School me on budget six strings

[HateyMcAmp]

I started on bass guitar but haven't really had a nice one for a while, playing double bass and some acoustic guitar. When I need to play BG, I usually will dust off my old Ibanez GSR200, which I'm very used to and kind of like. The other day, I played a friends musicman 5 string and got thinking of extended range basses, and I think I would like a sixer, mostly to a aviod shifting and to simify sight-reading. While googling, I noticed Ibanez now makes a six string version of the bass I currently own, and I figure I can get a used one for peanuts. It it a real, functioning six or mostly a toy? I'm also interested in any other six string that could be had for sub-300 bucks new or used. I have a trillion dollars tied into my DB gear and really couldn't push the budget too much. Can I find anything usable at that price?

 

[Edmang]

You might want to check out a Peavey Grind. Used for under $300 for sure. Electronics are not the greatest but bass itself is good.

 

[spanndrew]

Esp ltd b206 should be sub 300 used, and would probably be a slight bump in quality of low end ibanez. However, I love ibanez and you probably would still enjoy the 6 string version of your current bass. Peavey is good too, as mentioned above me.

 

[bassbenj]

I started on bass guitar but haven't really had a nice one for a while, playing double bass and some acoustic guitar. When I need to play BG, I usually will dust off my old Ibanez GSR200, which I'm very used to and kind of like. The other day, I played a friends musicman 5 string and got thinking of extended range basses, and I think I would like a sixer, mostly to a aviod shifting and to simify sight-reading. While googling, I noticed Ibanez now makes a six string version of the bass I currently own, and I figure I can get a used one for peanuts. It it a real, functioning six or mostly a toy? I'm also interested in any other six string that could be had for sub-300 bucks new or used. I have a trillion dollars tied into my DB gear and really couldn't push the budget too much. Can I find anything usable at that price?

Not a toy! Far from it! I've got an Ibby GSR206 and it is one of my favorite 6ers. (And note I have things like Ken Smith (amazing bass), Modulus (even more amazing) and Alembic (Well it's an Alembic, nothing more needs said) to choose from!) It was not peanuts. Nearly new price for a well-used bass. (About $200) But as soon as I took it from the wall and played it I KNEW I HAD to own it! It's main problems are it's not 24 frets (I prefer that in a 6er) and the pickups don't evenly cover the strings so you have to boost bass and treble a bit to compensate. But Cripes the thing just ROCKS and plays like a dream! I also bought a used SR506 which is 24 frets and does cover strings evenly but I still love that GSR206. The bass is simply a keeper! Original plan was to convert the GSR206 to fretless but I love it so much I just haven't had the heart to start sawing on it!

I also recommend the EXP LTD B206SM (SM means spalted maple... what a looker!). It has a more standard active 6 string tone than the fatter sounding Ibbies, but feel, workmanship and looks are top of the line. Got mine new for $400. Huge bargain. Just saw one at GC for $400 used but it looked like new. I think it's about what music you intend to play on your 6er. If it's more toward jazz or original compositions I'd think about B206SM. More towards rock I'd think about one of Ibby SRX06 series of basses.

None of these are toys!

By the way also check out RondoMusic.com for the SX 6 string fender clone. (my avatar) They may need a bit of tweaking but are huge buys (I have 3 of them). Just the thing for music tending toward "old School".

 

[Clark Dark]

sub $300 and Rondo are synonymous

 

[AngelCrusher]

Not a toy! Far from it! I've got an Ibby GSR206 and it is one of my favorite 6ers. (And note I have things like Ken Smith (amazing bass), Modulus (even more amazing) and Alembic (Well it's an Alembic, nothing more needs said) to choose from!) It was not peanuts. Nearly new price for a well-used bass. (About $200) But as soon as I took it from the wall and played it I KNEW I HAD to own it! It's main problems are it's not 24 frets (I prefer that in a 6er) and the pickups don't evenly cover the strings so you have to boost bass and treble a bit to compensate. But Cripes the thing just ROCKS and plays like a dream! I also bought a used SR506 which is 24 frets and does cover strings evenly but I still love that GSR206. The bass is simply a keeper! Original plan was to convert the GSR206 to fretless but I love it so much I just haven't had the heart to start sawing on it!

