Suggestions: Cheap, playable 6 string

[jenderfazz]

I've been getting bored of playing the old 4 strings at home, by myself. In a band situation I can see myself playing nothing else, holding the groove and filling up the sound. However, at home, I like playing around with chords and creating little bass ditties of the sort. I'm thinking a nice 6 string would be a creative release in my off-time.

The thing is, I don't want to spend much. I have an American Deluxe J, which is heavenly, a fretless Squier covering my fretless needs (at the moment...), and another J on the way. So I don't exactly want to blow all my money in one shot.

Basically, I'd like something easily playable and decent sounding. Preferably, a comfortable neck with many frets and an easily accessed high register. A good, clean sound is a plus. I've been looking at Brice and other such companies... look alright, but I don't really want a cheap feeling or sounding bass.

Any suggestions?

 

[invisiman]

A Peavey Fury is good, if you can find one. The only criteria it doesn't meet is the "lots of frets" one.

 

[Moving Pictures]

Peavey Fury QT, Peavey Grind, or Ibanez SR506. You can't go wrong with any of those basses for the dollar value.

 

[Richard Lindsey]

Used Carvin LB76.

 

[Planet Boulder]

I'd say an Ibanez BTB406. I have the 405 and it's excellent.

http://www.musik-service.de/ProduX/Bass/Instrumente/Ibanez_BTB405_QM_5string.htm

Check this one out - didn't even fetch a bid of $325. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

That's cheap eh? Easy resale too, since Ibanez is fairly popular.

+1

Of the "cheap" 6s I've played, the BTB406 is the best, IMHO. I've owned a couple of cheap 6s (Dearmond Pilot Pro 6, Cort Curbow 6) and I have found that, all things considered, the 406 is sweet.

I've been looking for a 6 and I'm struggling with the idea of saving up for my dream 6 (MTD) or just plunking down a few hundred for a cheaper one. If I go the cheaper route, it'll be with a 406, without a doubt.

 

[Planet Boulder]

One more thing - I would truly LOVE to see a 6-string MTD Kingston!

 

[steviecsg]

trb6IIs are pretty affordable and are worth it bang for the buck

 

[Philbiker]

I'm perfectly happy with my Brice 6 and would recommend one without reservation.

 

[Suckbird]

BTB 406 might be good, i have the405 and it's great.

Also, check out the new btb 556 it has mahogany body instead of basswood and it doesn't cost much more..

 

[Pruitt]

I was in a similar situation just a few months ago and bought an Ibanez SR-506. In retrospect, I like the decision as I now love the bass and it's now my main bass, relagating my '79 Stingray to its case for now (though I still love my Stingray!! I've just been playing it for 25 years and the change is nice. lol).

I'm currently gassing for a 6 string fretless and considering a Brice (or buying another SR-506 and having it defretted). I'm still investigating this and haven't made a decision yet. Heh heh...

Good Luck and Have Fun!!

 

[adam on bass]

spector legend 6

 

[therealting]

One more thing - I would truly LOVE to see a 6-string MTD Kingston!

+100000!