• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Making the leap to an (inexpensive) 6 string bass

dr_gonzo

dr_gonzo

Apr 27, 2017
112
155
#1
Hi everyone,

I've been taking lessons from an amazing teacher. She plays a six string bass. Up until now, I had never ever considered moving away from the 4 string, I just felt insecure with my skills and figured mo' strings, mo' problems; plus, if you whip out a sixer, (I believed) people expect you to play the heck out of it. Anyways, I've been getting more confident and seeing the real use of having a six string, specially for studying chords and improv with a loop pedal, but also for the music I like to play (rap, hip hop, jazz, r&b, a bit of funk). Also, I'd have the oportunity to be taught by a pro.

So, I just wanted to hear some thoughts about budget six string basses. There are two important disclaimers: one, I don't have a lot of money to spend (mainly because this is an "experiment", I want to see how I adapt to it before making a bigger investment), and also, I live in Chile, meaning there will be a lot of brands you guys have on the US or UK that aren't commercialized here. I'm buying used to get the best out of my money, and these are the basses I've come across in the local classifieds.

I've converted the asking price to dollars. It's common practice to bargain, so probably all of these would come down a bit in price. Also, very important: not all of these people live in my city, so it's dificult to actually play them all. Closer I can get is to play the models sold in the store, but in many cases not the actual bass.

Cheaper basses
· Ibanez GSR396: 265 USD
· Ibanez Gio (unknown model)*: 330 USD
· Ibanez GSR256: 330 USD
· Cort Action VI-A: 297 USD

Mid-priced basses
· ESP LTD B-206SM: 495 USD
· Ibanez SR506: 577 USD
· Ibanez BTB676: 577 USD

Weight is also a big factor here, and part of why I need external input. I don't have a bad back per se, but would definetely prefer a bass on the lighter side. Have you tried any of these? Would you emphatically recommend one of the above? I would rather not spend more than 400 bucks.

Thanks so much!

* The owner didn't know the exact model, but he sent pics. I haven't had any luck IDing the bass either, can someone try?
 
#3
tfer said:
I play the ESP. I guarantee that if weight is a concern, you’ll hate it.

Mine is a couple ounces shy of 15 lbs.
Click to expand...
Yes, it was really one of my favs until I read about the weight issue. I'd be carrying it around a lot and I also like to play standing up, so 15 lbs is kind of a lot (I'm working out though!). Have you gigged with it?
 
#5
This bass was my moneymaker for about eight years. Inexpensive, high-quality and reliable. Schecter knows how to make them. New for $659 USD, but a used price will likely be far less.

Invalid Link Removed


418532_2975676063884_1711491205_n.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Element Zero
#7
twinjet said:
This bass was my moneymaker for about eight years. Inexpensive, high-quality and reliable. Schecter knows how to make them. New for $659 USD, but a used price will likely be far less.

Invalid Link Removed


View attachment 2861631
Click to expand...
Hi! Thank for the input but, alas, this bass isn't available in my country.

EpicSoundtracks said:
can't beat Cort in the value department, IMO. I believe (and I expect someone will correct me if I'm wrong) that Cort builds many Ibanez basses in their factories.
Click to expand...

I was leaning for the Cort as well, but couldn't really find any info on it. Just two youtube videos, and practically nothing here on TB. Have you played one?
 
#8
The pic you linked to is an older Ibanez SR (Soundgear).

Personally I like the Ibanez 6s. I had an Ibanez BTB 6 when they were still bolt on construction. I really liked it. Ended up getting rid of it because I ran into to many knuckleheads that thought if played a 6 you were only a jazz player. I actually lost possible gigs because of it. I loved playing a 6 because of the variety and range it provided. Was actually window shopping for another 6'r last night.

From my experience with 6s and playing the low to midrange 6s, I'd really recommend the Ibanez stuff. I have played the ESP/LTD B series 6 several times and as much as I want to like it, it just doesn't feel as nice to me. The Ibanez stuff just feel nice and is typically pretty light. The GIO line 6 is decent, but you'll probably feel the upgrade bug quickly. I would suggest the SR306E personally. Given the opportunity it's the one I'm gonna go with.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ThinCrappyTone, Alik and scuzzy
#9
dr_gonzo said:
Hi! Thank for the input but, alas, this bass isn't available in my country.



I was leaning for the Cort as well, but couldn't really find any info on it. Just two youtube videos, and practically nothing here on TB. Have you played one?
Click to expand...

i've played many Corts over the years, but not the Action series.

i've been drooling over the Artisan line myself; out of your price range at the moment, but they're on par with Ibanezes and other basses costing twice as much.

Cort Artisan A6-Plus-FMMH, Open Pore Natural, Neck Thru, Mahogany Body
 
#10
Rickter said:
The pic you linked to is an older Ibanez SR (Soundgear).

Personally I like the Ibanez 6s. I had an Ibanez BTB 6 when they were still bolt on construction. I really liked it. Ended up getting rid of it because I ran into to many knuckleheads that thought if played a 6 you were only a jazz player. I actually lost possible gigs because of it. I loved playing a 6 because of the variety and range it provided. Was actually window shopping for another 6'r last night.