I also recommend the EXP LTD B206SM (SM means spalted maple... what a looker!). It has a more standard active 6 string tone than the fatter sounding Ibbies, but feel, workmanship and looks are top of the line. Got mine new for $400. Huge bargain. Just saw one at GC for $400 used but it looked like new. I think it's about what music you intend to play on your 6er. If it's more toward jazz or original compositions I'd think about B206SM. More towards rock I'd think about one of Ibby SRX06 series of basses.

None of these are toys!

By the way also check out RondoMusic.com for the SX 6 string fender clone. (my avatar) They may need a bit of tweaking but are huge buys (I have 3 of them). Just the thing for music tending toward "old School".

This is real interesting to read considering so many reviews on these basses are negative. Im really open to an inexpensive 6er. The one I will get one day is what you have - a Ken Smith. Nothing plays like that.

But reviews on the LTD say that the tone is pretty blah and it is hard to replace the pickups. They say the Ibanez is very poorly built and also hard ti upgrade pickups. Can you speak to that as I'm interested in getting a good 6er for a solo project, but it needs to record well.

 

[dabbler]

sub $300 and Rondo are synonymous

^ This. And my SX Ursa 2 6es are a VERY reasonable way to try a 6er.

 

[HateyMcAmp]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I had an SX Jazz that was pretty good with no mods other than new strings, so I was curious about them...I think the look of the SX would go over better at gigs, too. I might have to wait until they come back in stock at rondo.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I had an SX Jazz that was pretty good with no mods other than new strings, so I was curious about them...I think the look of the SX would go over better at gigs, too. I might have to wait until they come back in stock at rondo.

Man I may get right in line with you on this. I have a chain all set up for a J bass already and since it is passive, I don't have to worry about cheap electronics or anything like that.

Wonder if pickup replacement is easy on this..havent seen too many 6 string jazzes. I love the maple neck. This could be the ticket until I buy a Ken Smith.

The one negative besides crappy QC is the string spacing seems like it may be incredibly tight.

 

[bassbenj]

This is real interesting to read considering so many reviews on these basses are negative. Im really open to an inexpensive 6er. The one I will get one day is what you have - a Ken Smith. Nothing plays like that.

But reviews on the LTD say that the tone is pretty blah and it is hard to replace the pickups. They say the Ibanez is very poorly built and also hard ti upgrade pickups. Can you speak to that as I'm interested in getting a good 6er for a solo project, but it needs to record well.

Well, even though I love my GSR206 I wasn't exactly positive. I did mention the pickups not covering the strings uniformly. That would really turn a lot of people off. And I'd much prefer it had 24 frets. And they are hard to upgrade pickups (which is why I haven't). So "they" are not exactly wrong. But the happy news is IF you like the ibby tone and thin fast neck thing (with narrow spacing) they make a whole range of soundgear models from the low end GSR206 up through the SR 1206 etc and onto the BTB stuff. And I find NONE of it "poorly built". As usual it's all about money. For a toe in the 6er water, I'd stay cheap but try to maximize what you get for the cash. Hence my experience had me talking about these. The easiest way to "upgrade" Ibanez pickups is just move up to higher number models. Some have Nordie pickups which are hard to beat in my opinion.

I also mentioned the "blah" tone of the LTD (I called it "a more standard active 6 string tone" which some might interpret as "blah", but I don't necessarily agree with that term, it's just more commonplace) However, the feel, and workmanship of the LTD is superb. Mine s a tad heavy, though.

A Ken Smith is an amazing bass. I don't play mine much (Modulus TBX is my favorite 6, though string spacing is narrow, but B string is to die for) but every time I do get the KS out, I am always just amazed at how GOOD a bass that is! But cash-wise it isn't an entry level bass! Do as I say and not as I did. My first 6er was my fretless Alembic. just plunked 'em down because I was in love. In the end it turned out OK, but it would have been FAR better had I eased into 6 strings with a cheaper SX or Ibanez until I had a better idea of what I really wanted. There is a rule among amateur telescope makers that you can grind a 3" mirror, a 6" mirror, and a 12" mirror in less time and with less effort than if you just started to build a 12" mirror first. Same here.

