Agreed, I just got one used for $150. One thing I would (and probably will) change is sand down the edge where my forearm rests. It's a little uncomfortable.
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Recommend a six string bass under $1500
- Thread starter DuluthDank
- Start date
If you're looking to get a 6-string new, I too would recommend the LTD B-206. I tried a preowned one in a music store and it was quite nice to play. Honestly, I found it nicer than the Ibanez Soundgear 6ers it competes with.
LTD also has the D-series 6-string, which was redesigned for 2020 (instead of having a merbau body like the previous generation of D basses, it now has a mahogany body with a poplar burl top). [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
It's 34" scale as opposed to the B-206's 35" scale. It also has different woods and a less beveled body shape. I've never tried a D-series LTD so I can't say whether B or D is better. They both seem to be different flavors of a similar thing. Kinda like how pinot grigio and chardonnay are both white wines, but they're different flavors.
Although this review is in Dutch, he seems to really like his D-6.
Otherwise, preowned is the way to go. There are some sweet 6-strings for sale in the TalkBass classifieds. I saw a couple of Carvin 6-strings in the classifieds selling for less than half your $1500 budget. So you'd be getting a Cadillac bass at a Chevy price.
LTD also has the D-series 6-string, which was redesigned for 2020 (instead of having a merbau body like the previous generation of D basses, it now has a mahogany body with a poplar burl top). [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
It's 34" scale as opposed to the B-206's 35" scale. It also has different woods and a less beveled body shape. I've never tried a D-series LTD so I can't say whether B or D is better. They both seem to be different flavors of a similar thing. Kinda like how pinot grigio and chardonnay are both white wines, but they're different flavors.
Although this review is in Dutch, he seems to really like his D-6.
Otherwise, preowned is the way to go. There are some sweet 6-strings for sale in the TalkBass classifieds. I saw a couple of Carvin 6-strings in the classifieds selling for less than half your $1500 budget. So you'd be getting a Cadillac bass at a Chevy price.
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Peavey Cirrus. Used prices are rising as folks discover just how awesome these basses play and sound.
Check in with the guys over at the USA Peavey and Cirrus club threads.
Boutique quality at great prices make a used Cirrus huge bang for the buck.
35” scale, not sure what the string spacing will be on the 6.
Check in with the guys over at the USA Peavey and Cirrus club threads.
Boutique quality at great prices make a used Cirrus huge bang for the buck.
35” scale, not sure what the string spacing will be on the 6.
I own a Wolf SSB-6 lined fretless. It looks a LOT like an Antoniotsai that's my main bass. But its 12.6lbs! The construction is excellent, nice pickups and EQ, neck-thru and active pickups. The neck is slightly wider but the string spacing is the same so it just feels a little chunkier. Also the neck has the same gloss finish on the back which some people don't like (I'm cool with it). At $600 its an excellent bass but beware of the weight, I guess I'd get a 5 if I did it again because the weight.
I've also got an Ibanez BTB676 in great shape but the neck is a little thin for my taste and still has that Ibanez sound which is fine but it's not really my thing. Trying to sell it for $600 but theres no market for used BTBs these days.
Oh, I had a Tune6 as well, japanese, late 90's. Also very nice, no resale value. The Antoniotsai is by far my favorite.
I've also got an Ibanez BTB676 in great shape but the neck is a little thin for my taste and still has that Ibanez sound which is fine but it's not really my thing. Trying to sell it for $600 but theres no market for used BTBs these days.
Oh, I had a Tune6 as well, japanese, late 90's. Also very nice, no resale value. The Antoniotsai is by far my favorite.
Harley Benton. dazzlin' quality for this ittybitty amount. you'd have $1100 left over.
Harley Benton BZ-6000 NT – Thomann United States
Harley Benton BZ-6000 NT – Thomann United States
Snagged me a Dean Edge 6 Fretless on here awhile back, but they also solf a bunch of them in fretted. I'd recommend them any time
Seriously, have you every played an Ibanez GSR 206 or 306 to make an evaluation like that?
I've got them both. they're a fantastic bargain for the money.
Beautiful bass. My wife bought a used one for be because it was "pretty" it's beautiful and hardly used. Im haveing a fret leveling done by a pro on it.
Three of the four Kiesel offerings start just under $1500. If you stick to mainly stock options it won't go over that. And it would be your choice of (stock) colors too.
Yes I’ve played it. My evaluation is “I’d avoid it.” Seriously.
For this price range you have plenty of opportunities, even more so when considering used. Expect to have as many suggestions as basses that fit in the price range (and even ones that do not fit!)
1st you've got to decide over 34" or 35". My preference goes to 35" but there are obviously good 34" low Bs. Then string spacing is also a factor. I wouldn't depart from 17.5-18 mm, but that's my preference, not yours.
My personal preference goes to MTD kingston Z6 or A. Gouché and Yamaha TRBs.
I'm no fan of Ibanez, there are far too many models although I admit to be tempted by some. But each time I see the electronics I'm just half convinced.
1st you've got to decide over 34" or 35". My preference goes to 35" but there are obviously good 34" low Bs. Then string spacing is also a factor. I wouldn't depart from 17.5-18 mm, but that's my preference, not yours.
My personal preference goes to MTD kingston Z6 or A. Gouché and Yamaha TRBs.
I'm no fan of Ibanez, there are far too many models although I admit to be tempted by some. But each time I see the electronics I'm just half convinced.
I had an SR506 for a little while, and I'd avoid that one. The electronics are pretty lacking so you'd probably need to upgrade either the pickups, preamp, or both. I would think you should be able to find a used MM Bongo 6 for that budget. I got one pretty recently and it is an incredibly versatile instrument and quite comfortable for a 6 string.
SRSC806 | SR | ELECTRIC BASSES | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars
If you can find one, the Ibanez SRSC806 is a fine bass, for well under your price. Not everyone likes the single cut design, but this one is pretty player friendly. I stupidly sold mine. I found the neck manageable and the string scale/spacing was comfortable for me, at 34” long and 18mm at the bridge. Sounded great, too.
If you can find one, the Ibanez SRSC806 is a fine bass, for well under your price. Not everyone likes the single cut design, but this one is pretty player friendly. I stupidly sold mine. I found the neck manageable and the string scale/spacing was comfortable for me, at 34” long and 18mm at the bridge. Sounded great, too.
If it were only down to electronics and build quality, I'd probably have the bongo at the top of my list! Looks on the other hand....I might be too shallow to love such a homely bass
Another vote for Peavey Cirrus. They sound and play like a $3000+ bass but you can find a used one for ~$900 on a good day. But as another poster mentioned, those opportunities are getting rarer and rarer.
There are good deals to be had on used Carvins too, but they’re more of a mixed bag in terms of options and sound quality IMO.
There are good deals to be had on used Carvins too, but they’re more of a mixed bag in terms of options and sound quality IMO.
Judging by that demo, I’d avoid this bass!
My vote goes to a used Yamaha TRB. Very good quality and sound fat, beefy, but clear and articulate. A used MTD Kingston AG6 is also agood shout.
