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Looking into buying a new six stringer....

F

Fum

May 2, 2008
13
0
#1
Hi guys. For a while now I've been playing an old Ibanez SR406, and I've never played any other six string bass. So I'm really not too sure where I stand presently in terms of quality - I know the action seems pretty high (and can't go any lower without buzzing) compared to some four strings basses, but that might just be the way six string basses are - I don't know. I'm used to it. I've been curious for a while if six string basses can get much better in terms of sound and action, but have never been motivated enough to get out there and try something new until lately, when the electronics on my bass have started to become flakey - crackly, cuting out, distorting. And my band is probably going to be doing some shows this summer, so I can't have something this unreliable. So now I'm finally looking to see what's out there, and hoping to get some good input from from other bassists.

I've been looking on musiciansfriend.com at the Peavy Grind 6, the Dean Edge 6, and the Shecter (sp?) Studio 6, and the Ibanez 506 - they're all around my price range ($400 to $800) but I'm not sure at all how much of an upgrade they would be over my 406, and if it'd be more worth my while to just bring my bass into a shop and get the electronics fixed up / replaced. What do you guys think?

Alos I just came accross a Yamaha TRB-6 on craigslist (by way of the hot deals forum - thanks), and it is a couple hour drive from me. Here it is: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] . I admit I liked the idea of buying something new and in tip-top shape for giging, but if this is a really good deal I might go for it. So what's the deal with this bass? How does it compare to the TRB6IIs that sell in the thousands?

Thanks,
Fum
 
#4
Size is no obsticle - I've got long arms and big ole hands - the SR406 feels pretty small to me, actually. Would I notice a significant upgrade going from 406 to 506? Worth the $650 over whatever it'd cost to replace my electronics?

How would your BTB campare to the TRB I listed? Or both of them to my 406, for that matter?
 
#8
LowBSix said:
DON'T MESS AROUND!!! This is an awesome bass!!! He's willing to trade and might to a trade + $ depending on what you've got!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=420142
Click to expand...

Yeah, I wish. Maybe if I ever get a proper job - but why would I want to do that?

I'm actaully really interested in somebody's assesment of the TRB I linked to on craigslist - I've been able to find lots of reviews for TRB6Ps and IIs, but I can't seem to find any word on the plain TRB6s - is there much difference at all? Looks aren't hugely importaint to me, so if this bass really is comparable to those TRBs that sell in the thousands, I will easily get over all the cosmetic wear.

Thanks.
 
#9
Fum said:
Yeah, I wish. Maybe if I ever get a proper job - but why would I want to do that?

I'm actaully really interested in somebody's assesment of the TRB I linked to on craigslist - I've been able to find lots of reviews for TRB6Ps and IIs, but I can't seem to find any word on the plain TRB6s - is there much difference at all? Looks aren't hugely importaint to me, so if this bass really is comparable to those TRBs that sell in the thousands, I will easily get over all the cosmetic wear.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

DON'T CHEAP OUT!!!! Sell every effect you own, work extra time, trade your bass and give him $$$ to get that LowEnd6String! You'll have it for the rest of your life!!! It's a KEEPER!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=420142

The right sounding and playing bass improves your desire to practice more, which improves your technique and you become a much better player!!!!
 
#10
I had a peavey axcelerator 6 for a bit, it sounded good. It had what essentially became the cirrus 2 band electronics in it, US made, sounded balanced across the board, and was very stable setupwise. And like almost anything Peavey they're inexpensive used.
But, it's a 35in scale, and that combined with six strings was just a bit too much to handle. It was also pretty heavy IIRC.
All that said, if you find one used, they're a pretty good deal. If I felt I needed or wanted a six I'd still own it.
 
#11
if you play fast slap, a 6 string might not be the bass for you, especially if you have big hands. i have a peavey grind 6 string, and it plays amazingly once i got it set up right, but it still is a pain to slap on. if you are mainly concerned about slapping and still want a 6 string, go for the widest string spacing you can find.
 
#13
Grantrudd said:
if you play fast slap, a 6 string might not be the bass for you, especially if you have big hands. i have a peavey grind 6 string, and it plays amazingly once i got it set up right, but it still is a pain to slap on. if you are mainly concerned about slapping and still want a 6 string, go for the widest string spacing you can find.
Click to expand...

Well, my old 406 is a pretty small six string from what I understand, and I have no trouble slapping the **** out of it. Although larger string spacing might not hurt....but I definitely want to stick with a sixer - almost every song I play uses the B and the C string it seems. I can't do much at all on a four string these days.... On that note, actaully, anyone know the string spacing and scale of the TRB I'm looking at?

LowBSix: give me 'till the end of the summer, I should be a rockstar by then, and I'll be able to afford a new LowEnd6 by then. :D
 

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