As for recording well for a solo project, my choice would be the SX 6er with the neo magnet mod (See TB threads on subject). Sure, those single coil pickups are a pain picking up hum, but I swear with my modded SX you can just about hear your fingerprints on the strings! If you want it juiced up a bit more, you can add an Audere active preamp. But it's not my choice, its YOUR taste that counts here.

 

[RobBottom69]

Although it's too much bass for me now, the ESP B206 is a dang good bass. The pick ups are a little muddy as people say, at least compared to the passive EMGs on the Schecter Elite 5 string. I bought mine new for $450 so I'm sure a used one can be found in your range.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Well, even though I love my GSR206 I wasn't exactly positive. I did mention the pickups not covering the strings uniformly. That would really turn a lot of people off. And I'd much prefer it had 24 frets. And they are hard to upgrade pickups (which is why I haven't). So "they" are not exactly wrong. But the happy news is IF you like the ibby tone and thin fast neck thing (with narrow spacing) they make a whole range of soundgear models from the low end GSR206 up through the SR 1206 etc and onto the BTB stuff. And I find NONE of it "poorly built". As usual it's all about money. For a toe in the 6er water, I'd stay cheap but try to maximize what you get for the cash. Hence my experience had me talking about these. The easiest way to "upgrade" Ibanez pickups is just move up to higher number models. Some have Nordie pickups which are hard to beat in my opinion.

I also mentioned the "blah" tone of the LTD (I called it "a more standard active 6 string tone" which some might interpret as "blah", but I don't necessarily agree with that term, it's just more commonplace) However, the feel, and workmanship of the LTD is superb. Mine s a tad heavy, though.

A Ken Smith is an amazing bass. I don't play mine much (Modulus TBX is my favorite 6, though string spacing is narrow, but B string is to die for) but every time I do get the KS out, I am always just amazed at how GOOD a bass that is! But cash-wise it isn't an entry level bass! Do as I say and not as I did. My first 6er was my fretless Alembic. just plunked 'em down because I was in love. In the end it turned out OK, but it would have been FAR better had I eased into 6 strings with a cheaper SX or Ibanez until I had a better idea of what I really wanted. There is a rule among amateur telescope makers that you can grind a 3" mirror, a 6" mirror, and a 12" mirror in less time and with less effort than if you just started to build a 12" mirror first. Same here.

As for recording well for a solo project, my choice would be the SX 6er with the neo magnet mod (See TB threads on subject). Sure, those single coil pickups are a pain picking up hum, but I swear with my modded SX you can just about hear your fingerprints on the strings! If you want it juiced up a bit more, you can add an Audere active preamp. But it's not my choice, its YOUR taste that counts here.

Yeah this all makes sense to me.

Have to ask why you don't play the Ken Smith more often. I don't own a lot of basses. When I was on the road for my first major tour I brought 2, they were all I had. I currently have a 5 string Lakland J I use for all my session work.

If I had a Ken Smith I would play it so much it would ask me to stop. Its just not a bass I want to be my workorse for sessions so I never invested in one yet, but IMO it is one of the best basses ever made if you are really into jazz/fusion/R&B.

I emailed Rondo. I want that Ash one bad. Wish it had 24 frets, but the high C makes that less of an issue. And I run through an outboard preamp so I doubt ill have to mod too much, if at all hopefully.

 

[Sav'nBass]

I think some 0f those basses at Rondo are the best bang for the buck out there.. Great basses for what you pay..

 

[Hobobob]

If you want to stick with Ibanez, here's a great option -

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If not, the other options stated are great as well.

 

[Hobobob]

This one also looks great -

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[Humbled]

Peavey Grind sixes are good sounding and play well, but they're heavy.

I'd look for a used Ibanez.

 

[bassbenj]

Yeah this all makes sense to me.

Have to ask why you don't play the Ken Smith more often. I don't own a lot of basses. When I was on the road for my first major tour I brought 2, they were all I had. I currently have a 5 string Lakland J I use for all my session work.

