Need help buying a new 6er

[6ckbass]

Hey guys,

I'm on a quest to find the Holy Grail... Erm... A new 6 string bass! I currently have a 2004 Ibanez SR506 and I absolutely love it! However I have played the newer SR506's and 706's and they have a thinner neck and seem to be a bit easier for me to play in general, not sure if it's the action, neck, strings, or what but there's definitely that suits me better about them! However as much as I love Ibanez's cheap 6ers I feel like there is more out there. I have been curious about fretless and I'm a huge Les Claypool wannabe, yes I admit it, but they tend to be costly. I only have about a 700 budget to get a new bass, and yes I have been looking used everyday, so do ya'll have any suggestions for me?

Here's what I want in my 6er:
-thin neck
-prefer a 34" scale(small hands )
-good stock tone, lots of versatility(I don't want to buy new pups)
-BALANCE when wearing a strap
-prefer 16mm spacing but it's not a deal breaker for me

Playing style:
-I like to be versatile
-I do pretty much everything: Slap, tap, chords, pick, finger, double thumb(guess that falls under slap...)

I know that's asking for quite a bit, but I know the SR506 can deliver most of those to me already, but I just feel like there has to be other basses out there that are similar/better!

Also, how does the ESP LTD B-206SM compare?

And no I don't have a local store to test 6 strings unfortunately, so this purchase will be based on what I read online.

Thanks!

 

[Kwesi]

Lol, 6 string bass threads really are becoming the new "What's the best bass for metal?" threads. Does there have to be a sticky for every lil thang these days ?

 

[Mystic Michael]

It's not much of a budget for a good six-string. So I would suggest you focus on the aftermarket.

A Carvin LB76 could be a very good choice for you. Depends on whether you like the stock pickups or not.

Same thing with a used Carvin Icon 6 - though those might be a bit harder to find, and a bit pricier than an LB76...

Happy shopping,

MM

 

[waleross]

All I can do is to tell you what I bought and that was a Schecter Studio 6. It cost $900 including the case.

 

[ModulusQ5-122]

So you want a fretless or fretted? If you could bump your budget to about $800 you would have more options. You can find a used USA peavey cirrus 6 for about that. But i did see a cirrus 6 sell on ebay a couple of weeks ago for like $650. They are great basses. Keep an eye out and you will find what you are looking for in your price range.

 

[Craigster]

I'd try a Spector Legend (used) great sound & feel. That or a Schector Stilleto 6 (also used) I think you'll find that they would both fit your purpose well.

 

[6ckbass]

Lol, 6 string bass threads really are becoming the new "What's the best bass for metal?" threads. Does there have to be a sticky for every lil thang these days ?

Actually metal isn't my style, I do more funk than anything. But I have been searching for days for a thread pertaining to my situation. Everyone seems to want wide spacing and a 35 scale. I've also heard the schecters and spectors have thick necks which is a no go for me. But I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for a peavey cirrus 6! And yea I know my budget is slim, but I originally got my first Sr506 for 200 with a case, so with 700 who knows!

 

[Kwesi]

Actually metal isn't my style, I do more funk than anything. But I have been searching for days for a thread pertaining to my situation. Everyone seems to want wide spacing and a 35 scale. I've also heard the schecters and spectors have thick necks which is a no go for me. But I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for a peavey cirrus 6! And yea I know my budget is slim, but I originally got my first Sr506 for 200 with a case, so with 700 who knows!

I was actually referring to the frequency of post about wanting 6 string basses in the past 2 weeks. There have been quite a few.

To get a little more on topic, with your money, I would ONLY be looking at the Cirrus 6s. I'm a sucker for basses that "feel expensive" and the Cirrus completely nails that. Fast neck, great look, thick tone, those are some sweet basses. They were actually made to compete with Ken Smiths but I like the Cirrus basses better! They are, however, 35" scale just so you know.