I know there have been similar posts in the past, but stuff on the market does change quickly these days.
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Recommend a six string bass under $1500
- Thread starter DuluthDank
- Start date
Used Carvin would be my choice.
I’d avoid whatever that Ibanez is that every Guitar Center has. The reddish one.
I’d avoid whatever that Ibanez is that every Guitar Center has. The reddish one.
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Bryan R. Tyler
TalkBass: Usurping My Practice Time Since 2002
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- May 3, 2002
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If you don’t already play 6-string, nut width, string spacing, and neck shape can all play a big factor in determining whether a 6-string is comfortable or very difficult to play, noticeably more so than on basses with less strings. If you get a chance just play as many as you can, even if they’re well out of your budget, and find the specs that are most comfortable for you. From there look for those specs in the basses in your price range and it should narrow down your choices quite a bit.
I love my Ibanez BTB846V. Its 33" scale, and I have it strung up with balanced tension D'Addarios w/ a .145 on the low B and it plays and sounds amazing.
I've only played two other 6 strings (ESP 206, and some lower Ibanez model) and hated both. I gambled on the BTB from Sweetwater and totally glad I did, its my #1 bass now.
The one weird thing is the neck radius, its crazy flat. I actually like it, but definitely a different feel that my 5 strings.
I've only played two other 6 strings (ESP 206, and some lower Ibanez model) and hated both. I gambled on the BTB from Sweetwater and totally glad I did, its my #1 bass now.
The one weird thing is the neck radius, its crazy flat. I actually like it, but definitely a different feel that my 5 strings.
I very highly recommend that you consider a Peavey Cirrus. They are in your price range and are superior instruments.
yes, I love mine as well! I tuned it EADGCF.
And I also noticed the very flat radius. I think I like it for the most part.
To double stress these ^^^^ points ... six string is different in many ways, even though it may seem to be “just 1 or 2 more strings”. Things that might be very comfy on your 4 or 5 like a thin neck or wide spacing or certain scale lengths could, and frequently are, different with a six string. As Bryan said, play as many as you can get your hands on, even if they are above or below your price point and see what feels comfortable. Can’t stress that point enough ...
Used Carvin LB76. I had one that was really nice. You might be able to find a used Warwick Thumb BO 6 in your price range. I had one of those, too, one of the best basses I ever had.
LTD B-206SM. Best bass I've ever played. Lightyears ahead of any BTB or Warwick I've played on terms of value for money
You clearly have internet access so I'm going to let you do this one on your own. You don't even list preferences or style of music. If you say "I play metal, so what's good for that?" I'm going to lose it.....
+1 for tune basses. If you like white, there's a new one for sale from Canada for probably about $850 U.S. shipped. VSN guitars are pretty great to deal with, as well.
TUNE TWX61 SW - 6 String Bass - Snow White Finish
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Wolf basses are worth looking at.
Granted it's not a 6 string but I own a Wolf JB4 jazz bass type & it's outstanding.The 6 string models look really good. Great construction& woods. They do tend to be heavy.(Mine is). The prices are really good. Well under $1000. There's a young player my way who has a Wolf SSB-6 six string bass. Active/passive. Spalted maple finish. Looks & sounds like it's far more expensive. If I remember correctly I think he payed about $700`shipped. The only US dealer that I know of is All In One Guitars in LA. But they pop up on Ebay & Reverb. I bought mine from a seller on Reverb. All In One's sight is pretty informative.
Granted it's not a 6 string but I own a Wolf JB4 jazz bass type & it's outstanding.The 6 string models look really good. Great construction& woods. They do tend to be heavy.(Mine is). The prices are really good. Well under $1000. There's a young player my way who has a Wolf SSB-6 six string bass. Active/passive. Spalted maple finish. Looks & sounds like it's far more expensive. If I remember correctly I think he payed about $700`shipped. The only US dealer that I know of is All In One Guitars in LA. But they pop up on Ebay & Reverb. I bought mine from a seller on Reverb. All In One's sight is pretty informative.
Do this on my own? This is currently on the front page. Anyways, I don't believe in the concept of basses being for specific styles, so why would I be interested in somebody else's opinion on that? As far as preferences goes, I listed them in the title, and expect to figure the rest out based on the info I get from others and personal experience. So far this post has been useful as a primer.
