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My First 6-string

F

Fullmetal

Oct 18, 2008
371
1
34
United kingdom
#1
So I've been playing alot more progressive stuff thanks to Dream Theater, and using the higher end as well as the low-B on my 5 alot more. Since I have a 4 and a 5 (each for different styles), I was considering buying a 6 so I had full range.

I was going to try out some 6-strings at my local store (if they have any) and get a feel for it. I am trying to get hold of an Ibanez SR506, as I own an SR705. My 4 string bass is also Ibanez, and I love the slim necks because they are so much easier to play.

However, if anyone can suggest any other decent 6-strings for me to try out/buy at around the same price (about £400 / $650).

Many thanks.
 
#3
I like how the SR506's play, but I'm just not a fan of the whole color scheme. It's just kinda weird running your hands across that weird grain-ish thing, whatever that finish is called. But if you don't mind that, go right ahead. They play like a dream.
 
#5
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-D6-6String-Bass-Guitar?sku=516176

This. I have one, i like it quite a bit better than the ibanez 506's. (although they're still sweet basses, don't get me wrong). The Ltd is neck through, which the Ibanez is not, and it has better upper fret access. It doesn't really look as nice aesthetically as the ibanez, but it's an incredibly well made bass (better imho), and is something to consider.
 
#7
If you're in the market for an inexpensive 6 string, I'd recommend the Ibanez GSR206. It's the lowest quality 6 string Ibanez offers, however it's still a very nice instrument. I own one and love it. It's obviously not as great as the other models they offer, but the tone control, sound and feel are still very good. Plus, at $300 (the least expensive on the market currently) who can complain!?

I was able to trade in 2 of my older guitars (bought on clearance prices at Guitar Center and sold at regular retail price to Instrumental Music) and walked out the door $50 out of pocket. Price/Quality = Highly Recommended
 
#8
J-Building said:
I like how the SR506's play, but I'm just not a fan of the whole color scheme. It's just kinda weird running your hands across that weird grain-ish thing, whatever that finish is called. But if you don't mind that, go right ahead. They play like a dream.
Click to expand...

I love my SR705, but I love the SR506 colour scheme. It looks awesome. There is an SR506 in the classifieds right now which is white, but it doesn't look right.

El-Bob said:
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-D6-6String-Bass-Guitar?sku=516176

This. I have one, i like it quite a bit better than the ibanez 506's. (although they're still sweet basses, don't get me wrong). The Ltd is neck through, which the Ibanez is not, and it has better upper fret access. It doesn't really look as nice aesthetically as the ibanez, but it's an incredibly well made bass (better imho), and is something to consider.
Click to expand...

I'm intending to give one of these a try at my local store as they stock the D4, D5 and D6. They look really nice, but I'm not a fan of EMG pickups.

kevin newsham said:
Personally I would suggest checking the used market. I found and fell in love with a Peavey TL6, and now own two. That is about the price range for a good quality TL6, and the quality is IMHO, right up with the Ken Smiths I have played. Neck thru construction, with EMG pickups, even though some are badged PV.
Click to expand...

I have been looking through the used market (since people are gunna be selling basses to pay for Xmas :P) will see if I can find and try a Peavey TL6, but again not so keen on EMGs.
 
#12
Cix said:
If you're in the market for an inexpensive 6 string, I'd recommend the Ibanez GSR206. It's the lowest quality 6 string Ibanez offers, however it's still a very nice instrument. I own one and love it. It's obviously not as great as the other models they offer, but the tone control, sound and feel are still very good. Plus, at $300 (the least expensive on the market currently) who can complain!?

I was able to trade in 2 of my older guitars (bought on clearance prices at Guitar Center and sold at regular retail price to Instrumental Music) and walked out the door $50 out of pocket. Price/Quality = Highly Recommended
Click to expand...

I'll echo this although with a caveat- the B string isn't great, at least on mine. I'm trying to figure out if it's a setup issue, a hardware issue or if the pickups simply need replacing. It's light, cheap, and plays pretty good. I got it because of the price, but also to upgrade at some point.
 
#14
ESP LTDs can be very nice, But I found their 5 stringers a bit wearing on fretting hand due to overly narrow top of fretboard to back of neck. Diff a tri it before you buy it neck profile. Id assume the 6 stringers also have this narrower thickness top of fretboard to back of neck. The Ibanez's Ive tried where more comfortable neck profile to me. Still, I just play four string for greatest comfort and enough tonal range for me. But did want to comment about ESP LTD since my experience showed their neck thickness top to back was diff profile then the four strings and thus somehow cramping to my hand after awhile when had one briefly.
 
#15
darkstorm said:
ESP LTDs can be very nice, But I found their 5 stringers a bit wearing on fretting hand due to overly narrow top of fretboard to back of neck. Diff a tri it before you buy it neck profile. Id assume the 6 stringers also have this narrower thickness top of fretboard to back of neck. The Ibanez's Ive tried where more comfortable neck profile to me. Still, I just play four string for greatest comfort and enough tonal range for me. But did want to comment about ESP LTD since my experience showed their neck thickness top to back was diff profile then the four strings and thus somehow cramping to my hand after awhile when had one briefly.
Click to expand...
yep, the LTD is pretty thin, but it's about the same as the Ibanez sixers.
 
#16
I tried out a 6-string today. It was an LTD B416, I kinda liked the looks and sound of it, but it was the feel I was after. It definately felt nice to play, very thin for a 6, and I enjoyed playing it. Doodling with the new 6th string sounded kinda sloppy, but it all takes practice.

However, considering the price, I'm still thinking of going for an Ibanez SR506.
 
#17
NicJimBass said:
I'll echo this although with a caveat- the B string isn't great, at least on mine. I'm trying to figure out if it's a setup issue, a hardware issue or if the pickups simply need replacing. It's light, cheap, and plays pretty good. I got it because of the price, but also to upgrade at some point.
Click to expand...

Figured out it was a pickup issue with the B string. Acoustically it sounds great, and it's tight enough for me, but the stock pickups are weak on the low frequencies. Should have new pickups this week (Alumitone BassBars).
 
#19
sixway said:
Cool - let us know what you think of the Alumitones once you've put them in.... or throw up a before-and-after clip if you can.
Click to expand...

The weird thing is, when I record, the B string difference isn't as noticeable. There's definitely a difference, volume-wise, but it's not as pronounced as when I play through my amp. I'll definitely throw up some before and after clips.
 
#20
Anytime I play a 5 string I stop feeling like a bassist. Most recently I was playing a 5 at the mall, some odd Ibanez and I thought "wow this doesnt feel right". I get the point of a 5 all that "extended range" but a 6? I dont get it.
 

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