From my experience with 6s and playing the low to midrange 6s, I'd really recommend the Ibanez stuff. I have played the ESP/LTD B series 6 several times and as much as I want to like it, it just doesn't feel as nice to me. The Ibanez stuff just feel nice and is typically pretty light. The GIO line 6 is decent, but you'll probably feel the upgrade bug quickly. I would suggest the SR306E personally. Given the opportunity it's the one I'm gonna go with.
Click to expand...

Nice, thanks. I haven't seen any SR306, sadly... but I'll keep on the lookout. Is the BTB heavy?
 
#12
Rickter said:
Here is the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Here it is at Sweetwater.
The BTB wasn't terribly heavy, but it wasn't light either. The SRs I've played felt notably lighter.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah, I meant in the local market. No store imports them and the only international seller (via our version of ebay) that I could find brings them new at a whooping 1356 dollars each. You guys are so lucky to get these instruments NEW at those prices.
 
#14
Like you, I am also looking for an inexpensive 6er to make the step and have zero chance of trying any 6 strings around here.

I managed to get to try a few a couple of.months ago, but strangely no Ibanez 6 strings were in stock the places I went.

I played the Cort Artisan mentioned above and thought it was a beautiful bass, but the price on it here is nearly 900€ ($1100) so I would really prefer something cheaper to test the waters.

Some of the Ibanez look promising, but I can't get to like the necks on their 4s and 5s (the ones that I have tried) so I am not sure if I would have the same issue with the 6.
 
#16
Click the link in my sig to the Douglas six string that I had my drummer paint (he does auto body & restorations). He did a great job on it. Not to mention that I got it for $80 used, and it is THE best darn playing bass I've owned (it doesn't sound too bad either!).

I had an Ibby 806(?) that was a beautiful bass and sounded good too, but I traded it for a G&L. The neck is thin - I prefer thicker necks, and enjoy playing the Douglas more than the Ibanez. @JACink, if you don't like Ibanez as a rule, you probably won't dig a six string either. What specifically don't you care for?

Best of luck on your search OP - I say go for it and take full advantage of what your teacher can offer.

Raz
 
  • Like
Reactions: joenoone
#17
Razman said:
@JACink, if you don't like Ibanez as a rule, you probably won't dig a six string either. What specifically don't you care for?
Click to expand...

I can't quite pinpoint what it is, I just feel a little cramped in the first few frets. I haven't tried a ton of Ibanez, but at least 10 or 15 different ones (mostly 4's but also some 5's) and I just felt the same thing on all of them. It's a shame because they meke some really nice basses :(
 
#20
dr_gonzo said:
Hi everyone,

I've been taking lessons from an amazing teacher. She plays a six string bass. Up until now, I had never ever considered moving away from the 4 string, I just felt insecure with my skills and figured mo' strings, mo' problems; plus, if you whip out a sixer, (I believed) people expect you to play the heck out of it. Anyways, I've been getting more confident and seeing the real use of having a six string, specially for studying chords and improv with a loop pedal, but also for the music I like to play (rap, hip hop, jazz, r&b, a bit of funk). Also, I'd have the oportunity to be taught by a pro.

So, I just wanted to hear some thoughts about budget six string basses. There are two important disclaimers: one, I don't have a lot of money to spend (mainly because this is an "experiment", I want to see how I adapt to it before making a bigger investment), and also, I live in Chile, meaning there will be a lot of brands you guys have on the US or UK that aren't commercialized here. I'm buying used to get the best out of my money, and these are the basses I've come across in the local classifieds.

I've converted the asking price to dollars. It's common practice to bargain, so probably all of these would come down a bit in price. Also, very important: not all of these people live in my city, so it's dificult to actually play them all. Closer I can get is to play the models sold in the store, but in many cases not the actual bass.

Cheaper basses
· Ibanez GSR396: 265 USD
· Ibanez Gio (unknown model)*: 330 USD
· Ibanez GSR256: 330 USD
· Cort Action VI-A: 297 USD

Mid-priced basses
· ESP LTD B-206SM: 495 USD
· Ibanez SR506: 577 USD
· Ibanez BTB676: 577 USD

Weight is also a big factor here, and part of why I need external input. I don't have a bad back per se, but would definetely prefer a bass on the lighter side. Have you tried any of these? Would you emphatically recommend one of the above? I would rather not spend more than 400 bucks.

Thanks so much!

* The owner didn't know the exact model, but he sent pics. I haven't had any luck IDing the bass either, can someone try?
Click to expand...
The GIO is a GSR206SM that is very comfortable to play. And you are right, it's about $330 brand new but may not include a case for that price. I purchased this bass as an "entry level" 6er. After playing a 5er and 4 all of my life. The main problem with a six, is two fold. One, string spacing is very close, about 16mm on my GSR. The other is neck width. If you have smallish hands, i.e. short fingers, this is another consideration to keep in mind. Otherwise, go for it. But remember, the string spacing on a Fender Jazz as an example, is about 19mm.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back