If I had a Ken Smith I would play it so much it would ask me to stop. Its just not a bass I want to be my workorse for sessions so I never invested in one yet, but IMO it is one of the best basses ever made if you are really into jazz/fusion/R&B.

I emailed Rondo. I want that Ash one bad. Wish it had 24 frets, but the high C makes that less of an issue. And I run through an outboard preamp so I doubt ill have to mod too much, if at all hopefully.

Well, the Smith used to be my main fretted axe when I was in 6 string mode a while back. The Alembic was the fretless. But then I got the Modulus (actually now I have two of them TBX-6 and Q6) They get the nod because of the amazing stability, the feel of the graphite neck which I love, the cutting through the mix, and of course the B string to die for. But the Smith is FAR too cool for me to just get rid of it. These days I've been in a blues mode and have moved back to my 5 string G&L L2500 fretted/fretless pair. Fenders are the tradition, but I don't play mine much. It seems around here many people have gone G&L and I agree. The aggression, the growl, and the range you can get out of it is just amazing and yet it's still kind of traditional Leo.

The 6 string SX thing was kind of an experiment. I was sort of pondering the Steve Bailey 6 string Fender thing wondering if that was something or not. Well, I wasn't about fork out a couple grand just to test the waters. And then SX came along with their 6er. Well this was more like it, to see if a Fenderish 6 would work or not. So I bought two. The plan was to make a fretted-fretless pair. Anyway, in playing around with those I discovered that when you changed from flats to rounds it became a whole different bass! So, since they were cheap, I ordered another one so I'd have one fretted flats, one fretted rounds and a fretless (with ground rounds) all set up each on its own bass. I really liked how that worked out although if you were doing this with Steve Bailey or Low End Fender-clone 6ers it would set you back some serious coin!

So in truth I'm still experimenting with the Fender-6 thing but am more and more becoming convinced that it's great idea, though I haven't taken these basses to gig out yet for the final test. Currently I'm about to put a Audere preamp in the SX-6 with rounds to see what that is like and MAYBE even get the Audere phantom coil thing to eliminate single coil hum to work with it. Audere has said if I send them one of the SX pickups they will see if they can make it work with these basses. So it's still an ongoing experiment and I can't give a big definitive opinion on the whole thing yet, but most of us with these SX are pretty pleased with what they do.

 

[HateyMcAmp]

Thanks to everyone for all the awesome feedback. I'm leaning towards a SX as of now, and I particularly like the double truss rod. I plan on using the light gauge labella flats, so I think I need a beefy neck. I understand the spacing is tight, but dispite my DB background I use a pick 75% of the time and a narrow spacing is awesome in that regard. I've always been a passive guy, so that aspect of the SX appeals to me as well.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Isn't 5/8th inches 15.8 mm? So if that is correct, the spacing is narrow but workable. I believe a Ken Smith is 17mm.

 

[bassbenj]

Isn't 5/8th inches 15.8 mm? So if that is correct, the spacing is narrow but workable. I believe a Ken Smith is 17mm.

For the record. The spacing on my SX 6 strings is about 80 mm at the saddles which is 16 mm. My Ibanez GSR206 and SR506 are both about 82.5 mm which is 16.5 mm spacing. The ESP LTD B206SM is also 80mm or 16 mm like the SX. My Ken Smith is also 80mm or 16 mm like the SX. All these 6ers feel about the same to me.

A NARROW spacing is my Modulus TBX at 11.5 mm spacing! (no slapping there!) My Modulus Q6 is also about 16.5 like the Ibbies. Wide spacing is a Yamaha, but since I don't own any (but I have played them and they are a great bass for the money) I can't give you the exact spacing figures. As I recall they are 18mm or so. All my 6 string basses are in the 16mm or so range and need no mental adjustment going from one to the other. The TBX does take a bit of mental gear shifting, but only a bit until you get in the swing.

A sort of 6 string standard seems to have developed where people call things in the 16mm or so spacing the "narrow" 6 string spacing and the they call the wider Yamaha spacing (whatever it is) as a "wide" 6 string spacing. The super narrow TBX was just an early oddball.