never get comfortable on fretless bass guitar despite my upright bass background.

If you play a 6-string exclusively for an extended time, it may drastically transform how you get around the neck. With a 6-string you tend to shift less, and play across the strings more. Of course with fretless you will probably be inclined to choose the string and fret position based on the timbre you want.


If you are interested, definitely go for it! :hyper:

Maybe you will love it; maybe you will hate. IMHO, only one way to find out ;).
 
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#49
mexicanyella said:
This point describes my curiosity about what it would be like to try a 6. I play in a three-piece with a singer/guitarist who pretty much supplies guitar crunch texture, but not a lot of melody. My attempt to play bass in that mix invariably ends up with me attempting to inject melody and syncopation. Not always successfully...

...but I wonder if I could find uses for the extended range and still be my "mostly low notes" self. Something to think about...
Click to expand...

I believe you can. It's just like anything else, you just have to put in the practice time on one. I really enjoy playing a 6-string.

On a gig, I play my 6-string pretty much like I play my 4-string or my 5-string. First and foremost I'm a bassist. I supply the bottom end, and along with the drummer, I provide the pocket, and I'm always focused on playing tastefully.


At home, I practice playing chords, lead lines, and I work on soloing. I also work on playing grooves, producing a solid tone with my hands, etc.

But if I'm required to play bass in an ensemble l play bass. I leave the other things that I practice at home at home.
 
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#57
Yes. The more tunings I use, the more strings I acquire. I'm up to 6 strings and alternate between 4 tunings that cover what otherwise would be 6 separate tunings on probably about 3 basses.

My little sister has my 4 and my 5 sits in a case nowadays :cautious:

Edit: My other 6 is Mr. Potato strung up w/ Labella gold flats In drop A for those jazz and country sessions. :smug:
 
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